Discover Calixtlahuaca

For your trip planning, you can distinguish between these aspects and focus on the one that interests you most—from fortified terraces and individual structures to petroglyphs. This makes it easy to connect Calixtlahuaca as a travel destination with a specific cultural theme.

Terraces at Cerro Tenismó

The archaeological complexes at Cerro Tenismó stand on leveled terraces reinforced with thick retaining walls. These terraces shape the arrangement of the structures on the hillside. At Conjunto Tláloc, the structures are arranged on a large terrace. Its design imitates Cerro Molcajete and its slope running eastward. The two hill names therefore refer to different things: the archaeological complex is located at Cerro Tenismó, while the terrace’s design evokes Cerro Molcajete and its eastern slope.

Monuments at Conjunto Tláloc

Conjunto Tláloc includes Monuments 4 and 7, as well as a tzompantli. Monument 7 is a quadrangular structure on an artificially built terrace. Its staircase faces south toward a courtyard. Its shape, position on the terrace, and orientation describe different features of the structure. The construction phases of Monument 7 span from the Late Classic period to the Postclassic period; this time span applies to this monument.

The tzompantli has its own description of location and form: it is situated in the central courtyard on the middle northern slope of Cerro Tenismó and is a cross-shaped structure dating to the Late Postclassic period. Nails and skulls are carved into the rock in its circular section. The overall cross-shaped structure and the circular section therefore refer to different parts of the description of this structure.

Monument 3 is another landmark in the archaeological zone. It is also called the Temple of Ehécatl Quetzalcóatl and is located on the lower northern slope of Cerro Tenismó. By comparison, the tzompantli is on the middle northern slope. These location details distinguish the two structures on the same hillside, while the alternative names help identify Monument 3 clearly.

Petroglyphs in the structures

Petroglyphs are another focus of the archaeological zone. Petroglyphs with cultural-symbolic or religious-ritual significance are incorporated into the walls of Calixtlahuaca’s pre-Hispanic buildings. At the southeastern corner of one structure, parts of a structure bearing various petroglyphs can be seen; these were carved into the rock of the wall by the Teotihuacans. These petroglyphs date to the Classic period. For travelers interested in the connection between architecture and incorporated image symbols, they complement questions about terraces, architectural form, and orientation.

Getting there and finding a hotel

To reach the archaeological zone, travel through Calixtlahuaca toward Tecaxic and follow the signs to the site at Cerro Tenismó. The directions specify both the route through Calixtlahuaca and the site the signs lead to. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Calixtlahuaca, use the place name as your destination and check the specific details of each offer before booking. This keeps your choice of accommodation aligned with the actual offer, while the archaeological structures provide the local thematic focus.

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