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. Molly Bassett takes the reader through the Aztec rituals, Aztec temples and their spiritual and religious beliefs. The hike is free but you will have to pay 42 pesos to climb the pyramid. amzn_assoc_asins = "0030060508,0252725301,B010NF8X5U,0816524432"; www.totraveltoo.com  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Address: Carretera Federal Fezpotlan Amatlan KM4 Tepoztlan. Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico. If you have any questions or would like some advice we would love to hear from you. If you plan on climbing the Tepozteco, make sure to wear good shoes – preferably mountain shoes – and to bring water for the way up. After having read, heard, and dreamt about the magical place with the pyramid at the top of the mountain, I was eager to experience its magnificence. When we travel to new destinations we like to research where we are going and what are the major attractions there. This trek offers great views over the surrounding valleys and vistas. The trailhead is located just minutes from the center of Tepoztlán. A few tips if you are going to Tepoztlan. Address: Carretera A San Juan Tlacotenco KM1 Barrio de San Pedro Tepoztlan. You will see them climbing in and out of the garbage bins searching for food scraps. This hike can be very difficult, especially if you are not used to the elevation and lots and lots and LOTS of stairs! The site may be reached by walking down Avenida 5 de Mayo (in the direction away from where you entered the town). We needed to find out more before we attempted the hike. … amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Join our travel community and receive our 13 page guide on Travel Hacks to help you save $$, How To Avoid Getting Lost in Venice Italy, Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs by Michael D. Coe, The Fate of Earthly Things: Aztec Gods and God-Bodies. The pathway starts and ends at the markets at the end of Avenue Del Tepozteco. The trail is primarily used for hiking. This hike brings you to a 30 foot tall, 900 year old stone Aztec pyramid that sits atop the summit that was built in dedication the Sun God. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable). It is a serious hike and it can be slippery at times. 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. 2. The patties are made out of hibiscus flower, rose petals, cauliflower, jicama, kale, and other delicious ingredient combinations that will explode on one’s palate and are beyond imagination. The trail itself has almost no complexity but in the humid season you´ll have to be careful as the rocks can be slippery. The Fate of Earthly Things: Aztec Gods and God-Bodies (Recovering Languages and Literacies of the Americas) by Molly H Bassett. At the time of writing, the trail itself is free to hike but there is a 42 peso fee charged near the pyramid (about $3.20 U.S.). It takes more than an hour to reach the summit. Another interesting read on the Aztec Gods is. Check out our list of hotels just for you. As of April 27, 2020, two cases were reported in Tepoztlán. The pyramid is small. Ensure that you have proper walking shoes for the hike as well as plenty of water and sunscreen. There … regards Details. 203 homes were destroyed and 744 were damaged in the municipality. Follow the stone steps as a guide all the way to the top of the mountain. As you approach the top, you’ll encounter a set of iron staircases leading to the official entrance to the ancient site. Although history can date this area back to 1500BC. Filled with a holistic spiritual community and breathtaking views of the mountain gives the town its name: El Tepozteco. After a good night of sleep, we got our breakfast at our AirBnB and headed to the start of the trail to visit the pyramid of El Tepozteco. My baby finger, two months later is … Start early in the morning around 9.30 to 10 and avoid the crowds on the weekend. Content, stories + inspirations curated by the BTS Tribe + our community. In the meantime, check out our, Life Lessons I Learned From Living On The Road. Tepoztlan Tourism; Tepoztlan Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Tepoztlan; Tepoztlan Holiday Rentals; Tepoztlan Holiday Packages; Flights to Tepoztlan; Tepoztlan Restaurants; Tepoztlan Attractions; Tepoztlan Travel Forum; Tepoztlan Photos; Tepoztlan Map; Tepoztlan Guide; All Tepoztlan Hotels We use Hotels Combined to give our readers the best possibilities of getting your accommodation at the best prices available on the day of booking. Wondering about things to do near CDMX or what do in Tepotzlan? Approaching the mountain’s base through Avenida Del Tepozteco, you’ll find yourself in the middle of countless colorful vendors and restaurants. The breath-taking view is worth the climb. We have travelled to many places and ruins in Mexico and Tepoztlan is one of our favourites. Mexico City International Airport has hundreds of domestic and international flights daily. *Don’t leave home without water, organic sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Admittedly, our mini trip gave me a great taste of the town that left me longing to return to spend a few more days in the future. We took a day to escape the bustle of Mexico City and hike Tepozteco - the ruins on top of the mountain in Tepoztlan It's famous for the El Tepozteco pyramid, which is on the summit of the nearby Tepozteco Mountain. … 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 50 pesos, (USD2.50) there is also a small fee if you use a video camera. The Pyramid itself is an old worship/shrine to the gods (hence the height). Please see our  disclosure for more information. