Fortín De Las Flores: Flowers, History and Metlac

Fortín De Las Flores brings together plant diversity, cultural history and striking landscapes across the municipality. The greenhouses are among the city’s most important and best-known attractions, housing a wide variety of species. Other highlights include a historic railway station, a bonsai museum and natural destinations that appeal to a range of interests.

Flowers, Culture and History

The Museo del Bonsai Tatsu Goro grew out of a hobby of Miguel Ros. It brought Fortín de las Flores to national and international attention. Its connection to a personal passion gives the museum a different cultural character from the extensive variety of the greenhouses: here, the story behind a hobby takes center stage, while the greenhouses showcase the range of plant species.

The Antigua Estación de Ferrocarril de Fortín de las Flores opened to the public on December 8, 1871. This date places the railway station within the history of the town. There are also traces of the past across the municipality: the remains of the Ex Hacienda La Monte Blanco are from a hacienda built in 1618.

The regional flower-growing exhibition Expo-flor adds an event to the calendar. It takes place in May in the municipality of Fortín. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the latest event dates in advance.

Landscapes and Experiences Across the Municipality

At the municipal level, Fortín’s natural setting includes abundant flora and fauna as well as a federal forest reserve. The Puente de Metlac spans the Metlac River, which rises on the slopes of Pico de Orizaba. The Barranca de Metlac is listed as 115 meters deep and 265 meters wide. The river, bridge and gorge give the landscape a distinctly different character from the greenhouses in town.

Visitors can explore trails in the Barranca de Metlac. Access to the gorge is via Fortín Viejo; a professional tour guide is expressly recommended for the visit. Check trail conditions locally before planning your visit.

Laguna del Tule is located in Monte Blanco in the municipality of Fortín and is considered a natural excursion destination for families. For an active experience, Cerro del Chicahuxtla, also known as Cerro de las Antenas, is designated as a launch site for paragliding. The two destinations appeal to different interests: a nature outing and the desire for a flight experience. Check the latest visiting conditions for each destination before making your plans.

For finding your way around town, Monumento El Águila provides a clearly specified landmark: it is located in Parque Venustiano Carranza, behind the Palacio Municipal, in the center of Fortín. This makes it easy to distinguish the central area from the natural destinations located across the municipality.

Choose the Right Base

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: being close to the town center and Monumento El Águila, or enjoying nature across the municipality. Those especially interested in plants and culture can explore the greenhouses, the bonsai museum and the history of the railway station. Those who prefer landscapes and activity can consider the Barranca de Metlac, Laguna del Tule or the paragliding launch site at Cerro del Chicahuxtla. Then compare the rental’s exact location with the places you plan to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Banderilla, Jalcomulco, Alvarado, Boca Del Río, Cosoleacaque, La Encantada, Poza Rica De Hidalgo, Puente Nacional

For the overview of the wider region: Veracruz.