13 Best Things to Do in Tepoztlán
Forested mountains, cobbled streets, and spirituality: Tepoztlán is a small mountain village in the Morelos state. A Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) since 2002, Tepoztlán lies at 1,400 m (4.600 ft) above sea level and is beautifully embedded in the valley of the Tepozteco mountain. It’s known for its small pyramid on top of the mountain dedicated to the god of pulque, an alcoholic beverage. But it’s also a spiritual center for yoga enthusiasts and alike, with its temazcal (sweat lodge) and spa services, aura readings, and such. At the market, you can buy medicinal herbs that curanderos (healers) use for their therapies. You can eat pre-Hispanic food at the market stalls and some restaurants and stroll through cobblestone narrow streets. For a better view of the town, climb the steep Tepozteco hill where a small pyramid awaits you at the top.
Pack your hiking boots, and get ready to discover Tepoztlán!
At a Glance: TOP 13 Highlights of Tepoztlán
- Climb the Tepozteco Hill with its Pyramid
- Relax at the Zócalo
- Walk Through Tepoztlán’s Cobbled Streets
- Eat Pre-Hispanic Food at the Market Stalls
- Visit the Ex-Convent
- Eat Tepoznieves Ice Cream
- Visit the Weekend Artisanal Market
- Drink Pulque
- Buy a Chinelo Souvenir
- Enjoy Street Art
- Visit a Spa or Temazcal
- Wonder About the UFO Sightings
- Visit the Neighborhood Chapels
1. Climb the Tepozteco Hill with its Pyramid
It takes a strenuous climb of roughly 1-1.5 hours (depending on your fitness level), but it’s worth it: The view from the Tepozteco Hill (Cerro del Tepozteco) on the valley and the town is amazing! 450 meters (1.500 ft) over the town, you’ll find the ruins of a small Aztec pyramid that had been built around 1200 a.C. for the god of pulque called Ometochtli Tepoztécatl. This god was also associated with the moon and the fertility of plants, and its spirit animal is the rabbit. Pulque is a traditional, slightly alcoholic beverage made of fermented agave. Admittedly, the pyramid itself is not very impressive, but the view from the hill is impressive. The place is considered to be a spiritual place until today: If you visit on May 21, worshippers dressed in white celebrate the start of spring at the top of the pyramid.
The entry fee to the site is 95 pesos (5.60 USD). I recommend recharging your batteries at Restaurante Axitla after you’re back down.
Pro Tip
– The way uphill is steep and dangerous: It starts with stone steps, but after a while, the steps are replaced by pure rocks. There are no handrails or other safety precautions. You can rest on a couple of small terraces on your way up. The last bit of the climb is via a metal staircase. Make sure to wear good sneakers or hiking boots, drink enough water, and be careful on your way up and down.
– Start in the morning when it’s not so hot yet. Though the path is shadowed by the mountains and trees, it can still get very hot during the day. Plus, after 3 pm, the access is no longer allowed.
– Dogs aren’t allowed.
2. Relax at the Zócalo
At the zócalo (main square), you can relax on benches and enjoy the view of the Tepozteco mountains. Take a picture of yourself in front of the big letters for Tepoztlán, and admire the wrought-iron kiosk behind it. It’s the perfect place to take a break and eat an ice cream. In the afternoons, try the elotes (corn cobs) they’re selling at the entrance of the Revolución de 1910 Street.
3. Walk Through Tepoztlán’s Cobbled Streets
The best things are for free: Stroll along Tepoztlán’s beautiful cobblestone streets. Look at the colorful houses, the pink and purple flowers hanging over stone walls, and buy something to eat or drink or some souvenirs at the stalls on the main street.
