Cerro Zapotecas, Protected volcanic hill in Cholula, Mexico
Cerro Zapotecas is a protected volcanic hill in the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley at roughly 2,380 meters (7,800 feet) elevation, covering about 536 hectares of natural terrain. Its landscape combines natural formations with archaeological layers from multiple settlement phases.
The site shows occupation from the 2nd century onward, with temple foundations, residential structures, and a ball court all preserved within the crater bowl. These findings document continuous use of the land across many centuries.
The name comes from the Nahuatl word tzapotēcatl, used by the inhabitants of Tepontla to identify themselves as members of the Zapotec ethnic group. The slopes still carry traces of this early settlement that remain visible in the terrain today.
The hill sits about 3 kilometers from Plaza de la Concordia and offers paths for hiking, mountain biking, and motocross activities. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain and changing elevations.
The reserve holds the last remaining wooded area in the region and serves as a critical recharge zone for the city's groundwater system. This role makes the hill ecologically essential for the surrounding urban area.
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