The public clock on the main square, an ornate 17th-century Mudéjar alfarje, and the Sunday tianguis offer three distinct ways to experience Acaxochitlán: its architecture, local history, and regional cuisine.
Clock Tower, Church, and Museum
The public clock stands on the main square in an Art Deco-style tower. Its chimes follow a clear sequence: one strike at 15 minutes past the hour, two at 30 minutes, and three at 45 minutes. On the hour, it first strikes four times; the bell then chimes as many times as the hour. The tower is approximately 16 meters high from its base.
The clock was acquired in 1928, during Lauro Melo’s term in office. It was funded through community contributions and property tax revenues for the Tejocotal Dam, paid by the now-defunct Compañía de Luz y Fuerza. The clock tower was probably completed and inaugurated in 1932, during Damián Sosa Vargas’s term in office.
The Church of the Assumption of Mary in Acaxochitlán preserves an ornate 17th-century Mudéjar alfarje. The Museo Arqueológico de Acaxochitlán is located in the Palacio Municipal. Its collection includes pre-Hispanic artifacts from Acaxochitlán and neighboring communities. A notable piece is El Señor Amarillo de Acaxochitlán, an Otomí work depicting the god of fire. Pieces attributed to Teotihuacán from the Tzacuala archaeological zone are also displayed periodically. If you specifically want to see these pieces, check in advance whether they are on display.
Tianguis and Regional Cuisine
Acaxochitlán’s Sunday tianguis is a gastronomic and cultural market with a wide selection of food, as well as a variety of experiences, stories, and local traditions. Molotes are among Acaxochitlán’s typical foods and can be enjoyed year-round. Fruit wines—including acachul, apple, plum, capulín, and blackberry—can also be purchased at the Apple Fair or from local producers. If you plan to visit a local producer specifically, check whether the wine you want is available before your trip.
Getting There
From the state capital of Hidalgo, travel to Acaxochitlán via the México–Tuxpan federal highway, also known as Federal Highway 132.
More Topics in the Wider Acaxochitlán Destination
In addition to information about the town itself, the wider Acaxochitlán destination offers a variety of nature, recreation, and cultural activities. At Presa del Tejocotal, visitors can take rides in colorful boats and go horseback riding among the forest trees. A footpath leads to the Cascadas de Chimalapa, where visitors can hear birds and see the region’s flora.
Presa Omiltemetl is a good place for a walk. Its dam wall and the Llano are recommended viewpoints with good accessibility. Presa de Santa Ana Tzacuala has semi-transparent waters and opportunities for long walks. The wooded surroundings include two restaurants and a small park with grassy areas and barbecue grills.
Las Vueltas is an approximately two-kilometer forest trail that once served as a royal road. The Sendero Mágico de los Duendes theme park is surrounded by lush pine, fir, and oak vegetation, and features a total of 110 goblin figures. Cascada de Salto de San Francisco is near the Cascadas de Chimalapa and has a drop of approximately 30 meters. In the village of Santa Catarina, women embroider quechquemitls and blouses as part of their Indigenous dress in the Nahua context.
For the overview of the wider destination: Acaxochitlán.
