Your expert guide to planning a trip to Zacatlán de las Manzanas
Zacatlán de las Manzanas, a pueblo mágico in Puebla, is a lovely place to visit for a few days while you’re in central Mexico, especially if you love adventure, good food & tradition.
I was in Zacatlán for a conference in late 2025 and really enjoyed myself. One of my days here makes it into my top ten days of all time in Mexico and I hope that with the assistance of this article, you, too will have an amazing time exploring the town.
🍎 Don’t worry, you don’t have to call it Zacatlán de las Manzanas every time. Zactatán is perfectly fine.
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What is Zacatlán de las Manzanas famous for?
🍎 Apples
So linked with apples is this town that its name was changed to include “de las manzanas”. In fact, apple growing began here in the 16th century and today, there are thought to be around 700,000 apple trees producing 18 varieties of apples in the orchards around town.
➕ Apples are not the only product to be grown in this extremely fertile region of Mexico: peaches, blueberries, avocados, plums, pears, walnuts and coffee also grow here. And, apparently, around 50% of the land in Zacatlán is actually used to grow agave for pulque, a delicious, fermented, pre-hispanic drink (try it in the bar/restaurant, Agave, photo further down in article).
🕰️ Clocks
The first monumental clock factory in Latin America, Relojes Centenario, was opened here in Zacatlán in 1918. In 1993 a Clock Museum was opened to the public, and there’s also a giant floral clock located in the centre of the zocalo.
🎨 Mosaic Murals
For such a small town, Zacatlán sure has a lot of mosaics. The first and best known is the Mural de la Paseo Barranca, it’s the one visitors to the city are most likely to see but there are many more and they’re all very impressive (see below for more information).
🌳 Amazing nature
Located, as it is, high up in the Sierra Norte de Puebla (2000 m above sea level), it’s not surprising that Zacatlán is surrounded by amazing spots of natural beauty. Don’t miss views out over the Barranca de los Jilgueros, a visit to the Valle de Piedras Encimadas, the local waterfalls and more.
→ Jump straight to the ‘what to do section‘ if you don’t need to think about travel or accommodation in Zacatlán.
How long do you need in Zacatlán?
You could visit Zacatlán for the day from Puebla but I recommend spending a couple of nights here if you can. There’s plenty to do and it’s really a lovely town.
☀️ 🌦️ A little note on the weather
Zacatlán has a mountain climate, with a median temperature of 14℃ (57℉). It also rains a lot here, in fact it receives over 2000mm a year in rainfall.
⭐️ November – April are the driest months but summer is probably the most exciting season to visit as there’s so much going on.
☔️ September is the wettest month.
🫐 In summer, enjoy the Blue Ruta, focused on the local blueberries and nature
🪲 In July, the lucienagas (fireflies) are a magical component of a trip to this region
🍎 July – August, get involved in the apple harvest
🎡 9 – 17 August every year is the Gran Feria de la Manzana
☔️ Rain gear note: I took my Gore-Tex jacket and waterproof hiking shoes when I visited in October and they did not stand up well against the heavy, 4 day storm I experienced.
To be fair, this was unusual but I still recommend being prepared. I also bought a $50 peso rain-jacket to wear over my stupid Gore-Tex and it did a better job protecting me than all my expensive hiking gear. (Here I’m actually sporting an excellent look of an old tablecloth over my jacket)
Getting to Zacatlán de las Manzanas
🚘 The easiest way to get to Zacatlán is with your own car. This gives you the freedom to stop when you feel like it and to take whatever awesome day trips you fancy from the selection below.
From Puebla, it’s just over 2 hours drive to Zacatlán and from CDMX it takes just over 3h.
→ Check rental prices & availability with Discover Cars, my favourite rental car broker in Mexico
🚌 There are direct buses to Zacatlán from both CDMX TAPO (Futura buses 3hr20) and Puebla CAPU (ATAH busline, 2hr30)
👣 Or you can take a private tour from Puebla if you’re interested in a day trip while in town
Where to stay in Zacatlán
🏨 MexicoCassie rustic recommendation: Hotel y Cabañas Una Cosita de Zacatlán – just a short walk from zocalo, these rustic cabins are a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much. Some rooms have open fires, and all come with plenty of blankets for the cold. The restaurant serves a great breakfast. I stayed here and found it very pleasant.
🏨 MexicoCassie traditional recommendation: Hotel Posada Don Ramón – this is a beautifully traditional courtyard hotel with good breakfasts and comfortable beds in the centre of town.
🏨 MexicoCassie glamping recommendation: Mantra Glamping & Chalets – just outside of town, here you’ll find incredible glamping domes & modern, well equipped chalets. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to spend time in nature. There’s a pool on site and there’s a shuttle bus in and out of town.
🗺️ Or, if none of these work for you, use the MexicoCassie interactive accommodation finder map to choose something better.
