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Magical Hike To The Tepozteco Pyramid
Our guide on all things Tepozteco including directions to the start of the Tepozteco hike, what to wear, what to expect and the cost of entering the site.
It’s a long magical hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid, one of the many Aztec Pyramids in Mexico. Tepozteco is situated on top of the mountain overlooking the mystical town of Tepoztlan. Tepoztlan is one of our favourite towns in Mexico. It is a “pueblo magico” designated town which means it offers attributes such as history, culture or nature.
Hiking around Mexico City? This is the hike for you.
Pro- Tip: Start early in the day, take plenty of water and make sure you have proper shoes. Locals do run up the mountain in bare feet and we have seen tourists struggling with ‘flip flops’ and even high-heeled shoes.
It is a serious hike and it can be slippery at times. So do be careful. We suggest you take your time.
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See what other travellers have said about the hike to Tepozteco here.
(Editor Update 2020)
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Where is Tepoztlan
Tepoztlan is located 82 km south of Mexico City in the State of Morelos. Tepoztlan has one of the best spiritual mountains in Mexico.
Tepoztlan has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Tepoztlan is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico. We love Mexico so much that we have even written our own special guidebook on our travels throughout Mexico. Tepoztlan
Map of Tepoztlan
Tepoztlan is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. We have travelled to many places and ruins in Mexico and Tepoztlan is one of our favourites. Although not as impressive as Chichen Itza or Uxmal which are Mayan pyramids in Mexico, Tepozteco is a small temple that was dedicated to Tepoztecatl, the god of the alcoholic beverage pulque. Who would have thought that they had a God of Alcoholic Beverages back then?
Magical Hike To The Tepozteco Pyramid
When we travel to new destinations we like to research where we are going and what are the major attractions there. On our first weekend in Tepoztlan, we saw hundreds arrive early in the morning to hike up the mountain to the Tepoztlan Pyramid. We needed to find out more before we attempted the hike.
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs by Michael D. Coe. He has been recognised as an authority in this region’s ancient civilizations. If you are interested in understanding more about the Olmecs which were Mexico’s earliest civilisations right through to the Aztecs this book explains all.
Another interesting read on the Aztec Gods is
The Fate of Earthly Things: Aztec Gods and God-Bodies (Recovering Languages and Literacies of the Americas) by Molly H Bassett. Molly Bassett takes the reader through the Aztec rituals, Aztec temples and their spiritual and religious beliefs.
It is not the easiest of climbs being a distance of just over 2 miles with an elevation gain of over 1200 feet as you wind up the pathway that clings to the side of the mountain. The pathway starts and ends at the markets at the end of Avenue Del Tepozteco. The food stalls will entice you with their freshly made fragrant Mexican street food but award yourself at the end of the hike. Start early in the morning around 9.30 to 10 and avoid the crowds on the weekend. It took us 1.5 hours to climb up and 1.5 hours to come down.
The pathway starts with a stone staircase then breaks into uneven stones and rocks all the way to the top, ensure that you have good walking shoes that grip as it can be quite slippery especially after heavy rain. Nearing the top you will come to a set of narrow iron staircases, at this stage you are still a 5-minute climb away from reaching the top.
It is free to climb the mountain but when you reach the top there is a small shed where you pay the entrance fee of 45 pesos, (USD2.50) there is also a small fee if you use a video camera. The breath-taking view is worth the climb.
These little animals are known as Coati, and beware they are searching for food, it is wise not to feed or touch them. You will see them climbing in and out of the garbage bins searching for food scraps.
The Xochimilcas occupied this area of Mexico from around 1200AD. Although history can date this area back to 1500BC. It is known to be the 2nd most spiritual mountain range, Machu Picchu being the first and the mythical birthplace of the serpent god of the Aztecs – Quetzalcoatl. It has also been stated that Tepoztlan has the highest amount of UFO sitings in the world. Although we did not see any during our stay there.
To Travel Too Tip
Ensure that you have proper walking shoes for the hike as well as plenty of water and sunscreen.
Tepoztlan Magico
The township of Tepoztlan Mexico is known as one of the “Pueblos Magicos de Mexico“. The Mexican Government classifies “Pueblo Magico as towns that are considered special for its original roots, symbolic attributes, legends, history, significant events and the daily life of the locals. These towns still have the magic and mystical attributes that make them charming and interesting to visit”. Other examples of Pueblos Magicos de Mexico towns are Izamal and San Miguel de Allende.
Hotels in Tepoztlan
There are many types of accommodation in Tepoztlan to stay, here are some recommendations for you:
Address: 31 De La Mora Tepoztlan.
The accommodation offers free WiFi, a terrace and a swimming pool.
Address: Prolonga Cron La Presa No 22, La Presa, Tepoztlan
The 4 stars, 15 room posada offers a terrace, playground and swimming pool.
Hostel de la Luz Spa Holistic Resort
Address: Carretera Federal Fezpotlan Amatlan KM4 Tepoztlan
This 5-star resort offers free WiFi, swimming pool, spa with a range of facials and massage treatments.
Address: Carretera A San Juan Tlacotenco KM1 Barrio de San Pedro Tepoztlan
This 8 room hotel offers a terrace.
For more accommodation options in Tepoztlan:
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Where to Eat in Tepoztlan
One of our favourite restaurants especially for Brunch is La Sombra del Sabino. Do not miss the Friday organic market that takes place on the grounds.
Some other recommended restaurants are:
Getting In
Mexico City is the closest airport to Tepoztlan, it is 89 km away. Mexico City International Airport has hundreds of domestic and international flights daily.
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There are buses to Cuernavaca and then local services to Tepoztlan. You can book tickets through Busbud.
Car Rental In Mexico
You can hire a car from Mexico City for the drive to Tepoztlan, click here for latest availability and prices.
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Very nice article . Thanks for your sharing
Thanks for your response and we are glad that you enjoyed our article.
regards
Jane and Duncan