Cheese. Aculco is known for its cheese. It is also known for its exceptional hospitality and tourist attractions. Prepare to discover a hidden gem among Mexico’s magical towns. Aculco, a Pueblo Mágico, awaits just two hours north of Mexico City. It is a place celebrated for its colonial charm and mountain setting.
Aculco is easily accessed from both Querétaro and Mexico City. Buses leave every hour for Aculco from these major cities. If you are driving, it is a two-hour drive. Consider a road trip, stopping at Tepotzotlán, Jilotepec, and Amealco.
Aculco is not very big. You might not need to stay overnight. If you linger, consider Hotel Hidalgo or Hotel Jardin near the main plaza.
Like all Mexican towns, a walk through the colonial center is a must. Pass the municipal hall and the kiosk in the plaza. The Templo de San Jeronimo is also a must-see. Aculco has exceptionally beautiful buildings. They are great for photos. Also, visit the cool bear statue.
Visit the Lavaderos. These old public washing stations are a trip to the past. See where community members washed their clothes. Many Mexican households still wash by hand. Now, they do it at home with flowing water.
The market in Aculco is full of commerce. There are indoor stalls selling food, produce, and goods. Most items come from Mexico City. The prices are affordable. Buy a Lele doll. It is a cute smiley girl with braids. She originates from Amealco.
Try the cheese in Aculco. The cold climate is good for ranching. Indulge in a few cheeses at the Mercado del Queso. Take a tasty one home. Maybe some wine too.
After walking around the center, chase waterfalls. “Pueblos Mágicos” include the whole municipality. Many attractions are a short drive away. A tourist tram in the town plaza goes to these spots. It leaves every one to two hours.
Cascada de la Concepción is right off the main road to Mexico City. It is a huge waterfall with no safety precautions. Enjoy it from the top. Find Mexican snacks with a view of the falls. It is a popular spot for families.
Although some families hike down to the base of the falls, it looks unsafe. They scale parts of the canyon. Do so at your own risk. Avoid when the rocks are wet. Rappelling tours are popular here. Ask in Aculco centro if you are interested.
Cascadas de Tixhiñu is a twenty-minute drive from the town center. Hire a cab. There is a little ecotourism lodge near the waterfall. Grab a snack before hiking down. It is a quick walk into a small canyon. The water is frigid, but safe for swimming.
Consider Amealco for a day trip. It has a beautiful town center and Otomi culture. Jilotepec is the center for rock climbing in Mexico. Even views of Jilotepec’s canyons on the highway are remarkable. Aculco is an easy and chilled escape in central Mexico. Feel free to ask more questions. Enjoy your visit.