Calpulalpan
Calpulalpan is a small city of about 33,000 people (2017) in the northern region of Tlaxcala.
Understand
Calpulalpan was first settled by people of the Teotihuacan culture around 250 AD. In the 15th century, it became a part of the kingdom of Texcoco and was an important trade route for commerce to Tenochtitlan (Mexico City).
In 1560, the Spanish moved in and began building the convents of San Simón and San Judas.
Climate
It has a rainy season from April to September. The hottest period is between March and May . From November to February the weather is extremely cold, with temperatures below 0 °C.
Get in
By bus
From Tlaxcala, Autotransportes de Hidalgo is a second-class line that operates two direct buses daily to Calpulalpan. Tickets cost M$100 for the 1-hour ride and are purchased on board the bus.
From Pachuca, ADO has first-class buses direct to Calpulalpan three times per day. The 1½-hour trip costs about M$200.
- 1 Terminal Autobuses Texcoco, J. Ma. Morelos 18, Centro. Bus station for Autobuses Verdes and Autobuses Texcoco, second-class lines offering service to Texcoco, Pachuca, Mexico TAPO and more. Clean, spacious waiting area but they charge to use the restroom. Note: there is another stop on MEX 136 at the Pemex station.
Get around
Walking and taxis are your best bet.
See
- 1 Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua, Hermenegildo Galeana No.3, Centro. Neoclassical church built in 1608. The altar was replaced in 1930. Many of the church's original artworks were destroyed during the Mexican Revolution when the church was occupied by Venustiano Carranza's troops.
- Convento de San Judas. Next to Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua is the original monastery built by the Franciscans in 1569. The convent convent consists of two towers with three baroque-style bodies dating to the early 18th century.
- 2 Tecoaque, Carretera Federal 136, Texcoco-Calpulalpan Km 33. Small archaeological zone with an interesting pyramid and a few other ruins. During its heyday, the city had trade routes with Teotihuacán, Texcoco, and Tenochtitlán. The most important pyramid is dedicated to the god of the wind, Ehécatl. A small site museum displays about 200 artifacts found at the site.
- Two other archaeological zones in Calpulalpan are Los Herraduras and Los Cerritos. Both are small sites associated with Teotihuacan culture, dating from around 250 AD.
Do
- Calpulalpan Fair (San Antonio Patronal Fair). June 3-18. A festivity celebrated annually in honor of San Antonio de Padua with religious events, burning fireworks, charreadas, sports tournaments, shows in the town theater, concerts and mechanical games. June 13 is the day of the patronal festival.
Buy
Eat
- 1 Los Tulipanes, 5 de Mayo 17, Centro, ☏ +52 7499180312. 09:00 - 17:30. Clean, friendly diner with attentive service, affordable breakfasts and some delicious house recipes. Try the Pechuga Tulipanes. M$100.
- 2 Pepe's, Leona Vicario 7, Xahuanxolco, ☏ +527499180453. 09:00 - 23:00 (closed M). Some traditional entrees like enchiladas, but mostly casual fare like tacos, burgers, and pizza. M$100.
- 3 Santa Lucia Coffee, Cam. Nacional 15, Salvador Guarneros. 13:00 - 23:00. Skilled baristas whip up tasty coffee drinks. Varied menu that includes casual fare like pizzas, coffee, enchiladas, crepes, cheese samplers, and hamburger. Quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Centenario, Independencia #14, Centro (enter the passage of Plaza Centenario, at the back right is the hotel), ☏ +52 7491082617. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Barebones budget accommodations in the center of town. M$600.
- 2 Hotel Paraiso, Carr. México-Veracruz Km 77.5, San Rafael, ☏ +52 7499180706. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, comfortable roadside motel with cable TV and off-street parking. M$700.