Xochicalco is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in the western part of the Morelos State. The name Xochicalco means "in the house of flowers" in the Nahuatl language. The site is open to visitors all week, from 10am to 5pm, although access to the observatory is only allowed after noon. The apogee of Xochicalco came after the fall of Teotihuacán and it has been speculated that Xochicalco played a part in the fall of the Teotihuacáno empire. The architecture and iconography shows affinities with both Teotihuacán and Maya and it is probable that the city of Teotihuacán was a multicultural city, although it also does seem to have had a connection to the Tlahuica culture. The main ceremonial centre is atop an artificially leveled hill, with remains of subsidiary buildings, mostly unearthed, in the surrounding area.

Sightseeing
Of special interest are sculptures on the sides of some buildings. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent has finely stylized depictions of that deity in a style which includes apparent influences of Teotihuacán and Maya art. It has been speculated that Xochicalco may have had a community of artists for other parts of Mesoamerica. Other monuments at the site include several other step-pyramid temples, palaces, two ball courts, sweat-baths, an unusual row of circular altars and a cave with steps carved down into it. The site also has some free-standing sculptured stelae; others were removed from their original location and are now on display in the INAH museum in Mexico City and at the site museum.

Getting there
There are buses from Cuernavaca's market place every 30 minutes. The last bus leaves around 6pm.