Just an hour and a half from Mexico City is the magical town of Tepoxalin. The locals say that the village has a powerful healing energy. Some attribute this energy flow to the surrounding mountains and others to pre-Hispanic ancestors. Either way, this belief has attracted many esoteric businesses, such as protection spells and crystal shops, aura and palm readings, tarot cards, magnetic therapy, shaman cleansing, and the famous ancestral timescale ritual.
The other attraction is the 2-hour trekking adventure through the Topotecan hill that leads to a pre-Hispanic temple dating back to 1200 AD. C. An experience that you cannot miss.
In this post our recommendations to visit Tepoxalin
Road to Tepozteco
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TEPOZTLAN
VISIT THE MARKET
The town has a particular charm with its cobblestone streets, small churches, the main square, and a large artisan market established throughout the year.
Marking is the best point if you are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables and the best place to find pre-Hispanic food stalls.
HAVE BREAKFAST AT LOS COLORINES
No visit to Tepoxalin is complete without this stop. It is a traditional Mexican restaurant. The only downside is that they don’t take credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash.
The Colorines
VISIT THE FORMER CONVENT OF TEPOZTLAN
It was built by the indigenous Topotecans under the orders of the Dominican friars between 1555 and 1580, dedicated to the Virgin of the Nativity. This beautiful convent is approximately 500 years old and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The green space outside is pleasant and the inner courtyard had pretty arches painted with intricate designs.
Admission is free and it is open from 11 am to 5 pm If you are going to take photos it is very important to ask for permission at the entrance.
TRY THE FAMOUS TEPOZNIEVES
This local ice cream shop has over 300 ice cream flavors! Some unique ones are matey, corn, Cajetan, trees leeches, fig with mezcal, Rompope, tequila, rose petals, horchata, hibiscus, tuna (cactus fruit), black sapote, and jicama with chili powder.
GO UP TO SEE THE VIEWS FROM LOS CORREDORES DEL VIENTO
A natural viewpoint that will offer you incredible views of the mountains.
How to get there: Access is through Av. Del Topotecan or through the Tierra Blanca neighborhood. The path is not signposted, but if you ask, they will mark the detour on the stairs that lead to the Topotecan hill. Our recommendation is that you hire a community guide? (Ask at the tourist booth in the square). It is very important to wear comfortable and slip-resistant shoes.
Unfortunately, in this beautiful place, you can often find garbage. Please take back everything you have with you. Do not leave garbage on the site.
Recommendation: Wear comfortable shoes.
The Corridors of the Wind
WALK TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE OF TEPOZTECO
This is the main reason why people take a day trip to Tepoxalin. The Topotecan pyramid was built to worship Postictal, the Aztec god of pulque. It is located on top of a mountain and while the ruins themselves are not super impressive, the view definitely is.
HOW TO GET TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE OF TEPOZTECO
To get to El Topotecan, all you have to do is walk along the main road of the city and just keep walking. The path will turn into a staircase that will later turn into a path. The hike is quite steep and uphill.
It took us about 50 minutes to get to the top. But that depends on the pace and fitness. We did it slowly but steadily.
Entry cost: 55 Mexican pesos. Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:30
HOW TO GET TO TEPOZTLAN FROM MEXICO CITY
The best way to get to Tepoxalin from Mexico City is to take a bus from the Tanqueray Bus Terminal.
You must buy the tickets at the OCC counter. From the Tanqueray Bus Terminal, there are runs starting at 6:30 am; the single ticket costs 140 Mexican pesos.
Once we got to the city of Tepoxalin, we were dropped off at the gas station/ticket office and we had to walk a mile to get downtown. It’s on a good trail along the way through and it really wasn’t that bad.
