Nestled in the heart of the Tepoztlan Valley, Tepoztlan forms part of the Mexican state of Morelos, directly south of the capital, Mexico City. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Aztec feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl, and has been designated as a “Pueblo Magico” for its cultural richness and folklore.
Things to do in Tepoztlán
Occupying a 16th-century former monastery is the Tepoztlan Ex-Convento Museum, which explores the people, events and industries that have shaped the region. Dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery features a large atrium and is decorated with paintings depicting saints, angels and cherubs. Take note of the western entrance, which is adorned with a seed mural that changes each year.
Adjacent to the Tepoztlan Ex-Convento Museum is the Carlos Pellicer Camara Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient art and artefacts collected by the famous poet. In addition to archaeological objects from the Maya, Teotihuacan and Zapotec cultures, it features a map of Mexico illustrating their place of origin and influence.
Built atop a nearby mountain are the remains of El Tepozteco, an ancient temple dedicated to the Aztec god of drunkenness and fertility. It once drew pilgrims from as far away as Guatemala and is now protected within El Tepozteco National Park. Follow the hiking trail that leads through a subtropical rainforest to the base of the temple, with the entrance framed by a rock canyon.
Getting around Tepoztlán
Tepoztlan is around 40 minutes’ drive from Cuernavaca and just under two hours from the heart of Mexico City. Mexico City International Airport is 1.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Tepoztlan and travel throughout the town, connecting most of its attractions.