In essence, a Temazcal is a sweat lodge, although ancient cultures across Mesoamerica combined this with ceremonial rituals and medicinal herbs to aid purification (for example, after battles or sports events) and for healing, well-being, and childbirth.

The ancient practice of a Temazcal has become more accessible in recent times, primarily in places across Mexico’s central and southern highlands, Chiapas, and the Yucatán.  A Temazcal steam bath and ceremony can be readily experienced at some spas and boutique hotels across Mexico that offer ceremonies, as well in certain towns that specialize in sharing traditions of ancient indigenous cultures with their visitors—for example, Tepoztlán.

Traditional symbolism and ceremony

At its heart, the ceremony symbolizes death and rebirth with the Temazcal itself representing the womb of the mother.  A Temazcal ritual is more than a simple steam bath: it’s a ceremony that envelops physical, mental, and spiritual elements, led by a Temazcalero or Temazcalera who guide the proceedings according to ancient customs.

The Temazcal ceremony blends the physical benefits of a steam bath with ancient traditional rituals and medicinal herbs to aid purification and healing.  A Temazcal thus opens a space for personal reflection and contemplation, and some also use the practice as part of an effort to overcome some personal difficulty they may be passing through.

While some spas and hotels have a Temazcal dome installed at the property, most traditional Temazcal ceremonies are conducted elsewhere, and hotels that offer a Temazcal experience will work with their preferred Temazcaleros locally and arrange for their guests to be transported to and from the venue where the Temazcal ceremony takes place.

The Temazcal dome

The dome-shaped structure used to conduct the ritual will accommodate anywhere from a handful to a couple of dozen or more participants, depending on its size.  Typically, a stone or wood ledge provides seating for the participants, who sit around the inside perimeter of the dome during the ritual.  The exact specifications vary: a Temazcal situated at a fancy property may be constructed in stone, elegantly decked out, with steam piped-in instead of using hot stones; whereas the most rustic domes may be constructed on bare earth using bamboo and blankets with participants sitting on the ground. Most Temazcal domes strike a balance that blends tradition with practical comfort.

The rituals are always led by the Temazcalero, who acts as the guide for those taking part and conducts the proceedings using his or her own personal style according to the ancient traditions; this makes every ceremony as unique as the person guiding it. The guide will carry-in volcanic stones, heated on an outdoor fire, and settle them carefully into the middle of the dome.  (Colloquially the stones are called Abuelitos, a reference to this culture that honors the wisdom of the ancestors.)  The the doorway is sealed, and afterward the guide begins to pour a mixture of fresh water and herbs onto the hot stones creating the steam infusion that becomes the focal point of the ritual.

A holistic healing ceremony

As the ceremony unfolds, songs and prayers will be led by the Temazcalero, and individuals may be given an opportunity to speak about themselves if they wish to.

Herbs used in a Temazcal ritual —some of which may be medicinal— can include artemisa, eucalyptus, calendula, and echinacea.  Resin from the Copal tree may be placed onto the hot stones to release an aromatic fragrance into the dome.  Aloe may be offered to rub on the body for refreshment.

Each ceremony is unique, and every participant’s experience of the ceremony will be unique, too.  For some, a Temazcal is an enjoyable and entertaining steam bath; for others it can become an emotional experience that helps to release stress or anxiety as part of a healing exercise; a few may experience it as a very spiritual event that also encompasses purification and thanksgiving.

The benefits of participating in a Temazcal ceremony

People who participate in a Temazcal talk afterwards about the benefits they feel after the ritual, which include:

Cleansing and purification: the heat and steam cause your body to sweat profusely, helping to dispel toxins and cleanse your skin’s pores.

Help with your breathing and respiratory system: the mixture of steam and medicinal herbs can help to relieve symptoms associated with colds, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis.

Improved blood flow and muscular system: the ritual helps to improve your blood circulation aiding the flush-out of toxins, helping to address matters related to circulation issues, that in turn helps your muscular system including sprains, bruises, and muscle aches.

