Ixtlahuaca, Mexico
Region: Mexico
Geographic Coordinates: 19.568900, -99.766900
Temperature Range: 5.0°C to 25.0°C (41°F to 77°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 153184
Language: Spanish
Ixtlahuaca is a small town located in the State of Mexico, 70 km northwest of Mexico City. The town is situated on a hill surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, History, And beautiful landscapes. The Ex-Convento de San Francisco is one of the most impressive landmarks in Ixtlahuaca. This former Franciscan convent was built in the 16th century by Spanish colonizers and features a stunning Baroque-style facade with intricate details and sculptures.
La Casa de la Cultura or House of Culture serves as a cultural center where visitors can learn about local traditions through exhibits showcasing traditional clothing, Music instruments, Dance performances, And more. The center also hosts workshops on pottery making and weaving techniques using natural fibers such as wool or cotton. The town’s central plaza offers plenty to see and do with vendors selling traditional Mexican food like tacos al pastor or tamales wrapped in banana leaves alongside artisanal crafts such as pottery or woven baskets made from palm leaves.
For those who love outdoor activities like hiking or camping trips with friends or family members can enjoy exploring nearby mountains like Cerro del Aguila (Eagle Mountain), Which offers breathtaking views over Ixtlahuaca valley below. Ixtlahuaca has several natural attractions worth visiting such as Las Tres Lagunas (The Three Lagoons). These three crystal-clear lakes are surrounded by dense forests making it an ideal spot for swimming during summer months when temperatures soar high above 30°C (86°F). but not least important to mention is that Ixtlahuaca has been designated as a Pueblo Mágico or Magical Town by the Mexican government.
This designation has helped Ixtlahuaca attract more visitors boosting its local economy while preserving its unique identity and charm. Ixtlahuaca is a charming town that offers plenty of attractions for visitors who want to learn about Mexican culture, History, And nature. From exploring ancient convents to hiking through lush forests or swimming in crystal-clear lakes, There’s something for everyone here. So next time you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, Make sure you include Ixtlahuaca on your itinerary!
- Ex-Convento de San Francisco: A historic Franciscan monastery built in the 16th century.
- Parque Nacional Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: A national park with scenic views, hiking trails, and camping areas.
- Museo del Oro: A museum showcasing pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
- Teatro Degollado: An ornate neoclassical theater built in the 19th century.
- Templo del Señor de la Misericordia: A beautiful church with intricate Baroque architecture.
- Mercado Municipal de Ixtlahuaca: A bustling market selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
- Laguna de Zumpango: A large lake surrounded by picturesque landscapes and wildlife.
- Santuario Mariano Diocesano Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima: A religious sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.
- Cascada El Salto de Tultepec: An impressive waterfall located near Ixtlahuaca’s neighboring town of Tultepec.
- Presa Madín-El Oro-Mineral El Oro-La Ciénega-Los Azulitos Circuit: A scenic drive through lakeshores and mining towns that takes you from Jalisco to Zacatecas via Aguascalientes.
- Agriculture (especially corn and bean farming)
- Livestock production
- Dairy products manufacturing
- Furniture manufacturing
- Construction materials production
- Tourism
- Small businesses such as:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Retail shops
- The Aztecs founded Ixtlahuaca in the 12th century.
- Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in 1521 and established a colonial government.
- The Church of San Francisco de Asís was built in the 16th century and is still standing today as a cultural heritage site.
- Hacienda de Santa María Ixtlahuaca was established during colonial times and played a significant role in local agriculture and economy.
- Ignacio Manuel Altamirano, a prominent Mexican writer and politician who fought for indigenous rights during the late 19th century, was born here.
- During Mexico’s War of Independence (1810-1821), Ixtlahuaca rose up against Spanish rule under revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
- Today, Ixtlahuaca is known for its annual Feria del Burro (Donkey Fair), which celebrates local culture and traditions through music, food, and other festivities.
- Museo Regional de Ixtlahuaca: The museum showcases the history and culture of the region through exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents.
