Xochicalco

Welcome to the soaring heights of the Mexican state of Morelos. You have arrived at Xochicalco, a pre Hispanic city whose name translates beautifully from the indigenous Nahuatl language to the House of Flowers. …

As we begin our ascent into the heart of Xochicalco, we must cross the extensive defensive works that define the lower perimeter of the city. Unlike many earlier Mesoamerican cities that were built on open, easily accessible…

We now arrive at one of the oldest, largest, and most remarkably well preserved ball courts of all the archaeological sites in Mexico. The Mesoamerican ball game was deeply woven into the religious and political fabric of…

Step away from the grand plazas and look toward a smaller, highly significant structure. You are looking at the ruins of an ancient Temazcal, the traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge. …

Our path now takes us to a highly sacred space known as the Plaza de la Estela, or the Plaza of the Stela. Positioned with precise eastern alignments, this plaza holds deep astronomical and historical significance. …

We now stand before the absolute masterpiece of Xochicalco, the stunning Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent. Take a moment to walk the perimeter of this magnificent structure and marvel at the incredible bas relief carvings that adorn…

For our final and most profound experience at Xochicalco, we descend into the dark, cool earth to visit the ancient underground Observatory. This is not a natural cave, but a precisely excavated artificial chamber hewn directly…

As we emerge from the darkness of the observatory and step back into the bright, high altitude sunlight of the House of Flowers, take a moment to reflect on the immense journey we have undertaken today. Xochicalco is a place that…