STEP INTO THE WORLD OF THE AZTEC ELITE WARRIORS
The Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) of Malinalco is just a short journey from México City or Cuernavaca and happens to be the home to one of the most unique archaeological sites in the country. Imagine a ceremonial temple hand-carved into a cliffside where highly trained Aztec Eagle and Jaguar warriors underwent sacred rituals to prepare for their greatest battles.
Why Malinalco is on One of My Tour Itineraries
When I was putting together a 14 day guided exploration tour which included locations in central México that are more south of the capital city, I knew I wanted to include places that weren’t just tourist attractions but destinations with stories to tell – places that intrepid travelers could connect with on a deeper level.
Malinalco made the cut without hesitation.
About two hours from México City and 90 minutes from Cuernavaca, this town isn’t the kind of place where you’ll find busloads of tourists waving selfie sticks. That’s exactly why I included it. Malinalco offers a real look at history, culture, and tradition without the crowds that come with more well-known sites.
A Ruins Site Unlike Any Other
Most archaeological sites in México were built from stone, piece by piece. Not this one. The House of the Eagles (Cuauhcalli) was hand-carved directly into the face of a cliff, making it one of the most unique Aztec ceremonial centers in existence.
The Aztecs didn’t pick this spot at random – this was where their elite Eagle and Jaguar warriors underwent initiation, a process that was as much spiritual as it was physical.
When you climb up to the ruins, you’re not just seeing some old stones stacked together—you’re standing in a space that was shaped by human hands over 500 years ago where warriors trained for battle and performed sacred rituals. It’s not a massive site like Teotihuacán, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. It’s personal. It’s specific. It had a purpose beyond just being a ceremonial center—it was a proving ground for the best of the best. Think Green Berets, Army Rangers, and Navy Seals. These elite Aztec warriors were the fiercest of the fierce!
Why I Bring Travelers Here
Besides the ruins, Malinalco is a town with character. Afterall, it must be because it is one of México’s designated Magic Towns. The streets are lined with colonial buildings but the town’s identity goes much further back, tied to pre-Hispanic traditions that still shape its culture today. You’ll find murals depicting indigenous history, a small museum showcasing local artifacts, and a sense of time moving just a little slower than in bigger cities.
I like bringing travelers here because it’s a place where they can experience history without feeling like they’re in a theme park. There’s no neon-lit souvenir shop at the entrance selling plastic pyramids. Instead, they will find markets where local artisans sell textiles, pottery, and handmade crafts that actually mean something to the people who make them.
Where Else Can You Get Mezcal or Tequila Ice Cream?
I have a simple rule when traveling: if a town has weird ice cream flavors, I’m trying them. Malinalco delivers. You’ll find places serving mezcal-infused ice cream, licorice flavored sorbet, and even ice cream mixed with the fruit from cactus. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of detail that most likely will stand out as a fun tour memory with my travel guests.
Intrepid Travelers Will Enjoy Exploring Malinalco
If you like history, culture, and places that don’t cater to the tourist crowds, I’m sure you will definitely like visiting this Pueblo Mágico and its one-of-a-kind Aztec ruins site.
The Malinalco ruins are open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Sometimes (but not always) there are local guides available for hire at the entrance who may or may not speak English. There are a few plaques at the site that are in English, but just a few. I recommend securing a knowledgeable historian guide in advance because the details they can share will bring this historical place to life in a way that a few signposts never could.
For more info about our 14 day tour, Best of México City, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Taxco & Tepoztlán, click here.
See you in México!