Atlatlahucan: Monastery Culture, Festivals and Nature

Atlatlahucan combines a significant monastic complex with festival traditions and a location within the Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin protected area. The Convento de San Mateo Apóstol is part of the UNESCO World Heritage ensemble of the earliest 16th-century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl. The volcano is visible from the atrium of the Ex-Convento. At the same time, the San Mateo complex is in the center of Atlatlahucan, and its atrium borders the Plaza principal.

Monastic History in the Town Center

The buttresses of the Ex-Convento de San Mateo Apóstol give the building a fortress-like appearance. It was built in the 16th century by Augustinians and is now regarded as one of Atlatlahucan’s most important historical landmarks. A family tree of the Augustinians can be seen in the complex’s open chapel. The Museo Histórico y Natural Calmécac also explores the monastery’s history: the tour includes an explanation of the founding of the Convento de San Mateo Apóstol. Atlatlahucan is also one of eleven towns on Morelos’s Ruta de los Conventos. Visitors particularly interested in religious architectural history will find several different points of interest here—from the monastic complex to other architectural landmarks in the municipality.

These include the Los Reyes Chapel and the Templo de San Juan Evangelista in Texcalpan. A historical snapshot from 2001 lists thirteen neighborhoods in Atlatlahucan, each with a chapel; at the time, four of these chapels were in use.

Festivals with Local Participation

The Feria del Cuarto Viernes de Cuaresma is held annually in Atlatlahucan. Its program includes processions, Chinelo dance competitions, music, traditional dances, Jaripeos and the traditional Toro de Once. The activities take place around the Ex-Convento de San Mateo Apóstol. The Feria thus brings religious traditions, music and community events together in a single festival program. It attracts families as well as other visitors.

The Carnaval de Atlatlahucan is also connected with the cultural identity of the eastern region of Morelos. During the event, the Comparsas Las Negras and los Tatais parade through the streets of the municipality. Families and local organizations keep this tradition alive through their participation. The Carnaval attracts visitors and boosts local gastronomy, commerce and tourism services. If you would like to experience local festival culture as well as architectural history during your trip, the Feria and Carnaval offer different ways to engage with community life: the Feria combines processions with a varied program, while the Comparsas take center stage at the Carnaval.

Workshops and community activities are planned at the renovated Centro Cultural del Barrio de San Mateo. This adds to the picture of a place whose cultural life is connected not only with historic buildings but also with community offerings.

Nature in the Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin

The Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin includes Atlatlahucan. The part located in Atlatlahucan belongs to the eastern section of the protected area. Nature tourism activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, rappelling, and observing flora and fauna are possible in the Corredor. This range of activities appeals to travelers looking to include nature experiences in their vacation plans; the activities mentioned refer to the protected area and should not be taken as a statement about specific trails or offerings in the town. Atlatlahucan can therefore be considered a destination for a trip focused on monastic culture, local festivals and nature, without requiring these interests to be combined into a set itinerary.

Getting There and Choosing Your Destination

From Mexico City, you can reach Atlatlahucan near Federal Highway 115 México-Cuautla. At kilometer 88, turn toward Totolapan; Atlatlahucan is about 1.5 kilometers farther on. When searching for a holiday rental, you can choose Atlatlahucan as your destination if the San Mateo complex and town center match your travel interests. The San Mateo complex in the town center serves as a landmark when choosing a place to stay. If you are specifically looking for the town rather than the wider municipality, switch to Atlatlahucan.

Other places in the same higher-level region: Jojutla, Tlaltizapán, Emiliano Zapata.

For the higher-level travel overview: Morelos.