Amealco
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◈Arid, semi-desert valleys open up to a landscape of grasslands, rolling hills, and forests. This is Amealco. It’s a town full of color and tradition that’s best explored at a slow pace. It’s the birthplace of one of Querétaro’s most iconic symbols: colorful cloth dolls also known as Marías.
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It’s also the land of pulque (fermented agave sap) and where they worship Santa María Concepción for nearly a full month.
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◆Experiencing the Festival Nacional de la Muñeca Artesanal (National Traditional Doll Festival).
◆Stargazing atop Cerro de los Gallos.
◆ Trying pan de pulque (pulque bread).
From November 20 to December 13, the festivities of the Immaculate Conception are celebrated.
❖ Artesanal Dolls Museum
At this traditional doll museum you’ll find an incredible collection of over 300 hand-crafted dolls in various sizes and materials. The dolls come from a number of states from around Mexico. Of course, this also include those made here in the Magical Town and which have won the hearts of Mexicans and people the world over. The building housing the museum dates from the 19th century. It’s located in the first quadrant of the historic center.
❖ Santa María Parish
This parish church dates from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Only the tower remains from the original 1778 structure, while the current building was erected in 1882. The facade features a sculpture of the Santísima Virgen María (Holy Virgin Mother).
The church plan takes the shape of a Latin cross and features a golden nave, along with a presbytery, sacristy and baptistery. Fun fact: the wood floor and bronze vents are from the original structure.
❖ Recreative Park, Cerro de Los Gallos
A place for hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching, or camping in a safe, woodsy setting. Cerro de los Gallos Recreational Park has well marked hiking trails and a bike circuit that takes you through pine and ash tree groves. Cerro de los Gallos is the hill the park is named for. It makes a great place for picnicking during the day or stargazing at night.
❖ Shop for dolls and clay handicrafts
In addition to the handsome Otomí dolls made here, Amealco is also known for its clay handicrafts. These come in the form of lamps, pumpkins, piggy banks, and decorative items with one-of-a-kind designs. Also keep an eye out for textiles embroidered with Otomí ancestral symbols.
❖ Head to La Torre
Take in the view from the lookout tower.
The Ex Hacienda de San Nicolás de La Torre was a powerful estate producing brick, cement blocks, gravel, shingles, and adobe. Now in ruins, you can still see its parish church, a lookout tower and the stone walls.
In the small town where this old hacienda is located, they make yogurt, requesón (ricotta), and Oaxaca, ranchero, and chili cheeses. Don’t miss the chance to taste and bring home some of these goodies.
❖ Try pan de pulque
You’ve got to stop at one of the bakeries to try some delicious pan de pulque. The addition of pulque to the dough gives it a special touch. Amealco de Bonfil is a major pulque producer thanks to its climate and its proximity to the pulque producing traditions of State of Mexico.
Would you like to try a little of this divine nectar made from fermented agave sap? Head over to Pulquería Federico. The service bar at this traditional pulque establishment was built in the 19th century! You can also play favorite mariachi songs on its vintage-style jukebox. After you’ve downed a few drinks, you’re sure to understand the motto painted on the wall inside: “Para pulque rico, Federico.”
❖ Immaculate Conception Celebration
One of the main celebrations of the Magical Town of Amealco is its party dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which begins on November 20 and coincides with the Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.
The patron saint festivities begin with a procession of the image of the Immaculate Conception through all the streets of the town and conclude on December 13.
