Amealco de Bonfil: Mexico’s Magical Town of Otomi Crafts & Legendary Rag Doll

Amealco de Bonfil, Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) is characterized by its springs and its crafts workshops by the otomi community. This is the place where the famous rag doll “María” was born, considered Cultural Patrimony of the State.

 

This doll is so precious that there is a museum about it and a big scale reproduction of it in the main plaza. This big version is called Lele (baby in Otomí language ), the gigantic doll that went around the world.

 

Going into the entreil of its Historic Center, made of 20 blocks, you will find the Santa María Parish. Take a look to its original wood floors and its bronze vents. In front of the temple, the main garden stands out for its stairs and multiple levels. Take a look at is arches made of pink stone quarry that emulates Querétaro’s downtown, even the atmosphere has a bohemian feeling.

 

Right in the corner of IV Centenario and Morelos street, you will find a building made of yellow brick walls. This is the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) of the Otomi civilization. You can learn here about its language, it's handcrafted textiles or its traditional medicine. Quite near from here is the House of Crafts, where you can buy unique,handcrafted souvenirs.

 

The restaurants of Prehispanic food are another reason to visit the Pueblo Mágico of Amealco. Every Tuesday they serve red mole with turkey meat. This old tradition was created by the original inhabitants of the zone which didn’t work this day in order to rest and eat with their families. Don’t lose the chance of trying its typical beverages such as pulque or its fruity wines. You can find carnitas and barbacoa in the Municipal Market.

 

You can find cheap and comfortable hotels at the Historical Center. But the best accommodations are in the limits of the town. Here you can find cottages in the middle of the wood or the theme hotel La Muralla, inspired in the Mexican Revolution. Here, the guests can disguise themselves as Adelitas or Pancho Villa. The hotel provide services of horse riding, zipline and night shows

 

Finally, quite near from here, 20 minutes approximately, you will find San Ildefonso Tultepec, an oasis of crafts workshops. Its owners open its doors to visitors and you can make your own pottery or a drag doll.
You can get to Amealco de Bonfil coming from Mexico City. You have to take the Mexico-Querétaro Highway. until you get to San Juan del Río. Take the deviation to the Muralla. You will find this Magical Town in the kilometer 29.