Aculco is a peaceful and traditional Magical Town in the state of Mexico.
Strolling around its streets is like traveling back in time and being able to experience history first hand; engaging with its inhabitants who are part of the Otomí ethnicity is also a beautiful encounter, for they are warm-hearted, welcoming people.
Ecotourism is a favorite activity in this town that has very nice weather and an array of natural treasures ready to be discovered.
The Cascadas la Concepción are a lovely waterfall that originates in the dam Ñadó; in the summer time the flow is rich with an impressive height of 25 meters, and its basalt walls are perfect for rappelling –there are more than one hundred routes tracked for the enthusiasts to follow.
Salto Tixhiñú rises upwards of 15 meters and is a wonderful place for rock climbing, hiking, trekking, camping, and swimming in the creeks and streams.
Aculco has been declared as Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO; therefore, its architecture, which is a combination of Colonial and Tequitqui (an indigenous
interpretation of the Spanish buildings of the period) styles is very well conserved.
A clear example is the Parrish of the Ex-Convento de San Gerónimo.
By the way, the quarry mines here are among the top in the world.
There is a legend about the Public Wash site that was built circa 1884 over a canal; it is said that there is a Pirul tree right across from the wash place, and on its trunk one can see the silhouettes of children hugging the tree; according to the story, a witch captured them there and sometimes in the night, one can hear them crying.
The myth is enhanced as you pinch the bark of the tree and a red liquid pours out.
Up to this date, no one has been able to give a logical explanation, thus increasing the mystery.
Food wise, this Magical Town is known for its artisanal cheese, which comes in a variety of flavors.
Taste and decide whether you like best the Adobado, the one with epazote, or any other; to be frank, you may have a hard time choosing and you will possibly end up buying one of each! Yum! Remember to eat some authentic barbacoa or pork carnitas, and make a toast to life with fruit pulque.
Getting ready to go home? Don't forget to get yourself a souvenir; anything, from a piece of embroidered clothing made in manta, wool, or ixtle, to clay crockery, and other useful articles made of palm.
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Do not miss Presa Ñadó and its impressive 3,300 high crag; it is a great spot to go camping and swim, fish, go horseback riding, hiking, or just have a picnic.
In the town, take a stroll in the Plazuela Benito Juárez, snap a picture on its kiosk and see the Sanctuary of Our Lord of Nenthé (who is attributed many miracles during the drought).
Go to the Public Wash Place and see for yourself whether the legend is true; you may want to hire a local guide to tell you about this and many other myths that could make a great storyline for a movie!
Aculco is almost always having some celebration, so you may visit any time of the year and be part of the festivities; perhaps the Patriotic parade, the Grito de Independencia, the festival in honor of their patron Saint Gerónimo, or the Pulque Tour during the Easter week.
Whichever you may choose, you are sure to have a joyful, tasty, and colorful experience.
Oh! And always bring your camera and an empty stomach so you can indulge in the delicious typical food!Enhance your trip with these nearby destinations: Querétaro (95 km away, is a bustling city full of story, architecture, culture, good shopping, great food and a buoyant nightlife); Toluca (at a distance of 121 km, one of its main attractions is the Nevado de Toluca volcano which you may want to climb); Tepotzotlán (90 km, lovely temples, ex convents and churches, along with some awesome food and local markets); Mexico City (137 km far; one of the largest cities in the world, it will stimulate all your senses with its endless possibilities)
Things to see and do
Gastronomy, ecotourism, rock climbing, hiking, trekking, swimming, fishing, creeks, waterfalls, dams, horseback riding, horse races, churches, camping, rappel, festivals, fairs, regional dances, myths, and legends.
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