Magical Town
Cuetzalan
Wake up to birdsong among a scenery of green. Get ready to hear the Nahua voices of the people who give a little of themselves in their cooking and handicrafts. Explore some caves. Take a traditional medicine session.
Current weather
clear sky
28
Humidity
58%
Highlights
Things to do
Festivities
Services in Cuetzalan
What Makes It Magical
The mountain setting makes Cuetzalan a town of cobblestone streets where walking among the small streets and alleyways is something you’ll want to do. When you do, you’ll see birds flying above the palm trees, inhale the aroma of coffee in the air, and share space with those who make cotton textiles. You’ll come across Nahua women whose skirts mark their stride. Follow them and you’ll come to the market whose core is formed of flowers, fruits, baskets, and shawls. The afternoons smell of the coming rain, beyond which tree-sized ferns, caves, and rivers await a new adventure.
Why You Should Go
The Deep-Rooted Traditions
- The Nahua people here still dress as their ancestors did.
- On Sundays at Parroquia de San Francisco, you can hear the people’s language.
- That’s also the day when they perform the Danza de los Voladores (Flying Men) ritual outside the church.
- At their workshop, the Posadas family sells headdresses like those used in the Danza de los Quetzalines.
At the Very Least
Check out how they make traditional garments—huipils and shawls—on the backstrap loom at Mercado de Artesanías.
Don’t Miss
- Stepping into the impressive Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís.
- Having dinner at Peña Los Jarritos or the charro ring at El Potrillo.
- Seeing Jardín Botánico Xoxoctic with its many orchids and ferns.
- Seeing how they make huipils and shawls on the backstrap loom at Mercado de Artesanías.