Helps to reduce stress and anxiety: The ritual intends to help your body and mind release stress and nervous tension.  People who have experienced a Temazcal also report being able to rest and sleep much better afterwards.

Tips for enjoying your Temazcal experience in Mexico

Taking part in a traditional Temazcal ritual is enjoyable, supports your well-being, and gives you direct insights into a unique and ancient Mesoamerican ceremonial culture.  Here are some tips to get the most from your Temazcal experience in Mexico:

Attending prepared: if you’re not used to a steam bath, then the experience can feel quite intense at first; if you’re accustomed to the heat and intensity of a steam room, the Temazcal ritual will add unfamiliar layers to an activity you’re already familiar with.  To get the most from the Temazcal ceremony, approach the event in a relaxed way and be prepared to go with the flow of the ritual.  If you have any medical conditions that may be aggravated by the steam bath and herbs, talk with your guide beforehand for advice.

Holistic healing: every Temazcal ritual is unique; the primary physical intention is to sweat, eliminate toxins from the body, and promote blood circulation; although ceremonies also encapsulate elements of mind and spirit which participants may find beneficial to their overall wellbeing.

Dressing for a Temazcal: a light bathing suit is ideal for attending a Temazcal ceremony; you want to leave as much of your skin exposed to the air as practical.  Men can wear bathing suit shorts; women may wear a bathing suit, sarongs, or light beach dresses.  Shoes are not worn inside the dome: sandals are ideal footwear when attending a Temazcal ceremony, and some people choose to go in barefoot.

Food and drink: attend the ceremony well hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water in the hours leading up to the event, but don’t eat too much and don’t drink alcohol beforehand.  A Temazcal can become an uncomfortable experience on a full stomach, and/or if you are inebriated.

Follow your guide’s instructions: the guide will lead you through the Temazcal rituals which are based on ancient Mesoamerican traditions.  The guide will also be there to assist you should you not feel well, or if you need to leave the dome.

Don’t panic: the experience inside the dome can become quite intense through a combination of the enclosed space, the proximity of others sitting next to you, the hot steam mixed with medicinal herbs, and the guide’s songs and prayers.  If you begin to feel unwell, don’t panic; try to relax, regulate your breathing with a tranquil rhythm, and go with the flow of ceremony.

If you need to leave the ritual: the guide will usually brief participants on what to do in the event you feel the need to leave at once; don’t be afraid to communicate clearly with others inside the dome and with the guide so that you can leave quickly and safely if you need to.

Don’t shy away from the cold shower: it’s traditional to take a cold shower or have cold water poured over you when you leave the sultry, vapor-filled, dome.  This shock-effect (your body will be very hot and sweating) helps to raise your energy levels and improves your body’s immune system.  The cold water treatment is optional and recommended if your general health is good enough to take the shock.

An influential visit

One of their earlier trips took them to Patricia’s friend’s house, situated in the highland town of Tepoztlán, near Cuernavaca —about an hour’s drive south of Mexico City— and this short weekend break left an impression on Steve that would change the course of his life, as he recalled, “…that first night, we were sitting together facing a log fire and looking at the mountains when a yellow dome began to rise between two cliffs.  We watched in awe as a full moon ascended, beautifully illuminating the cliffs—and it cast an immediate enchantment on both of us.”

Some months later, Steve was back in Mexico and together he and Patricia rented a house for a month in Tepoztlán, a town that Patricia had admired for decades, but for Steve, a place that had only just begun to weave its charms around him.

Tepoztlán: Close to nature, not too far from Cuernavaca

Tepoztlán’s impressive copper-tone mountains offer an agreeable backdrop for Steve, who prefers the openness of the rural countryside but also seeks easy access to local amenities. “The town is big enough for everyday needs, and close enough to Cuernavaca when we need supermarkets and healthcare services,” Steve remarks.

