A spiral of citrus trees, stone fountains peeking out from among the flowers, and a secret garden of jasmine, all at the foot of the hill of the precious stone. No, this is not an enchanted tale or a fantasy dream… It is Dilao, an open-air gallery where art, nature, and architecture meet.
Located in the magical town of Tepoztlán, this field created by artist Eduardo Olbés will welcome you with Mexican sculptures that seem to blend in with the gardens and landscapes.
One of its main attractions is the magnificent view of Chalchitépetl hill, a basalt formation that is part of the Chichinautzin mountain range. It is worth noting that its name means “hill of the precious stone” or “jade stone” and it is also known as the Hill of Treasure.
With this mystical mountain as your witness, you will embark on a tour of a spiral orchard called El jardín de cítricos (The Citrus Garden), a white marble square named La plaza del cactus (The Cactus Square), and a hedge of jasmine and cissus, which you can reach by asking for El jardín secreto(The Secret Garden).
But that’s not all, as the space also features the Babur Fountains, which pay homage to the Mughal dynasty of India. Don’t forget to stop by El Pabellón, a space with an onyx floor where you can rest and continue enjoying the landscape.
The gallery consists of more than 80 permanent pieces that you can also interact with.
How much does it cost to enter Dilao, the open-air gallery in Tepoztlán?
General admission costs $100 per person; residents of Tepoztlán pay only $50 upon presentation of their ID. Admission is free for children under seven years of age.
Remember that your ticket gives you access to all areas of the venue, including the parking lot.
You can also enjoy a coffee at Las Nubes!
Because such beauty is always best enjoyed with a coffee, we recommend stopping by the Las Nubes café-bar. A space to enjoy food and drinks, or even a cheese board, while contemplating the view of Dilao. You can check out the menu here.
If you love adventure and have the opportunity to get away (even if just a little) from Mexico City, this is a great destination where you can breathe fresh air and stimulate your creativity without breaking the bank. And don’t forget to bring your dog, as it’s a pet-friendly space!
Keep in mind that Dilao is open Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
