Tepoztlán Travel Guide: 9 Best Things To Do & See in the Magical Town

A magical mountain town

Tepoztlán is not only a magical town (pueblo mágico) – it’s probably one of the best and most famous of the 132 pueblos mágicos found all over Mexico. These are towns recognized for their cultural, historical or natural treasures.

With gorgeous mountain views and colourful, vibrant streets, there’s just something special about Tepoztlán.

Going to Tepoztlán from Mexico City on a day trip is quite popular as it only takes around 1-1.5 hours to get there. From a bustling capital to a quaint, lively town surrounded by mountains in such a short time – no wonder the local chilangos (Mexico City residents) like to go!

If you go on the weekend, expect Tepoztlán to be humming with life and happy party people drinking micheladas on the main streets and shopping at street food stalls and souvenir markets.

During the week, it’s much quieter with a more laid-back and spiritual vibe.

We stayed for a week to fully soak up the atmosphere, having plenty of time for both sightseeing and working online.

Whether you come for a day trip or stay for longer, we hope this travel guide to Tepoztlán will help you with what to do in town, the best things to see, where to stay, where to eat, how to get around and more.

Where to stay in Tepoztlán:

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• Ultra-luxury: Amomoxtli – Hands down the most beautiful and luxurious hotel in Tepoztlán.
• Luxury: La Buena Vibra Retreat and Spa Hotel – Also a top choice for a classy, peaceful retreat. Has a nice pool area with those lovely mountain views.
• Value for money: Madre Tierra B&B – One of the best-reviewed places to stay in Tepoztlán with unique mountain views directly from bed.
• Budget: Los Cruxes Sam Paz – A pool and a (rather) central location is quite a steal at this price!

Search for the best value accommodation in Tepoztlán here.

Why visit Tepoztlán?

We thoroughly enjoyed our week of exploring and working from Tepoztlán. Here are some of the best reasons to visit:

1. Mountain magic: Explore one of Mexico’s best pueblo mágicos, where mystical peaks meet charming streets.
2. Weekend buzz, midweek bliss: Dive into lively fiestas or unwind in tranquil spiritual vibes – Tepoztlán’s got both!
3. Escape the city in a snap: Just a quick 1.5-hour jaunt from Mexico City for the perfect getaway.
4. Feast for your senses: Munch on mouthwatering street eats, sip zesty micheladas and browse colourful market stalls.
5. Time travel through traditions: Step into living history with vibrant local culture and ancient Aztec ruins.

Where is Tepoztlán?

Tepoztlán (often just called Tepoz) is located in Tepoztlán Valley in the state of Morelos in central Mexico, approximately 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level surrounded by mountains.

What to do in Tepoztlán

While Tepoztlán is all about being and feeling more than actual doing, there are still quite a few interesting activities and experiences to be had here.

We stayed in Tepoz for a week and barely scratched the surface, but if you wish to do so, you could probably cram in all of the below things to do in a (very full) weekend.

Here are the best things to do and see in Tepoztlán:

1. Stroll around town – Charming streets, colourful houses and mountain views
2. Street art – Discover Tepoztlán’s culture and history
3. Weekend market – Take part in the sensory fiesta
4. Hike To El Tepozteco – Catch the views from an Aztec pyramid
5. Former Convent of Nativity – A UNESCO treasure
6. Eat street food or drink fresh juice – Enjoy the flavours of Tepoztlán
7. Go on an inner journey – Connect with your spiritual side
8. Take a day trip to Amatlán – Visit the birthplace of Quetzalcóatl
9. Dilao – A hidden sculpture garden

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1. Stroll around town – Charming streets, colourful houses and mountain views

While there are plenty of cool activities in Tepoztlán, the main thing to do here in our opinion is to simply stroll around the streets, soaking up the atmosphere.

Walk the cobbled-stoned streets, check out the colourful houses and enjoy the ever-present view of the magic mountains.

Mind you, this is a very different experience if you visit at the weekend as opposed to during the week as the town population seemingly triples with day-trippers from Mexico City.

Even if you do visit at the weekend, though, it’s definitely possible to find more quiet spots – just steer away from the main thoroughfares.