What to do in Zacatlán
Spend one day exploring the town
☕️ If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, then head into town. I enjoyed Los Molcajetes, just by the zocalo – they have good food and great views.
Morning fun
Begin on the zocalo
Start on the zocalo (main square) where you’ll find the monumental flower clock, and a giant mosaic apple.
➕ There are two large and imposing churches just off the zocalo, the Ex Convento Franciscano and the Parroquia de San Pedro. It’s possible to visit both.
Museo de Relojería Alberto Olvera Hernández
Next, if you’re interested in learning about clocks and this town’s relationship with them, head to the clock museum. It’s free.
(I didn’t go – I had limited time in town and this didn’t seem as exciting as the other adventures I had planned for myself)
Mirador de Cristal de Barranca
This is one of the highlights of the town and it’s absolutely worth your time, even if it’s crazy cloudy like it was when I was in town.
This is a small glass bridge at far end of Paseo de la Barranca, the road running all the way along the edge of Barranca de Jilgueros (Goldfinch Canyon). The views along here, on a clear day, are quite spectacular, and even when it’s cloudy, it’s impressive.
When I visited, we were either suffering with torrential rain or we were under a constant blanket of fog but even so, just look at the gorgeous view above.
➕ Underneath this mirador is a long and narrow artisan market where you can pick up some good souvenirs and try local alcoholic drinks (it’s just visible in the photo above).
Los Vitromurales
Over 2000m² of Zacatlán is currently covered in murals, and it looks as if they’re not yet finished decorating the town.
What started out in 2014 as a project to celebrate the town’s 300th birthday, has morphed into something bigger and seriously impressive that you can’t miss.
The murals are made up of glass, as you might expect, as well as tiles, talavera, and mirrors.
Where are the murals? How do we find them?
There are various places to look out for the murals. I recommend seeing as many as you can.
Paseo de la Barranca de los Jilgueros – “300 años de Zacatlán” – this is the first one most people see as it’s right by the mirador. It represents the glories of the town. Look out for scenes including the apple harvest, watches & clocks, weaving and more.
Here you also have my favourite of all the mural themes, “Universo Náhuatl”, that includes a representation of the Aztec underworld, Mictlán, Tláloc, the God of rain, Quetzalcátl and more.
Callejón del Hueso – “Zactalán de mis recuerdos” – this is a historic representation of the city in mural form – you’ll see representations of the Indigenous people of the area, the city’s old central kiosk, and shops, even the first Feria de la Manzana (apple festival) that was held in 1941.
Calle Linda Vista is also full of murals of traditional costumes from around Mexico on one side of the road and from around the world on the other.
➕ Calle Porfirio Díaz – along the side of the cemetery is “La Vida Eterna”, a mosaic made up of eleven bible stories.
🍽️ You’ll want to eat lunch at some point. If you’re in town on a clear day, then I recommend lunching at Restaurante el Mirador for the incredible views it offers, or at La Convivencia, which is a little out of town and probably requires a cab to get there. The highlight of this place is the adrenaline swing they have in the back where you can fly through the air while gazing out at the mountains.
Afternoon adventures
➕ As you explore, pay attention to the architecture in Zacatlán – this is a rainy town in a rainy part of the country so the roofs, in many places, cleverly hang over the pedestrianised walkways ensuring you can stay dry while you’re out and about in town.
🛍️ After lunch, spend your time ambling around the surprisingly excellent artesania and souvenir stores in the streets off the zocalo as you make your way over to explore the vitromurales in the Callejón de Hueso and Calle Linda Vista.
Sidrería Artesanal El Convento 1567 or Agave
If you’re interested in cider, you could also check out Sidrería Artesanal El Convento 1567 where they make and sell cider (among other things) from the local apples. If you’re more interested in pulque, then Agave, pictured above would be a better choice (always mine).
😖 I have to admit that I don’t drink cider at all after having a little (a lot) too much as a teenager.
🍎 🥮 Try the local pastries
Zacatlán is well known for its pastries, particularly the manzana hojaldreada (photo above) and the pan de queso. I tried my manzana hojaldreada at Panadería el Chino, just off the zocalo and it was fantastic. It’s basically a whole baked apple wrapped in delicious, sweet, light pastry.
This isn’t the only bakery in town but it’s definitely a good one. You’ll also find people on the plaza and by the mirador selling home-baked goods from their baskets.
Other small museums in town
Apart from the Relojes Bicentenario, there are 4 other very small museums you can check out:
Claustro Cultural – a beautifully preserved convent cloister
Relojes Olvera III generation – a small watch shop & museum
Muza – an art gallery dedicated to photography that includes a touchable display of old cameras
Museo del Vino – learn how local wine is made and taste the wines
🍽️ Casa Fernández 1876 is my top recommendation for your evening meal.
Day trips and exciting activities from Zacatlán
Ok, so that’s your day of getting to know Zacatlán, now let’s plan an adventure or two.
