Xochicalco, A 30 Minute Drive from Hotel B+B in Cuernavaca Morelos

The pyramids of Xochicalco, Morelos, are the perfect spot to visit for anyone looking to recharge their energy during the Spring Equinox 2020. “The House of Flowers,” as it is known, will welcome thousands of people this March, determined to recharge and welcome spring to Cuernavaca, Morelos, the City with the Best Climate in Mexico!

One of the most amazing aspects of this site is its astronomical observatory, located inside a cave bored into its upper part. Through this opening, sunlight filters into the main chamber, projecting the sun's movement onto the cave floor. This phenomenon was used by the city's priests to establish agricultural cycles. The intensity of this beam is such that it is said you can use it to see the bones inside your hand without the need for X-rays. Xochicalco is an impressive and relatively easy day trip from Cuernavaca that shouldn't be missed. It's large enough to make the 38 km journey worthwhile, but not so well-known that it's overrun with tourists. One of the most important archaeological sites in central Mexico.

The collection of white stone ruins, many still unexcavated, covers approximately 10 km2. They represent various cultures: Tlahuica, Toltec, Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, and Aztec, for whom Xochicalco was a commercial, cultural, and religious center. Around 650 AD, Zapotec, Maya, and Gulf Coast spiritual leaders met here to correlate their respective calendars. Xochicalco remained an important center until around 1200, when its overgrowth precipitated a decline similar to that of Teotihuacan. Archaeologists have deduced from its well-preserved bas-reliefs that astronomer-priests gathered here at the beginning and end of each 52-year cycle of the pre-Hispanic calendar. A cave known as El Observatorio served as an ‘observatory’ for the star-studying scientists. The ancient city of Xochicalco (The House of Flowers) is an impressive archaeological site located just 30 minutes from Hotel Las Casas B+B. The highlights of the excavated city include an excellent museum, the Acropolis, the ball court, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (known as the Pyramid of the Serpents), and the Observatory.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ScheduleMonday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
MuseumMonday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 hours
Access charge 80 pesos
ContactCentro INAH Morelos 01 (737) 374 3091 / 01 (737) 374 3092
Emailxochicalco.mor@inah.gob.mx