2. Street art – Discover Tepoztlán’s culture and history

Tepoztlán is a canvas of amazing street art and exploring it is for sure a highlight of every visit.

The art primarily takes the form of vibrant murals, depicting Mexican culture, traditions and the town’s history.

To discover Tepoztlán’s street art, begin your journey on the main street, Avenida del Tepozteco. Then, wander along Calle de Matamoros, Av. Ignacio Zaragoza and Revolución de 1910.

3. Weekend market – Take part in the sensory fiesta

As mentioned earlier, the weekend is a great time to visit Tepoztlán if you like a fun and a high-spirited atmosphere.

The bustling weekend market transforms the town, with side streets brimming with stalls. You’ll find everything from local foods and snacks to fresh juices, handmade jewellery, dream catchers, toys, clothing, hats, artisanal crafts and unique souvenirs.

We arrived on a Saturday and found both weekend days teeming with festive locals and curious tourists. Many were enjoying oversized micheladas – a popular Mexican drink mixing beer, lime juice, spices, salsa and salt.

4. Hike To El Tepozteco – Catch the views from an Aztec pyramid

The main attraction in Tepoztlán is undoubtedly the hike to El Tepozteco, an Aztec archaeological site honouring Tepoztēcatl; the god of pulque (agave wine).

While it’s for sure interesting to see the pyramid, the real star of the show is the awesome views of Tepoztlán and its surroundings.

The trail begins at the end of Avenida del Tepozteco and involves a steep climb with uneven, sometimes slippery stairs/rocks.

How long does it take to hike to El Tepozteco?

Hiking times vary widely, from 20-30 minutes for the fittest to 2 hours for those taking a leisurely pace. The descent typically takes less than an hour.

For us, it took 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to the top in a slow and steady tempo. Alex was feeling a bit under the weather and Victoria was pregnant, so it’s safe to say we weren’t the fastest hikers on the route.

On the way down it took us about 50 minutes, but we walked carefully as Victoria has sprained her ankle several times on descends. We spent around 30 minutes at the top.

Good to know about El Tepozteco:

• Entrance was 90 pesos (~ 4.5 USD / 4.2 EUR)* per person (cash only). It’s free on Sundays though – also meaning it gets quite crowded.
• El Tepozteco is open Wednesday to Sunday during the day only and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Remember to wear sturdy shoes and to pack some water – although sellers will likely approach you on the way selling refreshments.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially if you hike in the middle of the day. The sun is hot.

*Prices are from 2023.

5. Former Convent of Nativity – A UNESCO treasure

While exploring Tepoztlán’s lively streets, don’t miss the Former Convent of Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a peaceful retreat from the buzzing town centre.

Built in the mid-16th century by Dominican priests, today the site serves as one of the town’s few green spaces where locals and visitors alike gather to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

6. Eat street food or drink fresh juice – Enjoy the flavours of Tepoztlán

Mexico in general is a true feast for the senses – not least the tastebuds – and Tepoztlán is a great place to sample regional and local delicacies.

Fresh fruit is abundant almost year-round and with the constant influx of tourists, you can be sure to find market stalls full of snacks and meals whenever you visit the main market in the middle of town (also known as the Mercado).

The rest of town also boasts lots of great restaurants. Read more about our favourites below.

Be aware: Insects are quite the common ingredient in Tepoztlán. If you wish to abstain from eating or drinking small critters, be very cautious – especially of seemingly innocent “veggie patties”!

7. Go on an inner journey – Connect with your spiritual side

Tepoztlán is known as a deeply spiritual town and that was also how it felt staying there (especially on the quieter weekdays).

Buy incense, crystals and crystal pieces of jewellery, try alternative therapies, get a message, practice yoga and sweat it out in a traditional Temazcal – a type of spiritual Mexican sauna or sweat lodge.

You will also find many small organic shops selling groceries, cosmetics, plastic-free items (such as shampoo bars), essential oils and more.

8. Take a day trip to Amatlán – Visit the birthplace of Quetzalcóatl

The small town of Amatlán is located less than 10 kilometres east of Tepoztlán and can easily be reached with a colectivo (cheap local bus) from the town centre.

