Grandparents’ Day in Mexico arrives this year on Friday, August 28, 2026, a date that most Mexican families take advantage of to do something special with the older adults in the household: family gatherings, meals at restaurants, cultural activities, or short weekend getaways that break up the daily routine. Tepoztlán, a Magical Town in the state of Morelos, appears as one of the more practical options for older adults thanks to its specific characteristics: low physical effort required, accessible cultural attractions, regional cuisine at the local market, and permanent INAPAM benefits that can be used during the visit.
Why Tepoztlán Is a Practical Option for Older Adults
Tepoztlán is approximately an hour and a half from Mexico City by free federal highway or the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway, depending on traffic conditions. The distance makes it an ideal short getaway for older adults who are not looking for long trips or physically demanding activities. The historic center of the Magical Town is flat and allows visitors to walk around the main attractions without difficulty, unlike the famous climb to Tepozteco Hill, which requires a high level of physical fitness and is not suitable for older adults with knee, hip, or heart problems. These are some of the most accessible activities for older adults during the visit:
- Traditional handicraft market with local vendors selling textiles, pottery, carved wood, and volcanic stone products.
- Regional cuisine at the municipal market, with traditional Morelos dishes such as cecina, red mole, tlacoyos, and tinga tostadas.
- Ex-Convent of the Nativity, a 16th-century colonial monument declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
- Tour of the town’s historic center with colonial architecture and cobblestone streets with gentle slopes.
- Artisanal mezcal and pulque bars for visitors who enjoy traditional Mexican beverages.
- Cafés with views of Tepozteco Hill where visitors can rest without having to climb to the archaeological site.
Free Admission to the Ex-Convent of the Nativity for Older Adults
The Ex-Convent of the Nativity in Tepoztlán, built in the 16th century by Dominican friars as part of the evangelization process in New Spain, is one of the must-see attractions in the Magical Town. Its architecture combines Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance elements with pre-Hispanic influences visible in some decorative details. The complex preserves the main church, cloister, and several smaller chapels with murals from the early colonial period.
As part of the permanent benefits provided by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), admission to the Ex-Convent is free for everyone over 60 years of age upon presentation of official identification. This benefit applies throughout the year—it is not exclusive to Grandparents’ Day—and does not require a specific INAPAM card, although it is always advisable to carry it as additional identification during the trip. The general opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays closed for standard maintenance at INAH museums—it is advisable to verify the specific opening hours for the day of the visit on the official INAH website before traveling.
50% Discount on Buses from Mexico City with an INAPAM Card
The main intercity bus companies operating routes from Mexico City’s terminals offer a 50 percent discount on fares for older adults who present a valid original National Institute for Older Adults (INAPAM) card. This benefit applies throughout the year as part of the permanent agreements between transportation companies and the federal institute, rather than as a promotion exclusive to Grandparents’ Day.
The bus companies that commonly participate in this benefit include ADO, ETN Turistar Lujo, Primera Plus, Estrella de Oro, Estrella Blanca, Costa Line, and other companies within Mexico’s intercity transportation system. It is important to consider several practical points before purchasing a ticket:
- The number of INAPAM-discounted seats is limited to two seats per departure on most bus lines—it is recommended to purchase tickets 3 to 7 days in advance at the ticket counter, by phone, or through each company’s official website.
- Present the original valid INAPAM card when purchasing the ticket—some companies require passengers to show it again when boarding the bus.
- Check the official search engine of each bus company to determine whether the specific Mexico City–Tepoztlán route qualifies for the benefit before traveling to the terminal—the discount is generally offered by the companies, but some specific routes may have applicable restrictions.
- The main departure terminal in Mexico City for routes to Tepoztlán is the Southern Central Bus Terminal (Taxqueña), with frequent departures throughout the day.
- The direct journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Restaurants with Additional INAPAM Discounts on August 28
Older adults planning to visit Tepoztlán or stay in Mexico City on August 28 can also take advantage of permanent INAPAM discounts offered with their card at restaurants and cafés registered in the official Government of Mexico directory. The applicable discounts range from 5 to 20 percent, depending on the establishment and time of the visit.
Some Mexico City restaurants with verifiable INAPAM discounts include Darsky Coffee Cafetería in Azcapotzalco (20% discount), Bellini Montecito in Benito Juárez (15% discount), Grupo Daruma in Nochebuena (10% discount), El Timón de Cortés in Santa María la Ribera (10% discount), Restaurante Green Bar in Juárez (15% discount), and Montmartre Bistro in San Miguel Chapultepec (20% discount), among several other establishments registered in the program. In Tepoztlán specifically, many local restaurants offer discretionary discounts of 10 to 15 percent to older adults who present their INAPAM card, although not all of them are formally registered in the institute’s national directory.
Source: adn40