The cobble-stone streets, the local stalls with sellers of fresh fruit and vegetables, and the colorful artisan markets that set-up at the weekends when the tourists come to town add to the charm and character of this rural enclave.  The warmth and welcoming nature of the local people was another big draw for Steve, and it was during this second visit that he made the decision to move here.

Finding a house to buy in Mexico

The process of searching for and eventually finding a home they both liked took longer than they had anticipated.  With a checklist of practical requirements, they visited different house styles from stand-alone properties situated in neighboring rural villages to newly-built condominiums set inside gated communities near Tepoztlán’s center—but for varying reasons the properties were not suitable, or owners were unresponsive when they made an offer.

Steve recalls how, “one seller refused to answer an asking-price offer for weeks and when she finally responded, the price had been raised!” Although the process was, at times, frustrating, it was the second visit —underpinned by a longer house rental lasting several months— that gave them adequate time to buy a home.  With less haste, and with the assistance of a local realty agent they found helpful and supportive, they were able to view more properties, and take a calmer approach to the buying process.

A well-situated home that ‘feels right’

Steve reflects on how he and Patricia agreed the property ‘felt right’ from the moment they stepped-in: they love its character, its colonial architecture, and the breath-taking views and sunsets it offers across the surrounding valley.  Steve said that he never could have afforded a house of this style and quality back home, “I’d need to have saved twice as much money for retirement to live this lifestyle in the United States.” He considered the purchase price to be a good value, and the ongoing maintenance and taxes are affordable, as well.

The house they bought is situated close enough to the center of town for everyday amenities, and far enough away so as to enjoy an idyllic rural setting.  The 18 year-old property met their key criteria and, although it was in need of some repair —in particular, the roof needed resealing and retiling— these works added-up to no more than 10% of the property price and they have since spent about another 20% on upgrades and enhancements.

Settling-in to Mexican life and daily routines

By investing in the property and making the house comfortable, Steve began to put down his first roots in Mexico.  Discovering Mexico through his relationship with Patricia and taking an active role in the local community has deepened his endearment for the country and its people.

New friends, new perspectives

Steve’s enthusiasm is palpable when he talks about the new friendships he has been able to forge, “I have met so many interesting, engaging and thoughtful people here,” Steve says, “within Patricia’s social circles, with our neighbors and their friends, many who are Mexican and others from overseas, and the wonderful local people, from the builders to the market sellers we’ve gotten to know over time.  Everyone here is so warm and friendly, and I’ve been able to forge bonds with people of the kind that I wasn’t often able to back in the States.”

Learning to adapt

Steve concedes that he finds some aspects about living in Mexico difficult at times, and that some expectations he had imported from his US lifestyles are being gradually peeled away. “I would get very irritated at how long it took to drive through town, with tourists and slow delivery trucks holding-up the traffic,” he says. “The electricity power cuts were annoying, but the service has improved over time; and anyway, I’m relaxed about power cuts and traffic now.”

Learning the language

He admits that his frustrations are sometimes exacerbated by his reluctance to speak Spanish and he knows his experiences would be more enriching here if he did.  In reflection of the last couple of years he remarks —almost wistfully— that being in Mexico is teaching him so much; helping him to slow down and widen his perspectives; encouraging him to enjoy what is, and not live in continual resistance.

Perceptions of safety

The concerns vocalized by some of his family and friends when he announced he was moving to Mexico full-time, particularly fears they held around security and the drug cartels, have been allayed.  “I feel very safe in Mexico, and when friends and family come to visit, they witness the calm here firsthand, and those fears they carry melt away.”

Reflections on the decision to move to Mexico

Steve confidently asserts that his move to Mexico was one of the best decisions he’s made.  “Every day, Mexico surprises me, and I love the serendipity of life situations here.  Patri and I live in this beautiful highland town, we spend days taking care of our home and garden in this extraordinary temperate climate; we regularly welcome friends and neighbors, we hike, we travel in Mexico, and I still have plenty of time to keep my blog updated!” He concludes by adding, “I could not have wished for a happier and more fulfilling retirement than the one I have.”

