Coatetelco, Archaeological site in Morelos, Mexico

Coatetelco is an ancient settlement site in Morelos located near Lake Coatetelco, featuring multiple platforms with residential areas and ceremonial structures. The layout includes a ballgame court and smaller temple buildings arranged across the grounds.

The settlement flourished most during the period between 500 and 150 BCE in the Late Preclassical era. This phase saw the construction of most structures and the establishment of new platforms at the site.

The excavated site contains elite burial grounds with numerous artifacts including ceramic vessels, jade ornaments, obsidian tools, and copper-bronze objects.

The best time to visit is from November through April when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal. The grounds can become slippery during rain, so sturdy shoes and drinking water are advisable.

Under the main stairway of the ballgame court platform, excavators found elite burials with hundreds of offerings: ceramic vessels, obsidian, jade and copper-bronze objects. Beside the court, a set of basalt grinding stones for corn on a metate was arranged deliberately and is still visible today.