El Tepozteco, Archaeological site in Tepoztlán, Mexico.
El Tepozteco is a temple complex on a mountaintop in the municipality of Tepoztlán, Morelos state. The site includes ceremonial platforms and several stone buildings spread across multiple levels, offering views over the valley below.
The Xochimilca people built the temple complex around 1200 and used the mountain slope as an administrative center for their region. Later, people from across the surrounding area visited the site for religious ceremonies and pilgrimages.
The name comes from Tepoztecatl, a god of maize and harvest whom local residents still honor today. Visitors notice small offerings and flowers left along the path by people from nearby towns.
The climb follows steep stone steps through forested terrain and takes between one and two hours depending on your pace. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are important, as the path can be slippery and steep in places.
Stone carvings inside the chambers show a mix of straight and angled surfaces that are typical of late building styles in the region. On clear days, the view from the summit reaches as far as the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
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