Lake 3 km southwest of Xochitepec
A reservoir below Xochicalco's hills with lakeside restaurants, bass fishing, birdwatching and camping.
Laguna El Rodeo is a lake in the municipality of Miacatlán, just southwest of the hills where Xochicalco stands. It was created as a dam to store water for farming in western Morelos, and over time it has become a weekend escape for families from Cuernavaca and the surrounding towns, who come to eat, fish and spend a slow day by the water.
The shore has a string of simple restaurants that serve fried fish, mojarra and other lake dishes, and it's common to see people fishing from the banks or from small boats, especially for largemouth bass, along with tilapia and catfish. The flat, open water attracts herons, egrets and other waterbirds, so it's a good spot for birdwatching in the early morning. On the eastern side there are areas where people camp.
It's a low-key place without big tourist infrastructure, and that's its appeal. The best plan is to visit Xochicalco in the morning, when it's cooler, and come down to the lake for a late lunch and the sunset over the water. Water levels vary with the seasons and with dry years, so the lake can look quite different from one visit to the next.
What to see and do
Have fried fish or mojarra at a lakeside restaurant.
Fish for bass from the shore or a small boat.
Watch herons and egrets in the early morning.
Pair it with a morning at Xochicalco.
Getting there
El Rodeo is about 15 km west of Xochitepec; allow about 20–25 minutes by car via Alpuyeca and the road toward Miacatlán, turning off at the village of El Rodeo. It's only a few minutes from the Xochicalco turnoff. Public transport is limited, so a car or taxi is easiest. Ask locally about fishing permits if you plan to fish.
3 km southwest of Xochitepec
Directions from Xochitepec on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Laguna El Rodeo
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Laguna El Rodeo.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Laguna El Rodeo.
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Photos
Weather warm
Laguna El Rodeo shares the climate of Xochitepec, 3 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Xochitepec your base
Laguna El Rodeo is an easy trip from Xochitepec, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Xochitepec
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Xochicalco
· Archaeological site · 2 km away
A UNESCO-listed hilltop city with the carved Temple of the Feathered Serpent, three ballcourts and a solar observatory cave. -
Zona Arqueológica de Coatetelco
· Archaeological site · 8 km away
A small ceremonial center with a ballcourt and temple platforms beside the Coatetelco lagoon, an easy pairing with Xochicalco. -
Mazatepec
· Town · 10 km away
A small town known for its hilltop sanctuary of the Señor del Calvario and its big Fifth Friday of Lent fair. -
Balneario Ex-Hacienda de Temixco
· Landmark · 11 km away
A big water park built inside the walls and arches of a colonial sugar hacienda. -
Hacienda San José Vista Hermosa
· Landmark · 16 km away
A colonial sugar hacienda near Tequesquitengo with an old aqueduct, now a hotel and restaurant. -
Salto de San Antón
· Waterfall · 16 km away
A 40-meter waterfall dropping into a lush ravine inside Cuernavaca, reached by stairs from the old potters' barrio of San Antón. -
Teopanzolco
· Archaeological site · 18 km away
A Tlahuica pyramid with twin temples to Tláloc and Huitzilopochtli, set in a park in Cuernavaca's Vista Hermosa neighborhood. -
Lago de Tequesquitengo
· Lake · 20 km away
A large lake known for waterskiing, with the dome of a flooded church a few meters below the surface. -
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
· Cave · 25 km away
One of Mexico's largest show caves, with huge chambers of stalactites, about an hour's drive southwest in Guerrero.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.