Malinalco
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◈ With its lush vegetation, flower-scented air, old Augustinian monastery, and hilltop Mexica shrine, Malinalco has become central Mexico’s perfect getaway. Of course, in this tiny town with a strong indigenous character, there are plenty of signature restaurants, spas, small luxury hotels, a golf course, and several museums.
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- See the neighborhood chapels via chicharra (three-wheeled taxi).
- Purchase fruit and eat tacos at the Juárez Street Market.
- Dine at Los Placeres.
Check out the interior of the Cuauhcalli and Casa de las Águilas.
❖ Parroquia y
Ex Convento del Divino Salvador
Dating from the 16th century, this Augustinian church and monastery has an attractive, tree-filled atrium and a stone crucifix. The plateresque facade is simple. Inside the cloister there are stunning works of al fresco paintings made by indigenous artists known as tlacuilos.
The paintings you’ll see here depict regional flora and fauna in a representation of the Garden of Eden, or a Tlalocan.
❖ Cuauhtinchán
Archeological Site
To see Malinalco’s main attraction you have to climb nearly 400 steps through a thick forest. When you get to the top, you’ll see all your efforts rewarded as you’ve made it to an extraordinary ceremonial center carved in rock, making it the only one of its kind.
It is believed that the site was used for initiation ceremonies for Jaguar and Eagle Warriors, the highest orders in the Azteca military hierarchy.
What’s more, from here you’ll have an unbeatable panoramic view of the Magical Town. It’s something you won’t forget.
❖ Museo Vivo
Los Bichos de Malinalco
Touch spiders, scorpions, and snakes, or get in tune with praying mantises at this living bug museum that celebrates the region’s biodiversity.
There are also praying mantises, beetles, and Chinese weevils for sale. They come with a care kit and birth certificate.
❖ Shop for Woven Shawls
In Malinalco, the tradition of weaving shawls continues. When you come, you have to check out the work of the women and men who create this very Mexican garment.
Head to Taller El Xoxopastli, where you can see items made on backstrap and colonial looms. Not just shawls, you can also shop for shoes, bags, jewelry, dresses, and hats made using the same technique
❖ Eat at the Market
Located on Juárez Street, the market is the best place to enjoy regional favorites like blue-corn quesadillas, barbacoa (pit-cooked goat meat) or cecina (salted, dried meat) tacos, chorizo, and French fries. You can also pick up all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, like pink guavas or giant radishes, and a wide variety of flowers.
❖ Discover the Neighborhood Chapels
See the town’s eight chapels on a famous chicharra—a scooter-powered, wire-framed car. The most attractive chapels are those in Santa María and San Guillermo, though it’s also worth seeing making stops to see those in the San Sebastián, Jesús María, and San Pedro neighborhoods.
❖ El Simulacro
This is a popular festival commemorating the battle for Mexican Independence. In the area known as Seis Calles, residents of adjacent neighborhoods come together to re-enact this event from the past. The town center becomes the battlefield where royalist troops face off against the liberation army. When: September 15
❖ Festival Cultural
de Malinalco
Se trata de una fiesta popular que conmemora la batalla de Independencia de México el 15 de septiembre. En la llamada zona de las Seis Calles, los habitantes de los barrios vecinos se reúnen para simular esta representación de antaño.
Es así como el centro del pueblo se convierte en campo de batalla en donde las tropas realistas se enfrentan contra el ejército libertador.
❖ Fiesta del Divino Salvador
The first week of August is when they celebrate the Malinalco’s patron saint, the Divine Savior. In addition to mass, celebrations include fireworks and pre-Hispanic dances in the church atrium. It’s a great way to see this Magical Town’s festive, religious side.
