Pahuatlán: A Magical Pueblo of Coffee, Amate Paper, and Nahuatl Heritage

Between the limits of Hidalgo and Puebla, there is a Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) with a Nahuatl and Otomi heart, protector of the pre-Hispanic production of amate paper: Pahuatlán, located in the Puebla Sierra, the region surrounded by “emerald” hills, valleys and ravines.

 

The days in Pahuatlán begin with the aroma of freshly milled coffee percolating through the cobblestone streets of the small town center, coming from coffee shops and small adobe houses with red tile roofs. The bean harvest is one of the main riches of the Magical Town, as well as it’s wood oven bakeries. Therefore, a cup of coffee and a warm polvorón or concha are the perfect breakfast to start the morning.

 

Afterward, you must visit El Templo del Señor Santiago Apóstol (The Temple of the Lord Santiago the Apostle), built more than 400 years ago by the Augustinian friars. Its white facade highlights its rococo design that contrasts with the yellow frames of the bell tower and the main entrance.

 

On Sundays, the atrium is the stage for the dance of Los Voladores, since the Pueblo Mágico de Pahuatlán was part of the old Totonacapan lordship. Also, that day is the day of tianguis ( flea markets) where you can find one of the most prestigious handicrafts, the amate paper. However, in order to marvel at the elaboration process, you must travel to the artisan workshops of San Pablito, about 20 minutes from the municipal capital.

 

Don't miss the opportunity to meet a shaman or healer. In the plaza, several establishments offer spiritual cleansing, as well as herbal and natural infusions to relieve discomfort. Some hotels (like Hotel San Carlos) even have temazcal baths among their amenities.

 

You travel to Pahuatlán when you want to have contact with nature. That is why we recommend hiring a mountain bike tour to visit a coffee mill, cross the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla suspension bridge, observe the La Trinidad waterfall, go into the Cerro del Cirio trails until you reach the Ahíla viewpoint, and, why not, dare to rappel down one of its faces.

 

El Pueblo Mágico de Pahuatlán is located almost three hours from Mexico City, the best route to get there is through the Arco Norte highway towards Tulancingo, Hidalgo.