Tlalpujahua

Fascinating tour of the old gold mines with lots of old mining equipment in place. Guided tours are in Spanish only. Photography not permitted.

17th-century baroque church with pink granite facade and a stunningly elaborate interior full of stained glass, statues, intricate architectural details and color everywhere. The detailed artistic sculpturing of the church walls was created in the late 19th and early 20th century by artist Joaquín Orta Menchaca. It features unusual vegetable and plant motifs. Even in a country full of spectacular churches, this one stands out. Hilltop location makes for excellent views of the town.

Small historical museum in the former house of the Lopez Rayon family, whose sons were local heroes during the Mexican war for Independence from Spain. Many photographs and artifacts explaining who the Rayon brothers were and their role in the war, and how the town later developed its mining industry.

Small (25-hectare) historical park protecting the hilltop fortifications built by the Rayon brothers during the Mexican War for Independence in 1812. Established as a national park in 1952. Dense pine forest that is habitat for 98 kinds of birds, according to CONABIO, including 3 endemic species.

Workshop where Christmas ornaments are made. Visitors welcome. See how decorations are designed and manufactured.

- Christmas comes to Tlalpujahua all year round, but from October until December, Christmas is the town's biggest event of the year. An estimated 400,000 visitors inundate the small town, particularly on weekends, drinking punch, eating tamales, and buying more Christmas ornaments than Santa could ever imagine. There is a Christmas village with Santa's Workshop and more. During this time traffic in town will rival Mexico City at rush hour and parking will be non-existent. Bring cash because most merchants don't take credit cards.