Teúl de González Ortega – Zacatecas’ Magical Town of Orange Scent and Mescal

Teúl de González Ortega is considered the most delicious of the Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) in Zacatecas for its rich orange scent and mescal flavor. It is a destination where time passes slowly as you walk along its cobblestone streets, framed by the architectural beauty of its mansions, quarry walls, and surrounded by beautiful fruit trees that reflect its history.

 

It is located in the valleys of the Sierra Madre Occidental, in the south of the state. Its Historic Center is the ideal scenario to get an image of this picturesque place with its historical monuments and colonial constructions from the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

As you walk through the streets you will notice that the area was inhabited in pre-Hispanic times by indigenous groups such as the Teules. Its name Teúl is derived from Teotl and “De González Ortega” because General Jesús González Ortega lived there for many years.

 

On Calle Francisco I. Madero is El Templo de San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist's Temple), the most important church for its quarry construction finished until 1888, which has a beautiful carved wooden door. On one side is El Museo Mártires de la Parroquia (The Parish Martyrs' Museum), which displays pre-Hispanic pieces found in Cerro Teúl.

 

A very large rectangular-shaped esplanade is La Plaza de Armas, where you can spend a couple of hours observing its elegant kiosk from the Porfirian era, decorated with beautiful palm trees. Continue walking through the beautiful gateways, where you will find different convenience stores and handicrafts.

 

Further on you will see a pink quarry construction that belongs to El Palacio Municipal (The Municipal Palace), as well as El Teatro Parroquial (The Parish Theater). On Calle de Francisco Javier Mena is El Santuario de Guadalupe (Sanctuary of Guadalupe), built by the Franciscans, one of the oldest constructions in the town.

 

An obligatory stop is always at the Municipal Market that offers typical dishes of the region such as pipian, gorditas de horno, ranch cheese, and cottage cheese. Don't forget to have a glass of mezcal, the traditional drink.

 

It is worth mentioning that the lands of Teúl are fertile for the planting of the blue agave that ends up in the preparation of the mezcal. Learn about the process and elaboration of this drink in one of its factories or workshops.

 

Travel to the Pueblo Mágico de Teúl de González Ortega from Jerez, on a two-hour and 30-minute road trip; or a three-hour and a 15-minute trip from the city of Zacatecas.