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "totraeltoo-20"; The climb is steep and fairly strenuous, especially toward the end, although it is perfectly doable in a few hours and is not dangerous. These little animals are known as Coati, and beware they are searching for food, it is wise not to feed or touch them. Read all about how and why we did it here. As Tepoztlan is only 82km from Mexico City it is an easy day trip or weekend getaway. The main draw to Tepoztlan is the pyramid at the top of the mountain that looms above the town’s main street. If you liked this post why not PIN it for later: Do you know our story of how we both ditched the corporate world to live a life of travel since 2013? Tepozteco is a 1.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The area holds a culture seeking goodness for the soul and body that materializes in yoga centers and alternative medicine offerings. Tepoztlan is a charming town in the hills outside of Mexico City near Cuernavaca - and also the location for the most extra-terrestrial sightings in the greater region. The 4 stars, 15 room posada offers a terrace, playground and swimming pool. Walking around you’ll discover bookstores and cozy cafes. There are many types of accommodation in Tepoztlan to stay, here are some recommendations for you: The accommodation offers free WiFi, a terrace and a swimming pool. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Although we did not see any during our stay there. The streets sing folkloric tunes with colors, textures, kitsch decorations, and plenty of chacharas for sale with authentic Mexican crafts as well. Thanks for your sharing, Thanks for your response and we are glad that you enjoyed our article. Learn more about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace at lnt.org, Exploring to create experiences that inspire. It is located in the second most spiritual mountain range in the world with the number one being where Machu Picchu is located in Peru. It’s a long magical hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid, one of the many Aztec Pyramids in Mexico. Who would have thought that they had a God of Alcoholic Beverages back then? It has the designation, "Magic City." Caught by surprise walking through the market, my heart was warmed and demanded that we stop to check out a display interesting tortitas or patties. Climbing this mountain range in the magical town of Tepoztlán is a trek, but it’s worth it. 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. You can hire a car from Mexico City for the drive to Tepoztlan, click here for latest availability and prices. On our first weekend in Tepoztlan, we saw hundreds arrive early in the morning to hike up the mountain to the Tepoztlan Pyramid. Come with us as we explore the world. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "totraeltoo-20"; Tepoztlan, in the state of Morelos, is in central Mexico, in the "volcanic region." I followed the trail but took a slightly wrong turn and ended up in someones yard. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Hiking to the ancient pyramid El Tepozteco. From omnivore to vegan, this is a must try. Do not miss the Friday organic market that takes place on the grounds. Others, for spiritual wellness retreats. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; It's also known for its spas, meditation, alternative medicine clinics and a very traditional city center. Further investigation revealed a specialized vegan-friendly place serving foods inspired by ancient Aztec cuisine. 1. It is worthwhile to climb up the ancient pyramid El Topezteco in a sunny day to see the beautiful scenery from the top! Served with rice, tortillas, and a variety of moles. What's Tepotzlan you ask?! Photo by author. This hike is about 1.2 miles/2 km round trip depending on where you begin your walk from in town to an elevation of 1200ft/2,300m above sea level. Tepoztlan has one of the best spiritual mountains in Mexico. Tepozteco is situated on top of the mountain overlooking the mystical town of Tepoztlan. Water and drinks are available at the top. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Book your tickets online for Pyramids of Tepoztlan, Tepoztlan: See 35 reviews, articles, and 41 photos of Pyramids of Tepoztlan, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 9 attractions in Tepoztlan. These towns still have the magic and mystical attributes that make them charming and interesting to visit”. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. Locals do run up the mountain in bare feet and we have seen tourists struggling with ‘flip flops’ and even high-heeled shoes. Hiking Tepozteco takes roughly an hour to hike up to the top. Now to find my way back to the bus to take me to town. Tepoztlan is a small quaint town and is easily walkable. He has been recognised as an authority in this region’s ancient civilizations. It took us 1.5 hours to climb up and 1.5 hours to come down. See what other travellers have said about the hike to Tepozteco here. 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. ♦ Hike to the Archaeological Site-- This is what Tepoztlán is famous for! Hiking around Mexico? Click here for the latest flight deals if you are from the USA. 