- Parroquia de San Juan Bautista: This historic church dates back to the 16th century and features beautiful architecture and artwork.
- Centro Cultural Mexiquense Texcoco: Located in nearby Texcoco, this cultural center features art exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and more.
- Monasterio del Divino Salvador: This monastery is a historic landmark that was founded in the 16th century by Franciscan monks.
- Cueva del Diablo: This natural cave formation is located on the outskirts of Ixtlahuaca and is believed to have been used by pre-Columbian cultures for religious ceremonies.
- Casa de la Cultura de Ixtlahuaca: This cultural center hosts art exhibitions, workshops, music performances, and other events throughout the year.
- Santuario del Señor del Huerto: This historic church dates back to the 18th century and is known for its ornate altar piece depicting Christ carrying a cross.
- Zona Arqueológica Teotihuacán: Located about an hour’s drive from Ixtlahuaca, this ancient archaeological site features impressive pyramids and ruins from one of Mexico’s most important pre-Columbian civilizations.
- Feast of San Francisco de Asis: Celebrated annually on October 4th, this festival is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi.
- Carnival: This grand celebration takes place before Lent every year and features parades, music performances, dance shows along with colorful costumes.
- Day of the Dead: Honoring deceased loved ones is the main purpose behind this traditional Mexican holiday celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd.
- Independence Day: Every year on September 16th marks Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810.
- Holy Week: A week-long religious celebration takes place during Easter time featuring processions and ceremonies.
- Virgin of Guadalupe Festival: Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico’s patron saint is honored by celebrating this festival each year on December 12th.
- National Charro Championship: Horseback riding competitions showcasing traditional Mexican horsemanship skills called charreadas take place annually in January or February.
- Tacos de Barbacoa Los Primos: This restaurant is famous for its delicious barbacoa tacos, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to try authentic Mexican cuisine.
- La Casa del Abuelo: A family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Mexican dishes such as chiles rellenos, mole poblano, and tamales.
- El Rinconcito: This spot is popular for breakfast and offers dishes such as chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.
- Taqueria Los Tres Reyes: Known for its variety of tacos including al pastor, carne asada, and chorizo.
- La Cabaña de Don Chon: Specializing in grilled meats such as arrachera (skirt steak) and cecina (salted beef), this restaurant also offers traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and pozole.
- Pozolería Lupita: This restaurant specializes in pozole – a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy corn and meat (usually pork). They also serve other typical dishes like tacos dorados (fried tacos) and sopes (thick tortillas topped with beans, cheese, meat or vegetables).
- Tortas Don Cuco: A small sandwich shop that is famous for its tortas – a type of Mexican sandwich filled with various ingredients like avocado, cheese, ham or chicken.
- Las Gorditas de Doña Licha: Another family-owned business that serves gorditas – thick corn cakes stuffed with different fillings like beans or cheese – along with other typical antojitos mexicanos (Mexican street food snacks).
- El Molino Rojo: A casual eatery that offers an extensive menu of Mexican comfort food including soups, stews, and grilled meats.
- La Cocina de Lupita: This cozy restaurant serves homemade Mexican dishes like mole de olla (beef stew with vegetables) and chicharrón en salsa verde (pork cracklings in green sauce). They also have a small market where you can buy traditional ingredients and spices to take home.
- Parque Ecológico El Ocotal: This park provides visitors with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating.
- Parque Recreativo La Marquesa: This park features zip lines, horseback riding, camping facilities, and a restaurant.
- Parque Natural Sierra de Guadalupe: This park offers hiking trails through the mountains and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Balneario Las Fuentes: This waterpark is equipped with several swimming pools featuring slides and other water attractions.
- Deportivo Ixtlahuaca: This sports complex has facilities for soccer, basketball, tennis, and other sports.
- Centro Ecoturístico Los Sauces: Visitors to this ecotourism center can enjoy horseback riding tours through the countryside.
- Bosque de la Primavera National Park: Located just outside of Ixtlahuaca in Zapopan, this national park boasts hiking trails through forests of pine trees as well as hot springs to relax in after your hike.
