Considered the capital of the Zapotec empire and where the inhabitants called themselves the inhabitants of the clouds because it is built on a plateau that seems to touch the sky. Considered one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica.

The architecture of Mitla has a strong Mixtec influence that stands out for the beauty of its buildings upholstered with Greek mosaics and for the cruciform tombs that lie under the same buildings. By the style of its constructions it is believed that Mitla was one of the first anti-seismic cities of Mesoamerica.

Dainzú is a Zapotec settlement, located in the Tlacolula Valley. Although it is contemporary to Monte Albán, its foundation dates back to before the founding of the great city. For that time (7th to 5th century BC), it was contemporary with other sites settled in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, such as San José Mogote. Despite the emergence of Monte Albán as the hegemonic city in the Dainzú region, it was able to remain an important settlement during the Classic period, but finally it declined along with Monte Albán. Dainzú's buildings adapted to the topography and every monumental center seems to be "recharged" on the slope of the hill. The architectural ensembles consist of stepped platforms of probable religious use. One of them in the lower part houses a set of reliefs that mostly represent ball players and are reminiscent of those in the Los Danzantes building in Monte Albán. Other sets consist of housing platforms, for religious use and a Ball Game.