Discover Tlayacapan: History, Culture and Nature

The tour begins from your location, from where we set off towards:

Cerro de Tonantzin

A place of great cultural, historical and spiritual significance in Tlayacapan, Morelos. Its name honours Tonantzin, the mother goddess in the Nahua worldview, a symbol of fertility and the earth, later syncretised with the Virgin of Guadalupe. This walk covers 1.2 km and is classified as easy, making it ideal for enjoying the natural surroundings and reflecting on the cultural roots of Mexico.

El Tlatoani Archaeological Zone

We continue to the El Tlatoani Archaeological Zone, located on a hill where terraces can be seen, built to stabilise the slope and create habitable spaces. These structures date back to the Toltec period (AD 900–1200) of the Early Postclassic, offering a fascinating insight into the engineering skills and daily life of ancient Mesoamerican cultures. This 2.4 km walk, also easy, provides a unique experience combining nature and pre-Hispanic history.

Time to Enjoy Local Gastronomy

After the archaeological visit, we will take a break for lunch at El Sobrino restaurant, famous for its delicious traditional cecina, an emblematic dish of the region. Here you can enjoy an authentic atmosphere and dishes prepared with local ingredients—perfect for recharging before continuing the tour.

Ascent to Cerro de la Ventanilla

After lunch, we head to Cerro de la Ventanilla, another natural attraction offering a unique experience. With a distance of 1.3 km, this easy walk is ideal for admiring rock formations, breathing in fresh air and enjoying spectacular views of Tlayacapan and its surroundings from the summit. It is a perfect spot for photos and peaceful moments in close contact with nature.

“La Cerería” Cultural Centre

In the heart of Tlayacapan, we will visit the “La Cerería” Cultural Centre, a 16th-century building that once served as the candle factory for the former Augustinian Convent of San Juan Bautista. Today, it hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage. You can also admire the traditional handmade candles, featuring unique designs that reflect the region’s spirituality and festivities.

Other Highlights of the Town

In addition, the town offers other remarkable attractions, such as:

• The former Convent of San Juan Bautista (16th century), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The 18 neighbourhood chapels, each with its own architectural style and charm.

• Clay and ceramic handicrafts, perfect as souvenirs.

• Traditional music by the Banda de Tlayacapan, considered one of the oldest in Mexico.

• The famous Brinco del Chinelo, a tradition that originated here in the 19th century.

Free Time to Enjoy a Drink

To conclude the experience, enjoy some free time in the town centre, where you will find welcoming bars and cafés offering everything from traditional pulque and mezcal to contemporary cocktails inspired by the region. Relax as you take in the picturesque streets of Tlayacapan and enjoy its bohemian and cultural atmosphere. It is the perfect moment to toast the day’s experiences and savour the taste of Mexico in every sip.

Optional Clay Workshop

You may also visit a traditional clay workshop, where local artisans will teach you ancestral pottery techniques, creating unique pieces that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. This activity has an additional cost of MXN $300 per person and is ideal for those wishing to take home an authentic souvenir from the region.

Explore the magic of Tlayacapan, where every corner tells a story and the cultural richness of Mexico comes to life.