Zinacantepec, Mexico
Region: State of Mexico
Geographic Coordinates: 19.283300, -99.733300
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 136167
Language: Spanish
Zinacantepec is a lovely town located in the State of Mexico, Only 15 kilometers away from Toluca, The state capital. The name Zinacantepec originates from the Nahuatl language and means place where there are many houses on top of a hill. The town sits at an altitude of 2, 640 meters above sea level and enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. Zinacantepec has a fascinating history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times when it was inhabited by the Matlatzinca people. During colonial times, Zinacantepec became an essential agricultural center due to its fertile soil.
Currently, Agriculture remains one of the primary economic activities in the area with crops such as corn, Beans, Potatoes and strawberries being cultivated. One of Zinacantepec’s most notable attractions is its beautiful historic center featuring several colonial-era buildings like Parish Church of San Miguel Arcangel dating back to 1569 with an impressive baroque facade. Another noteworthy building is former Convento de San Francisco built-in 1576 now serving as a cultural center.
Apart from its architectural heritage, Zinacantepec offers visitors numerous natural attractions like La Marquesa National Park covering over 3, 000 hectares featuring hiking trails and picnic areas while also offering camping sites. Horseback riding tours through scenic landscapes are available too. Another popular attraction in Zinacantepec is traditional markets where visitors can find local handicrafts like pottery made from volcanic rock or textiles woven using traditional techniques. Food enthusiasts will enjoy exploring these markets as they offer delicious regional dishes such as tamales de charales (tamales filled with small fish) or tacos de cecina (thinly sliced salted beef).
for sports lovers visiting Zinacanetepc can visit Estadio Alberto Chivo Cordova home to Toluca soccer team’s training ground. The stadium has a capacity of 10, 000 people and hosts several matches throughout the year. Zinacantepec offers visitors a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture with its beautiful colonial architecture, Natural attractions, Traditional markets and more. It is definitely worth visiting for anyone looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Mexico.
- La Marquesa National Park: A beautiful natural park with forests, lakes and hiking trails.
- Parish of Saint John the Baptist: A historic church built in the 16th century with beautiful architecture.
- Zinacantepec Municipal Palace: A colonial-style building that houses government offices and a museum.
- San Miguel Arcangel Temple: Another historic church built in the 18th century with impressive baroque architecture.
- Casa de la Cultura de Zinacantepec: A cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, workshops and music concerts.
- Plaza de la Constitución: The main square of Zinacantepec where you can find shops, restaurants and local markets.
- El Santuario del Señor de Chalma: A popular pilgrimage site located near Zinacantepec where thousands of people come to pray every year.
- Museo Nacional del Virreinato (National Museum of Viceregal Art): One of the most important museums in Mexico showcasing art from the Colonial period (1521-1821).
- Agriculture: Zinacantepec is known for its cultivation of corn, beans, and fruits like apples and peaches.
- Manufacturing: The city has a significant manufacturing sector that produces textiles, clothing, furniture, and machinery.
- Construction: With a growing population and increasing infrastructure demands in the region, construction is an important industry in Zinacantepec.
- Retail: Zinacantepec has many small shops and markets that sell everything from food to clothing to household goods.
- Services: The city also has a thriving service sector that includes restaurants, hotels, banks, healthcare providers, and other businesses catering to local residents’ needs.
- Education: Zinacantepec is home to several universities and educational institutions providing training in various fields such as engineering and agriculture sciences among others.
- Transportation & Logistics: Due to its strategic location between Mexico City’s international airport (Benito Juarez) and Toluca International Airport, Zinancantepc serves as an important hub for logistics companies involved in freight forwarding, warehousing, etc.
- The founding of Zinacantepec: Zinacantepec was established during the pre-Columbian era by the Matlatzinca people, who were one of the indigenous groups that lived in the area before Spanish colonizers arrived.
- The Battle of Monte de las Cruces: In 1810, a significant battle occurred near Zinacantepec at a hill called Monte de las Cruces during Mexico’s War of Independence. Mexican insurgents led by Miguel Hidalgo fought against Spanish royalist forces, resulting in a victory for the insurgents and an important moment in Mexico’s struggle for independence.
