ARCHAEOLOGY

In Cuernavaca?s surrounding areas you can visit interesting archaeological ruins, one of which was among the most important city-states in Mesoamerica.

Xochicalco ? Located 38 km (23 mi) southwest of Cuernavaca. Declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, it was one of the most important city-states in Mesoamerica after the fall of Teotihuacan, as it was a main political, commercial, scientific and artistic center. Among its most important structures are the Piramide de la Serpiente Emplumada (Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent), the Plaza de la Estela de los Glifos (Plaza of the Stele of the Glyphs) and the Gran Piramide (Great Pyramid, which is the site?s largest edifice). Other notable sights include the Plaza Principal (Main Plaza), the Acropolis, the ball courts, the temascal baths and the observatory. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Teopanzolco ? Located on Balsas Street, in Cuernavaca?s Vista Hermosa neighborhood. This was an early Aztec city built before Tenochtitlan. The notable structures include the Piramide de los Templos Gemelos (Pyramid of the Twin Temples) and a round temple dedicated to Ehecatl, the ancient wind god. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.