Things To Do
in Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán is a windswept hill town in Morelos, famed for its dramatic volcanic rock and the Tepozteco Pyramid perched above the valley. The town’s cobblestone streets are lined with colorfully painted houses, craft shops, and a lively market scene. It blends indigenous heritage with a bohemian, food-loving atmosphere that attracts hikers, artists, and seekers.
Visitors come for scenic hikes, vibrant mercados, and a sense of timeless Mexican charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tepoztlán and check-in at your chosen accommodation. Spend the morning leisurely wandering through the colorful streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and local art. Stop by a café for a traditional Mexican breakfast, enjoying the local flavors.
Visit the Tepoztlán Market, where you can shop for handmade crafts, fresh produce, and textile goods. Engage with local vendors and taste authentic Mexican snacks like quesadillas and sweets. After exploring the market, take a stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets to admire the town's colonial architecture.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant for dinner, savoring local specialties such as barbacoa. After your meal, enjoy a peaceful walk through the town, perhaps stopping at a local bar for live music or a refreshing drink. Reflect on your first day in the charming town of Tepoztlán.
Start the day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Tepozteco Mountain for a hike. This challenging trek is filled with natural beauty, so take your time to appreciate the biodiversity along the way. Upon reaching the top, be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the valley.
After the hike, descend and visit the nearby Tepoztlán Archaeological Museum to learn about the area's rich history and cultural significance. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, resting and replenishing your energy. Spend some time unwinding at your accommodation or exploring hidden gems in town.
For dinner, attend a culinary workshop to learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes. Once done, enjoy whatever you've created alongside a Mexican wine or mezcal. Wind down the evening by soaking in the vibrant energy of Tepoztlán's nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🚎Local transportation (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🎟️Entrance to attractions | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic beauty and close-to-nature experiences
- Rich blend of indigenous and colonial heritage
- Relaxed, friendly town with good food and markets
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Crowds can surge on weekends and around market times
- Parking can be challenging in peak season
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Aceptan tarjetas?" - Do you accept cards?
Places to Visit in Tepoztlán
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic vantage point above the town with sweeping valley and cliffline views—especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful plaza with arches, market stalls, and colonial façades; lively street photography opportunities.
Bustling market scenes, rich textures, and local daily life—great for candid shots and food photography.
Food in Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick oval corn dough pockets stuffed with refried beans and cheese, often topped with salsa and cilantro.
Must-Try!
Meat (typically lamb or chicken) slow-cooked in maguey leaves with spices; tender, aromatic, and perfect with tortillas.
Grilled cactus paddles served with onions, cilantro and lime.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh produce, salsas, regional snacks, and everyday staples.
Tamales, tlacoyos and elotes prepared by local vendors; best sampled in the late afternoon when crowds gather.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'buenos días' or 'hola'; use 'usted' for elders or strangers; a handshake or brief hug is common among friends.
Show respect at temples and archeological sites; avoid touching artifacts and refrain from climbing restricted areas.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or traditional sites; shoulders and knees covered.
Safety
Tipping in Tepoztlán
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tip 10-15% if service is not included; in casual eateries, 5-10% is common. For guides and drivers, small tips (about 20-50 MXN) are appreciated. Tipping street vendors is not required but appreciated for standout service.
Cash (MXN) is widely accepted; many places also accept cards, especially larger establishments. ATMs are available in town; inform your bank about international travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cooler evenings; good for hiking before the heat of the day and enjoying blossoms in town.
Rainy season with afternoon showers; lush greenery and misty mornings; carry a light rain jacket.
Milder temperatures and fewer crowds; clear days ideal for long town walks and market visits.
Mild days with cooler nights; comfortable for outdoor activity with light layers.
Tepoztlán at Night
Hiking in Tepoztlán
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Steep ascent to the pyramid with dramatic views over the town and valley.
Gentle ridge and hillside walks offering sweeping panoramas of the town and surrounding landscape.
Airports
How to reach Tepoztlán by plane.
Major international hub; about 1.5–2.5 hours by road to Tepoz depending on traffic; lots of flight options and connections.
Smaller regional airport near Cuernavaca; shorter drive but fewer international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Mestizo with strong indigenous influences; artisans, farmers, and shopkeepers form the core community.
A steady flow of Mexican and international visitors, along with some expat and second-home residents contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across the region; local games and informal street matches are common in plazas and parks.
Given the terrain, many locals and visitors enjoy running on the surrounding trails and hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tepoztlán.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Tepoz restaurants offer vibrant vegetarian options; look for nopales, mushroom quesadillas, fresh salsas, and plant-based entrees; ask if dishes can be prepared without meat or dairy.