Atlatlahucan is a small colonial town in the mountains of the Central Mexican state of Morelos. It is popular among travelers interested in historical and cultural travel who come to visit the "16th century missions on the slopes of Popocatapetl", a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Understand
[edit]Atlatlahucan is a small town with just over 9,000 residents (2020), though its municipality comprises many smaller villages and farming communities, bringing the regional population to about 25,000. Some of these outlying villages might be worth exploring as there are some smaller chapels that were built by Augustinian monks in the 16th century.
The town was settled first by the Chichimeca indigenous culture, but was then taken over by the Xochimilcas who in turn were conquered by the Aztecs in 1436. During the Spanish Conquest, the town was evangelized by Augustinian friars, who arrived in 1533. They immediately set to work building a parish church, and in 1570, began construction of the massive Convento San Mateo Apóstol
Get in
[edit]The nearest airport is Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City.
From Mexico City, use Metro to the Lazaro station and connect to the TAPO bus station. Go to the Volcanes ticket counter and ask for a ticket to 1 Kilometro 88 en Atlatlahucan. The trip takes 90 minutes to 2 hours and costs about M150.
Get around
[edit]
See
[edit]
- 1 Ex-Convento San Mateo Apóstol, Del Convento San Mateo. Enormous 16th-century monastery established in 1570 and built by Augustinian friars who were evangelizing Christianity and converting indigenous populations. The complex consists of the main church with its ornate facade and fancy interior, an open amphitheatre where the monks would preach to the natives, and a large 2-story cloister where the monks lived, surrounding an interior garden courtyard. The complex is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 2 Plaza de Armas (Zocalo). Traditional town Zocalo (main plaza) with cobblestone paths, towering palm trees, fountains, statues and a central bandstand (kiosk).
Do
[edit]- Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle - the town's patron saint is celebrated each year on September 21
Buy
[edit]- 1 Plaza Comercial Atlatlahucan (Mercado Municipal), Abasolo 43-44, San Mateo. Daily 06ː00 - 18ː00. Small-town traditional Mexican marketplace with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, and several stalls selling homemade regional cuisine that tastes like abuela used to make. Best place in town for cheap eats.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Gran Terraza, Kilometre 88, Los Girasoles. F-Su 08ː00 - 20ː00, closed M-Th. Traditional Mexican menu served in a clean, spacious dining room on two levels. M$200.
- 2 Tacos "Los Llenadores", Colonia Kilometro 88. Casual roadside taqueria that is known for its carnitas tacos. Regular tacos are smaller street taco size and it will take about 4 or more to make a full meal.
- 3 Marisqueria Coty, Calvario 1, San Mateo, ☏ +52 557 611 9746. M-F 10ː30-19ː30, Sa-Su 10ː30-20ː30. Casual family-run seafood restaurant. The mojarra and the shrimp cocktails are good. M$300.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]There are not many places in town to spend the night. Other towns in the region have better selections.
- 1 Motel Atla Mor, Carr México-Cuautla (MEX-115) Km 56, Col. Jagueicillos, ☏ +52 735 144 6298.