Xochicalco
Zona Arqueológica de Xochicalco
A World Heritage Site: a hilltop fortified city from 650–900 CE, where the Feathered Serpent Pyramid reliefs and an astronomical observation chamber that admits the zenith sun are the highlights.
Xochicalco rose after the decline of Teotihuacan. It stands on a hilltop platform levelled by hand, with pyramids, a ball court, palaces and defensive walls, and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1999. The main attraction is the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, whose base reliefs show feathered serpents and seated priests, blending Maya and Central Highland styles. Underground, the 'astronomical observation chamber' has an opening in its roof, through which the sun shines straight in at the zenith in summer. The modern museum at the entrance is worth visiting first. The site lies about 38 km southwest of the city centre, roughly 45 minutes by car or chartered taxi. There is no shade on the summit, so bring sun protection.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 (observation cave open seasonally)
Nearby sights
- Ethnobotanical Garden & Museum of Traditional Medicine
- Salto de San Antón
- Cuernavaca Cathedral
- Robert Brady Museum
- Jardín Borda
- Palace of Cortés
- Plaza de Armas & Jardín Juárez
- Juan Soriano Morelos Museum of Contemporary Art