Tecozautla
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◈ This town is an oasis in the midst of Hidalgo’s semiarid Bajío region. Its many water parks are fed by warm water luring you away from the city.
In addition, the town’s history and architecture are also appealing. Ancient cultures that inhabited the area left archeological remains telling of times gone by, just as with the Franciscan convent and the old, vaulted houses from the colonial era.
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◆ Take a look through the Ex Convento de Santiago Apóstol.
◆ Enjoy quirky ice cream flavors, such as garambullo (cactus berries) and nopal cactus with cream cheese, on the town square.
◆ Learn about El Pañhú archeological site.
Head to Balneario El Géiser whose geyser sprays water that is almost 200°F.
❖ El Géiser
A water park, it takes its name from the naturally-occurring geyser that shoots out water reaching almost 200˚F. The steam is used to make a natural sauna. There are several pools, water slides, a zip-line circuit, hanging bridges, and spa.
❖ El Pañhú
This archeological site prospered between the years 450 and 950. It belonged to the Xajay culture, considered the predecessor of the present-day Otomí culture. The views of the valley of Tecozautla are one of a kind.
Archeologists have determined that it was occupied by the Xajay people between 450 and 950. They were probably one of the ancestors of the Otomí people who now inhabit the region.
❖ Ex Convento de
Santiago Apóstol
The first space you enter is a sizable atrium with a large stone cross leading to the 16th-century Ex Convento. The former convent was built in honor of the apostle James by Franciscan monks.
The facade features reliefs with Latin anagrams and inscriptions that frame the stained glass choral window.
Inside, you will find spacious naves and a beautiful altar. On the right hand side is a door that takes you to the convent’s cloister.
❖ Stroll Along the Los Arcos Aqueduct
This 18th-century aqueduct emerges from among trees and orchards. It is a set of three rounded arches with a canal across the top that used to let water flow into a system of irrigation ditches.
Take a few minutes to walk along this colonial-era gem in Tecozautla, in the shade of the tall trees.
❖ Take a Dip in Los Pinos Water Park
This is one of the closest water parks to town. The water in its pools is a relaxing 100˚F. The park also boasts water slides and expansive lawns. Additionally, they lead mountain bike rides through the area around town.
❖ Spend a Day in Ex Molino de San Bernardo
Almost 4 miles from Tecozautla sits this former mill. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and natural hot springs. You can swim, hike, bird-watch, and explore this 18th-century structure.
❖ Carnival in Tecozautla
One of biggest celebrations of the Magical Town is its traditional carnival. It is characterized by the cascaroniza event in which townspeople break eggshells filled with confetti over each other’s heads, symbolizing of forgiveness and fellowship.
The carnival festival draws members of Tecozautla’s Otomí community. It recreates the drama of life and death.
❖ Feria de la Fruta
During the town’s festival for the apostle James, its patron saint, this fair dedicated to fruit takes place. The best of the region’s fruit production is displayed. Pomegranates, peaches, grapes, figs, mangos, and many kinds of vegetables are just a few of the products you can buy.
When: July 25
❖ Festejo de la Santa Cruz
The Otomí town El Pañhé produces a large number of baskets. For this reason, every year during the celebration of the Holy Cross, more than 2,000 of them are tossed out to crowds during the traditional “lluvia de canastas,” or raining baskets.
The date also marks the celebration of the “juego del cortapollo,” an agricultural ritual in which the xitás, or masked ones, sacrifice chickens by hitting them against the backs of opponents. The blood spilled becomes a fertility offering to Mother Earth to bring good harvests.
When: May 3
