13 Things to do in Tepoztlán – A Mexican Pueblo Magico with a Twist
Tepoztlán is a charming little town in Mexico located just 2 hours south of Mexico City. It’s popular with weekend trippers from Mexico City for partying but also with people seeking nature.
So no matter what type of traveler you are there are plenty of things to do in Tepoztlán!
What is Tepoztlán known for?
Tepoztlán is known for its spectacular rocky mountains and many people believe that the town gives off good energy. Because of this, there are many alternative therapies in Tepoztlán such as Temazcals, acupuncture, or messages to help people relax.
But Tepoztlán is also known by many Mexicans who come from Mexico City to drink and party on the weekends. Then one of Tepoztlán’s main roads turns quickly into a party street and the town’s rooftop bars fill up.
So if you are looking for a nature getaway (and save money on accommodation) come during the week, if you want to socialize book a weekend.
1. Hike to Tepozteco Pyramid for an Amazing View
Tepoztlán is surrounded by beautiful rocky mountains so one of the best things to do in Tepoztlán is hiking. The hike up to the Archaeological Zone Tepozteco is steep but will reward you with an amazing view over Tepoztlán.
The Tepozteco pyramid is not all that impressive compared to other pyramids around Mexico. But it’s a great finish after the hike and you can take in the stunning view while sitting on the pyramid.
The hike itself is also nice, very steep and green, with lots of leafy trees beside the trail and rocky cliffs on either side. So you will have shade all the way up. To get to the starting point of the hike you can follow the road Del Tepozteco from town.
Why is there a Pyramid in Tepoztlán? Funny reason!
The El Tepozteco Pyramid in Tepoztlán is a small pyramid at the top of the mountain dedicated to Tepoztecatl – the Aztec god of pulque. Pulque is a traditional fermented Mexican alcoholic drink that has been around for thousands of years.
A good place to try pulque is Pulques Tepoztlán. They have many flavors and very good pulque.
When is the Tepoztlán Pyramid open?
The Tepozteco pyramid is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. But make sure you arrive at the entrance on the top to the pyramid before 3 pm! After 3 pm you can’t access the archaeological zone anymore and would therefore miss out on the amazing view over Tepoztlán.
How much is the Entrance Fee to the Tepoztlán Pyramid?
The entrance fee to the pyramid is 55 pesos (3 USD) which you can pay on top of the mountain and next to the pyramid. Payment is by cash only so make sure you have some on you.
2. Eat Specialities at Tepoztlán Market (Best Thing to do in Tepoztlán for Foodies)
For a small town, Tepoztlán has a really big market that is full of great Mexican stalls to eat at. We tried Itacate – a triangle-shaped gordita made of blue corn filled with veggies, cheese, or meat.
Tepoztlán market is also a great place to try pre-hispanic food. We went to El Tlecuil as they are known for their really good veggie patties, beans, and rice with mole sauce. The food was excellent and by default vegan, if you don’t order their exotic meats such as armadillo and wild pig.
Other than that you can fill up your bags with fresh veggies, fruits, legumes, and nuts. A lot of vendors are selling their fresh or dried produce. So checking out the market is for sure one of the top things to do in Tepoztlán.
3. Experience Temazcal in Tepoztlán
A Temazcal is a kind of sweat lodge that has been used in Mexico for thousands of years for therapeutic and spiritual purposes. We went to a couple of Temazcals in Mexico and it can be a very intense experience.
Temazcal is a structure often with a low roof that kind of looks like an igloo. It is usually made of clay, stone, or concrete. Hot volcanic rocks are bought inside the Temazcal and water is then poured over the rocks to create steam which causes it to get very hot inside.
People attending the Temazcal sit in a circle around the hot rocks while a shaman leads the ceremony, Ceremonies can take around 2 hours and the shaman may get the group to chant or sing. The experience can vary a lot depending on who is in charge.
When the door to the Temazcal is closed it can get almost pitch black which can make you a bit claustrophobic. It is for sure an interesting experience and very different from a Finnish sauna!
