Google Map To Xochicalco Archaeological Ruins
In Western Cuernavaca, Morales, México.
The Ruins Is On The Left, Museum On The Right.

Xochicalco Archaeological Ruins From The Museum

Xochicalco ("sho-chee-cal-co") Archaeological Ruins: The name Xochicalco may be translated from Nahuatl language as "in the (place of the) house of Flowers". Antonio Iriondo drove us to the Xochicalco archaeological site which is located about 38 Kms. from Cuernavaca, by way of the Alpuyeca exit of the Mexico-Acapulco Highway 95. Xochicalco was founded in about 650 AD by the Olmeca-Xicallanca, which are a Mayan group of traders from Campeche, giving them an excellent position along several of the major Mesoamerican trade routes. It was an important fortressed commercial and religious center in the period of time following the decline of the great Meso-American city states. Its name means "Place Of The Flowers." The main part of Xochicalco is located 132 mts (430 ft) above the valley. Its' underground solar observatory is one of the main attractions for visitors to the site. When the sun passes through its zenith on May 14th and 15th and July 28th and 29th, a ray of sunlight passes through a narrow shaft in the ceiling of the observatory and projects itself upon the floor. Another main attraction is the Quetzalcoatl pyramid, or Temple of the Feathered Serpent, which features friezes depicting the Plumed Serpent God coiling around the sides. This structure measures 21 by 19 meters at its base and 17 meters in height and is situated in what is known as Xochicalco's Main Acropolis. Of special interest are sculptured reliefs on the sides of some buildings. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent has fine stylized depictions of that deity in a style which includes apparent influences of Teotihuacan and Maya art. The museum and restrooms are clean.

To visit this area we would suggest flying into either Mexico City or Cuernavaca and then staying at a hotel of your choice. We have links on this page that will connect you with several of the best hotels in both Mexico City & Cuernavaca. We suggest getting a hotel and then letting them arrange either a car or a tour of Mexico City or Cuernavaca. If you call their Concierge Services ahead of your arrival, all of this can be pre-arranged for you. The very best taxi driver and guide we have found in Mexico City is Javier Hernandez Rivera. His family also attends the Basilica de Guadalupe and he can be contacted through the Holiday Inn Concierge Services at the Holiday Inn Oriente (East) or (airport). Hotel Front Desk Phone: 52-55-56400460. We have made a web page for Javier at: http://www.delange.org/Javier/Javier.htm We do this all the time, when traveling in Mexico. It is safe and it works!!! We have never experienced a problem, doing it this way! The Mexico City International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México or AICM), also called Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA: MEX, ICAO: MMMX) is the commercial airport that serves Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. It is Mexico's and Latin America's busiest. The General Mariano Matamoros Airport (IATA: CVJ, ICAO: MMCB), also known as Cuernavaca Airport, is the airport located in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, near Mexico City. It handles national and international air traffic for the city of Cuernavaca. It is part of the Mexico City Metropolitan Airport Group, as are the airports of Puebla, Queretaro, Pachuca, Mexico City, and Toluca. The airport is operated by the government-owned corporation Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). It was recently renovated with the purpose of offering a fresh image, and modern facilities, and its composed of a sole building (excluding general aviation terminal, hangars, and control tower), with check in facilities, security check-points, a cafe, ATM, customs, waiting room and a sole boarding gate. Therefore, we have placed links to Expedia.com on this page so you can arrange your flights into and out of Mexico City or Cuernavaca; as well as your hotel, when visiting this area.

Plaza Of The Stele Of The Two Glyphs, Laguna del Rodeo In Background.

Plaza Of The Stele Of The Two Glyphs, Looking North Toward The Great Pyramid.

Plaza Of The Stele Of The Two Glyphs Looking North Toward The Great Pyramid	Plaza Of The Stele Of The Two Glyphs Looking WNW
Plaza Of The Stele Of The Two Glyphs Looking North East	Plaza Of The Stele Of The Two Glyphs Looking East
Antonio Iriondo And George Discussing The Plaza Probably A Civic - Religious Area	Stele Of The Two Glyphs Sitting On Platform Called An Adoratorio Looking North
Stele Of The Two Glyphs Looking West Probably Was A Gnomon	Stele Of The Two Glyphs Represent 10 Acatl And 9 Ojo de Reptil Probably Related To Quetzalcoatl
The Great Pyramid Made In Seven Layers	Side Of The Great Pyramid The Largest Structure In Xochicalco
North And NE Of Great Pyramid Covered Area Is Ceremonial Ramp Made Of Steps With Carved Animals Called Ramp Of The Animals	Ramp Of The Animals
NE Side Of Great Pyramid	Between Great Pyramid And Temple Of The Stele
Structure North Of Animal Ramp	North Structure
Structure Seven	Doorway, Structure Seven