Archaeological Sunrise in Xochicalco
Tour Xochicalco contadores del tiempo
This guided tour is designed for all ages and lasts approximately four hours. During the tour, you will explore one of Mesoamerica’s most important archaeological sites, renowned for its extraordinary interplay between architecture, landscape, and astronomical observation.
Xochicalco is located in the state of Morelos, approximately 125 kilometers from Mexico City, which is about a two-hour drive. The site has parking at the Site Museum, with space for cars and buses, as well as basic amenities and accessibility within the museum. Access to the archaeological zone is organized and supported by specialized staff, prioritizing visitor safety and experience at all times.
The purpose of this tour is to highlight the heritage values of Xochicalco, with a special focus on its importance as a center of astronomical knowledge and its connection to the measurement of time in the Mesoamerican world. Throughout the tour, visitors are invited to observe how the urban layout reflects principles related to solar observation, calendrical cycles, and the ritual organization of the territory.
The activity begins at the Site Museum, where staff from the archaeological site offer a welcome and a general introduction. Afterward, visitors are organized into groups to begin the ascent to the archaeological site. Along the way, a meaningful experience is offered: watching the sunrise from the main plaza, a moment that allows visitors to appreciate the relationship between the landscape and the site’s orientation.
The tour continues through the main monumental areas of Xochicalco, including the Plaza of the Stele of the Two Glyphs, the ball courts, the temazcal, the Acropolis, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpents, among other significant sites. Each stop offers an opportunity to understand how the architecture, symbols, and spatial layout reflect a profound understanding of the sky and time.
Optionally, you can visit the Site Museum, which houses archaeological artifacts that complement the interpretation of the settlement and allow for a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural development.
Throughout the visit, educational outreach staff will be available to accompany the tour, answer questions, and enrich the experience with accessible and contextualized explanations.
At the end of the activity, there will be a general summary of the topics covered, followed by a Q&A session, with the aim of reinforcing what has been learned and encouraging reflection on the importance of cultural heritage.
Considerations for your visit:
- Bring a hydrating beverage.
- Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
- Bring a hat or sunscreen.
- Bring a raincoat and/or water-repellent clothing, as rain is likely during the tour.
- Bring an umbrella.
- Bring mosquito repellent.
- Please respect the park's internal regulations.
- Bring medication if you have allergies to insect bites or stings, or pollen.
Information and reservations: xochicalco.mor@inah.gob.mx
Phone: 737 374 3090, 737 374 3091, and 737 374 3092
| Day | Time slot | Comment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | Time slot | Comment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday: | 6:00-9:00 | June 21 and 28 | ||
| New season | Time slot | Comment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday: | 6:00-9:00 | July 5 and 12 | ||
Cost: $731.84



