The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System wasn't really part of my original itinerary, but having hired a car I knew I was going to regret not to visit the site. Thus, I decided to combine the site with Teotihuacan on a day trip from Mexico City in April 2019. This site encompasses a water catchment area, springs, canals, distribution tanks, reservoirs and the arcaded aqueduct bridges. UNESCO recognises that the hydraulic system was an outstanding work of engineering in the Americas at the time, and a perfect example of interchange of values and influences between Europeans and Mesoamerican indigenous peoples. We only planned to visit the aqueduct bridge, simply because this was the more obvious and representative element of the site. 

With the help of a GPS navigation app, we were able to get to the aqueduct from Teotihuacan in 40 minutes. The drive was smooth and there was a portion of the highway near the site where you could see the entirety of the aqueduct. I reckoned that it would be a challenge to reach this site by public transportation. A dirt road welcomed us as we approached the aqueduct. For some reason, arriving at the site made me feel like we were in an isolated, neglected area. I was kind of expecting that the government of the state of Hidalgo would put a little museum or even a ticket/guest booth after the site was inscribed, but there was none. We parked our car at the edge of the aqueduct (no parking lot by the way) and were greeted by a lone, obviously bored police officer in tattered uniform. We thought he was going to apprehend us for parking near the aqueduct, but he just took our plate number for registration. Apparently, he's the guardian. 

We walked alongside the aqueduct and stopped when we got to the railway. We took several photos and enjoyed the surrounding landscape. My friend headed back to the car as he couldn't tolerate the heat, but I continued and even thought of going down to the creek. I ditched this plan when I felt that the police officer was following me. I continued strolling along the aqueduct and noticed the tiny "altar" containing a figure of Mary perched in the middle of the highest arcade. After about half an hour, I decided to go back and when we were just about to leave the place, we saw a shepherd herding livestock under the aqueduct. I thought it was such a pretty sight.

I believe that the site adequately satisfies criteria I, II and IV, although I would say that the site's strongest point is justifying criterion II. Obviously, the Spanish colonialists had to make use of the indigenous labor and integrate the architecture with traditional methods and materials. Overall, I enjoyed the short time we were there, although the government could've done a better job in preparing and maintaining the site. I know the "ruggedness" adds to the level of authenticity but the fact that most of UNESCO WHS of Mexico have been manicured to cater to travelers, why couldn't they do the same to the aqueduct? I bet the lonely policeman would be happy if they do.