So what’s in Amatlán, you might ask? Well, as far as we understood it, Amatlán is the birthplace of Quetzalcóatl – one of the most important Aztec gods.

9. Dilao – A hidden sculpture garden

Tucked away in Tepoztlán’s outskirts lies DILAO, a sculpture garden / outdoor gallery showcasing an eclectic collection of contemporary sculptures set against the backdrop of Tepoztlán’s stunning mountains.

We didn’t visit it ourselves, but it looks like a beautiful place – especially if you consider yourself an art buff.

Vis dette opslag på Instagram

Et opslag delt af Dilao | Campo escultórico (@dilaomx)

Where to stay in Tepoztlán

Tepoztlán might be small, but it packs a real punch when it comes to places to stay.

Whether you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious spa experience or save your pesos for guacamole, this magical town has got you covered.

From swanky resorts with Instagram-worthy pools and spiritual retreats to charming B&Bs and rural digs, Tepoztlán offers a bed for every vibe.

Our favourite hotels in Tepoztlán:

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• Ultra-luxury: Amomoxtli – Hands down the most beautiful and luxurious hotel in Tepoztlán.
• Luxury: La Buena Vibra Retreat and Spa Hotel – Also a top choice for a classy, peaceful retreat. Has a nice pool area with those lovely mountain views.
• Value for money: Madre Tierra B&B – One of the best-reviewed places to stay in Tepoztlán with unique mountain views directly from bed.
• Budget: Los Cruxes Sam Paz – A pool and a (rather) central location is quite a steal at this price!

Search for the best value accommodation in Tepoztlán here.

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The best luxury hotels in Tepoztlán

For being such a small town, Tepoztlán’s luxury hotel offerings are surprisingly good. Must be that Mexico City crowd moving in at the weekends – meaning you might score a good deal on the weekdays!

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• Amomoxtli – Hands down the most beautiful and luxurious hotel in Tepoztlán.
• La Buena Vibra Retreat and Spa Hotel – Also a top choice for a classy, peaceful retreat. Has a nice pool area with those lovely mountain views.
• Hostal de la Luz (Spa Holistic Resort) – More of a health and spiritually focused resort located a little outside town.

Search for the best luxury hotels in Tepoztlán here.

The best midrange / value for money hotels in Tepoztlán

The hotel scene in Tepoztlán is solid, which also shows in the wide array of quality, affordable places to stay ranging from furnished apartments and holiday homes to more traditional hotels.

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• Madre Tierra B&B – One of the best-reviewed places to stay in Tepoztlán with unique mountain views directly from bed.
• Casa Jacobina Tepoztlán – Stay super close to the main street and restaurants in this secluded oasis.
• Las Orquídeas – Rent an entire holiday home with your own kitchen as well as a living area with two sofa beds.

Search for the best value accommodation in Tepoztlán here.

The best budget hotels in Tepoztlán

It’s definitely possible to save on hotel costs in Tepoztlán – especially if you’re willing to move a bit further outside the city centre (or skimp on accommodation quality)…

Here are a few choices that blend affordability and comfort; from a dirt-cheap place to a more classic hotel experience.

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• Casa Ecológica – One of Tepoztlán’s cheapest places to stay. More akin to camping than a classical hotel experience.
• Los Cruxes Sam Paz – A pool and a (rather) central location is quite a steal at this price!
• Posada Hacienda Real – Simple double and quadruple rooms at fair prices within walking distance of all the action.

Search for the best budget hotels in Tepoztlán here.

Where to eat in Tepoztlán

After a week of eating our way through Tepoztlán, here are our favourite cafés and restaurants.

Tepozramen

We didn’t have high expectations when we came to Tepozramen an early Monday evening.

Japanese food in Mexico? Let’s give it a try and eat something else than tacos and burritos for a change.

After visiting, we can honestly say it’s high on our list of Tepoz food recs.

The atmosphere in the open-air restaurant was really lovely with cute mini bonsai trees, flags, lamps and paintings on the walls. The service was very attentive.

