Ixcateopan de Cuauhtémoc

Ixcateopan de Cuauhtémoc is a small town of about 2,400 residents in the southwestern Mexican state of Guerrero. It is a place rich in indigenous traditions dating back to the town's founding in 350 AD as a Cohuixca and Chontal settlement. The town is alleged to be the final resting place of the Cuahtemoc, last emperor of the Aztecs. It is also the site of an archaeological site dating from 1350 AD. The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos, though it really should not be since the town lacks the touristic infrastructure and support services that such a designation implies.

Get in

From Taxco, taxi is the easiest way to get to Ixcateopan. The trip is about 50 km and will cost about M$200 (one way).

See

Remains of circular temples at the Ixcateopan Archaeological Site

• 1 Ixcateopan Archaeological Site, Taxco - Ixcateopan 25, San Juan. W-Su 09:00 - 17:00, closed M-Tu. Mesoamerican site built between 1350-1450 AD. Used largely as a ceremonial site, it was also a commercial center that supplied cloth to the Aztec empire. The ruins include platforms, circular temple foundations, and marble stairways. The modern town is built on top of the historic town and there are additional, unexplored mounds on the town's fringe. M$95. (updated Oct 2024)

• 2 Recinto de Cuauhtemotzin (Museum of Santa María de la Asunción), Av. Gral. Vicente Guerrero 18, San Juan. The remains of Emperor Cuahtemoc were discovered buried below the altar in the historic 16th century Parroquia de Santa María de la Asunción church. The remains were excavated and the church turned into a museum showcasing Cuahtemoc's remains. Scientific examinations of the remains have since cast doubt on their authenticity, but locals remain convinced that the Emperor passed away in their town some 500 years ago. (updated Oct 2024)

Buy

Tianguis in Ixcateopan

• Tianguis - Sunday is the traditional market day in Ixcateopan, when fruit and vegetable producers from throughout the region come to set stands near the town square

Eat

• 1 Mariscos "Doña Chuy", Motolinía, Colonia llanito, ☏ +52 736 366 2295. Daily 09:00 - 20:00. Local seafood restaurant serving traditional fish and shrimp dishes. M$250. (updated Oct 2024)

Sleep

There is really only one option for lodging in town and since it lacks modern amenities, most travelers prefer to stay in the nearby city of Taxco, where a wider range of options is available.

• 1 Hotel Posada del Rey, General Vicente Guerrero Saldaña 14, ☏ +52 736 366 9028. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The only hotel in town is a rustic, bare bones budget lodge with minimal services. If you have a tent, they also offer space on the property for overnight camping. M$600. (updated Oct 2024)

Go next

• Taxco
• Chilpancingo
• Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park