Tepotzotlán

Tepotzotlán has a long and fascinating history, having been established by the Otomi indigenous people as early as 2500 B.C. The city is in Mexico State, 40 km northeast of Mexico City. It is a popular weekend destination for residents of Mexico City, who come for the colonial charm, the shopping, and the local food.

Understand
Topotzotlan was settled by the Otomi, who came under the dominion of Teotihuacan, until that city declined. During the Aztec empire, it was part of an alliance with the Aztec that protected it from predations. During the Spanish colonial era, it was a religious stronghold from 1525 onward. It was a place where large churches, cathedrals, and colleges were built to train monks. The Jesuits built a large college campus called the College of San Francisco Javier in 1580, but it was turned over to diocesan clergy when Jesuits were expelled from Mexico in 1767. Many haciendas were built in the area to promote economic development.

Tepotzotlán is a designated. It is one of 60 designated historic sites along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Tepotzotlán has been designated by the federal government's department of tourism (SECTUR) as a Pueblo Magico in recognition of its tourist appeal.

By car
Tepotzotlan is an easy 1-hour drive from Mexico City and the most convenient way to get there is to hire a taxi or Uber to take you there. To drive from Mexico City, take the Autopiste Mexico City-Queretaro (MEX 53D) and exit at km 41. A taxi from Mexico City to Tepotzotlan will cost about M$1000.

By bus
From Mexico city, take Metro to the Tasquena bus terminal. A Pullman de Morelos bus leaves every hour for Tepotzotlan Caseta. It's a 1-1/2 hour ride and costs M$100-180, depending on time of day. Other bus lines also serve Tepotzotlan from terminal del Norte in Mexico City and from other cities in Central Mexico. Some of the bus lines serving Tepotzotlan include Autobuses Pegasso, ETN, Primera Plus, Futura, Flecha Roja, and Omnibus de Mexico.

Get around
Walking and taxi are the best ways to move about the city.

Do

 * Stroll the downtown streets on a weekend when informal street markets (called tianguises) are open on several streets. Locals sell artesanias, homemade food, furniture, antiques, baskets, and leather works.
 * Arcos del Sitio is where you'll see the 18th century aquaducts built to bring drinking water to the city, it's a pleasant park area where many people bring a picnic lunch and spend most of a day. There are zip lines here.
 * Festivalsː Everybody loves a party, and there are three big ones in Tepotzotlanː

- Festival of Flowers (mid March)

- Festival of San Pedro (the patron saint of Tepotzotlan) (June)

- Señor del Nicho (Preciosa Sangre de Cristo) (September)

Connect
Cellular coverage is good in Tepotzotlan, with most of the area having 4G service. Cell coverage is reliable along the toll highway between Mexico City and Queretaro.

Go next

 * Queretaro
 * San Miguel de Allende