Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
WITH AN INTERESTING OTOMÍ PAST
This is a town surrounded by mountains, whose name of Nahuatl origin means "on the hill of the jilotes."
Jilotepec has a long history to tell, which can be discovered through its beautiful architecture, starting with the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo, dating back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest in the country and part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
This iconic building is located in front of Plaza Manuel Ávila Camacho, with its typical arcades, a kiosk in the center, and a striking Independence obelisk.
Among its traditions is the Xhita Carnival, which is traditionally held every year as an offering to the gods for a good harvest. Men dress in costumes made with hair from cattle tails and adorn themselves with large horns. This tradition begins forty days before Ash Wednesday and ends on Carnival Tuesday.
Jilotepec is located in the northern part of the State of Mexico, practically on the border with Hidalgo, about two hours from Toluca and an hour and a half from Mexico City.
Jilotepec
What to See in Jilotepec
Tourist Attractions in Jilotepec
Templo de San Pedro y San Pablo
Built by the Franciscans in the 16th century as part of a convent complex, it features a sober stone facade and an open chapel. Its tower is cubical and has a clock. Inside the Chapel of the Sagrario, there is a Baroque altarpiece covered in gold leaf and colorful 18th-century oils, and a monumental baptismal font made of stone is located in the presbytery.
Adjacent to it is the convent with a cloister and a large atrium with trees and an indigenous cross of rich iconography.
Santuario de la Virgen de la Piedrita
Constructed between 1897 and 1981 with local stone in a neo-Gothic style and colorful stained glass windows, it features a stone figure of the Virgin of Guadalupe housed within. It is located in the community of Canalejas, 11 kilometers from Jilotepec, atop a hill, offering beautiful panoramic views. multicolores. Se destaca la piedra con la figura guadalupana que se resguarda dentro del recinto. Se ubica en la comunidad de Canalejas a 11 kilómetros de Jilotepec, en la cima de un cerro por lo que ofrece bonitas panorámicas.
Las Sequoias Park
Its main attraction is the tall, ancient trees. These red sequoias come from the northwest United States and have adapted to the Mexiquense lands. The park has children's play areas, sculptures, and a café.
Bioparque Estrella
Spanning nearly 300 hectares, it offers tours where you can feed animals like giraffes, bison, and zebras, as well as boat rides to observe various species of dinosaurs and admire the island where a troop of spider monkeys lives. It also offers forest hikes, zip-lining for all ages, bird shows, underground adventures, and climbing walls, among other attractions.
Cruz de Doendó
Located on an ancient teocalli, the original site of the Franciscan friars' foundation, it is a 4-meter-high cross on a stone base, considered one of the oldest in the country in its original location. To reach it, you must walk along paths through a canyon amid forested landscapes.
Exhacienda de Doxhicho
Now abandoned, it houses remnants of walls, chimneys, and portals dating back to just before the 18th century.
What to Do in Jilotepec
Select your Adventure in the Estado de México
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN JILOTEPEC
Climb the Peñas de Dexcani
In the Sierra de Jilotepec, you can visit the eco-tourism park Las Peñas de Dexcani Alto for camping and practice hiking, rappelling, and climbing on its impressive volcanic stone monoliths, which offer technical climbing with small grips. It has around 170 routes with varying degrees of difficulty, and you’ll enjoy panoramic views—don’t forget to ask about local legends.
Nearby is the communal dam La Avellana, surrounded by forest and tranquility.
Explore the San Lorenzo Octeyuco Petroglyphs
These represent the cosmic observations of the original inhabitants of Jilotepec and are one of the few remaining stone vestiges of Otomi culture. They are located just outside Jilotepec.
Have a good time in the Danxhó Dam
This artificial lagoon offers boat rides and even scuba diving. It is located on the outskirts of Jilotepec. en lanchay hasta se puede bucear. Se ubica en las afueras de Jilotepec.