Examine the reliefs engraved on the walls of this temple where you can learn about the Aztec empire and admire the panoramic hilltop vista of the town.
Tepozteco Pyramid is a small hilltop temple devoted to the Aztec god of the alcoholic drink known as pulque. It is thought that the pyramid dates back to the 15th or 16th century, potentially to honor the death of Aztec emperor Ahuizotl. Inspect the various features of this intriguing vestige of an ancient civilization for a greater understanding of Aztec customs.
Explore the ruins of this simple temple, which consists of two rooms. Admire the intricate reliefs etched into the rock and consider their meaning. Some of these carvings represent the tonalpohualli calendar and others depict shields and arrows.
Priests and their helpers resided in this temple, which stands atop a stone platform on the hill. The base and temple rise to a height of about 30 feet (10 meters).
Look back on the city of Tepoztlán and capture photos of the panoramic vista. The view incorporates the valley and the town from a high vantage point.
Make sure to bring water and sturdy walking shoes for the ascent to the pyramid on the 1-mile (2-kilometer) path. It takes between 20 minutes and 3 hours to reach the top, depending on your speed as you climb nearly 2,000 feet (600 meters) of elevation. At the top of your climb, enjoy the lush, green surroundings and gaze up at birds and butterflies. Here, you may spot coatis, members of the raccoon family.
There is a fee to get close to the temple. Note that the pyramid grounds open in the morning and may become fairly crowded in the afternoon.
The Tepozteco Pyramid is on the outskirts of Tepoztlán, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) northeast of Cuernavaca in Morelos. Drive from Cuernavaca to get here in about 40 minutes. Visit nearby landmarks, such as El Tepozteco National Park, the Parish of Our Lady of Nativity in Tepoztlán and the Municipal Council building for Tepoztlán.