We tried the vegan dashi ramen, an onigiri with avocado and a veggie sushi roll (where we switched out shiitakes and carrots for tofu and mango). It was all excellent and the sushi rice was delicious.

Mercadella

Located 10-15 minutes from the city centre, Mercadella is worth walking to.

This organic grocery/health shop with lots of nice products and fresh fruits and vegetables also has a lovely green outdoor café behind the store – away from the noisy street.

We had the waffles (which unfortunately were a bit cold), an excellent açai bowl with granola and fresh fruits, an americano, a latte with almond milk and a chocolate cake with caramel.

The rest of the menu looked appetising, too. And the prices were surprisingly low when you consider that it’s all organic.

Falafel Shalom

Falafel Shalom is a vegetarian place located at Avenida Revolución de 1910 along with a few other restaurants and cafés.

The falafels were nicely crisp and tasty, though smaller than usual. The pita bread could have been warmer. The hummus and other sides were delicious.

We also had to try their desserts – all were vegan so we enjoyed a dense chocolate truffle cake and a creamy tiramisu. Yummy!

The service wasn’t that welcoming. They seemed a bit annoyed, actually, but the food made up for it.

Los Colorines

This cool pink house on Del Tepozteco is one of the most popular restaurants in town.

When we decided to visit on a busy Saturday afternoon, we had to wait for a table – but luckily only for 10 minutes.

Inside the colourful house, there are several floors, small corners with tables and even two open kitchens. It’s a big place but it somehow manages to feel cosy.

There aren’t a huge amount of vegan options so we went with a delicious guacamole and lentil soup with tortilla breads – both were great!

Note: Los Colorines only accepted cash in March 2023.

Hueycalco

Further down the same road as Los Colorines, there’s a cheap Mexican place called Hueycalco.

Once again, we had a guacamole as well as some avocados, fried beans, bread and a piña colada (without alcohol).

Not the most memorable meal to be honest, but great value.

Note: Hueycalco only accepted cash in March 2023 and was open from Friday to Sunday.

Govinda Ram

Govinda Ram is a Hare Krishna-affiliated restaurant that’s all vegetarian with vegan options.

We had the “menu of the day” and although it wasn’t the best nor freshest Indian meal we have ever had, it was still great value for money.

The outdoor patio was nice and service was kind and attentive.

There are lots of Indian decorations and chanting Hare Krishna music at Govinda Ram which transported us away from Mexico for a little while.

Jengibre sushi

We tried the mango roll with tofu and a tofu maki roll with avocado—both fried and deliciously crispy. The rice, however, lacked the typical sushi flavour, (likely missing vinegar and sugar).

The agua del día, flavoured with citrus, mint and cucumber, was amazing. The restaurant also had a nice view.

Tepoznieve Ice Cream

Tepoznieve offers a wide variety of flavours, including unique options like mamey, corn, cajeta, tres leches, fig with mezcal, rompope, tequila, rose petals, horchata, hibiscus, tuna (cactus fruit), black zapote and jicama with chilli powder.

If you enjoy shaved ice, you might like their offerings. We tried the mango and passion fruit flavours – both icy but refreshing.

Restaurante Axitla

We visited Restaurante Axitla after our hike up to El Tepozteco.

Despite being on the main street, a small road leads you away from the noise into a lovely patio garden filled with flowers, hummingbirds and views of the mountains.

We only ordered guacamole and drinks, so can’t comment on the food. While the guacamole was at best mediocre, we would still return for the views and vibe.

How to get around Tepoztlán

Walking around Tepoztlán is probably the easiest way to get around as it’s not that big of a town.

Most restaurants and hotels are within a 15-minute walk of the main square and central market.

There are small buses and taxis going around town though and they are pretty cheap.

Tip: Make sure to negotiate the price with the taxi driver beforehand to avoid any disagreements at the end of the ride.

How to get to Tepoztlán from Mexico City

Getting to Tepoztlán from Mexico City takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on where you start your journey.

From Mexico City, you first have to travel to Terminal Autobuses del Sur (Taxqueña) in the southern part of the city. It’s the final stop on the Blue Metro line 2 going south.

Check Google Maps for the best route and options from your accommodation – perhaps it’s easy with the metro or a bus.

