Two monoliths stand in the Centro Histórico of San Martín de las Pirámides: Chalchihuitlicue and Huehueteotl represent the pre-Hispanic culture of the area. The Parroquia and Santuario Ecce-Homo add architecture and religious visual art to these historical references. Outside the center, cycling routes offer a different way to explore the surroundings; in August, the Feria Nacional de la Tuna adds a culinary highlight.
Monoliths, the Parroquia, and religious visual art
The two monoliths in the Centro Histórico are named Chalchihuitlicue and Huehueteotl. Their significance to the area lies in their representation of pre-Hispanic culture. They provide a tangible point of interest in the historic center for travelers interested in the cultural heritage of San Martín de las Pirámides.
Another point of reference in time and architecture is the Parroquia of San Martín de las Pirámides. Its construction was completed in 1920 in the Plateresque style adopted from Italy. The Parroquia also has a musical clock that plays a different song every six hours. The church thus brings together a clearly defined construction history and a distinctive musical detail.
At the Santuario Ecce-Homo, stained-glass windows and murals depict important biblical scenes from the Catholic faith. The window above the main altar shows Calvary and the crucifixion of Christ. The cultural highlights of the area are therefore distinct: the monoliths represent pre-Hispanic culture, the Parroquia reflects a construction history completed in 1920, and Catholic visual art shapes the religious setting at the Santuario.
Cerro Gordo and cycling routes
Parque Estatal Cerro Gordo is also part of the municipality’s natural heritage. It has been designated a protected natural area since 1976 and covers 3,027 hectares. Parque Estatal Cerro Gordo extends across the municipalities of Axapusco, San Martín de las Pirámides, and Temascalapa.
A cycling tour along the outer edge of the archaeological zone passes through San Martín de las Pirámides. It is approximately ten kilometers long and takes three hours.
Other cycling routes in Valle de Teotihuacán run outside the archaeological zone through the streets of San Martín de las Pirámides and lead to access points for caves and obsidian workshops.
Feria Nacional de la Tuna and local products
In August, San Martín de las Pirámides celebrates the Feria Nacional de la Tuna. The food fair features jams, liqueurs, soft drinks, fruit pastes, sweets, and snacks made from locally grown varieties of prickly pear and xoconostle. The Feria is therefore a distinct point of interest for travelers who want to include local produce and culinary experiences in their trip planning. If you are planning your trip around the Feria, check the specific event dates in advance.
Another culinary detail can be found in the Centro Histórico, where local vendors sell artisanal ice cream and fruit. Together with the Feria’s exhibition, these offer two distinct ways to experience local products: sales in the historic center and the food fair held as part of the Feria.
Project and specific addresses
The “Memoria y Territorio” project is a cultural gathering that explores the identity and resistance of the valley’s communities. Alongside architecture and religious visual art, it also brings the identity and resistance of these communities into focus. When weighing your travel interests, you can therefore choose between architecture, Catholic imagery, cultural gatherings, and cycling routes.
In San Martín de las Pirámides, Metzonalli Temazcal is located at Blvrd Torrente de Piedras Negras 61. Taller de Obsidiana is located in Casa Obsidiana at Av. 16 de Septiembre Sur 43-A. If you plan to visit either place, confirm the visitor information in advance.
Discover more destinations: San Martín de las Pirámides, Tenancingo, Chiconcuac, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Zacualpan, Chapultepec, San Felipe del Progreso, Papalotla.
For the main travel overview: México.