4. Eat Pre-Hispanic Food at the Market Stalls
The best original eating experience you’ll probably find at the market stalls at the zócalo. From breakfast to lunch or early dinner (most close at 6-7 pm), you can try out typical Mexican dishes. But what makes the market special are without doubt the pre-Hispanic dishes you can find here. Two things stand out: The itacates (triangle thicker corn tortillas made with grease) and the tlaltequeadas (vegetable patties or balls made with all different sorts of grains and vegetables). The itacates are eaten plain (sencillos) or with a filling. You can have them filled with chicken or something more extraordinary, like boar, armadillo, or game. The tlaltequeadas are usually eaten with rice and beans, but you can also eat them plain. Try out the two market stalls El Tlecuil and Nonantzin for pre-Hispanic food. There are many vegetarian options, too.
Other typical dishes are the cecina yecopixtla, gorditas, and chalupas.
Pro Tip
Be aware that the prices for special meat dishes (like wild boar, armadillo, etc.) are usually higher, so make sure to ask for the prices upfront. Some foreign tourists in the past have complained that they were overcharged. We didn’t experience this, though, and enjoyed our food at the stalls.
Pro Tip
It can get pretty hot under the plastic tents at the market stalls, especially after noon. If you’re willing to pay more but have better seating, you can try the restaurant El Cuatecomate close to the main square for pre-Hispanic food.
5. Visit the Ex-Convent
The ex-convent dedicated to the Lady of Nativity (Exconvento Nuestra Señora de la Natividad) was built in the 16th century by Dominican monks. The first masses that the monks held for the indigenous people were in the monastery’s atrium. In 1994, the church and the monastery complex were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The complex consists of an atrium, a church (Parroquía de la Natividad de María), the ex-convent to the left of the church, and a small chapel to the right of it. The entrance to the ex-convent is free. In the vestibule, you can find restored paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Mudejar style predominates the walls. Upstairs, you have a great view of the town and the mountains from the mirador. A bit further on to the right, you’ll find the restored bathrooms that the monks used with funny poems next to them (in Spanish).
6. Eat Tepoznieves Ice Cream
Tepoznieves is known for offering hundreds of different exotic ice cream flavors. Try out the tequila-flavored Tequila Negro, the red wine Dragón-flavor, or cucumber with chile.
Pro Tip
There are several branches of Tepoznieves in Tepoztlán, but the Tepoznieves Matriz on the main street 1.5 blocks from the zócalo is the biggest and has the nicest interior design. Perfect for some nice pictures! The address is 5 de Mayo 21.
7. Visit the Weekend Artisanal Market
At the weekends, there’s an artisanal market (tianguis artesanal) in the streets around the ex-convent. From masks, bracelets, and necklaces with quartz to clothing, you’ll find lots of opportunities to buy some souvenirs.
8. Drink Pulque
You can’t have visited the pyramid devoted to the god of pulque without having a drink to his honor, can you? Several pulquerías sell this drink at the zócalo or on the main street. Pulque is a slightly alcoholic beverage made from fermented agave.
Pulque is either served pure (“natural”) or flavored (“curado”). As it’s fermented, it’s said to be good for your gut health, and it has to be relatively fresh as you can’t preserve it over a long time. It has a viscosity to it that is not to everybody’s taste, though. Even Mexicans are divided over whether they like it or not, despite it being a national traditional drink. I like it, though, and can only recommend it! My favorites are the natural version or the curado versions with mango or guayabana.
9. Buy a Chinelo Souvenir
The chinelo is a figure typical for the Morelos state that you can see depicted in murals or as cups and masks. It’s said that the origin of the chinelo is in Tlayacapan, another town in Morelos. It was created by the Indigenous people that made fun of the Spanish conquistadors. Therefore the white skin, the red cheeks, and the beard. When the Spaniards celebrated, the Indigenous workers were often left out. So they disguised themselves to not be identified and made their own celebration, mocking their Spanish bosses.
If you come the second week of February for the carnival in Tepoztlán, you’ll see the dance “Brinco del Chinelo”.
