What to do in Tepoztlan and surrounding areas

Tepoztlan

Climb the trail to the Tepozteco pyramid. See the views of the town below.

Walk through the cobblestone streets of this richly traditional town, recognized by UNESCO as a "Pueblo Magico" (Magical Town). Visit the town's 7 neighborhood churches and go to the vivacious farmer's market on Wednesday's or the tourist market on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

Get a glimpse of Tepoztlan's yesteryear in the museum in the ex-convent and see the pre-hispanic art exhibit at the Carlos Pellicer Museum.

Enjoy great food at Axitla, hailed by Frommer's as not only the best restaurant in Tepoztlan but perhaps all of Mexico. Other notable places: Los Colorines, El Ciruelo, Posada Tepozteco, Muelle, Pan Nuestro, and Casa Pinon.

Discover why Saveur magaine lists Tepoznieves amongst the world's best ice creams----with dozens of flavors ranging from Rose Petals, to Angel's Kiss, to several varieties with tequila, and, for the purists, a wonderful vanilla.

Picture of Coatimundi, locally known as Tejon

Coatimundi often greet visitors at the Tepozteco pyramid..

Picture of freshly made potato chips in the market

Freshly made potato chips at the market.

Picture of chinelo costume during carnival

"Chinelo" costume during Carnival

Picture of Tepoztlan market

Tepoztlan's Traditional Market

Display of Flags on Independence Day

Flags on display at market on Independence Day

Santa Prisca Church in Taxco

Surrounding Areas and Day Trips

Spend the day in Cuernavaca, the City of Eternal Spring, a short 20 minute drive. Fabulous restaurants, Hernan Cortes' Palace, the Brady and Muros museums. Big city shopping can be had at Costco, Sam's Club, Mega and Walmart.

Puebla and its 70 churches and 1,000 colonial buildings in the historic district is only two hours away. Dine in one of the many restaurants that crowd the Zocalo (main square) and enjoy mole, the rich chile-based sauce that can contain dozens of spices and other ingredients.

Xochicalco, the Place of the House of Flowers, a mere one hour away, is one of Mexico's major archeological sites. Especially historically significant is the Quetzalcoatl pyramid.

A two hour drive takes you to Taxco, the best known silver mining town in Mexico. Built on a steep hillside, it's fun to maneuver the narrow cobblestone streets, that is as long as you're not the one driving. In addition to shopping for silver jewelry and items, make sure and go through this city's unique market.

Las Grutas de Cacamahuilpa, or Cacamahuilpa caverns, are a worthwhile short detour on the way to Taxco. Stalactites, stalagmites and twisted rock formations, with chambers as high as 82 meters.

Mexico City. What can be said about Mexico City? Sure, there's over twenty million people there, but the city has so much to offer: one of the most significant cathedrals in Latin America, world-class museums such as Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology, the famous downtown district, and exquisite dining. Mexico City is one hour from Hacienda Clemente Jacques and Villa San Clementito by car, depending on traffic.

Picture of Street Scene in Puebla

Puebla's Historic Center

Picture of Cacamahuilpa Grutas (Caverns)

Cacahuamilpa Caverns

Picture of pyrmaid and view at Xochicalco

Xochicalco

Picture of Restaurant in Puebla specializing in mole

A Popular Mole Restaurant in Puebla

Picture of Mexico City Historic Center (Zocalo)

Mexico City Historic Center