Magnificent natural beauties and the aroma of coffee await you in Xicotepec de Juárez. Magic Town where you will find peace and tranquility, while discovering its great history. Let's get started with this Complete Guide.
1. Where is Xicotepec located and how can I get there?
Xicotepec is located in the Sierra Madre Oriental, in the state of Puebla. Its limits are, to the north with the municipality of Jalpan, with the municipality of Tlaola to the south; Zihuateutla and Juan Galindo to the east and Tlacuilotepec to the west. You can access Xicotepec from the Federal District on Highway 130 Pirámides-Tulancingo or from the city of Puebla on Highway 119, via Santa Ana. The closest air option is in the Veracruz city of Poza Rica, 70 km from Xicotepec .
2. What is the history of the town?
The current territory of Xicotepec was occupied in pre-Hispanic times by Otomíes and later by Chichimecas. The Augustinian friars arrived in the territory in 1533, giving the place the name of San José de Xicotepec and assigning the patronage of the town to San Juan Bautista. In 1862, the territory was the scene of the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexican republicans defeated the defending forces of the French empire. Intoxicated by the victory, the supporters of the republic decided to ascend the town to the rank of town, complementing the pre-Hispanic name of Xicotepec with the surname of the famous liberal leader, thus becoming known as “Xicotepec de Juárez”.
3. How is the weather in Xicotepec?
Sheltered by the Sierra Madre Oriental, Xicotepec enjoys a temperate climate. In the Magic Town it rains almost all year round, with annual rainfall of 2,800 mm, on average. It rains even in the dry months in other latitudes, being the most intense period in rainfall between June and October. The average annual temperature is 18 ° C, with an extreme minimum of 4 ° C and a maximum of 22 ° C. We can say that it is a cold and pleasant climate, with mist and a bit rainy, so you should wear warm clothes and do not forget the umbrella.
4. What are the main tourist attractions
Xicotepec de Juárez begins its vital activity in the center of town, where you can appreciate the beauty of its central garden, with its emblematic zócalo. Other points of interest are the Casa Carranza and the parish of San Juan Bautista. Likewise, you will be able to know the coffee tradition of the town and visit places of great spiritual content such as Xochipila. You should also admire the imposing statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
5. What is the Central Garden like?
This beautiful and central garden is full of flowers jealously cared for by the villagers; In addition, it has lush trees pruned in the shape of geometric figures and animals, giving a touch of elegant natural beauty to the site. In the center of the garden there is a kiosk where bands play that encourage tourists and other passers-by who walk through the place. In the vicinity of the park you can taste the famous charcoal burgers, accompanied by an exquisite coffee, which is one of the house brands.
6. What can I see at Casa Carranza?
This building was built in honor of Venustiano Carranza, politician and military man who was president of the republic between 1917 and 1920. In this last year, Carranza fled to the Sierra Norte de Puebla, being betrayed and killed by rebel troops while he slept. Carranza's lifeless body remained for 3 days in Xicotepec, where an autopsy was performed and during this short period the town of Puebla was considered the Mexican capital. In the Casa Carranza museum you can see photographs and objects of the time, as well as texts about the political life of the character.
7. What is the interest of the parish of San Juan Bautista?
Begun by Augustinian monks in 1571 and finished by the Franciscans, this church is located in the heart of Xicotepec. The parish of San Juan Bautista, formerly called Parroquia del Calvario, is made in a beautiful Gothic style, starting with two huge towers standing on the sides and is one of the most interesting temples in the state of Puebla. On June 24, the festivities are celebrated in honor of the patron saint, San Juan Bautista, filling the sacred space with joy.
8. What is the attraction of Xochipila?
This pre-Hispanic ceremonial space was a spiritual center dedicated to the god Xochipilli, a Mexica divinity related to the sun, water, vegetation, music, youth and other representations. It is located in the center of Xicotepec, at the junction of two small streams, where a tower-shaped rock stands. It is undoubtedly a sacred place for the inhabitants of the town and is a concentration point for indigenous groups, sorcerers and shamans of the region.
9. What is said about the coffee from Xicotepec?
You cannot leave Xicotepec without knowing the coffee tradition and tasting the exquisite coffee harvested in the mountain foothills of the Pueblo Mágico. You will find companies such as Cafessisimo in the town, where you can visit their farms and learn from the process of extracting the grain to its preparation and of course, taste the drink, which contains all a symbolism in the town.
10. Where is the monument to the Virgin of Guadalupe?
This magnificent monument is the largest statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the world, 30 meters high and located on the El Tabacal hill. The sanctuary serves as a viewpoint from where you can have an excellent view of the entire city. Every December 12, the place is a pilgrimage center for the Guadalupanos of the region, who gather around this imposing work of art.
11. How is the gastronomy of the town?
Molotes are the typical dish of the Xicotepenses, small balls of meat, chicken and pork that can be tasted in a single bite. Baked gorditas and mole poblano are other delicacies of the region. All these delicacies are accompanied with coffee from the mountains or with acachul wine. As a dessert, the table cannot miss the traditional burnt milk and the pepita ham, always made in an artisanal way. In Xicotepec, he makes popsicles with atypical but delicious flavors; among others there are avocado, mamey and coffee and some better known such as guanábana and tres leches.
12. How is your craft?
The coffee seed is used to make bracelets and necklaces. Xicotepian artisans work very well with bamboo and wicker, with which they make furniture and animal figures. They are also adept at making vases and pots from tzitzi, a material from a local tree. As if that were not enough, they stand out in the art of embroidery and make dresses and blouses of excellent quality. All these pieces can be purchased in various craft stores in downtown Xicotepec, so there is no excuse to leave without a souvenir.
13. Any good place to stay?
Xicotepec de Juárez has a wide variety of options for your comfort. Just five minutes from downtown is the Hotel Casa Blanca, with a modern infrastructure and all the basic first-class services. Two blocks from the main square is the Hotel Bugamillas, a colorful and decent inn that has comfortable rooms and internet service. Another central option is Hotel Villa de Cortez, which has a beautiful view from its colorful rooms and the staff is top notch. Other recommended options are the Hotel Sierra Inn and the Hotel Plaza San Carlos. Xicotepec is a very visited Magic Town and for this reason there are many accommodation offers in the center of the town.
14. What are the best restaurants?
The Carranza Restaurant, located on Avenida Juárez, has a very varied menu of Mexican food and has first class service; the food portions are generous, the space is spacious and pleasant and there is also a playground for children. La Choza Restaurant is a colorful place with 30 years of tradition, where a variety of national and international dishes awaits you, which you can accompany with a delicious national coffee. Another option is the La Terraza Restaurant, from where you can watch the flyers in front of the Asunción church, while you taste their praised Aztec soup and the traditional Xecotepean molotes.
15. What are the main town festivals?
For those who love parties and fairs, Xicotepec de Juárez will not disappoint. The Spring Fair, held at Easter, has a cattle and coffee exhibition, and all kinds of cultural events, music and theater are presented, closing with fireworks shows. On June 24, honor is paid to San Juan Bautista, patron of the town; The main show of this celebration takes place in the pre-Hispanic ceremonial center of Xochipila, where dancers from all over the region gather. Another important event is the Day of the Dead, in which traditional altars are made and families pay tribute to their deceased.
We arrive at the end of the tour, hoping that this information will be useful for you on your trip to Xicotepec. We also invite you to comment on your experiences in this colorful town in Puebla.
