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 Tepozteco 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 on this region’s ancient civilisations. 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.

Follow the signs through the main street of Avenue Del Tepozteco to the Tepozteco Pyramid.

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.

Pathway to the Tepozteco Pyramid

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.

The View From The Top iof Tepozteco is Worth The Climb

The View From The Top is Worth The Climb

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, there is also a small fee if you use a video camera. The breath-taking view is worth the climb.

Aztec Inscriptions Can Be Found All Over The Pyramid.

Watch out for these little devils searching for food!

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.

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 Tepozltan to stay, here are some examples for you:

Casa de Las Velas

Posada La Presa

Madre Tierra

Hostel de La Luz – Spa Holistic Resort

El Hotel

For more accommodation options:

Have you tried Airbnb apartments yet?

If you are first timers with Airbnb we would like to offer you a special gift. If you use the following code you can save $$$ off your first booking.

Where to Eat in Tepoztlan

One of our favorite 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:

Los Colorines

El Ciruelo

Axitla

Other Adventures: Hiking in Mexico

There is a “Camino de la luz Hiking Adventure” through Viator available. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting In

Mexico City is the closest airport to Tepoztlan, it is 89km away. Mexico City International Airport has hundreds of domestic and international flights daily. Click here for the latest deals.

There are buses to Cuernavaca and then local services to Tepoztlan.