As the town’s name alludes, Zacatlán de las Manzanas (of the Apples) is best known for its orchards and apple cider, but the pueblo mágico has an often overlooked abundance of adventures, culture, and natural beauty. Located at an altitude of 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in the Sierra Norte de Puebla and at the edge of a ravine, it is a town that can offer sweeping views and makes for a great destination for nature and culture lovers.
In the mornings, fog often rolls into town and shrouds the streets in a mythical atmosphere, and once it lifts, it unveils colorful mosaics, canyon vistas, and thundering waterfalls. It is a town with a surprising wealth of activities, and having visited Zacatlán during the height of the rainy season, I would describe it as a place where rain and fog forge your adventure.
While my main reason for visiting Zacatlán was to attend an ATMEX conference, I ended up staying for a full week so I could properly explore the vast range of things to do in Zacatlán and the surrounding area. I certainly could have done with a little less rain during my stay, but ultimately, the experience showed me that adventure does not have to be limited by less than desirable weather, and that the true warmth and soul of a destination often lies in its traditions, history, and the people who share a glimpse of their hometown with you.
I visited Zacatlán to attend ATMEX Zacatlán as a journalist, so some activities were hosted. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links(*), which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.
How to get to Zacatlán
Most travelers heading to Zacatlán begin their journey in Puebla de Zaragoza, and if you are doing the same, then you can choose between getting there by bus, driving there with a rental car, and doing an organized day trip.
Between 4 AM and 8 PM, there is one bus per hour between Puebla CAPU and Zacatlán, so you do not have to book your ticket in advance. The bus ride takes around 2:20 h and will cost you between 277 MXN and 296 MXN. You can check the departure times of the Supra and Ejecutivo buses here.
If you rent a car in Puebla, it will take you at least 2:20 h to drive to Zacatlán. Traffic and road conditions might impact how long it will take you to drive the 142 km. Should you prefer to do a day trip, this guided tour that also includes a stop in Chignahuapan is a popular option.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Zacatlán from Mexico City. Futura buses depart hourly from Terminal del Norte, while BusExpress, Ejecutivo, and Supra have frequent departures from México TAPO. The bus ride takes around 3:20 h.
Where to Stay
There are many nice hotels in traditional houses with big courtyards, but if you want to avoid the moist air and cool nighttime temperatures, you will want to book a hotel with a heater and warm water. This is especially the case if you are traveling during the rainy season, so be sure to choose your hotel accordingly. I recommend the following two accommodations:
Casa San Miguel Boutique Hotel & Spa
With its location just around the corner from the Zócalo, Casa San Miguel Hotel Boutique y Spa is the place to stay if you want a luxurious, but authentic hotel right in the historic center.
The 16 rooms of the five star hotel are modern, and decorative items like embroidered throw blankets, pillows, and paintings add the local touch that connects guests to the regional culture and craftsmanship. The rooms are heated, so you will be comfortable and warm regardless of the season.
The ground level of the hotel houses a restaurant and a small boutique that sells exquisite artisan jewelry and garments from different regions of Mexico. The boutique owner is more than happy to tell you all about the origin of the individual pieces, which enables you to truly appreciate the patterns and cultural significance of your purchases.
Next to the boutique, you will find a small sitting area with a historic piano, and on the first floor, a cozy reading room invites you to spend rainy hours with a book in your hand.
If you are looking for wellness during your stay, then massages and temazcal experiences await you at the hotel’s Manantiales Spa. During my time in Zacatlán, I did a chocolate ritual temazcal at Casa San Miguel Boutique Hotel and it was a truly revitalizing experience that allowed me to connect with my inner self.
Aside from the reflective elements, this specific temazcal included a honey-chocolate mask, so it is an experience that can help heal both spirit and body. As such, I highly recommend booking a temazcal while you are in town. It is possible to book it even if you are not staying at the hotel.
Mandala Camp
the ideal nature retreat near Zacatlán
Mandala Camp in Tamatlán is the ideal place to stay if you are looking for a relaxing retreat in nature close to Zacatlán. Located 20 minutes away from the town, it is only a short car or taxi ride away, and is close to Cascada Tuliman.