Steve’s blog —StephenAlanTimm.com— offers readers articles and essays that share knowledge and understanding he acquired over the course of a lifetime working as a professional psychologist.  His intention is to help people find ways to live life more peacefully, and with a sense of abundance.

The point of no return

We asked him if he would ever return to the US to live.  He takes a long pause to contemplate, and then replies, thoughtfully, “only if a major healthcare issue obliges me to go back.  I consider Mexico my home.”  The point of no return happened on the occasion of the first birthday party he celebrated at the new house in October 2018. “There were about 20 people present; and as I looked around that late afternoon, an awareness came to me that I felt so at home, and comfortable here.  In that moment, I realized that this is where I belong.”

Resources for Living & Lifestyle in Mexico

Mexperience offers you a comprehensive online resource of information and local knowledge to help you discover Mexico, explore choices, find opportunities and plan a new life in Mexico.  Our resources include:

• Insightful articles about living and lifestyle in Mexico
• Complete guides to aspects of living in Mexico
• A library of free Mexico eBooks you can download
• A regular Mexico Newsletter you can subscribe to for free

The sweeping landscape of Mexico’s central highlands (also known as the Mexican Altiplano) is home to some of the country’s most picturesque and agreeable colonial towns and cities which offer an abundance of character and culture—and the benefits of mountain living.

The benefits of mountain living in Mexico

Living at elevation —typically, Mexico’s inland colonial towns and cities are situated at elevations of at least 4,000 feet above sea level— offers several benefits:

Ideal climates

Many places situated at elevation in Mexico offer the benefit of year-round temperate, low-humidity, climates created by a combination of the locations’ latitude and an average elevation around 6,000 feet above sea level which make it a pleasure to live and be outdoors, and an ideal location to enjoy active outdoor activities.

Enjoy plenty of daylight all-year

Year-round and especially during the winter, you benefit from at least ten hours of daylight every day of the year, with no shortage of daylight hours in the winter, and you also enjoy extended light into the evenings during the late spring and summer months.  You can learn about climates through the seasons in Mexico here on Mexperience.

Fresh highland air and breathtaking views

Enjoy crisp, fresh, mountain air which complements the magnificent views from local vantage points, and elevations that can aid your good health and general well-being without being too high so as to become uncomfortable.

Access to good local infrastructure and amenities

Many of Mexico’s popular colonial highland towns and cities offer provincial living with plenty of local fresh food and produce markets, (much of it grown locally), independent shops and boutique traders, with accessibility to popular big-brand stores, outlets, and supermarkets as well as specialized stores offering foods and homewares foreign residents often seek out when living here. Most colonial cities also have adequate-to-excellent healthcare facilities locally; in smaller towns, more extensive facilities are available in larger nearby cities.

Well-connected to transport links

You’ll discover that the highland towns are well connected by modern roads, most are serviced by frequent intercity bus services, and some also have airports nearby. High-speed internet access is available in your home, as well as wireless data over advanced mobile networks which form part of Mexico’s extensive communications infrastructure.

Integrate into genuine local communities

Many of the colonial towns and cities offer you the opportunity to participate and integrate in local communities.  Here you can discover authentic neighborhoods and real local community spirit, and if you choose to, you can integrate with local lifestyles and community groups, and forge long-term friendships.

Considerations for mountain living in Mexico

Mountain living isn’t for everyone.  Some people yearn to be near the ocean with year-round warmth, whereas highland towns tend to be cooler—and may even get cold at times during the winter months.  A very small number of people find that they can’t adjust to living at higher elevations, while others find the mountain towns too remote, rural, or provincial for their lifestyle preferences or intentions.

