Magical Town
Pahuatlán
Cross bridges, waterfalls, and mountain trails. Try a cup of the aromatic coffee. Shop for amate paper handicrafts. Tickle your taste buds with the fruit liqueurs.
Current weather
light rain
16
Humidity
94%
Highlights
Things to do
Services in Pahuatlán
What Makes It Magical
The only way to reach this Magical Town in the middle of the Sierra Poblana is by crossing valleys and ravines. Avocado trees and coffee plants grow everywhere. Within the cloud forests, there’s magic. Many pre-Hispanic traditions persist: sorcerers conjure evil, offerings are made with the amate paper made in San Pablito, and they still continue to perform the ritual of the Voladores (flying men), which Pahuatlán inherited from the ancient Totonacapan.
Why You Should Go
The Amate Paper Tradition
- The Otomí people in the community of San Pablito have been making amate paper since pre-Hispanic times.
- This handicraft is made for ceremonial purposes, and acts as an offering for sorcerers in their rituals.
- At the workshop of the Santos Rojas family, you can learn how the paper is made.
- You’ll see how they boil jonote bark with lime and ash and leave it to dry in the sun.
At the Very Least
Buy sheets, paintings, lamps, and embroidery on amate paper. Look for them in the town shops.
Don’t Miss
- Crossing the hanging bridge over the Pahuatitla River that connects Pahuatlán and Xolotla.
- Trying the famous fried chícales(ants) with chiltepín chili in the rainy season.
- Witnessing the Danza de los Voladores, the Totonac flying men ritual that Pahuatlán shares with Cuetzalan and Papantla.