Zacatlán de las Manzanas is the apple town of Puebla’s Sierra Norte. About 39,000 people live in this mountain town of cobbled streets and red roofs, known for its orchards and cider, its clock makers and the deep Barranca de los Jilgueros that opens right at the edge of town. It is a Pueblo Mágico and a favourite weekend escape from Puebla and Mexico City.
Why visit Zacatlán
For cool mountain air and forests, viewpoints and waterfalls, cosy cabins with fireplaces, local cider and bread, and a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Top things to do in Zacatlán
The flower clock and the clock museum
A large flower clock decorates the main square, and the Relojes Centenario family workshop and museum shows how monumental clocks are made.
Barranca de los Jilgueros
A viewpoint with a glass walkway looks over a ravine full of mist and pine forest.
Franciscan convent
The former convent of San Francisco, from the 16th century, is one of the oldest in the Americas.
Tulimán waterfalls
A park of waterfalls, footbridges and trails in the gorge below the town.
Valle de Piedras Encimadas
A valley of strange stacked rock formations in the forest, about 25 km away.
Day trips from Zacatlán
Chignahuapan, famous for its Christmas baubles and hot springs, is about 30 minutes away. Cuetzalan is a longer trip across the sierra.
Best time to visit Zacatlán
October to May has more sunny days; winter nights are cold, often near freezing. The apple fair in August brings parades and stalls, and June to September is rainy and very green. Mist can appear at any time of year.
Getting to Zacatlán
Puebla city is about 130 km away (around 2.5 hours) and Mexico City about 3 hours, with direct buses from both. A car helps for the waterfalls and the stone valley.
What to eat in Zacatlán
Apple cider and fruit wines, pan de queso (cheese bread), apple pastries, mountain mushrooms in season, tlacoyos and hot coffee.
Zacatlán FAQ
Is Zacatlán cold?
It is cool all year at around 2,000 metres, and cold at night in winter: bring a jacket.
How many days do you need?
Two days for the town, the ravine and the waterfalls; three with Chignahuapan.