If you’re unsure, visit for an extended stay

An ideal way to determine if mountain life in Mexico will suit you is to invest in a trial period —perhaps six months to a year— and see how you respond to the experience.  When you take the time to explore, you’ll discover thriving communities where, when you’re prepared to integrate, local people will come to know and greet you by name, you’ll cultivate appreciable relationships, you’ll give and receive value as you trade at the local markets through transactions which feel human and personal… and over time, you become the community you seek.

When you look with care you’ll also find the very best of Mexico in these places—people, culture, climate, food, amenities, and real local communities. For some, Mexico’s highland towns and cities become exceptionally special places to live.

Choosing between urban and (semi) rural settings

Other than Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, Mexico’s highland towns and cities are situated in provincial (rural or semi-rural) settings and we recommend your consider whether living in the Mexican countryside would suit you, as well as giving careful thought to your lifestyle needs as a whole as you short-list potential places to live instead of looking at certain aspects in isolation.

As with other places you may consider moving to in Mexico, you’ll need to plan and prepare for your new lifestyle, you might need to acclimatize to the higher elevation, and you’ll need to be prepared to forge your own story here. Hundreds of thousands of foreign residents enjoy a good life in Mexico; with some considered choices and forward planning, you could as well.

Explore highland towns and cities in Mexico

Here are some of the more popular colonial towns and cities foreign residents have settled in, as well as some which are less well-known and gaining attention in recent times.

Mexico’s colonial heartland

Querétaro, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende for traditional colonial highland cities; Aguascalientes for a more contemporary living lifestyle; and Zacatecas if you’re seeking a mountain city off-the-beaten-track and on the edge of a mountain frontier.

South-central highlands

Cuernavaca, Tepoztlán, and Puebla.  These traditional provincial highland places are situated conveniently close to Mexico City and yet are far enough removed from the congestion of the capital to enjoy a genuine provincial atmosphere and feel.  For a more rustic option off-the-beaten track in this area, consider Taxco.

In the mountains west of Mexico City

The highland lakeside towns of Chapala, and Ajijic are home to the largest community of foreign residents in Mexico; the city of Morelia offers old-world colonial elegance, and the ancient highland town of Pátzcuaro offers an attractive blend of colonial indigenous cultures amidst an intimate colonial setting. If you’re seeking an urban lifestyle at elevation, Guadalajara offers vibrancy, culture, and all the benefits of a large metropolitan city, and is close to Ajijic, Chapala, and Jocotepec—small towns settled along the northern shoreline of Lake Chapala and home to tens of thousands of foreign residents, most from the US and Canada.

Further south, to Oaxaca and Chiapas

Oaxaca City remains one of the most authentic and cultured colonial cities in Mexico; and further south, in the breath-taking state of Chiapas, you’ll find the highland mountain town of San Cristobal de las Casas—somewhat off-the-beaten-track and close to the traditional indigenous mountain communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacatán.

Discover more places to live in Mexico

Discover interesting and charming locations to live, work or retire in Mexico, and articles with helpful insights about choosing a place to settle here.

Resources for Living & Lifestyle in Mexico

Mexperience offers you a comprehensive online resource of information and local knowledge to help you discover Mexico, explore choices, find opportunities and plan a new life in Mexico.  Our resources include:

• Detailed knowledge about planning a move in Mexico
• Insightful articles about living and lifestyle in Mexico
• Detailed insights about retirement in Mexico
• Practical insights for planning your Mexico lifestyle
• A regular Mexico Newsletter you can subscribe to for free

Place is personal, subjective, and important—and as you consider places to live in Mexico, Mexperience helps you to consider your choices and shortlist locations that may suit your lifestyle needs.

Discover places to live, work or retire in Mexico

To help you discover and explore potential places to live here, Mexperience publishes a curated list of locations to consider for living, working or retirement in Mexico—organized by popularity and notoriety and classified by the location type.

Our articles introduce you to key places where many foreign residents live now, emerging locations that are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents, as well as those places that are less well known, or situated off-the-beaten path. We also publish a selection of detailed guides of places to live in Mexico:

The most popular places to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have for a long time, or in recent times, garnered considerable popularity with foreign residents (retirees and others) and have active communities of interest established at the location.