When staying at this tranquil accommodation, you can choose between igloo domes and bunker rooms. Hereby, I particularly recommend the domes which overlook a river and are surrounded by lush greenery.
As such, staying here is an immersion in nature and you get to enjoy true tranquility while being close to both Zacatlán and Chignahuapan.
While staying at Mandala Camp, you can cross the river to hike to a 7 m high waterfall, or enjoy the facilities which include a basketball hoop, a billiard table, and board games. In the evenings, you can attend the movie screening at the fire pit of Mandala Camp, or can order a movie projector to your room.
Mandala Camp offers a variety of breakfast options, so you can enjoy a delicious Mexican breakfast before heading into town. Chances are, you will encounter resident bunny Lola as you eat.
If you have to call a taxi to Zacatlán, the incredibly helpful and friendly staff will help you out, but you can also catch a colectivo from the main road of Tamatlán.
I stayed at Mandala Camp for my final two nights in the area and had a fabulous time. My stay was the perfect addition to my time in Zacatlán, so I highly recommend staying here for at least one night even if you favor staying in town for the majority of your stay.
Things to Do in Zacatlán
Zacatlán is a town where nature and culture meet, so it offers a vast range of things to do. Nature lovers will love hiking through the ravine and visiting the waterfall park, while thrill-seekers can chase adrenaline by zip lining over the ravine or exploring the area by 4×4. Meanwhile, Zacatlán’s museums, mosaics, and the Zócalo area provide more relaxed activities that diversify your stay and make Zacatlán truly unique.
1. Take in the View from Mirador de Cristal
Zacatlán is located at a ravine, and while the entire street along it offers great views of Barranca de los Jilgueros (Goldfinch Canyon), the small glass viewpoint offers the best panorama. While it is not the largest glass platform, its slightly protruding position grants you a better perspective of the ravine and the town itself.
As your gaze sweeps around the scenery, you can spot several waterfalls including Cascada Cola de Caballo hidden among the lush green of Barranca de los Jilgueros. It is a vista that makes you want to linger so you can fully take it in and makes you appreciate the natural beauty of Zacatlán.
During the rainy season, the entire canyon can be concealed by thick fog, but over the course of the morning, it usually clears up to slowly reveal the canyon. This makes it a stunning view in its own right, as it feels like nature itself is slowly pulling back the curtain of this natural theater.
Around 100 meters further down the road you will find another small viewpoint where you will find the Monumento Avioneta behind colorful letters spelling the name of the town.
2. Marvel at the Mosaics
Just across the street from the viewpoint, you will find the town’s oldest set of mosaic murals that tell you stories about Zacatlán, its history, culture, and the people who live there. The vibrant murals artfully created with glass, mosaics, and recycled Talavera pottery were a part of the 300th anniversary celebration of Zacatlán in 2014, and have since lead to many more mosaic-covered walls all over town.
As a nod to Zacatlán’s most famous product, this first mosaic series showcases places in or near Zacatlán within apples. Further along the wall, another mosaic series artfully displays and celebrates life in the universe according to the Nahua, one of the largest indigenous groups in Mexico.
Nearby, on the cemetery wall along Porfirio Díaz street, you will find a series of religious motifs that feature biblical scenes.
Meanwhile, the walls of Parque Linda Vista are a vibrant celebration of traditional attire from all regions of Mexico as well as clothes from around the world. It is a captivating cultural journey around Mexico in the span of a short stroll through a park.
The newest section of mosaics is called ‘Zacatlán de Mis Recuerdos‘ and can be found in Callejón del Hueso. These impressive pieces of art take you on a voyage to the past of Zacatlán by recreating old photos of the pueblo mágico.
If you are lucky, you might see some of the artists at work while marveling at these murals. I was fortunate enough to encounter Raúl Marchena (IG: @artemarchena) who has worked on many of the mosaics of Zacatlán, and had a lovely chat with him. He sells magnets depicting some of his art projects, which make for some of the best souvenirs you can buy in Zacatlán.
With all of its sections, the mosaic project is a wonderful ongoing celebration of all that makes Zacatlán so special. They truly capture the essence of the town and are more than reason enough to visit Zacatlán even if you only have one afternoon.
