Explore Actopan through its distinct highlights: the art at the Ex Convento de San Nicolás de Tolentino, regional dishes such as Ximbó and barbacoa, and public spaces, each with its own significance.
Monastery art at the Ex Convento de San Nicolás de Tolentino
The Ex Convento preserves valuable murals and religious artworks dating from the 16th to the 19th century. An ethnographic room also illustrates the everyday life and craftsmanship of the Otomí people in the Valle del Mezquital. In this way, the same monastery brings religious art together with a distinct perspective on everyday life and craftsmanship.
A notable architectural feature is the open chapel: its barrel vault is 17 meters high, and its murals depict scenes from Genesis and the Last Judgment. The height and subject matter give you two specific features to look for when viewing the architecture and painted decoration.
On the upper floor, the religious art museum displays sculptures and panel paintings from the 16th to the 19th century. The subjects include saints, angels, biblical scenes and depictions of the Virgin Mary. The collection thus complements the murals with other forms of religious art and a wide range of subjects.
Squares and parks with distinct features
Plaza Juárez is directly in front of the Ex Convento. Parque Reforma is home to the obelisk, while Parque del Salto is beside a former aqueduct reservoir. Plaza de la Constitución is in front of the Palacio Municipal. These details help distinguish the places by their respective features: the monastery forecourt, the obelisk, the historic aqueduct reservoir and the square in front of city hall.
Ximbó and barbacoa: Actopan’s cuisine
Ximbó from Actopan is made with maguey leaves, seasoned chicken, pork cracklings, nopales and spices, and cooked in an underground oven. Its ingredients and preparation give the dish its distinctive character. If you want to try Ximbó in particular, take note of the stated days when it is sold: on Wednesdays and Sundays, it is available at the traditional tianguis or in the gastronomic pavilion, as well as at Mercado 8 de Julio in the city center. Check the days it is sold before your trip.
Barbacoa is another culinary highlight, associated in Actopan with traditional wood-fired ovens. Ximbó, with its specified ingredients and underground cooking method, and the wood-fired ovens used for barbacoa offer two distinct points of reference as you explore regional cuisine.
Cultural activities and crafts
The Museo y Centro Cultural Bicentenario offers workshops in dance, sculpture, painting, music and other arts, as well as exhibitions and crafts for sale. If a particular workshop is important to your plans, check the current program and visiting hours in advance, as programs and opening arrangements may change.
Crafts made in Actopan include hats, baskets and bags made from palm leaves, goods made from ixtle, leatherwork and embroidered items. They are available at the Museo y Centro Cultural Bicentenario, at Carretera México–Laredo km 110, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As sales arrangements and hours may change, confirm the details before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Mineral De La Reforma, La Misión, Huasca De Ocampo, Xochicoatlán, Tecozautla, El Ojite, Tulancingo, Tula De Allende
For the broader travel overview: Hidalgo.