10. Enjoy Street Art
When you stroll through Tepoztlán’s streets, you’ll come across various murals. Some represent the town with the chinelos, the mountains, Indigenous themes, or aliens (see Wonder About the UFO Sightings). You’ll see some of them when you’re walking along the main street 5 de Mayo, or the Guadalupe Rojas street from the zócalo. But they’re spread all over town.
Unfortunately, the Seeds Mural (Mural de Semillas) that used to decorate the entrance wall of the ex-convent’s atrium is no longer there. The wall had been restored and since then the people of Tepoztlán haven’t been allowed to renew the mural. I hope that this tradition will have a comeback in the coming years.
11. Visit a Spa or Temazcal
Being a spiritual and energetic healing place, Tepoztlán offers many spa and wellness centers all over town. You can find them around the main square and the main street 5 de Mayo, but some hotels offer the whole package, too. I can’t speak for the quality of the temazcal, though, as I didn’t have the time for it. This is normally a very spiritual experience that should be led by an experienced healer or shaman. It’s not just a sweat lodge, but a spiritual ceremony and includes fasting at least the evening before so you don’t get sick during the ceremony. I’d expect that most offerings are a lighter version of the “real” temazcal.
There are also many offerings of other spiritual and energetic practices in Tepoztlán, like aura reading and chakra balancing. A true heaven for yogis and new-age fans!
12. Wonder About the UFO Sightings
Tepoztlán is said to be the place with the most UFO sightings in Mexico. With that, it beats even Atlixco. You can find hints of this weird record in murals and in the fact that there is a cafe dedicated to the UFO theme called “Señales Tepoztlán” 4 blocks from the zócalo. Take a picture with the alien or the UFO:-)
13. Visit the Neighborhood Chapels
There are seven neighborhood chapels in Tepoztlán. When they celebrate their saints, the chapels are beautifully decorated. When we went, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity (Capilla de la Santísima Trinidad) was celebrating the changing of the clothing of the saint’s statue. The church was adorned with flowers, and they had music bands playing in front of it. But even without a special decoration, some of the chapels are beautiful enough.
The seven chapels area: La Santísima Trinidad, San Miguel, San Sebastián, Los Reyes, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Santo Domingo, and San José.
…What Else Can You Do in Tepoztlán?
Visit the Carlos Pellicer Archaeology Museum
At the back of the ex-convent, you can find the entrance to this archaeology museum. Carlos Pellicer was a poet from Tabasco who donated his collection of archaeological artifacts to this museum. Among them is a figure of the god Ometochtli Tepoztecatl, who was once worshipped at the Tepozteco mountain. There is also a telescope through which you can see the pyramid at the top of the Tepozteco mountain.
Buy Art at a Gallery
Around the main square, you’ll find various art galleries. It’s great to get an impression of local art. I recommend the Camacho art gallery one block from the main square, in the Avenida Ignacio Zaragoza 11.
Visit the Nearby Village of Amatlán de Quetzalcóatl
Just about 10 minutes from Tepoztlán lies the small village of Amatlán. It’s said that the god Quetzalcóatl was born here 1500 years ago. There’s a spring (pozo) which is said to be his birthplace. The walk up to the pozo is strenuous and you can get lost easily, which is why you shouldn’t go by yourself but hire a local guide. However, in the past hikers were robbed on their way up, so I guess it’s not worth risking it until this kind of assault stops. But the village itself is nice and safe, and there are sometimes traditional dancing performances on the Explanada Quetzalcóatl in the town center. There are also some options to do temazcal (sweat lodge) retreats.
