Temoaya, Mexico
Region: Mexico
Geographic Coordinates: 19.468600, -99.593300
Temperature Range: 5.0°C to 25.0°C (41°F to 77°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 105766
Language: Spanish
Temoaya, A small town situated in the State of Mexico, Is located approximately 22 km northeast of Toluca, The state’s capital. The name Temoaya comes from the Nahuatl language and means place where they cut trees. This ancient town has a rich cultural heritage dating back to pre-Hispanic times and was an important center for the Otomi people who inhabited this region before the Spanish conquest. One of Temoaya’s most significant landmarks is its church, Which dates back to the 16th century and features a unique architectural style that blends European and indigenous elements.
Its façade showcases intricate carvings and sculptures depicting saints and biblical scenes while its interior houses stunning altarpieces adorned with gold leaf. Temoaya also boasts an archaeological site containing ruins from different periods of Mesoamerican history. Visitors can explore these ancient ruins on guided tours or by themselves. Additionally, Several natural attractions make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking or mountain biking opportunities in surrounding pine forests like La Marquesa National Park located nearby where visitors can enjoy activities like horseback riding or zip-lining through lush greenery.
The local cuisine in Temoaya offers visitors traditional Mexican flavors such as barbacoa (slow-cooked lamb), Carnitas (pork cooked in lard), Chicharrónes en salsa verde (fried pork rinds in green salsa), Tamales (corn dough filled with meat or vegetables) along with pulque, A fermented beverage made from agave plants’ sap. Throughout the year, Temoaya celebrates its cultural heritage through various festivals like Feast of San Francisco de Asis held every October that includes processions, Music performances, Dance shows as well as traditional foods.
Another popular event is Day of Dead celebration on November 1st-2nd when locals decorate their homes with altars honoring their deceased loved ones. Temoaya is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience authentic Mexican culture. With its ancient ruins, Unique architecture, Outdoor activities, Delicious food and drink offerings as well as festive celebrations throughout the year, Visitors can explore Mexico’s rich history and culture while enjoying its natural beauty.
- Ex-Convento de San Juan Bautista: A 16th-century convent with impressive colonial architecture.
- Parque Nacional El Cimatario: A national park with hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Museo del Virreinato: A museum showcasing the history and art of the Spanish colonial era in Mexico.
- Templo de San Pedro Apóstol: A beautiful church built in the 16th century with intricate baroque details.
- Mercado de Temoaya: A local market where you can find traditional Mexican handicrafts and delicious street food.
- Cerro del Elefante: A scenic lookout point offering panoramic views of Temoaya and its surroundings.
- Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca Piedra Herrada: An ecological reserve where you can witness thousands of monarch butterflies during their migration season (November-March).
- Cascada Velo de Novia: A stunning waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation that is perfect for a refreshing swim or picnic spot.
- Agriculture:
- Corn
- Beans
- Potatoes
- Livestock Production:
- Cattle
- Pigs
- Handicrafts:
- Pottery
- Textiles
- Tourism
- Small Businesses:
- Grocery Stores
- Restaurants
- Shops catering to the local community
- The Otomí people: Temoaya was originally inhabited by the Otomí people, who were known for their agricultural practices and craftsmanship.
- Spanish colonization: In 1521, Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico and began to conquer the Aztec Empire. Temoaya was one of the areas that fell under Spanish rule.
- Mexican War of Independence: During the early 19th century, Mexico fought for its independence from Spain. Temoaya played a role in this conflict as it was a strategic location for both sides.
- Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a priest who played a significant role in the Mexican War of Independence. He passed through Temoaya during his campaign against the Spanish.
- José María Morelos y Pavón: José María Morelos y Pavón was another important figure in the Mexican War of Independence who also passed through Temoaya during his campaign.
- The Battle of Toluca: In 1865, French troops invaded Mexico and occupied several cities including Toluca (which is near to Temoaya). A battle between French forces and Mexican soldiers took place near here on May 19th-20th, resulting in a victory for France.