3. Explore the Zócalo
The Zócalo is the beating heart of the pueblo mágico, which makes it the place to go if you want to take a break, observe people going about their day, and take in the atmosphere of the village. In a way, sitting on the benches on the plaza provides the contemporary key to understanding Zacatlán.
The colorful Reloj Floral (Flower Clock) which integrates flower arrangements in its two 5 meter-large clock faces is the centerpiece of the main square.
It was the first clock of its kind and was donated by Zacatlán’s clock factory when the Zócalo was renovated in 1986. Ever since, it has played a melody every 3 hours, with the tune changing according to the season.
In December it plays a Christmas Carol.
Just down the street, the mosaic-covered Manzana Gigante (Giant Apple) statue serves as another reminder of Zacatlán’s heritage and traditions.
To the south, the plaza is framed by Parroquia de San Pedro and the Ex-Convento Franciscano de San Francisco de Asís. The convent was founded in 1562, which makes it one of the oldest in Puebla and is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption.
4. Get to know Zacatlán at MUZA
If you are interested in photography and want to learn more about Zacatlán, there is no better place to visit than MUZA. The Museum Zacatlán is located in a more than 100 years old house, and the courtyard has been turned into a small café where locals and travelers alike flock to take a break.
The first room of the museum is dedicated to photography and showcases old cameras as well as photos of Zacatlán. Part of the exhibition consists of old photos of the town that are displayed alongside recent photos of the same location, and as you observe them, it is obvious how connected Zacatlán has stayed to its roots.
The other four rooms of the museum focus on colonial Zacatlán, modern Zacatlán, and the local indigenous community. If you ask, the café staff will give you a tour of the museum, but basic knowledge of Spanish is required as there are no English tours.
5. Learn about the History of Time Keeping
In 1909, a young man from Zacatlán called Don Alberto Olvera Hernández set out to build a monumental clock. It took him three years to build the first clock, but its installation at the Coyotepec Estate was the start of a success story that resulted in the foundation of the first Monumental Clock Factory in Latin America in 1918. The clocks built here can be found all over Mexico, including in Atlixco, and around the world.
To celebrate the legacy of Don Alberto, his grandchildren opened the Museo de Relojería “Alberto Olvera Hernández” and allow visitors to see the factory where the clocks are produced.
After watching an introductory video (with English subtitles) and a short walk through the factory, visitors can explore the exhibition that traces the history of timekeeping devices from ancient sun dials to modern clocks.
With its setup, the museum is a celebration of local heritage that allows you to learn more about clocks and calendars. As such, it is one of the best things to do in Zacatlán even if clocks are not of particular interest to you.
The entry fee is 20 MXN and you have to get your ticket at the factory’s store around the corner from the museum entrance.
If you visit Zacatlán during the weekend, you can also see the factory’s Bicentennial Automatic Clock Show. It takes place at the José Dolores Pérez street facade of the building and can be seen during the following times: Friday 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday 12 PM, 2 PM, and 9 PM.
6. Chase Waterfalls at Las Brizas Park
There are several waterfalls close to Zacatlán, and the Salto de Quetzalapan waterfall is certainly the most impressive one. It is the second highest multi-drop waterfall in the state, and its water originated from the Chignahuapan Lagoon which drains via the Quetzalapan River.
Each of its three drops of the falls tends to be referred to by a different name and corresponds with the three eco parks located around the waterfall. As such, you will find mentions of Cascada Salto de Quetzalapan, Cascada Tuliman, and Cascada Las Brizas.
During my time in Zacatlán I ended up visiting Cascada Las Brizas Ecotourism Park and had a fantastic time. Aside from marveling at the thundering waterfall, you can do all kinds of activities at Las Brizas including hiking, tree climbing, archery, and ziplining. Hereby, the hiking trails take you to the lower viewpoint of the falls, while the three connected ziplines are a thrilling way to take in the scenic valley.
The highlight of the eco park is the new Crystal Viewpoint, which grants you a unique perspective of the water crashing down the cliff face. Once you can take your eyes off the waterfall, you can take in the stunning view of the surrounding area, or look down to stare into the abyss below you.
During the winter months, you also have the option of doing a nighttime visit during which you can see the waterfalls illuminated and see light installations along the hiking path leading to the lower viewpoint.
