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Zacatlán is a highland town in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, known as Zacatlán de las Manzanas for the apple orchards that surround it. A Pueblo Mágico, it sits at the edge of a deep ravine, with fog often rolling up from the valley. Clockmaking and cider production are two of its distinctive traditions.
The main square and flower clock are the town's signature sights, the clock's face planted in flowers and still keeping time. The Relojes Centenario clock museum showcases the history of a family company that has made clocks for churches and public buildings around Mexico. The former Franciscan monastery, one of the older religious buildings in the Americas, stands near the Parroquia de San Pedro. Vitromurales and the Callejón de los Huesos add colorful stained glass and art to small streets, while the Panteón murals decorate the cemetery walls. Barranca de los Jilgueros, a viewpoint and walkway at the edge of the ravine, offers views over the waterfalls below. Cascada Tulimán is a series of waterfalls with hiking trails.
Weekend travelers from Puebla and Mexico City favor Zacatlán for its cool climate and local cider. Valle de Piedras Encimadas, a valley of stacked boulders, makes a popular side trip. Sidrería El Convento 1567 offers tastings, and the apple fair in August brings festivities.
WiserMap travel guideZacatlán Mexico Apple Cider Flower Clock and WaterfallsPlan a trip to Zacatlán de las Manzanas in Puebla: the flower clock, a 16th century monastery, canyon views, waterfalls, apple cider and cheese bread.Read the guide
The large flower clock on the main square of Zacatlan is the town's best known symbol, a working clock with a face made of flowers and plants, built by the local Olvera clockmaking family. It plays music at certain hours. The square around it is lively, with cafes and stalls selling apples and bread.
Relojes Centenario is a family clockmaking business in Zacatlan that has built public clocks for towns all over Mexico. Its museum shows old clock mechanisms, tools and the history of the workshop, and visitors can see how monumental clocks are made. Ask about guided visits when you arrive.
The former Franciscan convent of Zacatlan dates from the 16th century and is considered one of the oldest in the Americas still standing. Its stone church and arches sit near the main square, and the building is used for cultural events. Visit in daylight to see the stonework and the old courtyard.
The parish church of San Pedro y San Pablo faces the main square of Zacatlan, with a Baroque facade and towers that stand out against the misty mountain sky. It is the center of the town's religious festivals. Step inside to see the altars, and visit in the evening when the plaza fills with people.
The Barranca de los Jilgueros is a deep canyon right at the edge of Zacatlan's center. A walkway along its rim leads to viewpoints, including a glass-floored lookout over the gorge and its waterfalls. Mist often fills the canyon in the morning, so come back later in the day if views are hidden.
Tuliman is an ecotourism park near Zacatlan with a tall waterfall in a green canyon, along with trails, hanging bridges and ziplines. A path leads down to the falls, where you can feel the spray. The steps can be steep and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes, and bring water for the climb back.
The Valle de Piedras Encimadas, about 25 km from Zacatlan, is a valley of huge granite boulders stacked in strange shapes among pine forests. Visitors walk, ride horses, rent bikes or try ziplines, and there are cabins and food stalls. Go on a clear day and bring a jacket, as it is often cool and misty.
Zacatlan's Apple Fair is held every year in August, celebrating the region's apple harvest with parades, a festival queen, stands selling apples, cider, fruit wines and preserves, plus music and dancing. It is the busiest time to visit. Book lodging early and try the local cider and apple pastries.
Zacatlan is famous across Puebla for its bakeries, especially pan de queso, a soft bread filled with sweet cheese, along with other traditional breads baked in wood-fired ovens. Bakeries near the main square sell it warm. Buy some with a hot coffee or chocolate on a chilly morning.
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Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
