Tepoztlán: Exploring Mexico’s Mystical Town

Nestled between majestic mountain cliffs lies one of Mexico’s most charming pueblos mágicos (magic towns) . Just an hour and a half from Mexico City, it makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway from one of America’s largest cities. After hearing about the natural beauty, history, mysticism, and culinary experiences that Tepoztlán has to offer, my dads knew they needed to visit during our time in Mexico City. Unfortunately, since they were going to explore an archaeological site and national park where I wasn’t allowed, they decided to leave me with a friend as they embarked on their weekend adventure. I sometimes allow them to have alone time without me.

How to Get There

From Mexico City, there are multiple ways to get to the magical town of Tepoztlán.

• By Car: If you have a car, the trip is about 1.5 hours, offering scenic views along the way.
• By Bus: The bus, a very convenient option my dads chose, allows you to relax and enjoy the mountain views or movies playing on the bus. Catch the bus at the south bus terminal in Taxqueña (Terminal Sur Taxqueña), specifically with Pullman de Morelos. No need to buy tickets in advance; buses leave for Tepoztlán every 15-30 minutes. The current price is $182 pesos per person, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Once in Tepoztlán, you can easily walk to most places or take a taxi if needed.

What to Do When You Get There

Upon arrival at the bus terminal in Tepoztlán (a small one on the side of the road), make your way down into town by walking on the left side of the street. Continue down the main street as it transforms into the most charming town, featuring black lava rock streets, beautiful churches, and colorful colonial buildings.

Food

As you stroll the street, you will pass by numerous restaurants where the aroma of delicious food wafts through the air. The Zocalo (town square) is surrounded by markets offering locally grown produce and delicious food, including itacates and pre-Hispanic cuisine made with various vegetables, florals, and even grasshoppers.

One of my dads’ favorite restaurants, Pozoleria Gemma, served up delightful dishes such as Pechuga Asada, a grilled chicken breast with rice, beans, and a small salad, and Sopes Sencillas, a thick corn masa with beans, lettuce, queso, and crema. Don’t miss out on their recommendation for some of the best tortillas they’ve ever had!

Behind the town’s pantellón (cemetery), discover a beautiful farm and restaurant, Parcela, offering a true farm-to-table dining experience.

And for the best breakfast in town (at lease this is where my dads ate, and they loved it!), head to Los Colorines and enjoy the beautiful ambiance and delicious chilaquiles verdes.

Tepotztlán boasts some of the best food in Mexico, characterized by its freshness and local sourcing. It’s a culinary experience you do not want to miss.

After a satisfying meal, you might want to treat yourself to a spa day!

Spa Day

Tepotztlán is known for its mystical and alternative medicines, offering healing treatments like acupuncture, massage, and temazcal .

Temazcal is a sweat lodge ceremony practiced for thousands of years, originating with pre-Hispanic indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The ceremony, lasting up to a few hours, is usually led by a spiritual leader known as a shaman or temazcalero, and is thought to have many healing benefits, both physically and spiritually.

El Tepozteco

At the end of the main road towards the mountains begins another epic adventure: a mile-long hike up the mountainside to the archaeological site El Tepozteco. Dedicated to the Aztec god Tepoztecatl, the temple is small, and the hike is challenging, pero sí, vale la pena (it is well worth it)!

Get Lost in the Streets

One thing my dads highly recommend while visiting Tepoztlán is to get lost walking the beautiful streets. You’ll encounter stunning murals, lush vegetation between buildings, and delicious fruits like mango and banana growing in people’s yards. Pass by multiple fields with an unbelievable mountain backdrop where locals play fútbol.

This pueblo mágico is one of my dads’ favorite towns they’ve visited so far, and they are excited to go back to discover the many other gems this town has to offer!