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If you have done the things to do in Mexico, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Xochicalco.
Step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of Xochicalco, where the stone walls tell tales of a vibrant civilization that once thrived.
From climbing the towering pyramids to marveling at intricate carvings, there are endless adventures awaiting in this lost city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Xochicalco:
1. Xochicalco Archaeological Site
Xochicalco Archaeological Site is a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site located in the state of Morelos, Mexico. This ancient city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features impressive ruins from the Classic Period.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore several structures and buildings, including the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the Plaza of the Two Glyphs, the Observatory, and the Ball Court.
You can take a guided tour to know more about the history and culture of this site.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive Temple of the Feathered Serpent, which is also known as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. This structure is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of feathered serpents.
Insider travel tips: Bring insect repellent as there are many mosquitoes on the grounds. To fully appreciate and understand the history of this impressive site, it is recommended to hire a local tour guide.
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and the afternoon heat during the summer months.
2. Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent
The Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent is a Mesoamerican archaeological site located in Xochicalco, Mexico. It is a pre-Columbian temple that dates back to the 7th century CE.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the pyramid and explore the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the building.
Don’t miss: The intricate carvings and sculptures that decorate the pyramid’s exterior, including depictions of the feathered serpent deity, Quetzalcoatl.
Insider travel tips: – To fully appreciate the pyramid and its intricate carvings, consider hiring a local guide who can provide insight into the site’s history and culture.
3. Observatory of Xochicalco
The Observatory of Xochicalco is an ancient astronomical observatory located in the archaeological site of Xochicalco in Morelos, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different structures inside the observatory that were used for observing celestial events such as solstices, equinoxes, and eclipses.
Additionally, there are several other structures worth visiting in the Xochicalco archaeological site, including the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and the Pyramids.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the “Observatorio” tower, which is the main structure of the observatory. You can climb the stairs to the top and see the impressive view of the surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: – It’s best to visit the Observatory of Xochicalco during the morning, as it can get crowded during peak hours.
4. Great Plaza of Xochicalco
A large plaza located in the ancient city of Xochicalco, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visit the ancient ruins of Xochicalco, explore the Great Plaza and admire its interesting architecture and impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The impressive Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, which stands as the focal point of the Great Plaza.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection as the ancient city can be quite hot and dusty. Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the site’s history and significance.
Also, try to visit early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
5. Museum of Xochicalco
The Museum of Xochicalco is a small museum located in the archaeological site of Xochicalco, Mexico.
What to see or do: The museum showcases a small collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the ancient city of Xochicalco.
Visitors can see the famous monolithic sculptures of the Feathered Serpent and Tlaloc, as well as other objects recovered from the site.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the archaeological site of Xochicalco, which contains the ruins of an impressive ancient city that was inhabited from 650 to 1100 AD.
The site boasts several impressive structures, including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Palace of the Stuccos.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located at the entrance of the archaeological site, so you can visit the museum before exploring the ruins.
6. Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun is a Mesoamerican pyramid located in the ancient city of Xochicalco, in the Mexican state of Morelos.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb to the top of the pyramid and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and countryside. The temple is also adorned with detailed carvings and sculptures depicting both human and animal figures.
Don’t miss: Be sure to explore the rest of the Xochicalco archaeological site, which includes a number of other impressive structures, including a ball court and a palace.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
7. Ballcourt of Xochicalco
The Ballcourt of Xochicalco is a Mesoamerican archaeological site located in the state of Morelos, Mexico. It is a notable example of an ancient Mesoamerican ballcourt, used for the Mesoamerican ballgame.
What to see or do: The Ballcourt of Xochicalco is a significant archaeological attraction, with well-preserved features that allow visitors to understand the design of the ballgame and its importance in Mesoamerican culture.
You can explore the ball court, which is 50 meters long and 30 meters wide, with sloping walls on either side.
Visitors can also check out the nearby Xochicalco Pyramid and other ruins.
Don’t miss: At the Ballcourt of Xochicalco, don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the Mesoamerican ballgame, and how it was played as part of ritual practices.
Take note of the details of the ball court’s design, including the hoops and the stylized carvings on the walls.
Insider travel tips: To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and water as the site can get quite hot. Also, consider hiring a local tour guide who can provide valuable insight into the history and significance of the site.
8. Temple of the Plumed Warrior
The Temple of the Plumed Warrior is a magnificent Mesoamerican ruin located in the archeological site of Xochicalco. Built by the Toltec civilization, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit attraction for history buffs.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple ruins, which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of warriors and deities. The temple’s most distinctive feature is a sculpture of the Plumed Warrior, which inspired its name.
The site also includes an observatory and a ball court, offering further insights into the ancient civilization’s customs and beliefs.
Don’t miss: Be sure to climb to the top of the temple to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Also, don’t miss the chance to see the well-preserved murals, which depict scenes from daily life and mythological stories.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to visit the temple early in the day before the crowds arrive, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Additionally, bring sunscreen and water, as the site can become hot and humid during the day.
9. Palace of Xochicalco
The Palace of Xochicalco is an ancient archaeological site located in the modern Mexican state of Morelos.
It was built by the pre-Columbian civilization of the Toltecs, around 700 AD, and later inhabited by the Aztecs and Mixtecs.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the maze-like complex of temples, pyramids, and ritual buildings that make up the Palace of Xochicalco. The site includes a ball court, an astronomical observatory, and a palace decorated with impressive stone carvings and murals.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Xochicalco is the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, an ornate pyramid decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures of this important deity.
It is considered one of the finest examples of pre-Columbian architecture in the region.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen as you will have to walk around the site in the sun.
10. Museum of Anthropology and History of Morelos
The Museum of Anthropology and History of Morelos is a must-visit attraction for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. It showcases the pre-Hispanic period and the colonial era of Morelos, a state in Mexico.
What to see or do: Explore the various exhibits that take you on a journey through time. Admire the ancient artifacts and relics that showcase the rich history and culture of the region.
Marvel at the intricate details of the indigenous jewelry, pottery, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the replica of the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It features intricate carvings and reliefs that depict the history and mythology of Xochicalco.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located near the archaeological site of Xochicalco, so plan a visit to both for a complete experience. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Guided tours are available, and it’s recommended to take one to fully understand the significance of each exhibit.
11. Borda Garden
A beautiful garden located in Xochicalco, a small town in Morelos, Mexico.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the garden and admire the variety of exotic plants and flowers. Relax on one of the benches and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the garden.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or during the late afternoon to avoid the heat of the midday sun. Bring insect repellent as there can be mosquitoes in the area.
Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth experience of the garden and the town of Xochicalco.
12. Cortes Palace
Cortes Palace is an ancient Mayan palace located in Xochicalco, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive architecture of the palace that reflects a blend of Mayan and Mexican styles.
The palace also features beautifully preserved stone carvings and murals that offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the palace to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable shoes as the palace involves some steep climbs and uneven paths. Visit the palace in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and beat the heat.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of this ancient piece of history.
13. Las Estacas Natural Park
Las Estacas is a stunning natural park located in the state of Morelos, Mexico.
The park features crystal-clear, turquoise water that flows from underground rivers, making it the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing.
What to see or do: Aside from swimming and water activities, Las Estacas offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, zip-lining, and rock climbing.
You can also rent a bike and go for a ride through the beautiful park.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the snorkeling experience in the pristine waters of Las Estacas. You’ll have the chance to see an incredible variety of fish and other marine life.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to ensure a good spot to set up camp.