Exploring the ruins of Mitla is best done on a walking tour, and visiting with a guide provides insight into the ancient structures and their architectural details. The small site is easy to navigate, with just five main areas, most notably the Grupo de las Columnas (Columns Group), where highlights include the Patio de Mosaicos (Patio of Mosaics), the Columna de la Vida (Column of Life), and the Sala de las Columnas (Hall of Columns).
Most Mitla tours leave from Oaxaca, and a day trip may also include nearby sights such as the 2000-year-old El Tule tree, the unique Hierve el Agua waterfalls, or the Monte Albán archaeological site.