Tepotzotlán
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◈ De La Cruz Square and the garden outside Hostería del Convento set the frame of reference for seeing the town. The hubbub of the weekend outdoor markets, dancing to the tune of son music outside the handicrafts market, the chiming bells of Templo de San Pedro at sunrise—that’s the stuff of this town of neat streets bounded by the National Viceroyalty Museum. Really getting to know it means strolling through its parks and along the ancient aqueduct to uncover its time-tested stories.
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- Going for a bike ride at Centro Ecoturístico Arcos del Sitio.
- Savoring colonial dishes at the monastery’s inn.
- A hot air balloon ride over the town of Tepotzotlán.
Check out the altarpieces at San Francisco Javier, El Camarín de la Virgen de Loreto, and El Relicario de San José.
❖ Tepotzotlán Historic Center
The center of this Magical Town is where you’ll find the town hall, the Museo Nacional del Virreinato, Plaza Cívica, Plaza de las Artesanías, the municipal market, and more. In the surrounding areas there are also restaurants, hotels, inns, and eateries. A good way to see the area is on the Historias y Leyendas Tour, organized by the Office of Tourism. Costumed guides will lead you through the streets as they share tales and myths about the town.
❖ Ex Colegio de San Francisco Javier and Museo Nacional del Virreinato
Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, the Ex Colegio de San Francisco Javier was one of the largest schools in New Spain. The stone facade is considered the essence of Mexican churrigueresque.
It has housed the National Viceroyalty Museum since 1964. This architectural gem has several areas well worth checking out, such as the St. Francis Xavier altarpieces, carved from white cedar and coated in gold, the Virgin of Loreto Shrine, with its vaulted ceiling with polychromatic plasterwork, and the St. Joseph Sanctuary, with floor-to-ceiling baroque decoration, 18th-century paintings, wood-carved floral motifs, stucco reliefs, and polychromatic and estofado figures.
❖ Plaza de las Artesanías
Located next door to town hall, this square is a great pace for finding handicrafts from the region and all of Mexico. Choose among openwork wooden boxes, stretched glass figures, bronze items, textiles, artistic ironwork, and leather accessories.
You can shop for these products on the weekend. Be sure to look for the “Hecho en Tepotzotlán” (Made in Tepotzotlán) seal where you shop. See a catalog of artisans at Tepotzotlán’s official website.
❖ Explore Parque Ecológico Xochitla
Xochitla Ecological Park is a special spot for kids. The green areas are great for roller skating and bike riding. There are boats, quadricycles, a climbing wall, bungee jumping, train rides and plenty of other ways to enjoy nature and look after the environment.
❖ Bike Ride Around the Xalpa Aqueduct
Built by Jesuit monks in the early 18th century, today, the aqueduct is a recreational center that’s great for hiking or biking out in nature. The National Viceroyalty Museum is a good place to start, before heading out to the arches. Be sure to take a bike lock in case there are any major stops. Be ready to ride some 479 yards to see all 43 arches.
❖ Enjoy Pre-Hispanic Food
If you like quesadillas, sopes, tlacoyos, pambazos, barbacoa, or carnitas, then head to the municipal market. Or, check out Los Arcos, where the specialty is cabrito (goat).
Learn about the ingredients, dishes, and culinary traditions of the ancestors at the market and downtown restaurants.
❖ Xochitla Hot Air Balloon Festival
This gorgeous ecological park is the perfect place for those who enjoy the thrill of great heights. The festival provides a chance to go up and ride in one-of-a-kind balloons, in addition to enjoying temporary and permanent attractions at the park. Don’t miss the nighttime light show with live music.
When: April 23
❖ Feast of St. Peter
St. Peter, the patron saint, is celebrated in the second half of June. Besides religious ceremonies and masses, the festivities also include holiday markets, rides, musical groups, and the traditional toritos—wood or wire framed firework structures fashioned to look like bulls.
When: June 29
❖ Traditional Pastorelas
Tepotzotlán is by far the place for traditional pastorelas (nativity plays). The performances take place at the Hostería del Convento restaurant throughout December. They’ve garnered national and international fame.
Take part in the experience and enjoy it while enjoying hot ponche, tamales, and listening to nativity songs.
