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Archaeological Zone of Xochicalco

Cuernavaca, Mexico
Ranked #2 of 15 attractions in Cuernavaca
4.5 of 5 stars 41 Reviews
Type: Ancient Ruins
Description: Xochicalco was the oldest known fortress in Middle America and an important religious center.
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41 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Chicago.IL
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2012

One of the 11 or 13 marvels; can't remember which.We were the only two tourists there on a Monday morning. It's a great site with wonderful view of the surrounding valley. The air is dry and fragrant; the ruins well-manicured, and the little museum has wonderful finds. They do a light show here, so it must get packed during holidays,... More

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See 3 more reviews by Donaldsdottir for Cuernavaca
Mexico
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2012

this site has a wonderfull view, a unique temple dedicated to feather snake god with amazing sculptures on it, a exceptional astronomical cave. The site is normaly quiet and peacefull, a real gem. avoid guides of the sites . Prefer a guide of Cuernavaca if you can. you will find them in Cuernavaca downtown calle Ruiz de Alarcon close to... More

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See 10 more reviews by voyageurstips for Cuernavaca
San Francisco, CA
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2012

It was fun to visit these ruins--they are quite impressive and are located up on a hill with nice views of the surrounding areas. Make sure to check out the Observatorio--it was definitely the coolest part, but it's not located around the back of the ruins so you have to keep your eye out for signs. More

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See 3 more reviews by travelgirl1985 for Cuernavaca
Bremerton, Washington
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 1, 2012

The cave to the observatory was totally unique to all the ruins I have been to. There is not the high temples but some wonderful carvings and the museum is 1st rate and the views to the lake and surrounding valley is wonderful. The grounds have information in English but the museum does not but still well worth the time. More

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See 3 more reviews by SeaTurtleSuz for Cuernavaca
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I visited this spot with Eric - a guide from Cuernavaca. He was very informative and made the visit excellent. It is very amazing how these pyramids were built and incredible to know that people lived as they did. The museum is beautiful and so well preserved. My only complaint was the signs in the museum where not in English... More

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See 2 more reviews by Gail49 for Cuernavaca
Vancouver, B.C.
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2012

Other reviews have detailed this interesting and as yet only partially excavated archaeological attraction and museum. Unfortunately, the signs and descriptions in the well laid out and attractive museum were almost entirely in Spanish. Unless you speak and read Spanish, you will get much more out of the site if you have an English speaking guide. We were able to... More

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See 5 more reviews by annaliese for Cuernavaca
Kitchener, Canada
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 1, 2012

Excellent historical site. We had the extra treat of the university doing a ceremony while we were there, amazing! Glad the observatory was open. More

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See 5 more reviews by Dale W for Cuernavaca
Mexico City, Mexico
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012

Not as fabulous as many ruins in Mexico, and in need of some clean up of the trash. More

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Brainerd, MN
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2011

Even if you have seen the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, this is worth a visit. The museum and the grounds are well maintained and another glimpse of past civilizations. More

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See 5 more reviews by Jan K for Cuernavaca
Austin, TX
2 reviews
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 10, 2011
4
people found this review helpful

Only about 35 minutes outside of Cuernavaca are the restored ruins of Xochicalco. This ancient city brought groups of different mini cultures together. Our guide Guillermo told us about the history of the people and the site. There is a beautiful museum close by that is part of the park. To use the phrase "valio la pena" it was truly... More

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