- The National Museum of Anthropology’s storage facility collapse tragedy occurred on September 29th, 2021 killing at least two people including an anthropologist named Dr Edith Ortiz Diaz from Universidad Autonoma del Estado de México whose research focused on pre-Hispanic cultures such as those that once inhabited Teotihuacan which lies within close proximity to Temoaya.
- Museo Nacional de la Cultura Otomí: This museum displays the rich history and culture of the Otomí people, who are indigenous to the region.
- Ex Hacienda de San Francisco Temoya: This historical hacienda has been transformed into a cultural center, featuring exhibits on local history and art.
- Templo de San Pedro Apóstol: A 16th-century church, one of the oldest buildings in Temoaya, showcasing beautiful architecture and artwork.
- Monumento al General Ignacio Zaragoza: A monument that pays tribute to General Ignacio Zaragoza, a Mexican military hero who led his troops to victory against French forces in 1862.
- Parque Nacional El Cimatario: Located just outside Temoaya, this national park offers hiking trails through stunning natural landscapes.
- Mercado Municipal Temoaya: The local market provides an authentic experience of daily life in Temoaya while offering traditional foods like tamales and mole sauce.
- Casa y Jardín del Artesano Mexiquense: This artisanal center showcases traditional crafts from across Mexico such as pottery, textiles, jewelry and more.
- Grutas de la Estrella: These caves located outside Temoaya offer visitors a chance to see breathtaking rock formations along with underground rivers and waterfalls.
- Fiestas de San Miguel: This is a religious festival that honors Saint Michael the Archangel. It occurs every September and comprises processions, traditional dances, music performances, and food.
- Festival del Maíz: This festival celebrates corn as one of the essential crops in Mexican cuisine. It takes place every July and includes cooking demonstrations, food tastings, live music performances, and craft exhibitions.
- Feria de la Candelaria: This is a traditional fair held every February to honor the Virgin of Candelaria. It features parades with floats decorated with flowers and lights, bullfighting shows, fireworks displays as well as carnival rides for children and adults alike.
- Dia de los Muertos: Celebrated on November 1st – 2nd each year, this holiday honors deceased loved ones with elaborate altars filled with offerings such as candles, flowers, or their favorite foods.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week celebrations include processions through town featuring participants wearing Roman-style robes carrying crosses or statues representing Christ’s passion leading up to Easter Sunday festivities commemorating Jesus’ resurrection from death after being crucified by Roman authorities at Calvary hill outside Jerusalem around 30 AD.
- Carnitas Don Chucho – famous for their succulent pork carnitas.
- La Casona de Temoaya – a traditional Mexican restaurant known for their mole dishes.
- Los Colorines – a seafood restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes.
- El Piojito – a street food stall that serves delicious tacos al pastor.
- Las Delicias de Temoaya – a bakery that sells traditional Mexican pastries and breads, including pan dulce and conchas.
- Restaurante El Molino de Temoaya – another traditional Mexican restaurant that specializes in barbacoa (slow-cooked lamb).
- Taqueria Don Chepe – a local favorite for their tacos, especially the suadero (beef brisket) tacos.
- La Casa del Abuelo Juanito – a cozy family-run restaurant that serves homemade stews and soups, such as pozole and menudo.
- La Cocina de Manolo y Lupita – an upscale restaurant that offers contemporary Mexican cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
- Mercado Municipal de Temoaya – not technically a restaurant but an excellent place to try local street foods such as tamales, gorditas, quesadillas etc from different vendors under one roof!
- Parque Ecoturístico El Ocotal: This park offers hiking trails, zip-lining, camping and other outdoor activities.
- Parque Municipal Temoaya: This park has a playground for children, soccer fields, basketball courts and picnic areas.
- Bosque de los Remedios: This forested area offers hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Parque Ecológico Xochicuautla: This ecological park features nature walks, bird watching opportunities and a butterfly garden.
- Balneario Las Palomas: This water park has swimming pools with slides and other water attractions.
- Rancho San Francisco Temoaya: This ranch offers horseback riding tours of the surrounding countryside.
- Museo del Barroco Mexiquense: While not strictly a recreational activity or public park in itself, this museum showcases local art and culture that visitors may find interesting to explore as part of their visit to Temoaya.
