Stepping Into the Portal: Your Travel Guide to Tepoztlán

The magical Tepoz mountains

Tepoztlán is not just another town in Mexico — it’s a place where the land itself feels alive. The cliffs rise like guardians, the ancient pyramid watches over the valley, and time seems non-existent as you walk the old cobblestone streets.

Known as a Pueblo Mágico, it's also said to be a true portal — a place where the veil is thin and transformation comes naturally.

Just next door lies Amatlán, said to be the birthplace of Quetzalcóatl — the feathered serpent, bringer of wisdom, renewal, and higher consciousness. That energy echoes through the mountains and valleys throughout the area.

This is why we’re gathering in this specific location.

Not in a hotel ballroom, but in a landscape charged with history, myth, and possibility — the perfect setting for stepping into sovereignty, freedom, and connection.

Getting to Tepoztlán

From Mexico City Airport (MEX):

• Taxi: Use the official airport taxis (white with the airplane logo).

• Bus: Direct buses run from the airport to Tepoztlán. If you miss one, take a taxi or Uber to Taxqueña station in Mexico City, then catch a Pullman de Morelos bus. The trip takes about 2–3 hours.

From Mexico City Center: Uber to Taxqueña station and take the Pullman de Morelos bus. They run hourly and take about 90 minutes.

Weather & Packing Essentials

March brings warm days — around 24–29°C (75–85°F) — and cooler nights, about 13–18°C (55–65°F). It is very unlikely to rain during March as it is right in the middle of the dry season. The mountains create wind gusts and it may be cool in the evenings, so bring layers:

• T‑shirts and light pants/skirts/shorts for daytime

• A light jacket for evenings

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are tricky)

• Hat + sunscreen (the sun is strong at this elevation)

• Refillable water bottle (altitude dehydrates fast)

• Bug spray for evenings

• Make sure to have some cash on hand (cards aren’t accepted everywhere, and ATMs sometimes run dry)

Where to Stay

Tepoztlán offers everything from simple hostels to boutique hotels.

Options within walking distance from the centre of Tepoztlán range from:

• Camping under the stars

• Shared dorms

• Private rooms

• Hotels or Airbnbs nearby

Whatever your budget, you’ll find something that works.

Getting Around Town

Tepoztlán is walkable but hilly. Most places are 5–15 minutes from the main plaza. Our gathering venues are within walking distance of most accommodations.

Money Matters

• Local currency: pesos. Other currencies are not accepted.

• ATMs: Available, but plan ahead as they may run out on weekends

• Credit cards: Accepted in many places, not everywhere

• Cash: Essential for markets and small shops

• Exchange: Better in an ATM than at the money exchange place

• Check with your bank ahead of traveling to see if they offer travel‑friendly accounts with lower fees.

  
  

Language & Connection

Spanish is the language here, but:

• All of the Portal events and workshops will be held in English

• Many people in town speak English

• Portal Gathering community members will help each other

• Translation apps work wonders

• You can ask your phone company if they have special coverage for Mexico

• A few phrases go a long way:

  • Gracias (thank you)

  • Por favor (please)

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much?)

  • ¿Dónde está…? (Where is…?)

Staying Connected

• Most larger restaurants have free WiFi

• Telcel is the most reliable mobile network

• Cell signal can be spotty near the mountains

• Our venues will have WiFi

• Download offline maps before you arrive

Food & Drink

The food here is real and rooted:

• Local specialties are great

• Some restaurants specialize in authentic Aztec cuisine

• Drink bottled water only

• Street food is usually fine — trust your instincts - a busy place is always better

• Vegetarians and vegans will be fine, there are great vegan restaurants like Falafel

• Local mezcal and pulque are worth trying if you drink

Health & Safety Basics

Tepoztlán is safe, but keep in mind:

• Drink bottled water

• Use sunscreen — the sun is strong at this altitude

• Stay hydrated

• Watch uneven streets and cobblestones

• Travel insurance is recommended if you’re coming from abroad

Day Trips & Exploring

If you’re staying longer:

• Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl: Mexico’s iconic volcanoes (viewpoints + hikes)

• Cuernavaca: The “City of Eternal Spring,” 30 minutes away

• Taxco: Colonial silver town, 90 minutes away

• Mexico City: Endless cultural offerings, 90 minutes away

• Las Estacas: Natural spring water park, 45 minutes away

Final Tips Before You Arrive

• Arrive a day early to settle in

• Weekends can get crowded with visitors from Mexico City

• Markets usually have better prices than tourist shops

• The pyramid hike takes about 45 minutes each way

• Early mornings are the best time to explore without crowds

Why We’re Gathering Here

The Portal Gathering in Tepoztlán isn’t just another conference. It’s where we take the conversations from our monthly Portal Panels and bring them into real life.

Together we’ll explore sovereignty and freedom in our daily lives, learn practical skills, share ideas, and build authentic community.

Tepoztlán is more than a destination. It’s a living portal — the perfect setting to step into the next level of conscious creation together.

We can’t wait to see you here.

The mountains are calling, the portal is open. Will you walk through with us? 

👉 Secure your spot at Portal Gathering today.