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Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico
El Tepozteco Pyramid, Tepoztlan
High on the craggy cliffs above the town of Tepoztlán in the hills of Morelos state is the Tepozteco Pyramid.
Open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Tepozteco is thought to have been built in the early Aztec era (AD 1100-1350). The structure is dedicated to Ometochtli-Tepoxtécatl, god of pulque (a drink made of fermented maguey native to Mexico), fertility and harvest, and its carvings depict offerings and sacrifices to this deity.
The pyramid is perches at approximately 600 meters above the base of the Tepoztlan valley, so the climb to it can be arduous, requiring certain agility and endurance. The timing of the ascent depends totally upon the physical condition of the climber. The path up can be muddy and slippery in the rainy season and, for many, difficult at the best of times. An moderate fee is charged for entrance into the archaeological site.
Stone benches are built into several areas of the temple, and elaborate door jambs and pillars grace the site. Close to the structure are terraces, perhaps living areas for priests or other residents of the site, with a stunning view of the Tepoztlan valley and village.
The hill on which the Tepozteco is situated is known as the Ehecatepetl, or “hill of the wind”, although it is also called Tlahuitepetl, Ocelotepetl, Cihuapapalotzin, Chalchitepetl and Huilotepetl (Hill of the light, jaguar, butterfly, precious stones and dove, respectively).
Wikipedia Photo credit: El Tepozteco: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Piramidedeltepozteco.jpg
