Huautla: Xantolo, Culture and Waterfalls

Huautla combines the landscapes of the Huasteca Hidalguense with deep-rooted festival traditions. Between two deep ravines lies a semi-flat area that includes the foothills of the Sierra Oriental. There are also waterfalls and nature reserves, as well as a festival calendar in which music, food, and local customs play an important role. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you would most like to explore nature or Huautla’s cultural traditions.

Landscapes Between Ravines and Waterfalls

The geographic region of the Huasteca Hidalguense provides the setting for Huautla’s landscape. The town lies in a semi-flat area between two deep ravines; the foothills of the Sierra Oriental are also part of the region. As a result, different types of landscapes lie side by side. Rivers also shape the municipality’s natural scenery: the Río Beltrán is one of the rivers whose courses and cascades form waterfalls.

The Reserva de la Cascada de Cuatenahuatl is a nature reserve with a waterfall. There is also a zip line within the protected area. If this combination of nature and activity interests you as you plan your trip, you can make it a focus of your visit. El Mirador is another nature reserve in Huautla. The Cerro de El Cojolite is a separate attraction: from there, panoramic views extend across much of the municipality.

Another waterfall is the Cascada de Matenco, about 3 km from Huautla’s administrative center. The Río Cuatzonco is also one of Huautla’s natural attractions. These names offer different nature-related themes for planning your trip: waterfalls, rivers, protected areas, and views across the municipality. If you are looking for a vacation rental, your personal preference for nature or for Huautla’s festivals and cultural sites can guide your search.

Main Square, Church, and Local Traditions

Huautla’s main square is home to the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, built in the 16th century. San Juan Bautista is celebrated in Huautla as its patron saint. There are also monuments to Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla at central locations around the municipality. These places and names give local history a tangible connection without requiring visitors interested in culture to limit their trip to a single theme.

Traditional clothing is also part of the cultural picture: in some of Huautla’s communities, men’s clothing includes manta trousers, an embroidered shirt, huaraches, and a palm hat. The qualification “in some communities” is important; this is not a description of what all residents wear. If you are traveling with children, details like these, as well as the festivals, can be a starting point for talking about regional customs and differences.

Festivals, Music, and Food

Huautla’s most important traditional festival takes place on December 12 in honor of the Virgen Morena de Guadalupe. It features dances and fairground rides; regional handicrafts are also sold, and various foods are served. Music plays a central role in different forms at the municipality’s traditional festivals. The festival day thus brings together several aspects of local life and offers a distinctive cultural focus for a stay.

Xantolo is deeply rooted in Huautla and is also reflected in the preparation of food. During Xantolo, residents traditionally grind cacao to make chocolate. Pan de muerto, also called Pan muñeco, is prepared at this time as well; the bread is offered as a sacrifice. All Saints’ Day is also observed on November 1 and 2 with colorful altars decorated with food and multicolored flowers. The customs surrounding Xantolo and All Saints’ Day offer different insights into traditions, food, and remembrance.

You can also explore Chicontepec De Tejeda. More destinations: Acaxochitlán, Ixmiquilpan, Tantoyuca.

See the overview of destinations: Hidalgo.