Zacapoaxtla combines a rich church history with cultural events and regional bread specialties. Its location in the northeastern Sierra of Puebla also shapes the character of the town. This gives you several areas to focus on when planning your trip: the historical connections surrounding the Parroquia Lateranense de San Pedro Apóstol, cultural events associated with specific months, or Zacapoaxtla’s culinary side.

Church History and Cultural Sites

In the Centro of Zacapoaxtla, at José Sixto Verduzco 4, you’ll find the Conjunto de la Parroquia Lateranense de San Pedro Apóstol. It is classified as a religious building complex. The church was granted parish status in 1798 and bears the name Parroquia Lateranense de San Pedro Apóstol. Its history also includes the remains of the town’s first chapel, built in the 16th century.

A glyph carved in stone and discovered in the church is linked to the area’s pre-Hispanic settlement. The Secretaría de Cultura reported this discovery on June 8, 2023. The pre-Hispanic connection, the history of the first chapel, and the parish status granted in 1798 thus stand as distinct historical reference points. Anyone interested in Zacapoaxtla’s history will find several specific points of reference in time at one named site.

Another cultural site is the Museo Comunitario Xolalpancalli, located at Plaza de la Constitución in Zacapoaxtla’s Centro Histórico. Its location provides a second named point of reference for a culture-focused trip. The church and museum offer different connections to the town’s cultural life.

Cultural Events Throughout the Year

Cultural events are also associated with particular months. January is associated with the Monumental Rosca de Reyes, and March with the Festival del Artesano. April is linked to three events: the Festival de la “torta de camarón,” the Callejoneada Zacapoaxtla, and the Festival de “Medicina Tradicional.” In July, Zacapoaxtla is associated with the Festival del “Tayoyo Ranchero,” and in August with the Festival del “Chile en Nogada.” September brings the Festival de la “Independencia,” while October features the Desfile de Calaveras. November is associated with the Festival “La fiesta de la vida,” and December with the Festival “Una Navidad Mágica.”

The month associations offer a general guide, but not specific event dates. If you want to plan your trip around a particular event, check the dates in advance.

Regional Breads and Cuisine

The Corredor Gastronómico de Panaderos is located on José Sixto Verduzco. When it opened in November 2024, visitors were able to sample traditional breads such as pan de muerto, hojaldras, calabazas, and pan rojo. The breads were made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes. This historic occasion gives Zacapoaxtla’s culinary scene a specific point of reference: breads and their ingredients take center stage here, while other event titles highlight dishes such as torta de camarón, Tayoyo Ranchero, and Chile en Nogada.

Location and Getting There

Zacapoaxtla is located in the northeastern Sierra of Puebla. The town is described as being surrounded by green mountains and associated with drifting clouds, a distinctive climate, and a colonial-era townscape. This description of the landscape and town adds a regional setting to the historical and culinary themes.

Direct bus services from CAPU in Puebla to Zacapoaxtla are listed with VIA and/or AU. Check the schedule and availability of the connection before setting out. This lets you plan the history, culture, and cuisine separately from the practical details of getting there.

Discover more destinations: San Juan Atzompa, Teziutlan, Xocoyolo, Tepeojuma, Tilapa, Chignahuapan, San Matías Tlalancaleca, Huejotzingo.

For the main travel overview: Puebla.