Emerging locations to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have, in recent years, been catching the attention of foreign residents and have fledgling or developing communities of interest present there.

Underexplored locations to live in Mexico

Discover places that do not have significant numbers of foreign residents already established and are generally ‘off-the-beaten-path’ for most foreigners considering Mexico for living and retirement. These places can offer attractions that may be of interest to some potential foreign residents and retirees seeking someplace more traditional, unusual, and with a lower concentration of foreign residents living there.

Detailed living guides

For detailed guides to selected places to live and work or retire, connect to our section with Guides to Living Places in Mexico

Situated in a highland mountain valley and cradled by dramatic, copper-toned, mountain cliffs, Tepoztlán is one of Mexico’s most alluring and unique colonial towns.  With a breath-taking mountainous landscape, charming town center, rich echoes of ancient civilizations, and an interesting convergence of inhabitants, the town makes for one of the most remarkable mix of colonial and indigenous experiences in Mexico.

Tepoztlán is just 75 km (46 miles) south of Mexico City and 17 km (11 miles) northeast of the popular colonial town of Cuernavaca, making it an easy day-trip from the capital, although a couple night’s stay is strongly recommended to appreciate it fully.

At an altitude of 5,380 feet (1,640 meters) above sea-level, the town lies two thousand feet lower than the nearby capital, and its location in the region gives the town a divine climate, with warm spring-like temperatures most days of the year, mild winters, and long daylight hours through the seasons.

This region of Mexico is rich in natural energy sources—with nearby volcanoes, fertile vegetation, rivers and lakes, waterfalls, and springs of mineral water. It’s no wonder then that Tepoztlán is one of the top places in Mexico visited by people seeking alternative therapies, Aztec steam baths, healing, and health rejuvenation. It’s also well-known as the place in Mexico where most UFOs are sighted.

The central attractions of the town include the beautifully preserved colonial ex-convent, the traditional mercado which opens daily just off the main square, the lively artisans market which sets-up every weekend, and the mountain-top pyramid El Tepozteco—said to be a focal-point of mystical energy and a place of spiritual importance.

Tepoztlán has been designated as a ‘Pueblo Mágico‘ — a nationwide tourism program that seeks to highlight small towns with exceptional character. Tepoztlán offers visitors an excellent selection of hotels, B&Bs, and Spas to enjoy — including some of the country’s finest places to stay — as well as an ample selection of restaurants, eateries, cafés, and bars.

The town is a popular get-away destination for Chilangos seeking weekend entertainment and recreation. As a result of the this, the town is much busier at weekends, and is particularly lively over holiday weekends and during certain annual festivals.

This vibrant mountain town is one of the most unique places in Mexico’s colonial highlands: whether you come for the day, or stay for longer, you’ll encounter the natural beauty, the peace, tranquility, and sanguine atmosphere as you meander its bucolic streets and alleyways and relax in the beautiful gardens of one of its fine hotels.  Most people who visit remark on its tranquil serenity, and some speak glowingly about its mystic allure and how it compels them to keep returning.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The Ex-Convento Dominico de La Natividad is the town center’s focal point; a beautifully preserved ex-convent and present-day Catholic church. Originally built as a convent and church by the Dominican order between 1560 and 1588 (you can still see the Dominican seals on the church’s façade), this grand building has been undergoing restoration, and is still used for church services and town celebrations. The principal points of interest in the complex include recently restored 16^th and 17^th century frescoes, a regional museum on the second floor, and an a charming gift and bookstore on the ground floor, near the exit. The monastery grounds include gardens to the front and this public area acts as the proxy for a town park; during the longer summer days families, friends, and couples can be seen passing time there. Particularly noteworthy is the main arched entryway to the monastery grounds: a mural composed of 60 varieties of seeds to form a pre-Hispanic scene which changes every September as part of the Festival of the Temple (see events, below).  The ex-convent is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., admission is free.

