Zacatlan and Chignahuapan

Two Mountain Pueblos Magicos Linked By Pine Forest: Zacatlan, The Apple And Cider Capital With A Floral Clock And A Gorge With Waterfalls, And Chignahuapan, Known For Its Christmas Ornaments And A Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception With A Giant Virgin And Nearby Hot Springs. A Cool Weekend Escape From Puebla And Mexico City, Busiest In The Apple Season And In December · Zacatlan, Puebla

Zacatlan de las Manzanas and Chignahuapan are two Pueblos Magicos in the pine mountains of the Sierra Norte of Puebla, about two hours from Puebla city. Zacatlan is the apple and cider capital, with a large floral clock in its main avenue, orchards, cider bars and a steep gorge, the Barranca de los Jilgueros, with waterfalls in the gorge. Chignahuapan, about 30 km away, is known for its workshops that blow glass Christmas ornaments, a basilica of the Immaculate Conception with a giant statue of the Virgin, and nearby hot springs. They suit couples, families and weekenders from Puebla and Mexico City who like cool air, cider, sweets and crafts. They are worth the detour in the apple season and in December, when the ornament shops glow. They are not worth it for someone chasing big ruins or dramatic nature. Fog, cold nights and crowded December weekends are normal, so book a room well ahead and carry a warm layer.

Zacatlan de las Manzanas and Chignahuapan, two Pueblos Magicos in the Sierra Norte of Puebla about 120 km north of Puebla city; coordinates approximate, Zacatlan, Puebla, Mexico

The towns are open all day and the plazas, church grounds and streets are FREE to walk. Shops, cider houses and ornament workshops usually run from morning to early evening, with the busiest hours on weekends and holidays, and many small places CLOSE or shorten hours on weekdays in the low season. Churches open for prayer through the day but may pause for services. The gorge path, hot springs and some workshop tours charge small fees and have set hours, so confirm locally. Weather, especially fog and heavy rain, can close gorge paths and make roads slow.

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