Jalpan de Serra
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◈ Jalpan is nestled in the heart of the Sierra Gorda, brimming with history and the beauty of nature. Its people remind us of the Pame culture and Huasteca flavors that refuse to die
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Jalpan is the launching point for the series of missions established by Junípero Serra and is also the gateway to natural wonders found all around: caves, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes that will have you coming back again and again.
◆ Taking a splash in the Escanela River.
◆ Trying acamayas (freshwater shrimp), endemic to the Huasteca.
◆ Walking among the ahuehuetes, the cypress trees that line the Jalpan River, which runs through town.
Visit the five missions to study the detail of their ornate facades, decorated with intricately carved images of their saints.
❖Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda
Jalpan is surrounded by this great natural biosphere reserve. That means a world of adventure awaits that you can explore via ATV, by bike, or on foot. Here are just some of the things you can see:
Cueva del Puente de Dios. An incredibly long cave following the course of the river that feeds the reservoir. If you like this cave, there are several more to explore: Cueva del Diablo, Cueva del Aguacate, and Cueva de la Diosa Cachum. Get a professional guide to take you.
Pinal de Amoles. Cool off in the Escanela River and the Chuvejé Waterfall.
Arroyo Seco. Here, where the Santa María and Ayutla rivers converge, the crystal clear water is great for swimming.
❖ History Museum of Sierra Gorda
The Sierra Gorda historical museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in town, erected on the military prison in 1576. The museum contains photographs, archeological artifacts, and everyday objects from the people of the Sierra Gorda. It’s a place to learn about the Sierra Gorda’s oldest inhabitants, the Pames, whose culture has survived into the modern day.
❖ Escanela River
The Sierra Gorda gives us unforgettable natural scenery like those created by the Escanela River: Cañón de la Angostura and Puente Dios. A hike down the path that runs along the Cañón de la Angostura will take you by gorgeous swimming holes, natural stepping stones across the river, and the colossal tree roots that drink from the river’s edge. At the end of the trail, you’ll come to a cave called Puente de Dios. Here, a curtain of white water falls into a pool of turquoise-colored
❖ Spend an afternoon at Presa de Jalpan
Become one with the immense tranquility of the reservoir. Cruise around the water to the tune of birdsong.
Here, you can go bass and mojarra fishing, take a boat ride, and go hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking.
This reservoir is also an excellent place for bird watching. In 2004, it was listed as a Ramsar Site due to its importance as a habitat for migrating birds.
❖Get away to Misión de Concá
While each mission is a wonder, what makes this one special is how it shows both the colonizers’ and the indigenous people’s love for animals. Look for St. Roch with his dog and St. Francis with the Wolf of Gubbio (from the Rubén Darío poem) depicted in the facade along with eagles, rabbits, and flowers.
Other missions to check out include Misión de Landa, Misión de Tilaco, and Misión de Tancoyol. There are tourism agencies that can take you. Ask for one in Jalpan.
❖Check out the Cueva del Diablo
Located 5 miles from Jalpan, near the town of Carrizal de los Sánchez. The cave measures 23 feet deep and 16’5″ high. Its name (Devil’s Cave) comes from a legend associated with the site. Ask a local guide to take you and tell you the story.
You’ll hear stories and tales about the cave under a starry sky as you take the nighttime ATV route toward the Sierra Gorda, with the sounds of the forest in the background.
❖ Feria de Jalpan (Jalpan Fair)
The last week of April this fair is held to commemorate the foundation of Jalpan de Serra, which occurred in April 1744.
During this exhibition, gastronomic, livestock and craft exhibitions are held. In addition, there are concerts by local and national groups, sporting and cultural events.
It is a great opportunity to acquire pieces of clay, ceramics and palm and other handicrafts.
