Metepec
Metepec is a city in Mexico State. It is known mainly for its quaint streets and commerce.
Understand
The city center lies at the foot of the hill that gives the city and municipality its name. There has been a community here since the Otomis and Matlatzincas settled in this part of the Valley of Toluca: the Matlatzincas reached their cultural peak between AD 1120 and 1450 as part of the Teotihuacan culture.
Get in
Buses leave regularly from the main bus terminal, Terminal Juarez. Buses also pass frequently along Pino Suarez. Alternatively, take a cab. From downtown Toluca, the price may be around M$40 (pesos). Although the bus terminal is closer, the drivers parked in front of the bus station will try to increase the price.
Get around
See
Downtown Metepec has the feeling of a small, historic Mexican town. The charming centre is rife with small cafes, restaurants, bars, and stores selling local arts and crafts.
Get a good view of the city and surrounding area by climbing the Cerro de Maguey, the hill at the centre of the city.
The Ex-convento de San Juan is the main religious structure in the town and dates from the 16th century; however, other churches worth visiting include Las Capillas de El Calvario, La Santa Cruz, del Espíritu Santo, San Bartolomé, de San Salvador, de Santa María Magdalena and la Parroquia de San Mateo.
- 1 Museo del Barro, Av. Estado de Mexico 10. 10ː00 - 18ː00. Small museum focused on popular folk arts, especially the clay ceramics made in Metepec. The second floor features a number of ceramic artesanias with a lot of catrinas and a lot of trees of life, some spectacularly off beat....do you still call it a "tree of life" if all the figures on it are skeletons? A museum store is on the lower level selling very good quality ceramic art.
Do
Walk around town and check out the shops and restaurants. For its small size, there is a considerable number of trendy bars.
The 24th of June is the feast day of Metepec's patron saint, John the Baptist. The city has an international arts and culture festival called Quimera, which occurs in October.
Buy
Metepec is known for its artesanias, especially pottery items which are still of economic importance. The artisans of this area have organized into the Asociación de Artesanos de Metepec y la Unión de Alfareros de Metepec, A.C. (Association of Artisans of Metepec and the Union of Potters of Metepec). Principal crafts include objects made from clay, glass and includes saddlemaking. The city has about 300 craftsmen and 275 family workshops. The craft Metepec is best known for is the Arbol de la vida ("Tree of Life") which is a traditional pottery representation of the tree from which Adam and Eve ate in the Biblical story. The album cover of the Beatles' 1967 record Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band features a Metepec Tree of Life. Arboles de la vida are featured in a number of museums in Mexico and abroad: an arbol de la vida from Metepec is displayed in the British Museum in London.
- 1 Mercado de Artesanias Metepec, Calle Miguel Hidalgo, Santa Cruz. 08:30 - 19:00 daily. Metepec is home to a large number of master artisans, including many potters and sculptors who make fantastic ceramic artworks. Metepec is known as the place to get the very best tree of life sculptures (arbol de la vida). Master craftsmen, including the Soteno family and Azrael Castillo, have shops in the Mercado de Artesanias. Be aware that fully half the shops close during the week and the best time to shop is always Saturday and Sunday.
Market days at the Tianguis Casablance are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. You can get fruits and vegetables as well as great regional street food.
Saturday is market day at the Tianguis Sabatino on Calle 16 de Septiembre. It's a smaller market, but close to the city center.
Galerías Metepec is a modern shopping center with typical department stores. It is open every day.
Eat
While most of the food in Metepec is typical of the region (with dishes such as barbacoa, tamales, and huaraches) it does have a unique drink called "Garañona". It is made from 15 herbs and is a strong, sweet drink. The only place that sells and distributes this drink is a bar called the 2 de Abril in the city center.
For delicious homemade food for little money, try one of the many 'cocina familiares'. La Pasadita, beside Chedraui on Guadelupe Victora is a bit of a hike from the center, but offers a complete meal for approximately M$35.
Surrounding the main plaza are several small restaurants offering local food.
Several chain, high class, and fast food restaurants can be found in Galerias Metepec.
La Forja, located a block east of the main plaza, offers fine cuisine, excellent atmosphere, and an impressive wine list.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Metepec Suites, Calle Ignacio Allende 201, Santa Cruz, ☏ +52 729 492 7612. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, spacious rooms with modern decor. WiFi, cable TV. Convenient to centro. M$950.
- 2 El Hostalito Metepec, Blvd. Toluca-Metepec 234, Espiritu Santo, ☏ +52 729 247 2161. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Bare bones hostel accomodations with shared bathroom/showers. Good option for the undemanding budget traveler. M$400.
Connect
Go next
- Historic center of the City of Toluca.
- Ixtapan de la Sal
- Malinalco
- Tenancingo