My own adventure day in Zacatlán de las Manzanas was quite spectacular and, I’d go as far to say, not the norm.
Because Zacatlán is not the busiest of tourist destinations, it’s can be harder to book tours in advance. I’ve included links to agencies where I know of them.
MexicoCassie’s Temzacal adventure day
Because I was in town for a conference about adventure travel in Mexico, I was also lucky enough to be invited to spend a day adventuring with a local provider. I was hosted for this day by the wonderful local family who own Matliwaka.
We were supposed to begin our day together watching the sun rise over the valleys behind the Matliwaka farm but unfortunately, the torrential rain made that entirely impossible. It was as if Tláloc (the Aztec rain god) had decided he wanted to join in on the fun in Zacatlán.
Instead, we took a walk in the rain through their avocado farm and their gorgeous gardens, learning about the local duendes (elf/goblin/gnome in English, aluxes in Mayan, chaneques in Náhuatl) who live on their land as we walked down to check out the natural spring. When we returned, we were treated to a fabulous breakfast of tlacoyos, coffee and traditional pastries.
After this long, chatty and restorative breakfast we headed back out into the rain for the highlight of the day, the temazcal.
A temazcal is a kind of sweat house (photo above) that is a traditional ‘medicina’ in Mexico. You enter with a healer who guides you through your journey.
If it’s done right then it should be a deeply powerful experience of healing and connection, of self-reflection and rebirth.
I’ve had four temazcal experiences, two of which have been life altering. This one, was one of them.
Suffice to say, that if you get the opportunity to visit Matliwaka and the wonderful family who own this place, I highly recommend you take it.
⭐️ Contact Juan Daniel on Facebook or via Whatsapp, 0052 7971100779, where you’ll also find a catalogue of their offered experiences. They speak both Spanish and English.
This natural park right on the edge of Zacatlán offers visitors the chance to fly through the air on the highest and fasted zipline in all of Mexico – it’s 500m above the ground, 1.4km long and you can reach speeds of up to 100km/hr. 🫣 The team who run this also offer hiking opportunities in the canyon.
→ Read more and book your adventure
This is a nature park some 45 minutes by car from Zacatlán, where you can enjoy exploring the park, coming face to face with beautiful basalt rock formations, and also take part in various other outdoorsy activities.
According to the park’s website, scientists think that the 20 metre high rock formations are around around 1.3 million years old but I’ve also read some websites that claim they’re 65 million years.
➕ To me, it’s a lot like the fields of interestingly formed rocks outside Creel, in Chihuahua, one of my favourite places in all of Mexico.
🐴 Not only can you enjoy a nice stroll on the trails (with or without guides), you can go horseback riding, rent bikes, go ziplining and enjoy the restaurant area serving local plates.
The park is open 9am – 6pm in summer and 9am to 5pm in winter.
👣 Book a tour with Omemixtli Tours Zacatlán
👧🏽 This would be particularly excellent to visit with kids or teens.
This is not just a waterfall (as you might think from the name) but a whole activity resort built around a waterfall system within a lush forest. I haven’t been to this particular spot but I’ve spoken to plenty of people who have and I’ve also been to similar places in Chiapas and really enjoyed myself.
This is the second tallest waterfall in Mexico.
It’s possible to visit for the day or to reserve a cabin and spend a couple of days relaxing out here.
Not only do you have the waterfalls and the confluence of two rivers to enjoy, there are also ziplines, mineral pools, tree top walkway adventures, archery and more.
➕ Just nearby you’ll also find the Salto de Quetzalapan waterfall, which you can visit via a puente colgante (not for the faint hearted), or from regular viewing platforms. As with the Cascadas Tulimán, here you can also enjoy ziplines, climbing walls, archery and other outdoor activities as well as the astounding nature.
→ Read more about this spot on their website
Cascada de San Pedro
Closer to Zacatlán is this third waterfall that’s a quieter place to visit but there’s still the opportunity to zipline, rappel and hike here, too.
Grutas Karmidas
2hrs from Zacatlán are these impressive caves. The biggest gallery is 30m high and is home to the Column of Independence, an enormous stalagmite.
🔦 During the dry season when the salts cling to the walls of the cave, if you flash a light on them, it creates what is known as “starry rain”. A tour of the caves is about 1km and includes walking through water so bring comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
👣 Tours are led by XKIT Turismo Aventura, so if you visit on your own you’ll need to head to their office
Visit Chignahuapan
This pueblo mágico is just 30 minutes from Zacatlán and is an absolute delight of a place to visit for the day if you’re not looking for crazy, adrenaline filled adventures or hikes. Chignahuapan is famous both for being delightfully colourful and for being a water focused spot. Right on the edge of town there’s a gorgeous laguna (where every November there’s a Festival of Light and Life). The primary industry of the town is making Christmas baubles!
