Between ravines and waterfalls, Temascaltepec, which was part of the Province of La Plata, has the best natural sites to admire monarch butterflies and do extreme sports.
TEMASCALTEPEC: CHARMING TOWN IN THE STATE OF MEXICO
The splendor of the El Rey, Las Doncellas and El Rincón mines are still latent in the memories of the elderly and in the appearance of the center, because as you walk to the main square you will notice the red tile roofs, its alleys and cobbled streets that denote that mining air of the colonial era and that made it one of the richest towns in the country in terms of minerals. Inside this place there are natural spaces that reunite you with nature, ideal to enjoy on a weekend.
About 5 km to the south, is Real de Arriba, a small colonial town that we recommend you visit, here you will find interesting buildings and mines that give an account of the splendid past of this place.
ABOUT THE TEMASCALTEPEC FOUNDATION
It is said that in the 16th century a fugitive from the Zacatecas jail, looking for a place to hide, reached the foothills of the Nevado de Toluca.
He descended a deep ravine and when he reached the bottom he decided to stay and live there, dazzled by the warm climate and the beautiful vegetation. Shortly after, when lighting a fire to prepare his food, he noticed a trickle of silver dripping: he had found a rich vein of silver. Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza learned of the discovery, who sent for the fugitive and offered him forgiveness of his sentence if he declared the exact location of the vein.
Years later, the Zacatecan, who became a prosperous miner, had a beautiful image brought from Spain, the Christ of Forgiveness, which has been venerated in Temascaltepec ever since.
KNOW MORE
This municipality is crossed by the Sierra de Temascaltepec which is an extension of the Nevado de Toluca. Its most important elevations are the hills of Temeroso, La Soledad, El Fortín, Peñas del Diablo, El Peñón, Los Tres Reyes and the Cerro de Juan Luis.
TYPICAL
Among the artisan works of the region, the fraying and embroidery of San Pedro Tenayac stand out, in tablecloths, napkins, blouses, dresses, folders and bedspreads. In Carboneras wool textiles, blankets and overcoats of different designs are made. To purchase any of these garments or accessories, visit the Sunday tianguis there you will find a wide range.
PARISH OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION
Its origins date back to the sixteenth century but over the years its facade has been in constant restructuring, now it shows off a modernist architecture as well as its three naves and its two towers. In the main altar of this enclosure is the image of the Black Christ, this image carved in wood was brought from Spain and is one of the elements that most distinguishes it from other churches. Other reasons that make it very peculiar are: the oil painting on canvas of the Virgen de la Luz, a copy of the work of Miguel Cabrera and the polychrome plaster sculpture of the Virgen de la Consolación.
RIO VERDE ORCHID
In the direction of the Real de Arriba town, this plot is located where a great variety of orchids are grown, produced and sold. The owners, the Cusi de Iturbide family, spent a lot of time researching the development of these beautiful flowers and it was until 1990 when they opened this site where native Mexican species are found. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this orchid garden and take home a beautiful flower.
SANCTUARY OF THE BUTTERFLY MONARCA PIEDRA HERRADA
From November to March, this natural sanctuary is adorned with the visit of these butterflies that you can access through a tour with local guides who will tell you about the customs, the life cycle and other habits of the monarchs. Other services offered by this place are the rental of horses, places to eat, the sale of handicrafts, toilets and parking.
DEVIL'S PEÑON
In the surroundings of the municipal capital, this rock awaits you with its almost vertical walls surrounded by wide forests where you can practice rappelling, mountaineering, paragliding and hang gliding. If you are interested in any of these sports, just bring your equipment and voila! To continue the adventure, you can visit the Los Tres Reyes hill, ideal for mountaineering and the Brinco del León canyon for rappelling, zip-lining and rafting on the Verde River that runs through the foot of this canyon.
