Metztitlán
A fantastic little town surrounded by the canyons and mountains of the lower Huasteca region, visitors are greeted by a remarkable mix of ancient and new.
Metztitlán is a magnificent and under-visited little town in the very south of the Huasteca Baja region of Hidalgo. Easily one of the richest in biodiversity and tradition, the town is nearly unique in Hidalgo for the mix of culture, a mountainous landscape, and surrounding forest and jungle. The town is surrounded by mountains, visible from nearly everywhere, and canyons that lend to its identity as an adventure destination. But the tremendous beauty and biodiversity surround a uniquely human settlement.
The name Metztitlán comes from the Nahuatl language to mean simply place of the mesquite for the desert mesquite trees are prized for their hardy aroma and use in smoking all kinds of foods and specialty dishes. The town was long independent even despite the marauding of the people of Tenochtitlan far to the south. The trees and their great cultural and economic importance. The fruits are also eaten and the branches are burned and used in construction.
The Augustinians built a fantastic monastery here in the 16th century in the Plateresque style. It still holds some sway over the tenor and atmosphere of the town. At once, it is both mysterious and inviting and visitors can easily get swept up in the winding cobblestone paths leading up to the main temple. The murals and interiors of the temple are nothing short of awe inspiring.
Nearby, the Metztitlán Lagoon is temporary home to pelicans and Canadian herons. They stop here between November and April of each year. The very warm climate invites hiking and cycling but the town is perhaps best known for the tamales de recaudo and traditional dishes such as tecoquitos (potato pancakes with mint), xalita verde, and pulque.
Visitors will often arrive to Metztitlán through the nearby and similarly named San Agustín Metzquititlán. A taxi between the two towns takes about 45 minutes, although there are some local transport options that may be a little more affordable. The Flecha Roja bus line has run buses from the station in Pachuca direct to Metztitlán in the past and it is worth checking with them. From Mexico City, the trip takes just short of three hours. From Pachuca, Metztitlán is just shy of two hours directly north on highway 105.
