Tepoztlan, located in the state of Morelos in Mexico, is a magical town that enchants visitors with its rich history and mystic charm. Known as the "place of the metal knife," Tepoztlan is surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and lush green landscapes. It is believed to be the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god worshipped by the ancient Aztecs. The town is famous for its traditional markets, where locals sell a wide variety of handicrafts, clothing, and delicious food. Exploring these bustling markets is a treat for the senses, with vibrant colors, unique aromas, and the lively energy of the vendors and shoppers. Tepoztlan is known for its traditional corn-based dishes, such as tlacoyos and sopes, which are a must-try for food enthusiasts.
CARLOS PELLICER
MUSEUM
The Magical Town of Tepoztlán is an ideal place to acquire beautiful carved wooden crafts and hand painted clothing very typical of the mysticism of this town, as well as ancestral remedies. Because the bus terminal in Tepoztlan is a bit outside of the city, you can either walk for 30 minutes or take a taxi that should cost you about 16 MXN per person.
Tepoztlan is known for its traditional corn-based dishes, such as tlacoyos and sopes, which are a must-try for food enthusiasts. One of the main attractions of Tepoztlan is the Tepozteco Pyramid, perched on a cliff overlooking the town. This ancient pyramid was built as a place of worship and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Pueblo Magico town of Tepoztlán (Mexico)
Tepoztlán is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos. But that distinction doesn’t mean (as I’ve found out) that all Pueblos Magicos are magical. Tepoztlán IS, in our opinion. But that depends on what you are looking for.
Tepoztlán is a small town surrounded by nature. Coming down into the valley from Mexico City (which is just over an hour away) you can’t help but be taken aback by the green nature surrounding you. Limestone hills, most sheer outcrops, dominate the landscapes.
The streets are made of black volcanic rock and are violently cobblestoned. Most locals seem to have pickup trucks. There are lots of charming back streets but most visitors will stick to the main street which is full of charming little stores and restaurants (Tepoztlán gets a lot of tourists on weekends. Best to come during the week).
Small church on the main street
There are not that many highlights. The town has a market right in the center which is your typical, authentic Mexican market where you can buy meat, vegetables or have a snack at a stall. There, next to the market, is a 500 hundred year old church that looks older than that. When we went to visit we learned it was closed (I later learned it hasn’t been open in 3 years).
Note: there’s a market every day. But Wednesdays and Saturdays are officially “Market Day” and there’s a lot more going on.
market in Tepoztlán
In fact the main activity among visitors to Tepoztlan seems to be climbing up to the Aztec pyramid overlooking the town.
But really, what makes the town special is the surrounding nature and the locals. Tepoztlán has attracted quite a lot of really alternative people from around the world, people who’ve come here to for the nature and the peaceful lifestyle.
An example was our Airbnb host Daniel (click that link to see where we stayed). Originally from Argentina he’s been everywhere before deciding to settle down in Tepoztlán. He’s got a large and beautiful eco-friendly property bursting with plant life. Our “house” is full of art and books with incredible views of the hills. We stayed 3 days and fell in love with the place and with Daniel’s dog Piccola. Every morning she would come, tail wagging and greet us. We felt like we had our own home with our own dog. It was wonderful (I have a video at the bottom of this post).
On one day Daniel took us to an organic market outside of town. The vendors were an eclectic bunch, a mix of Mexicans and foreigners. All were “hippies” (Daniel’s own words) who grow their own produce and cook different things. Every Friday they get together in a lot outside a Eco hostel and eat, drink and sing hippy songs. We met a lot of interesting people who had all somehow ended up in Tepoztlán. More on the organic market here .
“la Griega” – the Greek lady who makes great empanadas
This man makes homemade beer
Mom admiring the beans
Then there was Daniel’s son Wayan. He had studied in New York and worked in a consulting job in London. In his late 20’s (?) he had come to visit his dad at the beginning of Covid and had decided to stay. He continues his London work online while building a new house of his own on the property. He’s decided to make his life in Tepoztlán. He’s the one that took me on that hike up to the Aztec pyramid.
In short, Tepoztlán is a place of interesting, eclectic people who went out of their way to make us feel included. That, along with the incredible natural beauty and peacefulness, made us fall in love with the town.
The Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad is over 500 years old
Sunrise in Tepoztlan
Practical Information
Getting there: Tepoztlán is 1 hr, 15 min from “Taxquena”, Mexico’s Terminal del Sur. The bus drops you off at a small terminal just outside of town. It’s a beautiful 10 minute taxi ride from there to the center.
Accommodation: We loved Daniel’s Airbnb . Here’s a short video featuring the house and Piccola
Hotel: if you’re looking for something a bit more fancy, Posada del Tepozteco gets great reviews.
Tepoztlán might not be everyone’s ideal getaway but it was for us. We loved Tepoztlán and my mom even entertained ideas of maybe moving here (before finally concluding that it might be too small and that she would need a car, something she doesn’t want).
Related: The Best Pueblos Magicos in Mexico?
Related: Puking my guts out hiking in Tepoztlan
Related: A roadtrip through Mexico’s most beautiful towns and cities
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The hike to reach the pyramid is an adventure in itself, with a challenging but rewarding climb through the tropical forest. Besides its natural beauty and archaeological wonders, Tepoztlan is a hub for spiritual seekers and alternative lifestyles. It has attracted artists, healers, and free spirits from around the world who have found inspiration in its mystical energy. The town is home to numerous yoga retreats, meditation centers, and alternative healing practices, making it a serene and peaceful sanctuary for those seeking spiritual growth. Throughout the year, Tepoztlan celebrates various traditional festivals and events, which provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions. The Feria del Elote, dedicated to corn, and the Carnival of Tepoztlan, known for its vibrant parades and music, are just a few examples of the lively festivities that take place. In conclusion, Tepoztlan is a unique and enchanting destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history, spiritual traditions, and natural beauty of Mexico. Whether it's exploring ancient pyramids, shopping in traditional markets, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, Tepoztlan is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits..
Reviews for "Tepoztlan's Sacred Sites: Exploring the Magic of Ancient Mexico"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with my visit to Tepoztlan. The so-called "magical town" felt more like a tourist trap. The streets were overcrowded with tourists and vendors selling cheap souvenirs. The atmosphere was far from magical, as it was hard to enjoy the surroundings with all the noise and chaos. The town itself lacked authenticity and charm, with many buildings being modernized and losing their traditional charm. Overall, I would not recommend Tepoztlan to anyone looking for an authentic Mexican experience.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - Tepoztlan had been hyped up so much to me that my expectations were really high. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The town felt very touristy and commercialized. Every corner was filled with shops selling the same trinkets and souvenirs. The landscape was beautiful, but it was hard to appreciate it when the streets were packed with people. I was hoping for a more tranquil and magical experience, but instead, I felt overwhelmed and disappointed. I would suggest skipping Tepoztlan and exploring other less crowded and more authentic towns in Mexico.
3. Lisa - 2/5 stars - I found Tepoztlan to be overcrowded and overrated. The town was swarming with both domestic and international tourists, making it difficult to fully appreciate the supposed "magic" of the place. The prices of goods and services were overinflated due to the high tourist demand, and it felt like the locals were solely focused on making money from tourists rather than preserving their cultural heritage. I would recommend seeking out a quieter and more authentic Mexican town if you are looking for a genuine experience. Tepoztlan left me feeling like I had fallen into a tourist trap.