Tetela del Volcán is a small town in the mountainous eastern region of Morelos in Central Mexico. It is best known for its 16th century Monastery of St. John the Baptist and is particularly popular during its Day of the Dead and Easter celebrations.
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Understand
[edit]Get in
[edit]
Map of Tetela del Volcán
The closest major airport is Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX IATA) in Mexico City. From anywhere in Mexico City, take Metro (Line 1 or Line B) to the San Lazaro station, which is connected to the TAPO bus station. Find the Volcanes bus line and buy a ticket to Popopark (Tetela del Volcan does not have its own bus station). The trip to Tetela del Volcan takes about 1-1/2 hours and a ticket will cost about M$200. Once you arrive in Popopark, you can take a taxi the last 15-20 km to Tetela del Volcan.
Get around
[edit]The town is small and quite walkable. Taxis are available for longer trips.
See
[edit]
- 1 Convento de San Juan Bautista (Monastery of St. John the Baptist), Plaza Principal, Centro. Established in 1533, the church and monastery were built by the Dominican priests and monks following plans designed by the principal architect, Fray Juan de la Cruz. The church is large with flying buttresses supporting the massive granite walls. The facade is cleanly designed and significantly less ostentatious than most churches of Colonial Mexico, ornamentation appears mostly on the single bell tower and the modest cornice. The monastery where the monks lived is a classic square set around a courtyard atrium with two rooms on two levels with arches along the walkways. Inside the church are a number of artistic works from the 16th century and later, some representing the work of European artists and some with hybrid elements of both European and indigenous design motifs. There are frescoes of church martyrs as well as those depicting Jesus and St. John. The church and monastery are a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do
[edit]- Chalcatzingo is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Mexico, dating from about 1500 BC.
- Cascadas de Tetela del Volcán -
- Gotcha Territorio Jaguar - paintball
Festivals
[edit]- La Huehuenchada - in Tetela del Volcán, this is a traditional Day of the Dead celebration that starts October 28 with many events taking place on November 1 and 2. Costumed and masked characters dance in the streets, representing the return of the spirits of deceased family members and neighbors. It is a colorful celebration with flowers and candles.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Mercado Municipal, López Avelar 13-16, San Bartolo. Daily 06ː00 - 18ː00. Small traditional Mexican marketplace that has a few dozen vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and other staples. There are also several vendors selling prepared regional dishes at very affordable prices. Wednesday is the "market day" when a traditional tianguis sets up outside the market with most vendors selling durable household goods.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Colibri, San Miguel. Daily 08ː00 - 19ː00. Comfortably elegant traditional restaurant serving regional dishes. Several uniquely different dining rooms offer different decor and moods. There is also outdoor dining in a garden patio area. Full bar available. The mojarra relleno de mariscos is recommended. Cash only (no credit cards). M$200.
- 2 Mariscos la Cabaña Escondida, Reforma 16. Comfortably rustic traditional Mexican restaurant. Generous portions at reasonable prices. M$200.
- 3 Las Cazuelas, Lopez Avelar, ☏ +52 731 357 1432. M-Sa 14ː00 - 23ː00, closed Su. Casual taqueria serving a variety of tacos (the campechina are especially good) as well as antojitos (light plates). Good aguas frescas to drink. M$200.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Maragreen's, Niño Perdido 3, Xochicalco, ☏ +52 735 299 7371. Check-in: 14ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Moderate hotel with spacious rooms that are furnished with basics but not much more. Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub available. M$1100.
- 2 Albuerge Suizo, José Ma. Morelos, Xochicalco, ☏ +52 731 357 0056. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Moderate hotel in a quiet neighborhood. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well equipped. Ample off-street parking available.