While walking through the main streets you will see plenty of places offering Temazcal in Tepoztlán.
4. Try Tepoznieves (Top Thing to do in Tepoztlán for Ice Cream Fans)
Tepoznieves is a super well-known artisanal ice cream store in Tepoztlán that is visited by tourists and locals. Considering how small Tepoztlán is, it actually has a surprisingly high number of brightly decorated Tepoznieves stores in town.
Tepoznieves has a wide assortment of 50+ interesting flavors to choose from such as corn, cactus, avocado, tequila, mezcal, and mole (Sounds weird? It is!). But they also have all the traditional flavors so they got you covered either way.
5. Wander the Pretty Streets
The cobblestone streets of Tepoztlán are a treat to go wandering around. They are full of colorful flowers flowing over stone fences. Combined with the rocky mountains surrounding the town it makes for a great place to just go for a walk.
We found that a lot of the most pretty streets were out of the center so it pays to go wandering in all directions.
6. Check out cool Street Art
While you are checking out the pretty streets you will definitely see some street art too. A lot of Mexican towns and cities have good street art but Tepoztlán is exceptionally good. Every corner you go around you will find a new one!
Since Tepoztlán has a very alternative and spiritual side you will see that reflected in its street art too.
7. Beam me up, Scotty! (An Unusual Thing to do in Tepoztlán)
Another fun fact: Tepoztlán has the most ufo sightings of any place in Mexico. That’s why you will see alien murals in the street art too. There is even an Alien-themed cafe called Señales Tepoztlán.
Head to the San Miguel neighborhood close to that cafe to spot the street art with the most alien murals in it.
8. Shop for Local Crafts
As Tepoztlán attracts a lot of creative people there are a lot of stores in town to buy interesting arts and crafts such as sculptures, crystals, dream catchers, and woodwork. This way you can get souvenirs that are produced locally and not shipped in from a factory overseas.
We have not been but we heard that on the weekend Tepoztlán has a popular street market full of crafts. Some people seem to really like it, others told us it is too crowded.
9. Take a Photo with the Tepoztlán Letters
The Zocolo of any Mexican town is usually the center of life and Tepoztlán is no different. The Zocolo is located right next to the main market and there is always a lot going on with locals coming and going or relaxing on a bench.
It is not the prettiest Zocolo in Mexico but you can go take a photo with the Tepoztlán letters and add it to your collection.
10. Stuff yourself with Tasty Mexican Food at La Cocina de Ade
La Cocina de Ade serves traditional Mexican food with great vegetarian and vegan options. The portions are huge and the prices are super affordable with a main dish for 95 pesos (5 USD).
The staff was super friendly and the tortillas are made fresh at the entrance as you eat. All these things combined make La Cocina de Ade one of the best restaurants in Tepoztlán in my opinion.
11. Try Pan de Elote (Another Unusual Thing to do in Tepoztlán)
Pan de Elote (Corn Bread) is a traditional baked good made in Tepoztlán. It is spongy, rich, and sweet, similar to cheesecake but in the shape of a muffin. It is made with corn, egg, butter, and condensed milk, so unfortunately it is neither vegan-friendly or healthy.
But it does taste good! Plus, there are multiple places around town where you can buy it. I suggest going to a smaller bakery such as Panques Gaby because they do not sell their goods wrapped in plastic but serve them right from the oven tray.
12. Eat at Falafel Shalom and Wander
We had an awesome falafel wrap at Falafel Shalom which we stumbled upon when we were wandering the streets. Falafel Shalom has a “build your own” concept with an amazing amount of fillings and sauces to choose from.
Falafel Shalom is located outside of Tepoztlán’s center next to the cemetery. There is a beautiful view from the restaurant and also a nice-looking cafe and an Indian restaurant next door. It is a very nice peaceful area so even if you do not feel like falafel I recommend checking it out!