We opted for the comfortable solution: an Uber which cost us 130 pesos* (~ 6.6 USD / 6 EUR) for around 30 minutes of travel from Roma Norte directly to the bus station. This was very comfortable, especially as we were travelling with all of our luggage (and Victoria was pregnant).

At the bus terminal, we went with OCC and had a pleasant journey to Tepoztlán for 164 pesos* per person (~ 8.35 USD / 7.6 EUR) with departures several times an hour.

Arriving in Tepoztlán

In Tepoztlán you will arrive at a bus station from where you can walk into town in about 10-20 minutes depending on where you are going.

Because we were going to stay in town for a while and had all of our luggage, we paid 50 pesos* (~ 2.5 USD / 2.3 EUR) for a taxi from the bus station to our accommodation on the other side of the town. The trip took about 10 minutes.

*Prices are from March 2023.

Day trip to Tepoztlán from Mexico City

Check out the following tours if you want to visit Tepoztlán from Mexico City as an organised day trip.

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How to go from Tepoztlán to Puebla

After our week in Tepoztlán, we went to Puebla.

To go there by public transport, first, we took a big, comfortable bus to Cuautla for 34 pesos per person from the main bus station in Tepoztlán.

From the bus station in Cuautla, we had to walk to another bus station (5 minutes away) to catch the bus to Puebla that runs every hour. The price was 230 pesos per person (~ 11.7 USD / 10.7 EUR) and the trip was very comfortable.

When to visit Tepoztlán

Weekdays vs. weekends

There’s a huge difference whether you visit Tepoztlán on a weekday or at the weekend.

During the week, there’s not much going on (apart from the unavoidable traffic in the narrow streets) and you can enjoy strolling around without the crowds. It’s easy to get a table at the restaurants and the spiritual vibe that attracts so many people to the town is more apparent.

Also, fewer people are hiking to the famous El Tepozteco temple (open from Wednesday to Sunday).

At the weekend, there’s a huge market – it feels like several markets actually – with lots of stalls selling food and drinks, clothes and souvenirs.

Both Mexicans and foreign tourists can be seen walking around with big micheladas, being in good, festive spirits. The streets are packed but in a fun, street party-like way.

El Tepozteco temple is usually very crowded at the weekends.

So, time your visit with whatever suits your mood and travel needs!

Tip: If you plan to visit a special restaurant or attraction, make sure to check opening hours. Many places close down for one or two days a week.

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Weather and seasons

Despite being located at 1,700 meters above sea level, Tepoztlán enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year.

The climate is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures often ranging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Evenings are cooler.

From June to October, Tepoztlán experiences its rainy season. Expect afternoon showers or thunderstorms, so packing a light rain jacket or umbrella is advisable.

November to May is the dry season, characterised by lower humidity and minimal rainfall. This is a great time to visit if you prefer sunny, dry weather – although be aware that winters can get cold, especially after the sun has set.

The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days, so sun protection like sunscreen, hats and sunglasses is highly recommended.

Tips for visiting Tepoztlán

• Bring your pesos: Some restaurants and most market stalls only take cash.
• Be careful where you walk: The streets of Tepoztlán are mostly cobbled stones and can be pretty uneven and sometimes slippery.
• ¿Habla inglés? While many people in tourist areas speak some English in Mexico, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
• Use Google Translate: If you have data on your phone, you can use the camera function to translate menus, signs or the like live and the microphone function is useful if you’re communicating with locals that can’t speak English.
• Respect local customs: Tepoztlán is a traditional town with cultural practices; be mindful and respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Layer up: Tepoztlán can be warm during the day and cooler in the evenings, so bring layers to stay comfortable.

What to bring to Tepoztlán

• Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sunscreen (adlink). The UV index in Tepoztlán is high!
• Hiking shoes or comfortable sandals. The streets are uneven and the strenuous hike up to the temple requires good footwear.
• Water and snacks.

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Sustainable travel tips

To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
• Be considerate of other visitors.
• Respect wildlife.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting to the end!

We hope this travel guide to Tepoztlán has been useful.

Have you already visited this magical little town? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.