Amecameca: Sanctuaries, festivals and routes to Paso de Cortés

Amecameca combines important religious buildings and lively festival traditions with destinations for excursions in Parque Nacional Izta-Popo Zoquiapan. The city’s sanctuaries and monuments tell of different chapters in its history; nearby, routes lead to Paso de Cortés and onward to nature trails and mountain destinations. When choosing where to stay, it is therefore important to consider whether you mainly want to discover Amecameca’s cultural life or set aside time for destinations in the national park.

Sanctuaries with a layered history

The Santuario del Señor del Sacromonte was built on the ruins of a pre-Hispanic pyramid complex. A teocalli and a place of worship dedicated to Tezcatlipoca previously stood at the same site. The sanctuary is considered one of the four most important oratories in central Mexico. This connection between different religious eras makes the site a special destination for visitors interested in Amecameca’s history.

Another striking building is the Templo de la Virgen de la Asunción. The church was built between 1554 and 1562 in the Dominican style. Its façade features a sculpture of the Virgin of the Assumption, with angels’ faces depicted at her feet. The building and its façade detail offer a distinct perspective on the city’s religious architecture. The Santuario and the Templo are separate sites, each with its own history.

Landmarks and local traditions

The Arco de San Sebastián de Aparicio marks the entrance to Amecameca and was declared a national monument in 1951. The Kiosko de Amecameca is located in the central park, where activities take place during various festivals. The two structures offer different points of reference: the Arco marks the entrance to town, while the Kiosko is part of the central park.

Local traditions also come to life during festivals. Amecameca’s Carnival reflects local folklore and cultural customs; the clothing and music of the Chinelos dance are characteristic. During the Ash Wednesday celebrations, the image of Señor del Sacromonte is taken from its niche and carried through town as part of the patron saint festival. Every year on the Day of the Dead, a procession featuring the iconic Catrina figure winds through the streets. Each occasion has its own focus: dance and music at Carnival, the religious procession on Ash Wednesday, and the Catrina in the Day of the Dead procession.

The Chestnut Festival is held every year around August, during the harvest season. The Festival de las Luciérnagas is held annually around July, with various events and the visual spectacle of fireflies. These approximate months can help you factor the festivals into your travel plans; they are not exact dates.

Excursion destinations at Paso de Cortés

Paso de Cortés is 23 kilometers from Amecameca via the access route through San Pedro Nexapa. At an elevation of 3,660 meters, it is the national park’s main tourist gathering point. The visitor center offers tourist information, restroom facilities, electricity, drinks, snacks, and some souvenirs. Paso de Cortés is a separate excursion destination from Amecameca’s cultural sites.

The Sendero Alpino in Parque Nacional Izta-Popo Zoquiapan runs seven kilometers from Paso de Cortés to La Joya; the round trip takes an average of four hours. In the public-use area of Paso de Cortés, there is also a 500-meter educational trail about the biology and ecology of the teporingo, also known as the zacatuche (Romerolagus diazi). Nature enthusiasts can choose between a longer hiking route and a shorter educational trail.

The national park’s listed attractions include climbs to Iztaccíhuatl (5,280 meters), Tláloc (4,120 meters), and Telapón (4,060 meters). All climbs to Popocatépetl have been prohibited since 1994 because of its eruptive activity. Camping is permitted in the public-use areas of Paso de Cortés, La Joyita, La Joya, and Llano Grande. The listed destinations and the restriction at Popocatépetl should be considered separately when planning excursions.

Getting there and choosing the right focus for your trip

Buses operated by Volcanes or SUR run from Mexico City’s TAPO terminal to Amecameca. To continue toward Paso de Cortés, the road first heads from the town center in the direction of Cuautla. Outside town, turn left onto the road to Tlamacas, which continues via San Pedro Nexapa to Paso de Cortés. If you mainly want to experience sanctuaries, monuments, and festival traditions, focus your stay on Amecameca; if you plan to visit destinations in the national park, include the route to Paso de Cortés in your planning.

More destinations: Temascaltepec De González, Villa Del Carbón, Metepec, San Antonio Bonixi, San Miguel Ameyalco, San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Naucalpan, Ixtapan De La Sal.

For the full travel overview: México.