Archaeological site 22 km south of Teotihuacán
The hilltop gardens and rock-cut baths of Texcoco's poet-king Nezahualcóyotl on the Tetzcotzinco hill, with wide views.
On the Tetzcotzinco hill east of Texcoco, in the village of San Nicolás Tlaminca, are the remains of the retreat built in the 15th century by Nezahualcóyotl, the poet-king of Texcoco and one of the great figures of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Locals call the site the Baños de Nezahualcóyotl, after the basins and tubs carved directly into the rock.
Nezahualcóyotl turned the whole hill into a designed landscape. An aqueduct carried water from the mountains to feed terraced gardens, pools, channels and fountains, and the gardens gathered plants from across the empire, which is why Tetzcotzinco is often described as one of the earliest botanical gardens in the Americas. The hill was also a sacred place associated with the rain god Tláloc, and a setting for ceremonies, music and poetry, as well as a royal place of retreat and meditation.
Today you climb stairways cut into the hillside to reach the main features: the Baño del Rey, a tub carved from the rock; the area known as the Trono del Rey, with platforms, walls and steps at several levels; and the Baño de la Reina on a set of terraces. The views over the Texcoco plain are wide, and the climb makes it a good half-day outing. Parts of the old aqueduct have been damaged by construction in recent years, so stay on the paths.
What to see and do
Climb the carved stairways to the Baño del Rey.
Explore the terraces of the Trono del Rey and the Baño de la Reina.
Trace the line of the old aqueduct that fed the gardens.
Take in the views over the Texcoco plain from the top.
Combine it with Molino de Flores, a few kilometers away.
Getting there
The site is in San Nicolás Tlaminca, about 40 km from San Juan Teotihuacan, roughly 40 to 45 minutes by car via the Texcoco road and the Molino de Flores road. From Texcoco, combis run to Tlaminca. The climb is steep in places; wear good shoes, bring water and check opening days with INAH before you go.
22 km south of Teotihuacán
Directions from Teotihuacán on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Baños de Nezahualcóyotl shares the climate of Teotihuacán, 22 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Teotihuacán your base
Baños de Nezahualcóyotl is an easy trip from Teotihuacán, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.