Teúl

Teúl is a small town with a long history in southwestern Zacatecas, Mexico. The town has been continuously occupied since 200 BC, though the history of its occupation is filled with holes and mystery. Visitors enjoy the colonial town center with its stone walls and cobblestone streets almost as much as they enjoy sampling the locally made mezcals. The town has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.

Understand
The town's official name is Teúl de González Ortega in honor of Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, a 19th century army general who was supposed to have succeeded Benito Juarez as president, but through nefarious political machinations, he was thwarted. Gonzalez Ortega was born in Zacatecas and is a former governor of the state. The town is quite small with a population of about 5,500 (2020).

Origins of Teul
At the time of the Spanish conquest, Teul was inhabited by the Caxcan indigenous people, though they inhabited the town only since the early 14th century. The original builders are not known, but are suspected to have been Chichimeca people who gave up their nomadic hunting lifestyle for a more settled, sedentary lifestyle.

Teúl Archaelogical Zone
Looming over the town is the Cerro de Teúl, a large rounded hill on which the ancient ruins sit. Although the site covers an area of 150 hectares, only 6 hectares have been explored, documented, and opened to the public. The site is thought to have been a manufacturing center, primarily producing copper.

The site includes two pyramids, a ballcourt, a circular altar, and a sunken patio area with several burial sites. The most significant structure is an intact copper smelter built of stone and masonry which has been dated at 800 years old. The site is administered by INAH and an app for the site is downloadable for Android phones.

By bus
From Guadalajara, Rojo Altos (an Estrella Blanca bus line) operates 4 buses per day to Teúl. Other bus lines serve the town less frequently. It is a 2-1/2 hour trip from Guadalajara and tickets start at M$160.

By car
It is 2-1/2 hours by car from Guadalajara to Teul. From the north side of Guadalajara, go north on federal highway MEX-23 for 125 km.

See




Do
There are two lakes near the town providing opportunites for boating and fishing.

Buy
Locally made handcrafts include jewelry and several kinds of pottery. The most unusual artesanal crafts are the hand-carved wooden masks, made of copal or pine, that are prepared for local folk dances.

Drink
Seven distilleries in Teul make mezcal and fields of agave can be seen in the nearby countryside. Traditional silver (plata), rested (reposado), and aged (anejo) mezcals are available but some of the most interesting libations are the myriad flavors of cream mezcals. Popular flavors include coconut, coffee, almond, pineapple, and maracuya.

Sleep






Connect
Cell phone coverage is reliable in Teul, but is mostly 4G. 5G service become available as you approach Guadalajara if you are driving south. WiFi service is provided at most hotels and restaurants.

Go next

 * Tequila
 * Guadalajara
 * Aguascalientes