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. Meditating on Tepozteco Mountain, Tepoztlan (Photo: Sanpani via Flickr) Tepoztlan might be the most popular Pueblo Magico in all of Mexico with colorful houses and buildings, cobblestone streets, and a local market that tease the senses. A hike to the Tepozteco pyramid is probably one of the most rewarding experiences you will have on your journey in Mexico. If you are located in the rest of the world click below for the latest quotes. The trail starts where the main street of Tepoztlan ends and the columnar basalt mountains begin. #getoutsidethegrind, WEBSITE DESIGN BY GABACCIA © 2018 STRANDED ON LAND ™, Exploring to Create Experiences that Inspire, Hiking Up To A Pyramid In Tepoztlan Pueblo Magico, Street Foods of Mexico City, Meatlovers Edition, we're taking a sabbatical + seasonal snooze for a few, BRB... we're taking a sabbatical + seasonal snooze for a few. Want a place to stay? Its cobbled streets and brightly-colored buildings nestle under a mountain range that soars from the earth majestically. Tepoztlan’s geography further adds to its mystery. The hike begins in the town itself, walking down the Avenida 5 de Mayo, which later becomes Avenida Tepozteco and eventually deposits hikers directly at the temple, high above. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; Tepoztlan is a popular tourist destination an hour south of Mexico City. Pro- Tip: Start early in the day, take plenty of water and make sure you have proper shoes. As out of shape as I currently am, there’s no denying that I’m always up for a good scenic hike. Buy water but not too much. There are buses to Cuernavaca and then local services to Tepoztlan. Although we skipped the world famous Tepoznieves ice-cream that offers over 100 flavors to choose from, you shouldn’t. Length 1.4 mi Elevation gain 862 ft Route type Out & Back Hiking Forest Views Rocky Historic site amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The big draw in Tepoztlan is the small pyramid on El Tepozteco Mountain, which stands at just 12.4 meters high. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, Tepoztlan blocked the entrances to the community. The site may be reached by walking down Avenida 5 de mayo (in … The hiking trail the Sierra de Tepoztlan to the pyramid was closed temporally after the 2017 Puebla earthquake. The views from the top are amazing, when you look how high you've climbed you will feel so happy you made it - DO NOT forget your camera! It's definitely worth the hike to reach the pyramid, El Tepozteco, and the wonderful views of the surrounding area. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It’s worth noting that this is very steep, although there are stairs almost the entire way up. It has also been stated that Tepoztlan has the highest amount of UFO sitings in the world. I was beyond stoked to finally visit Tepoztlan after having lived nearby for a few years but never making it out there for whatever reasons. On top of the pyramid, a little stand sells refreshments and bottled water. One of our favourite restaurants especially for Brunch is La Sombra del Sabino. This is the hike for you. Also transit accessible. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; The hike is made up entirely of stone steps and is completely vertical. This is the story of my experiences living as an ex-pat in Mexico since 2003. Tepoztlan is located 82 km south of Mexico City in the State of Morelos. Perched high on top of a mountain right in town, you can visit the Tepozteco Pyramid. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fb2fe7e7e7bcd2fba2cad7725e2bdf32"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "065e6f2d4201c66164aa712fa0fe351f"; It is a “pueblo magico” designated town which means it offers attributes such as history, culture or nature. Hiking in Tepoztlán. The hike takes about an hour each way, but if you stop and take in the scenery and really enjoy the trail, it can take up to 2 hours each way. Address: Prolonga Cron La Presa No 22, La Presa, Tepoztlan. Meditation rooms to museums. Make sure you have 50 entry fee (in cash only) for the entry way to the Pyramid at the top. Tepoz, as we say in Mexico, is not only surrounded by the undeniable natural beauty of the area, but also by mysticism and legends. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Our two mantras that we live by are 'chase time not money' and 'age is no barrier when it comes to travel'. It’s a long magical hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid, one of the many Aztec Pyramids in Mexico. Av del Tepozteco. Many come here to practice religious ceremonies and rituals. It is a small town so you don't need a car to travel within the city. Parts of the trail are paved and there are stairs. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The route is fairly short, but the grades are consistently quite steep on your way to the top. First of all if you are planning to hike and see the pyramid take these recommendations. We love Mexico so much that we have even written our own special guidebook on our travels throughout Mexico. Tepoztlan is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico. 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. The food stalls will entice you with their freshly made fragrant Mexican street food but award yourself at the end of the hike. This hike is about 1.2 miles/2 km round trip depending on where you begin your walk from in town to an elevation of 1200ft/2,300m above sea level. Pyramid HikeFor those interested in strenuous, high altitude exercise rewarded by a dramatic view, the pyramid hike is a perfect way to spend a few hours. If you are located in Australia or New Zealand click here for the latest quotes. The archeological site opens at 9, which means you’ll have the summit to yourself so above all, be smart. You ’ ll encounter a set of iron staircases leading to the elevation lots! 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