Things To Do
El Tepozteco
El Tepozteco is a 13th-century Aztec archaeological site perched on a cliff roughly 400 meters (1,300 ft) above Tepoztlán. The site features a small temple dedicated to Tepoztēcatl, the Aztec god of pulque, fertility, and harvest. The hike is a steep, roughly 2.5 km (1.6 mile) forest trek involving over 1,000 uneven stone steps. It typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to reach the top, depending on pace.
Ex Convento de la Natividad
A 16th-century fortress-like monastery built by the Dominican order. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its quiet, flower-filled courtyards and ancient murals. There is a small museum tucked behind the Ex Convento. It houses the private collection of Carlos Pellicer, a famous Mexican poet who loved archaeology. You’ll see incredible stone figures and pottery from the Maya, Olmec, and Zapotec cultures. It is small enough to see in 20 minutes but offers a deep look into Mexico's pre-Hispanic soul.
Mercado de Artesanias
On weekends, the main street fills with vibrant market stalls selling leather goods, woven bags, colorful textiles, handmade candles, and traditional pottery. It’s an ideal place to shop for authentic Mexican souvenirs, from embroidered clothing to hand-painted ceramics.
Mercado de Comida Tradicional
The sensory heart of the town. Here, local women prepare pre-Hispanic food using ancient recipes. You must try an itacate, a thick, triangular-shaped corn masa pocket that is grilled until crispy and stuffed with cheese or stews. It is a loud, vibrant, and delicious street food experience.
Tepoznieves
This isn't just an ice cream shop; it’s a local institution with over 200 flavors. While they have classics, they are famous for unique flavors like tequila, rose petal, avocado, and cactus. The shop itself is beautifully decorated with Mexican folk art.
Temazcal Ceremony
This is a traditional indigenous sweat lodge ritual. Unlike a modern sauna, it is a spiritual ceremony led by a guide who uses medicinal herbs, volcanic stones, and chants to cleanse the spirit. Guests enter a dome-shaped stone structure, representing the womb of Mother Earth, to emerge feeling refreshed and grounded.