- José María Velasco: Born in 1840, José María Velasco was a renowned Mexican painter famous for his landscape paintings and considered one of Mexico’s most important artists. He was born in Zinacantepec.
- The Toluca-Zitácuaro railway: Construction began on this railway line connecting Toluca with Zitácuaro via Zinacantepec in 1887 and played an essential role in linking different regions of Mexico and facilitating trade and commerce.
- Adolfo López Mateos: Adolfo López Mateos served as President from 1958 to 1964 as a Mexican politician born in Atizapán de Zaragoza but raised nearby Jiquipilco, which is part of the municipality of Zinacantepec.
- The Nevado de Toluca volcano: Located outside Zinacantepec is Nevado de Toluca volcano, which has been significant throughout history as both a sacred site for indigenous peoples and an essential water source for surrounding communities.
- The Estado de México Autonomous University (UAEM): UAEM is a public university situated primarily in Toluca but has several campuses located within Zinancatepec municipality; it is among Mexico’s most important universities and has produced many notable graduates over the years.
- Museo de la Acuarela
- Centro Cultural Mexiquense
- Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca
- Templo y Ex Convento de San Miguel Arcángel
- Jardín Botánico Cosmovitral
- Museo del Ferrocarril de Toluca
- Casa de la Cultura Zinacantepec
- Balneario Axotlán
- Parque Metropolitano Bicentenario
- Cristo Rey Monument
- Fiesta de San Miguel Arcángel: This is a religious festival celebrated in September to honor the patron saint of Zinacantepec, San Miguel Arcángel. There are processions, traditional dances, and fireworks.
- Feria del Elote: This is an annual corn festival held in August where locals celebrate the harvest of corn with food stalls, music, and dance performances.
- Día de Muertos: Day of the Dead is a significant cultural event in Mexico and is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd with colorful altars decorated with marigold flowers, candles, and food offerings for deceased loved ones.
- Festival Internacional de la Palabra: This literary festival takes place annually in October to promote reading and writing culture through conferences, workshops, book fairs among others.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week or Easter week celebrations are observed with religious processions depicting the passion of Christ that culminates on Easter Sunday with masses and family gatherings.
- Feria del Maíz Azul: The Blue Corn Festival celebrates the cultivation of blue maize which has been a staple crop for centuries in Zinacantepec; it includes traditional music performances as well as culinary competitions showcasing dishes made from blue corn.
- Feria del Queso y Vino: Cheese & Wine Fair takes place every year in May where visitors can sample local cheeses paired with Mexican wines from nearby vineyards while enjoying live music concerts.
- Tacos al pastor
- Barbacoa
- Chilaquiles
- Pozole
- Enchiladas
Some popular restaurants in Zinacantepec, Mexico include:
- El Rincon de los Sabores – known for their traditional Mexican dishes and homemade salsas.
- La Casa del Pastor – famous for their delicious tacos al pastor.
- La Casona de Don Juan – known for their authentic Mexican cuisine and beautiful outdoor seating area.
- Los Girasoles – a family-owned restaurant serving up traditional dishes like mole and chiles rellenos.
- Taqueria El Abuelo – a casual spot with a wide variety of tacos and other Mexican street food favorites.
- Parque Nacional La Marquesa is a great destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, and picnicking. It’s situated in the town of Ocoyoacac.
- Parque Recreativo Metropolitano is another park that offers plenty of recreational opportunities like paddle boating on its lake, soccer fields, basketball courts, playgrounds and jogging tracks.
- Parque Ecológico Zacango is home to over 200 species of animals from around the world as well as botanical gardens and hiking trails.
- Parque Bicentenario is a large urban park with walking paths, bike lanes an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events plus a children’s play area.
- Deportivo Zinacantepec has sports facilities such as soccer fields, basketball courts volleyball tennis courts and even a swimming pool for visitors to use.
- Bosque de los Remedios is a natural reserve with scenic views of surrounding mountains that offers hiking trails through forests of oak trees.
- Club Campestre San Carlos de la Cima boasts not only golf courses but also tennis courts and swimming pools available for use by members or visitors paying daily fees.
