San Joaquín
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◈The ruins at Ranas and Toluquilla are proof that San Joaquín has no beef with its mining past. But its location in the middle of the Sierra Gorda and the Huasteca Region have turned it into a natural and cultural wonderland. Especially in April, when the violin chords start humming and the first rhythmic stomps get underway at the Concurso Nacional de Huapango (Mexico’s National Huapango Dance Competition). For 46 years, the competition has made this Magical Town the Capital of Huapango.
◆Touring one of the archeological sites.
◆Exploring Gruta de los Herrera.
◆Taking a bike ride through a stretch of the Sierra Gorda.
In April, the Huapango National Contest is held.
❖ Grutas de los Herrera
At least six caverns where runoff has caused stalactites and stalagmites to form strange shapes. Look for the formations dubbed “a walk in jungle,” “the lion”, and “the crocodile.”
It’s been conditioned for walking and outfitted with lights, making it a great choice for the whole family.
❖ Archaeological area Ranas y Toluquilla
The archeological sites of two settlements that flourished during the Classic period (from 600 to 1000 CE), both autonomous cultural groups of the Sierra Gorda. The groups mined and traded cinnabar, a reddish mineral used in funerary rites throughout Mesoamerica. Check out the terraces, temples, and Mesoamerican ball courts amidst the forest of the high sierra peaks.
❖ Mirador La Crucita
This lookout affords the best possible view of the Magical Town of San Joaquín. Have fun pointing out the town’s main buildings, seeing all the different colors, especially the red-tiled roofs of the little houses.
Be sure to bring your camera. Up here, the sights are timeless.
❖ Adventure sports in the Sierra Gorda
The trails and mountains of the Sierra Gorda won’t disappoint when it comes to mountain and adventure sports.
There are thousands of adventure options in the Sierra Gorda surrounding San Joaquín: hiking, birdwatching, waterfall excursions, and more.
Centro Ecoturístico El Cedral. This eco-tourism lodge has cabins, ziplining, a paintball field, rock-climbing walls, and its own cave.
Gruta de los Herrera. It’s been conditioned for walking and outfitted with lights, making it a great choice for the whole family.
Parque Nacional Campo Alegre. This national park is great for a camping getaway or a day of picnicking. There are grills, thatched shelters, and climbing areas.
ATV run down the Conquistador Route to El Jabalí Campsite. Interested? Call 01441 293 5259.
Ruta Ciclista Escalera al Infierno. This 85-mile bike ride from Bernal to San Joaquín is for experts only.
❖ Try local dishes
A culinary parade of the best in traditional cooking.
Try the sheep barbacoa, mole, the pork in salsa verde with cactus paddles, tamales, and especially the mouthwatering chicharrón de res (beef crackling). For dessert, there’s apple liqueur, fruit pastes, and candied chilacayote and pumpkin squash.
❖ Shop for hand-crafted products
The wood craftsmanship is phenomenal.
There’s apple liqueur and wood-carved items including furniture, pens, picture frames, and more. They also produce a variety of textile work such as embroidery and openwork.
❖ Huapango National contest
In April, the sounds of the violin and the first footwork begin to resonate in this town; from the first row, admire the choreography and stage projection; the rhythm and costumes of the contestant couples will remain in your mind forever.