Museo Carlos Pellicer houses a modest collection of pre-Hispanic art and archaeological remains from various Mesoamerican cultures including the Maya, Olmec, Zapotec and Totonac.

The Traditional Town Market – Tepoztlán features a traditional market which opens every day of the week, situated adjacent to the town’s zocalo (main square) and municipal building. Besides the sale of fresh produce, meats, and dry-goods, you’ll also find a cornucopia of vendors offering all manner of general goods and supplies as the market is a principal shopping outlet for the towns’ residents.  Also inside the market, you’ll find a wide selection of comedores (food stalls) offering tasty and authentic, freshly prepared regional and national meals.

Weekend Artisan and Foods Market – Every weekend, Tepoztlán features an artisans’ market with stalls set-up along the town’s principal through-road, Avenida Revolución: the road is closed late on Friday and doesn’t re-open to traffic until Sunday night. This creates a pedestrianized zone for visitors and shoppers and provides an ideal opportunity to purchase genuine works of Mexican art and crafts, taste some local foods and, for the more adventurous, try a local specialty: Pulque—an ancient alcoholic beverage that is fermented from the sap of the Maguey (Agave) plant; while it’s related to Tequila, it has a milky color, thicker viscosity, and a sour —some might say acquired— taste.

Around and Away from the Colonial Center

Piramide del Tepozteco is Tepoztlan’s landmark archaeological site. Built atop a mountain cliff that overlooks the town and the entire valley beyond, the temple was built circa 1130 AD in honor of Tepoztecatl, the Aztec god of harvest, fertility, and Pulque. The trail that leads to the top of the mountain ridge and the temple zone begins at the far end of an alley leading-off Avenida del Tepozteco.  The way is characterized by a steady ascent over stone steps and rocky-pathways with resting areas every few hundred meters.  Near the top is an iron staircase that leads straight up to the entrance of the archaeological zone, and where climbers are rewarded with stunning views of the town and valley in addition to the temple itself. There is a small store adjacent to the entrance offering bottled water and a range of sodas and snacks.

Hiking Trails exist across the mountain ranges that surround the town and the valley, but most are wild, unmarked, and not regularly maintained.  Ask locally for advice, or hire a local guide who knows the trails and can lead you on some of the more well-trodden paths to popular vantage points and natural attractions. During and shortly after the rainy season (June to October), paths can lead to little-known waterfalls and lagoons, providing a refreshing respite after a long hike.  If you hike independently in the mountains around here, start early, take plenty of water, and plan to get back before nightfall: when the sun sets, the trails can become totally obscured to the naked eye; some lead to cliff-edge walls with sheer drops.

Health, Well-being, and Alternative Therapies

The valley where Tepoztlán is situated has a long-held reputation for being a mystical location with natural energy and healing properties, and a small, thriving, cottage industry of health, well-being and alternative therapy services has become established here.

You will find an abundance of relaxing and healing therapies to choose from ranging from massage, corporal energy work such as Reiki, and other New Age services such astrological and tarot card readings.  The valley’s divine micro-climate, fresh mountain air, and spectacular scenery contribute to a general sense of well-being and serves as an ideal ambiance for receiving therapy. The town offers a number of higher-end comfortable hotels and spas offering these services, as well as traditional rustic spa and alternative therapy centers.

Walk-in massage treatments—In town you can readily find offers for massage treatments (and related Temazcal sessions – see below). The quality of these walk-in centers varies widely, and we recommend you ask locally (perhaps at your hotel, cafe, or a friend) for a recommendation to avoid disappointment.

Massage at spas—A range of massage treatments offered through local hotel spas where you should be able to find your preferred massage style such Swedish, hot stone, Thai, shiatsu, or reflexology; some establishments also offer facials, pedicures, manicures, and other aesthetic services. Some hotels also have Aztec steam baths on-site known as a Temazcal.

