Acaxochitlán: Water, Forest Trails, and Regional Cuisine

Acaxochitlán can be explored through a variety of experiences: water at several reservoirs, trails through forests and nature, an archaeological museum, and regional traditions. You can choose what to focus on during your stay—from walks and water activities to handicrafts and cuisine.

Walks and Water Activities

Colorful boat rides are offered at the Presa del Tejocotal. You can also go horseback riding among the forest trees there. Visitors looking to spend time on the water or in the forest during an outing will find two different options here.

Presa Omiltemetl is suitable for walking. The dam and the Llano are considered recommended viewpoints for their beauty and easy access. At Presa de Santa Ana Tzacuala, the translucent water shapes the scenery. Long walks are also possible there. The wooded surroundings have two restaurants and a small park with lawns and barbecue grills.

Forest Trails and Waterfalls

A footpath leads to the Cascadas de Chimalapa. Along the way, visitors can hear birds and see the local flora. The Cascada de Salto de San Francisco is a waterfall in Acaxochitlán, near the Cascadas de Chimalapa. It is approximately 30 meters high.

Las Vueltas is a forest trail about 2 kilometers long that once served as a royal road. The trail thus has both a specific length and a historical use. Another way to experience the forest and a touch of fantasy is the Sendero Mágico de los Duendes theme park grounds: surrounded by lush vegetation of pines, firs, and oaks, they feature a total of 110 depictions of goblins.

Museum, Handicrafts, and Festivities

The Museo Arqueológico de Acaxochitlán is housed in the Palacio Municipal building. Its collection includes approximately 800 objects. In the village of Santa Catarina, women embroider Quechquemitls and blouses as part of their Indigenous dress. A religious festival in Acaxochitlán takes place from May 3 to 11 and has been celebrated for more than 170 years.

Regional Specialties

Molotes are among Acaxochitlán’s typical dishes and can be enjoyed year-round. Fruit wines are also local specialties: acachul, apple, plum, capulín, and blackberry wines can be purchased at the Apple Fair or in local factories. During the rainy season, Nanakateras—women gatherers—sell edible wild mushrooms at the Sunday Tianguis in Acaxochitlán.

When looking for a vacation rental, consider whether you want to focus your stay on walks and water activities, or on the museum, handicrafts, and regional cuisine. Acaxochitlán is 71 kilometers from the state capital; the drive via the México–Tuxpan federal highway, also known as Highway 132, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

More destination pages: Acaxochitlán, Tantoyuca, Huautla, and Ixmiquilpan.

For the main travel overview: Hidalgo.