El Tepozteco National Park

Nearly half of El Tepozteco National Park is in Mexico City’s Milpa Alta. In fact, the protected area covers almost the entire southern half of the alcaldía. The park, though, is far better known for the archaeological zone reached through the town of Tepoztlán in the state of Morelos to the south. That’s where nearly all of the photos will be taken, in the southernmost part of the National Park.

The parts of the park in Mexico City make up an important part of the Chichinautzin Biological Corridor which extends across much of the south the City. The park can be visited from many of the pueblos originarios of Milpa Alta. These are the original towns, many of them remaining since ancient times. Santa Ana Tlacotenco  is one very good example. But many of these small farming communities make excellent ecological and alternative travel destinations, and the park is one more reason to go.

• The park is most often visible from Parres El Guarda, the town in Tlalpan.
• The photo above was taken about two hours hiking, (one hour on a bike) south of Tlacotenco in Milpa Alta.
• The same area can be reached from points along the Xochimilco-Oaxtepec highway.

El Telpazteco National Park in Tepoztlán, Morelos

The ancient ruins of Tepozteco make a magnificent day-trip destination. The entire area is part of the Neovolcanic Axis, specifically the subprovince of lakes and volcanoes of the Anahuac Chain. The Sierra de Tepoztlán is made up of several hills of extraordinary morphology. Erosion and other geological events have left deep ravines and peaks in the ground. It’s a must-see.

Most international visitors will want to travel to the stunning little town of Tepoztlán which offers a number of others attractions on its own, including a UNESCO recognized former Dominican monastery of awe-inspiring proportions.  El Tepozteco National Park offers the best views of the town, towering from high above.