13. Have Pizza at Tlacoyos Dona Mine (A Hidden Gem in Tepoztlán with a View)
Tlacoyos Dona Mine serves Tlacoyos in the morning, a traditional Mexican food we tried in Oaxaca. But at night it turns into a pizza restaurant. And man, those pizzas are good, even the vegan ones!
The restaurant feels like you are just eating in someone’s house. When we arrived we weren’t sure we were in the right spot as it felt like we were walking through someone’s private backyard.
But just follow the signs and once you arrive at the restaurant there is a beautiful view and it is beautifully decorated. This is for sure one of the non-touristy restaurants in Tepoztlán. Enjoy!
Where is Tepoztlán?
Tepoztlán is located just 2 hours south of Mexico City. It is at a slightly lower altitude meaning that temperatures are usually slightly warmer than in Mexico City. We noticed the difference when we were visiting Tepoztlán in January.
How to get from Mexico City to Tepoztlán
The best way to get from Mexico City to Tepoztlán is by car or by bus. You can also check Blablacar for shared car rides.
To take the bus make your way to the Taxquena bus station in Mexico City and buy a ticket from the TER counter. Tickets are 164 pesos (8 USD) one-way and buses leave regularly throughout the day. The journey takes around 2 hours depending on traffic.
To get from Tepoztlán to Mexico City you have the same options. The bus leaves from Terminal Tepoztlán where you can buy your ticket. The best is to take a taxi or Uber (50 pesos / 2.5 USD) to the bus station as it is up on a steep hill.
Tip: Don’t get Tepoztlán and Tepotzotlan mixed up which is another Mexican town just north of Mexico City.
Rental Car
Renting a car is also a good option as long as you are comfortable driving in Mexico. it will give you the option to stop at some other locations along the way. If you are looking for a rental then rentalcars.com is a good site to use.
Where to Stay in Tepoztlán
If you are traveling on a budget I recommend looking for an Airbnb in Tepoztlán rather than for hotels. The one we stayed at was beautiful, very affordable (20 USD per night), and had an amazing view.
Tip: On the weekend the prices for accommodation are way higher in Tepoztlán than usual because of all the visitors from Mexico City. So if you want to save money and have more accommodation options try and visit during the week.
Tepoztlan Hotels
If you are looking for an affordable hotel in Tepoztlan then check out Casa Jacobina Tepoztlán. They have a beautiful property with a pool and garden in a traditional-style Mexican house. The rooms start at around 70 USD during the week and cost around 100 USD on the weekends.
Another cheap guesthouse that looks comfortable is Hospedaje Anayauhcalli. They have basic but nice rooms in a central location for around 60 USD during the week and around 80 USD on the weekends.
How many Days do you need in Tepoztlán?
Tepoztlán is a small town and you can easily see it in one day. However, if you truly want to experience it, wander off the main roads and hike up to the pyramid I recommend a minimum of 2 nights.
We met people who came for the weekend or stayed for weeks as there is a strong artistic community in Tepoztlán. We stayed for 3 nights during the week and that felt like the right amount of time for us.
Is it Worth going to Tepoztlán?
Yes, absolutely. There are many Pueblo Magicos in Mexico but none of them is like Tepoztlán. Tepoztlán is a great place to enjoy nature close to Mexico City and it attracts different people for different reasons as it has lots of different things to offer.
Just make sure you plan your trip well – visiting on the weekend versus during the week can make a big difference!
Now you know All the Best Things to do in Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán is an awesome little town close to Mexico City that is great to spend a few days chilling out in. The alternative vibe and rocky mountains make it a unique place and different from any other Pueblo Magicos we have been to in Mexico.
Which are your favorite things to do in Tepoztlán? If you found this list helpful or would like to add more to it, please let me know in the comments below!
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Hi, I am Katharina, super passionate about travel, sustainability and minimalism from Austria. I love sunshine, beaches, coffee and light travel gear. For the last 4+ years I'm traveling the world as a digital nomad and hope my tips inspire you to chase your dreams and get out of your comfort zone.
