Town and municipality in 84 Municipalities of Hidalgo, Mexico
Photo: Daniel Gaspar Velázquez, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tecozautla is a small town in the Central Mexican state of Hidalgo. It is a colonial town with narrow streets and a colorful town square set in a valley with dramatic mountain scenery of sheer cliffs, volcanic cones, and hills covered with desert vegetation. Tecozautla is one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos and is a popular weekend retreat. If colonial charm isn't reason enough to visit, there's a cool but seldom visited archaeological site where you can still climb the pyramids, and the town is known for its geothermal mineral springs, which feed several nearby waterparks and spas.
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One of only 5 sites known to have been used by the Xajay culture, a little known indigenous group who were evidently related to the Otomi and who paid tribute to Teotihuacan. The biggest building at Pahnu is the Pyramid of Xiuhtecuhtli. It's fairly large, but it won't impress you if you've been to big sites like Teotihuacan. However, while many Mexican archaeological sites have been closing off structures so visitors could no longer climb them, visitors can still climb the steps of Pyramid of Xihtecuhtli and admire the panoramic vistas of the arid valley. A small site museum displays relics from the site.
Fun park with many pools and water slides, including small, shallow pools for small children. Palapas, picnic tables and chairs available at extra cost. Barbecue grills also at extra cost. You can bring in a cooler of drinks (including beer), but glass bottles are prohibited. Clean bathrooms and changing areas available. Close to centro.
Natural geothermically heated mineral waters with pools, cabanas for rent, and picnic tables. Popular place for family outings. Waters are a constant 38 degrees C.
Large waterpark resort with wave pools, waterslides, a full-service hotel, stone cabins for rent, a campground and more. This is the site of a natural geyser that's constantly spewing clouds of hot steam from the nearby Volcán Hualtepec.
Family-oriented spa area with several pools, showers, bar, picnic area, rooms for rent. Inexpensive casual fun.
Italian style pizzas in 2 sizes.
Seafood and steaks.
Classy traditional Mexican fare in a colonial setting next to the town square. Great people watching from the outdoor tables or quieter setting in the main dining room.
Classy traditional Mexican restaurant with good food and friendly service. Enchiladas suizas are recommended. Good option for breakfast. Live music or karaoke on weekends.
Rustic outdoor patio bar specializing in micheladas.
Comfortable bar with a nice selection of tequilas. Very tasty cantaritos.
Vineyards growing several varieties of grapes and producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, a rosé blend, and sparkling wines in the cava style of Spain. The vineyards welcome guests for overnight stays and also have a thermal spa.
Modest hotel with limited amenities but low rates. Easy 50-meter walk to Cruz Balneario if you're coming for the pools.
Clean, comfortable hotel. Traditional temazcal spa service. Dogs allowed, but if you forget yours, the hotel has a couple friendly spares you can pet.
Quiet, comfortable place.
Clean, comfortable rooms in a family style hotel. Cable TV.
Clean, comfortable hotel with modern rooms. Excellent value.
Moderate hotel with some rough edges.
Traditional courtyard hotel with comfortably rustic rooms.
Thursday is the traditional market day in Tecozautla when the plaza sprouts canopies over makeshift stands selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items.
Autobuses Conexion (Estrella Blanca) operates hourly buses direct to Tecozautla from Mexico City's Terminal Autobuses del Norte. The 4-hour 45-minute trip costs M$350.
Read in the guideWalking will get you just about anywhere in town, but some of the spas are located a few kilometers out and will need to be reached by taxi. Taxis are always available near the zocalo (town square).
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