If you want a guide during your visit, you should ask for Juvencio. He is the only English-speaking guide and works every day but Tuesday.
7. Zipline over Barranca de los Jilgueros
When it comes to chasing thrills in Zacatlán, there is no better activity than the zipline across Barranca de los Jilgueros. The 1.4 km (0.87 miles) long zipline has you speed over the 400 meters deep canyon at over 100 km/h (62 mph) and as you look down, you can spot San Pedro river below you.
I did it on a really foggy and rainy day, and while I did not get to fully enjoy the amazing view, it was still an incredible experience that was well worth it. As I raced across the ravine, trees seemingly rose out of the fog and raindrops started to resemble streaks, reminding me of warp speed sequences in movies.
If you prefer exploring the ravine at a slower pace and are not a fan of heights, you can also book a hiking trip through the Barranca with Zipline Zacatlán. The hike includes a river crossing, and therefore offers a small thrill as well.
8. Drink Apple Cider
Given that Zacatlán is best known for its apples and cider, no visit to the pueblo mágico is complete without trying the local cider. As you walk through the streets, vendors will offer you a sip of apple cider or local spirits, so you have plenty opportunities to try the apple cider. However, you can also get a more comprehensive experience by visiting one of the siderías in town.
Sidería Artesanal El Convento 1576 is the most popular option and offers a tasting with a short explanation for only 15 MXN. Alternatively, you can also head to Sidería San Rafael where you can even tour the cellars and sample some of the local products.
Sadly, both were already closed for the day when I tried to visit the siderías, but thankfully, I already drank some of the delicious local cider during the ATMEX opening ceremony.
The cider and local spirits make for a great souvenir, so be sure to buy a bottle or two before you leave Zacatlán.
9. Explore the Area in a 4×4
If you want to see more of the area and orchards around town, a 4×4 ride is the best way. Hereby, you can usually choose between jeep tours or driving yourself in a side-by-side vehicle. I did a tour with Jeep Tours Zacatlan and opted for driving a Can-Am Maverick. Thanks to the recent heavy rain, it was mud splatters galore, but thanks to my rain cape, I had a blast while my clothes stayed clean.
Should you book your tour with the same company, you can choose between the following routes and tours:
Zacatlán Nocturno: This night tour takes you through the forest and includes a gathering at a bonfire. While sitting around the fire, you can try Zacatlán’s pan de queso (cheese bread), roast sausages and marshmallows over the fire, and drink coffee. It’s the ideal tour if you are traveling with friends and want to see the area in a completely different light.
Ruta Antigua: Explore the forest and sights like Puente del Gato (Cat Bridge) and the Ruins of Paredones, before ending the tour with a product tasting.
Ruta Mayahuel: With a focus on the traditional Mexican fermented beverage pulque, this tour is ideal for culture lovers and foodies. During the tour, you visit a hacienda where a drink tasting awaits you.
Ruta Odisea: If you love waterfalls, this tour is what you are looking for. After a short stop at the Cat Bridge, you head to Salta de Quezalapan Park where a 120 m zip line and a suspension bridge at the waterfall await you.
Expedición a Rocas: This route combines a 4×4 ride with a hike that takes you to interesting rock formations and a cave in the forest. As such, it is a great way to immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the area while also getting to see intriguing geological features.
Tesoros Naturales: Take in scenic views of Barranca de las Jilgueros, drive through the forest, and explore one of Zacatlán’s avocado orchards.
10. Attend the Gran Feria de la Manzana
Every summer around August 15th, Zacatlán celebrates the Gran Feria de la Manzana. For more than 80 years now, the Apple Festival has been planned in the days around the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, who is the patron saint of fruit growers. As such, attending the celebrations offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and is an experience unlike any other.
Over the course of several days, there are concerts, culture shows, and food exhibitions, while vendors in stalls sell local artisanal products. Additionally, the orchards are opened to the public, so you can explore where Zacatlán’s most popular export product grows.
At noon on the closing Sunday of the festival, a traditional parade of apple-themed floats takes place, so any visit during the festival should include this final day.
What to See near Zacatlán
If you have extra time after exploring Zacatlán, it is worth venturing into the surrounding area. Hereby, the following places are are the most common places to see near Zacatlán.
