Archaeological Zone Tepozteco — Attraction in Morelos

I had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to write this review once I had the chance. Perhaps I wasn’t paying close enough attention, but it seemed like nowhere was it mentioned that the path to this archaeological site takes approximately two hours if you’re not particularly fit. It’s genuine rough terrain—true hiking. According to my data, to reach the summit where the pyramid is located, you need to ascend about 400 meters vertically, which is roughly equivalent to climbing a 130-story building on foot. So, please keep this in mind, and most importantly, it seems that, judging by the number of people there—including small children being carried and elderly individuals—very few are actually aware of what lies ahead. Well, now you know.

As for the archaeological site itself, to be honest, it’s probably not worth the climb, at least not more than once. There are a lot of people, and the charm of a secluded mountaintop spot dissipates. However, the pyramid stands right on the edge of a cliff, and behind it is a steep drop, reminiscent of the scene in the movie “From Dusk Till Dawn,” where the bar is revealed to be an ancient temple, and vampires would toss bodies and cars down below. This could have served as a prototype for that scene in the film.

You can climb onto the pyramid, by the way, but the archaeological zone itself isn’t all that impressive. I must say, the ascent was quite a surprise, and don’t forget that you also have to descend, which isn’t exactly easy either. Oh, and at the end, they’ll charge you 100 pesos for visiting the area, of course. Overall, it’s pretty cool; everyone takes photos and is happy they made it. Those still climbing can be encouraged as you descend. So,...

Fantastic hike, the purpose of it being not just the pyramid on the top and the views across the hills and city below but a sense of accomplishment as well. It is 4 km one way with an ascent equivalent to 94 floors. Better to park in the centre and walk to the hike start point, enjoying the artesenal markets along the way rather than driving all the way on cobbled paths,congested with pedestrians. If arriving on a sunday, better to reach before 10.30 am after which it is a maddening crowd. There is an entry fee of 45 pesos at the top to reach the pyramid and free for citizens and residents on sundays. Dogs not permitted into the last 5 minutes of ascent. Allow for 20 minutes to reach from the centre to start of the steps, an hour for the ascent including mini breaks for water, 30 minutes at the top, 45 minutes to descend, another 15 minutes to reach the mercado for a bite to eat. More if not reasonably fit and also for waiting for people at bottlenecks if hiking at crowded times. The steps are stone, even at some spots, rough rock at most places. Good walking shoes recommended although came across many wearing just sneakers. Certainly unsuitable if rainy weather. There are vendors throughout the way selling water, icelollies, aerated beverages and multiple other things, some vendors seemed to be university students, trying to make an income during weekends. The path is in shade most of the way, not requiring hats etc. Weather in december was perfect, cool...

It’s a grind getting up here, and even more brutal getting back down, but totally worth it! This was my third trip up and hopefully not my last. The views at the top are incredible, but the way up is pretty awesome as well. The trail is more of a long set of rustic stair steps than it is a trail. It goes up a steep canyon with beautiful vegetation and rock formations. There are some views along the way but it’s really when you get to the top that you are rewarded for your efforts with huge views of the valley and town below.

We paid to access the pyramid and natural area. We ate lunch in the natural area side and nearly had it stolen by some very habituated Coatis. Cute but rather aggressive and a bit of a nuisance while trying to eat your lunch.

I borrowed a cane to ease the impact on my knees on the downhill return, which helped, but what this hike really calls for is a pair of tall walking sticks, which I will bring with me next visit.

Bring water and snacks/lunch, and arrive early, as it gets pretty crowded in...