How to visit Tepoztlán: things to do, getting there and travel tips

Tepoztlán is one of the most visited Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) in central Mexico, and for good reason: it sits just over an hour from the capital, surrounded by oddly shaped cliffs, with a mix of Nahua tradition, art, market food and a mystical reputation that draws travelers from all over the world. It was named a Magical Town in 2002 and lies in northern Morelos, about 1,700 meters above sea level, so the weather is mild most of the year.

This guide covers what you need to plan your visit: what to do, how to get there, when to go and a few tips that will save you time.

Things to do in Tepoztlán

1. Hike up El Tepozteco

This is the reason most people come. A stone path with steps climbs from the end of the main street to the archaeological site at the top of the hill. The hike takes one to one and a half hours for someone of average fitness, with about 400 meters of elevation gain. At the top stands the small temple dedicated to Tepoztécatl, a deity associated with pulque, and one of the best views of the valley.

Start early. The trail gets crowded from mid-morning and the heat builds on the way up.
Bring water, closed shoes and cash for the archaeological site entrance fee.
Do not feed the coatis that roam the summit: they are used to begging for food and can bite.
Check that it is open. Access has closed temporarily several times, because of forest fires or community decisions. Ask in town or check official channels before planning your day around the hike.

2. Explore the former Convent of the Nativity

The 16th-century Dominican convent dominates the center of town. It is one of the earliest 16th-century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today it is a museum: walk through the cloister, the remains of mural paintings and the upper terrace, which faces El Tepozteco. The church next to it has a carved façade worth a slow look.

Behind the church is the Carlos Pellicer Archaeological Museum, built around the collection the poet from Tabasco donated to the town. It is small and takes about half an hour.

3. Eat at the market and try the ice cream

The market and the stalls in the center are the best places to eat well for little money:

Quesadillas and tlacoyos made to order with blue corn on the griddle.
Cecina in the style of Yecapixtla, a nearby Morelos town known for this salted, dried beef.
Itacates, stuffed triangular corn cakes.
Artisanal ice cream in unusual flavors. Ice cream shops in the center, such as Tepoznieves, offer dozens of combinations with fruit, flowers, chiles and liquors. Ask for a taste before you choose.

On weekends a craft market sets up along the main street, with cotton clothing, pottery, jewelry and esoteric items.

4. Try a temazcal

Tepoztlán is one of the best-known places in Mexico for a temazcal, the steam bath of pre-Hispanic origin. Many hotels and wellness centers offer guided sessions. If you have a health condition (blood pressure, pregnancy, heart problems), check first, because the heat is intense.

5. Explore the surroundings

Amatlán de Quetzalcóatl, a few kilometers away, is the community that tradition names as the birthplace of Ce Ácatl Topiltzin Quetzalcóatl. It has trails, waterfalls in the rainy season and a much quieter feel than the center.
Tlayacapan, another Magical Town in Morelos, is less than an hour away and is known for its pottery and its Augustinian convent, also part of the UNESCO listing. The two combine well in a weekend.

When to go

Weather: mild all year. The rainy season runs from June to September or October; rain usually falls in the afternoon, so mornings are still good for the hike and the landscape is greener.
Carnival: in the days before Ash Wednesday the streets fill with chinelos, the masked dancers in embroidered costumes typical of Morelos. It is one of the most colorful celebrations in the state.
El Tepozteco festival: around September 8, the feast of the Nativity, the town celebrates its patron and stages the Reto al Tepozteco (Challenge to El Tepozteco), a traditional performance in Nahuatl.
Weekdays are much quieter. Saturdays and Sundays are livelier, but expect traffic and lines on the trail. Check the festival calendar for upcoming events.

How to get to Tepoztlán

By car from Mexico City: about 80 km. Take the Mexico City–Cuernavaca highway, then the La Pera–Cuautla highway toward Tepoztlán. Without traffic the drive takes one to one and a half hours. The return to the capital on Sunday afternoons is often slow.
By bus: there are frequent departures from Mexico City’s Terminal Sur (Taxqueña) to Tepoztlán; the trip takes about an hour and a quarter without traffic.
Parking: the center is small with narrow streets. On weekends it is best to leave the car in a parking lot at the entrance to town and walk.

For more short getaways, see the Magical Towns near Mexico City.

Tips for your visit

One day is enough for El Tepozteco, the convent and the market; stay a night if you want a temazcal or to visit Amatlán.
Bring cash. Many stalls and some entrances do not take cards.
Respect the trail: do not leave trash and stay on the marked path; the hill is part of a protected natural area.
Book lodging early for long weekends, carnival and holiday seasons.

Opening hours, fees and access can change. Before you travel, confirm with the Tepoztlán tourism office or see the town guide on GoPueblos, where you will also find the map, distances and upcoming events.