Chignahuapan
Chignahuapan is another pueblo mágico and is located a mere 15 km away from Zacatlán. As such, it makes for a great day trip that allows you to explore a completely different side of the region without having to travel far.
Also known as Mexico’s Christmas bauble town, Chignahuapan is the place to go if you want to buy Christmas tree decorations. All over town you will find stores selling the handmade glass baubles, and if you want to learn more about the production process, you can tour factories like Fábrica de Esferas Las Almas.
During your visit, you should also venture to the Chignahuapan Lagoon, which is the origin of the water thundering down at Tuliman Falls. A small park at the lagoon features a monumental clock produced in Zacatlán, and only a short walk away, colorful murals about life and death await you in ‘El Paseo de la Catrina’.
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Casa del Axolote and the hot springs are further places not to be skipped when you visit Chignahuapan.
From October 30 to November 2, the town celebrates the Festival de la Luz y de la Vida. The festival takes place at the lagoon and combines music, fireworks, a light show and dances to reenact the nine steps to reach Mictlán.
There are frequent colectivo departures between Zacatlán and Chignahuapan, so you do not have to take a taxi.
Grutas Karmidas
Exploring caves is a popular activity in Mexico, and the best place to do near Zacatlán are the Grutas Karmidas. Located between near Zapotitlán de Méndez, the caves were discovered in 1919 by a distillery owner who was looking for water. The caves first opened to tourists in 1923 and ever since, the same family has offered guided tours of the Grutas Karmidas.
Grutas Karmidas consist of five different rooms full of stalagmites and stalactites including ones shaped like a brain and a reclining woman. You have to walk through a small underground stream to access the rooms of the cave, so you are in for a real adventure.
The easiest way to get to Zapotitlán de Mendez where the caves are located is to drive there. The route takes you along winding mountain road, so it take approximately 2 hours to get there. Once in town, head to XKIT Turismo Aventura.
Piedras Encimadas Valley
Less than an hour away, Valle de Piedras Encimadas is an ideal addition to your Zacatlán itinerary if you love nature. The ‘Valley of the Stacked Stones’ has more than 240 unique rock formations which were formed by volcanic activity. Most are between 10 and 20 meters tall, and their shapes have inspired local legends.
While you can explore the valley on your own, you can also do a guided walking tour or explore the area by horseback riding. Other activities offered at Valle de Piedras Encimadas include archery and a zip line circuit.
If you do not have a rental car, you can get there by taking a colectivo to Camotepec from where you can take a taxi for relatively little money. Alternatively, you can also book a tour to the valley with Omemixtli Tours.
Where to Eat
With dishes like mole poblano and pipian verde, Puebla is one of the country’s foodie hotspots, and no trip to the state would be complete without eating them. As such, you should use every opportunity to try local dishes and check out different restaurants in town. Based on my own experience, I can recommend the following places:
Casa Fernández 1876: Located inside one of the oldest houses in Zacatlán, this restaurant offers local gastronomy and a glimpse at traditional houses. As you look around the restaurant, you will notice many elements that date back to the 19th-century such as the doors, beams, and lanterns.
There is live music on the weekends, and you can choose to sit indoors or outdoors in a small courtyard area. The food served here is delightful, and while you cannot go wrong, I especially recommend eating ‘mole poblano’ and ‘enchiladas de pipian’. The third dish to try is the ‘lasagna de mole’ which was highly recommended to my group. If you fancy a cocktail, you should order the ‘Mezcalina’.
El Amador: El Amador is located close to the Zócalo and is a good option if you want an affordable, but delicious Mexican meal. It can take a bit longer to get your food, but the short wait for the ‘tacos dorados’ I ordered was worth it. All around, I do not think that the waiting time was too bad, and the ordered drinks were served fast, so go there with the expectation of getting a relaxed meal.
Mi Viejo Pueblito: This restaurant is located inside the Casa San Miguel Boutique Hotel and offers a delicious selection of Pueblan and Mexican dishes. The dining area is split between an area with mosaic-decorated walls and a covered courtyard that has you feel like you are eating outdoors while offering protection from the rain. I recommend ordering the ‘enchiladas de 3 moles’.
