Atlatlahucan offers several reasons to visit: monastic history, cultural offerings and the annual Feria del Cuarto Viernes de Cuaresma in the municipality. The eastern section of the Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin protected area also extends into Atlatlahucan, among other places. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on culture, the festival or nature activities.
Monastic history in the center
The Convento de San Mateo Apóstol is one of 15 components of the serial World Heritage site “Primeros monasterios del siglo XVI en las laderas del Popocatépetl.” Built by Augustinians in the 16th century, the former convent has buttresses that give it a fortress-like appearance. The Templo y Exconvento de San Mateo is in the center of Atlatlahucan; its atrium borders the Plaza principal. The Popocatépetl can be seen from the atrium. If you plan to enjoy this view, confirm current access arrangements before your visit.
A family tree of the Augustinians can be seen in the open chapel of the San Mateo complex. The Museo Histórico y Natural Calmécac offers another perspective on the monastery’s history: its tour includes an explanation of the founding of the Convento de San Mateo Apóstol. This allows you to consider the complex not only as an architectural landmark, but also to include its founding history in your visit.
Cultural offerings and railway history
The Casa de Cultura Atlatlahucan has a 144 m² space for temporary exhibitions. Workshop topics include folkloric dance, theater, painting, symphonic wind music, rondalla, regional music, string orchestra and piano. The program also includes talks and painting exhibitions. If you want to plan your stay around a particular offering, check before traveling which events and workshops are taking place during your visit.
The Antigua Estación Cascada also adds a historical dimension to a cultural visit: it is a railway station in Atlatlahucan and was declared a historic monument by INAH in 1993. Together with the convent, it offers a look at different aspects of the town’s history.
Feria del Cuarto Viernes de Cuaresma
The Feria del Cuarto Viernes de Cuaresma is celebrated annually in the municipality of Atlatlahucan and draws thousands of families and visitors for faith, tradition and community gatherings. The 2026 edition took place from March 4 to 16. Its program included processions, Chinelo competitions, music, traditional dances, Jaripeos and the traditional Toro de Once. It also featured an extensive presentation of regional cuisine.
The festival offers a different cultural focus from the monastery complex or the Casa de Cultura program. Individual events and exact dates may vary from year to year. So if you’re planning your trip around the Feria, check the dates for that year’s edition.
Nature in the Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin
The Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin was designated an Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna in 1988; its eastern section extends into Atlatlahucan, among other places. Nature tourism in the protected area includes hiking, camping, mountain biking and rappelling, as well as observing flora and fauna. The range of options therefore spans both nature observation and more active pursuits. These opportunities are within the protected area, which includes Atlatlahucan.
Getting there and planning
For road directions from Mexico City, Atlatlahucan is near Federal Highway 115 México-Cuautla. At kilometer 88, turn toward Totolapan; Atlatlahucan is about 1.5 kilometers farther along. Check current road conditions and routing before setting out.
When looking for a hotel in Atlatlahucan, you can start by deciding what brings you to the area: Would you like to explore monastic history and cultural offerings, experience the Feria or focus on nature activities in the protected area? Cultural programs and the festival have their own schedules; be sure to check access arrangements for the atrium separately.
For the main travel overview: Atlatlahucan.