Temazcal—An Aztec steam bath, known as a Temazcal, is an ancient indigenous healing therapy that is offered in multiple places in and around Tepoztlán. Participating in a Temazcal session usually involves a group ritual where the participants enter into a low-lying dome structure (similar to an igloo) in which a fragrant steam bath is produced by pouring a mixture of mineral water, herbs, and natural oils over very hot stones. A traditional Temazcal is usually performed in small groups as a spiritual cleansing ceremony in addition to being a physical cleansing. Private sessions where only you, your partner, or your close friends or family are present can also be arranged.

Yoga—This traditional Indian-style meditative exercise has become popular world-wide and has been extensively practiced for decades in Tepoztlán. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in Yoga sessions at local independent body-art centers like ‘El Amate,’ as well as at hotels and spas situated in and around the town.

Wellness and therapy boutiques—Tepoztlán is well known for its wellness and therapy boutique stores, sprinkled across town and offering a range of lifestyle products and services.  Some, like Corazón Sonoro, offer a fusion of bistro, products shop, as well as hosting talks, musicians, and practical workshops about wellness and alternative lifestyles.  Some of the boutiques open all week, but most are only open between during the weekends when visitors fill the town.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The two nearest airports to Tepoztlán are Mexico City and Cuernavaca. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – First-class buses run regularly from Mexico City’s southern bus terminal (Taxqueña) directly to Tepoztlán between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily; the trip takes around an hour-and-a-quarter (depending on traffic). Buy tickets at the Pullman de Morelos kiosk at the bus terminal. Buses are signed to Yautepec or Cuautla and make their first stop at Tepoztlán.  If you don’t want to travel across Mexico City from the airport to the southern bus terminal, you can board a bus from Mexico City’s main airport directly to Tepoztlán—but note that this service is very limited, so a Uber or Cab ride to the southern bus terminal might be a better option. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Tepoztlán is fast and efficient with the roads and toll roads that connect the region. Leave Mexico City on highway 95D (tolled) towards Cuernavaca and Acapulco, turn-off before Cuernavaca on road 115D signed to Oaxtepec, Cuautla and Tepoztlán.  See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads here on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico.

Taxis – Taxis in Tepoztlán are not metered, so agree your price beforehand. There are taxi ranks situated at the main bus stop, in the center of town, as well in all of the local neighborhoods.  Your hotel or B&B can call one of the local cab firms to arrange transportation for you.  There is currently no Uber service operating in Tepoztlán, but Uber services operating in nearby Cuernavaca will travel to drop-off passengers in Tepoztlán. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Tepoztlán Essentials

Telephone: Tepoztlan’s telephone area code is 739. Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and a table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found in the downtown area of Tepoztlán. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in colonial towns and cities across Mexico and complementary WiFi is commonplace—from cafes, shops, and hotels. Tepoztlán also offers 3G and 4G mobile data services over various cellular networks.

Restaurants

Tepoztlán offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Undertake a Google Search for details, profiles, and the latest reviews from recent customers:

Search for Restaurants in Tepoztlán (Google)

What to Buy in Tepoztlán

Tepoztlán features an extensive street market at weekends offering a range of authentic Mexican arts and crafts.  The town is also host to a range of quaint boutique gift shops, situated in and around the center which sell higher-end arts, crafts and unusual gifts—most are only open between Friday and Sunday.

Pulque—an ancient alcoholic beverage that is fermented from the sap of the Maguey (Agave) plant—is popular here and you’ll see a number of street stalls offering the drink for sale at weekends.  See also: The difference between Tequila, Mezcal and Pulque

Local Climate

Tepoztlán enjoys a divine micro-climate that offers visitors and residents year-round mild and pleasant temperatures, and at least 10 hours of daylight every day of the year.  The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor activities and enjoying outdoors living.  The rain season runs from June to October each year, with afternoon monsoon storms that drench the countryside, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off after the hotter summer days. Winter evenings and early mornings can be cool, so pack some warm pullovers if you’re visiting during the winter months.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico