At Ideal Spanish Mexico, nothing warms our hearts more than welcoming back familiar faces. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Iomi, a beloved student from Japan who has studied with us three distinct times since her first visit in 2003. When Iomi mentioned she wanted to visit the ancient ruins of Xochicalco once again, we didn’t need to be asked twice! We jumped at the chance and headed out on a quiet Wednesday, enjoying a peaceful, sun-filled day exploring one of Morelos’ true archaeological treasures.

Discovering the Magic of Xochicalco

Perched atop a fortified hill surrounded by sweeping valleys, Xochicalco—meaning “The place of the house of the Flowers” in Nahuatl—is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich history and stunning Mesoamerican architecture. Flourishing after the fall of Teotihuacán, it served as a vital political, religious, and commercial hub. Highlights of the site include:

• The Temple of the Feathered Serpent: Featuring magnificent, intricate bas-relief carvings of Quetzalcoatl.

• The Ancient Observatories: Underground caves used by astronomers to track solar movements with incredible precision.

• The Ball Courts & Ramparts: Imposingly preserved structures that showcase the town’s athletic traditions and defensive layout.

A Lightning-Fast Mexican Adventure

Because her time away from Japan was limited, Iomi planned an ambitious, whirlwind tour of Mexico’s vibrant cultural spots. Prior to her departure, we spent plenty of time chatting and fine-tuning all the logistics to make sure every leg of her trip ran smoothly. From our cozy base in Cuernavaca, her packed itinerary included:

• Historical & Sacred Sites: Wandering through the magical town of Tepoztlán, taking in Xochicalco, and wrapping up her journey at the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacán.

• Capital Highlights & Live Action: Exploring Mexico City, feeling the electric energy of a Lucha Libre match, and catching an unforgettable soccer game at the famous Estadio Azteca.

Everything turned out absolutely wonderful and seeing her make the absolute most of every single day was pure joy.

Iomi, ¡aquí tienes tu casa! You will always have a home here with us in Mexico.