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Magical Hike To The Tepozteco Pyramid 2024

Tucked away in the lush mountains of Mexico lies a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered – the Tepozteco Pyramid. As you embark on this exhilarating hike, you will find yourself immersed in stunning natural beauty and surrounded by ancient history. This awe-inspiring pyramid, perched on top of the Tepozteco Mountain, offers not only breathtaking panoramic views but also a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Aztec civilization. Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of hiking to the Tepozteco Pyramid and uncover its secrets that have withstood the test of time.

Are you planning to hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid? We have prepared our top travel tips to make the hike a memorable and enjoyable one for you.

Our guide on all things about the Tepozteco Pyramid hike includes directions to the start of the Tepozteco hike, what to wear, what to expect and the cost of entering the site.

Mexico travel Planning Group

(Editor update 2024)

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? This is the hike for you. As Tepoztlan is only 82km from Mexico City it is an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

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Hike To The Tepozteco Pyramid

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.

If you have any questions or would like some advice we would love to hear from you. You can reach us via our Facebook page or email us here.

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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.

Magical Hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid

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. 

 

Magical Hike To The Tepozteco Pyramid

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 reward 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.

Magical Hike To The Tepozteco Pyramid
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 55 pesos, (USD3.00) there is also a small fee if you use a video camera.  The breathtaking view is worth the climb.

Aztec Inscriptions Can be Found All Over The Pyramid at Tepozteco
Aztec Inscriptions Can Be Found All Over The Pyramid.

 

Watch out for these little devils searching for food in Tepozteco
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. 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.

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.

Address: Prolongacion Ignacio Zaragoza 450 Barrio Santo Domingo Tepoztlan

Some other recommended restaurants are:

Los Colorines

Address: Del Tepozteco 13 Santisima Trinidad – one of the most colourful Mexican restaurants in the world serving local Mexican cuisine – the tortillas are made in the back of the restaurant so you know that they are really fresh! Great for families.

El Ciruelo

Address: Av Ignacio Zragoza 17 Santisima Trinidad – serving Mexican cuisine with views of Tepozteco

Axitla

Address: Del Tepozteco Tierra Blanco – tree house style restaurant on the pathway to Tepozeco – very popular for its breakfasts.

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.

Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner.

Skyscanner is our ‘go-to’ when we are researching the best flight deals.

Bus Travel

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 the latest availability and prices.

Do you need an International Drivers License? You can obtain one here online in minutes.

Do You Need a Visa?

 

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid offers a unique and rewarding experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the rich cultural heritage of the pyramid, and the sense of accomplishment gained from conquering its steep trails make this excursion well worth it. Whether you are looking for an invigorating outdoor activity or a chance to connect with ancient civilizations, hiking to the Tepozteco Pyramid is sure to leave a lasting impression. So lace up your boots, grab your water bottle, and embark on this unforgettable journey that combines physical challenge with historical exploration in one breathtaking location.

We hope you have enjoyed our article on our trek to Tepozteco.  If you have experienced the trek yourself we would love to hear from you. If you are about to hike Tepozteco enjoy your day out!

 

 

 

 

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Thanks for stopping by and welcome to To Travel Too – Australia’s top Baby Boomer lifestyle and travel blog, with an international worldwide audience in mind, run by the married couple, freelance writers and full-time travellers Jane and Duncan Dempster-Smith. Come with us as we explore the world. Our two mantras that we live by are 'chase time not money' and 'age is no barrier when it comes to travel'.

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