Things to do in Morelos, Morelos: The Best Ancient Ruins

Reviewed By ramonmp53 - Cuernavaca, Mexico

After visiting over the years many archaeological sites of different cultures in Mexico, it's always a pleasure to return to Xochicalco (pronounced 'Sotchycalco') located about half an hour's drive south of the city of Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos. What makes this site quite unique among others is its location on a large hill that overlooks an open valley where the hill itself is an integral part of the archaelogical site. There are a number of platforms distributed at different levels of the hill that hold either a ceremonial center, the remains of living quarters, or the ancient ball courts. At the top is the temple dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, with bas-reliefs sculptured on all four walls of the ceremonial center. It's fun to climb the various wide staircases leading from one level to another, stop at each and enjoy the view of varying landscapes, which may include trees, agaves, and other assorted greenery. You can descend the archeological zone from the opposite side you entered, so there's no need to backtrack on your visit. Xochicalco reached its heigth around 1,000 AD when the Toltecs were the dominant culture in Mexico's central valley, although it would be a far-out generalization to name the city-state's inhabitants 'Toltecs'. They were skilled merchants and traded with distant civilizations in all cardinal directions, including the Mayans in the now far away Yucatan, the Zapotecs and Mixtecs to the south in the present State of Oaxaca, as well as the various cultures in the central valley of Mexico (now Mexico City) or the Gulf Coast. To start your visit of Xochicalco, don't miss the not-too-long exhibits, maps, and explanations in the welcoming pavilion at the entrance to the archaeological zone. It will make your visit that much more rewarding. Enjoy!