Panadería La Fama: Aside from apples, Zacatlán is known for is pan de queso (cheese bread), and this bakery is said to be the best place to get the soft dough bread that is filled with ranchero cheese. It is one of the oldest bakeries in town and offers a large variety.
Zacatlán Travel Tips
If you are planning to visit Zacatlán, being aware of the following travel tips will improve your trip:
Zacatlán gets relatively few international visitors, so many people do not speak English even if they work in tourism. Therefore, it is helpful if you are able to speak some Spanish. Alternatively, you should download a translation app.
Cell phone reception in Zacatlán is rather limited, and Telcel is the only network that provides coverage in the area. Therefore, getting an eSIM via Holafly should be your best option.
Not every store and restaurant in Zacatlán accepts card payments, so having cash is highly recommended. If you want to withdraw money while there, I recommend doing so at HSBC. The bank’s ATM accepts most international cards and has the smallest withdrawal fee.
If you visit Zacatlán during the rainy season, you will want a rain poncho and maybe even rain boots. Simply wearing a rain jacket is unlikely to keep you dry. Thankfully, most stores and even hotels sell reusable plastic rain ponchos for 50 MXN, so you can just buy one upon arrival.
FAQ
How many days should you spend in Zacatlán?
While it is possible to visit Zacatlán as a day trip from Puebla, I recommend spending at least 3 days in town so you can explore all it has to offer. Zacatlán is not a place you want to explore in a rush, as even looking at all the mosaics can fill an entire afternoon.
If you plan to do a day trip to Chignahuapan, you will want at least 4 days in the area.
What is the best time to visit Zacatlán?
Zacatlán de las Manzanas has a temperate climate and the temperature stays relatively stable throughout the year. The average temperature stays between 12°C (54°F) and 18°C (64°F), with May being the warmest month.
Unlike the temperature, the precipitation varies a lot throughout the year. There is a big difference between the dry season and the rainy season. June to October are the rainy season and downpours are frequent. September marks the peak of the rainy season.
Based on my own visit in October, I can say that mere raincoats are not enough during this time and that you will likely get soaked when doing activities like zip lining over the ravine or while exploring the area by 4×4. While walking around the town, the overhanging roofs will shelter you from the worst of the rain.
With that said, I do not think you should avoid the rainy season, as many events such as the Gran Feria de la Manzana in August and the berry picking time (June to August) take place during this time of the year. Just pack accordingly, buy a rain poncho, and book a hotel with an AC that has heating capability.
Should you prefer to stay dry, then the best time to visit Zacatlán is between December and March, as these months are the driest.
Is Zacatlán safe?
The state of Puebla is known as one of the safest states in Mexico for travelers, and Zacatlán is no exception to that. During my week in the pueblo mágico, I felt perfectly safe at all times, including at night. If you do not go looking for trouble, you are very unlikely to encounter it.
As is the case everywhere, you should still keep your wits on you and stay aware of your surroundings.
Based on my experience, I can recommend visiting Zacatlán to female solo travelers.
Is Zacatlán worth visiting?
During my time in Zacatlán I got drenched, froze at night, and had no cell phone reception, and yet, I had a great time. In fact, I consider it one of the most charming places I have visited in Mexico. Zacatlán might challenge you, but it also rewards visitors who dare to venture off the beaten path with a wealth of adventure and culture, friendly locals, and authentic experiences far away from mass tourism.
As such, it is certainly worth a visit and makes for a great addition to any trip to Puebla City or even Mexico City. Visiting this town shrouded in fog shows you a completely different side of the state of Puebla, and you will leave Zacatlán feeling grateful.
If you pack according to the weather and choose a hotel with a heater if you travel there during the rainy season, you will have a great time regardless of when you visit this unique pueblo mágico.
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If you are planning a trip to Zacatlán you might also be interested in these Puebla travel guides:
How to get to Puebla
Unmissable Activities Puebla City
Is there anything else you would like to know about Zacatlán?
Let me know in the comments!
Hello again, I am greeted with another one of your very warm, beautiful, informative, and even inspiring writings. While reading your articles and looking at the photos you have taken in the places you visited, I can feel all your excitement and the spirit of those locations. It makes me want to go where you are and do what you do. I truly love your writings—thank you for being a guide and a source of inspiration for me