Where to Eat in Tepoztlán
Market Stalls (El Tlecuil and Nonantzin)
There’s no better way to get to know local specialties typical for Tepoztlán than eating at the market stalls at the zócalo. Two of them are known for their pre-Hispanic food: El Tlecuil and Nonantzin. Both offer the typical itacates (triangle-shaped thick corn tortillas) and tlaltequeadas (veggie patties or balls). El Tlecuil also offers various exotic meat dishes, like boar, armadillo, and game. An itacate with chicken costs around 35 pesos (2 USD), filled with boar it costs around 100 pesos (6 USD). A plate with two tlaltequeadas and rice and beans costs around 100 pesos (6 USD). The special meat dishes are more expensive and can cost up to 500 pesos (30 USD), so I suggest comparing prices between both food stalls.
Pro Tip
Be aware of the prices for the special meat dishes being higher, so make sure to ask for the prices upfront. Some foreign tourists in the past have complained that they were overcharged. We didn’t experience this, though, and enjoyed our food at the stalls.
Restaurante Axitla
After the strenuous hike to the pyramid, you’ll go past this beautiful restaurant that lies in a lush garden. Sit on the terrace to enjoy the fresh air in the shade and recharge your batteries. They have fresh carrot juice and great coffee, and the dishes are delicious. I’d say this is the best restaurant with the best ambiance we’ve been eating at so far in Tepoztlán. The cecina, hot cakes, and omelets are to be recommended! You can also have lunch or dinner here. The service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable for this type of nicer Mexican restaurant. After eating, you can walk around the garden and admire the turtles in their small pond.
Los Colorines
This colorful and nicely decorated restaurant on the main street provides many typical Mexican dishes. From stuffed peppers to mole poblano (which they seem to call mole rojo here – or maybe they had run out of it:-)), to vegetarian dishes like huauzontles (“wow-SONT-les”), an amaranth-like green flower bud. Be aware that you can pay in cash only, though! They’re always quite busy, so be prepared to wait a bit. Prices are average.
La Colorina
If you want to have breakfast at a typical “fonda” (Mexican home-style food kitchen), try out La Colorina. They serve egg dishes, the traditional itacates, tacos, and more. The prices are cheap, the food is thorough, and compared to the market, it’s not as hot here in the afternoon. I suggest sitting on the upper floor.
La Cueva Tepoztlán
I recommend this wine and cocktail lounge to spend a nice relaxing afternoon or evening. The ambiance is great and the background music is good and not too loud. The food comes second place to accompany your drinks, but the tacos de cecina are great, and the cheese-and-meat platter as well. The prices are a bit higher, though.
Where to Stay in Tepoztlán
Posada Paraíso
This 3-star hotel only 1 block from the zócalo has a great view from the rooms’ balconies onto the Tepozteco mountain. It’s cheap and the host is very nice. The rooms are basic, though. To get to your room, you need to climb a very narrow staircase, so I would not recommend it for people with disabilities or when you have heavy luggage (though the host will be happy to help with the luggage). The rooms only have a fan, no AC, but we didn’t miss it as you can leave the balcony door open. Parking is 600 m (0.4 miles) around the corner in a gated parking lot.
Hotel boutique Teocalli
This boutique hotel is a 10-minute walk from the zócalo. There’s a pool and a spa-and-wellness center with temazcal (sweat lodge), massages, and yoga. The hotel restaurant opens from 9 am to 6 pm. The rooms are spacious and in country chic style. Make sure to book a room with a view of the mountain.
How to Get to Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán lies about 80 km (50 miles) south of Mexico City. A bus ride takes about 1 hour. From Puebla, it’s 130 km (80 miles) and takes 3-4 hours by bus and just half the time by car.
So…Is It for Me?
If you like small mountain villages with cobblestones, narrow alleys, and a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, you’ll be delighted about Tepoztlán. The market invites you to try out pre-Hispanic food, there’s lots of restaurants, pubs, and cafes, and at the weekend the village gets pretty lively with all the tourists pouring in. If you prefer it less lively, just visit during the week when the speed slows down again. If you have issues walking, however, the up and down on Tepoztlán’s cobblestone streets is not for you. Instead, you’d probably be better off in Zacatlán or a bigger city like Puebla or Mexico City, for example.
