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Town & Municipality in Morelos, Mexico
Photo: Airvillanueva, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tlayacapan is a town in the Central Mexico state of Morelos. The town is one of the most scenic and culturally rich in the region and is designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos. It is known for its 16th century monastery and many chapels, and is included as part of the "16th century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatapetl", a . It is an easy weekend getaway for people in the Mexico City area (though weekend crowds are significantly less than towns closer to the capital).
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This imposing church is one of the 16th century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatapetl, which are designated as a . The monastery complex was built by the Augustinian order between 1534 and 1574. It included the main church, courtyards, cloister, prayer rooms, a dining hall, and rooms where the monks slept. Only the main church was maintained and actively used for religious celebrations. It incorporates architectural elements from a number of different styles. The monastery is noted for its frescoes and oil paintings in the entrance hall and meditation hall.
Candle Factory
This is a 16th century building where candles were once made and sold. The building is noted for its colonial architecture and its colorful early 20th century history as military headquarters for the revolutionary forces under Emiliano Zapata. Today, the building is a museum that showcases artifacts and dioramas depicting the region's past and its culture, including arts, and the story behind Chinelos.
Beautiful historic hacienda restaurant across the street from the Monastery of St. John the Baptist. Outdoor patio dining in the garden courtyard with umbrellas and live music. Traditional Mexican cuisine with regional specialties like esquites con huitlacoche. If you're a bold epicure, order the chapulines flameado en mescal (grasshoppers in mescal, flambe).
Traditional Mexican food with a nice 2nd floor terrace dining area. Omelletes, chilaquiles, hot cakes for breakfast, fish, chicken, ribs, and several kinds of spaghetti.
Traditional Mexican food in a clean, inviting location. Tortilla soup, large margaritas.
Modern sushi restaurant.
Pozole or Chinese food? This places serves both.
Very traditional style pulqueria with a variety of very modern flavors. Try the cappuccino pulque.
Natural and cured pulques at the bar, serves foodː cecina, cochinita, etc.
2nd floor terrace bar. Beer, micheladas, mixed drinks.
Attractive, centrally located budget hotel. Small rooms, off-street parking. No pets.
Clean, comfortable, affordable rooms on the main plaza in the center of town.
Small family run inn. Pleasant courtyard with pool. Noisy area.
Small, intimate inn with 4 rooms. Rooms are large and well appointed. Terrace with mountain views. Some rooms have fireplaces. Safe area on the edge of Tlayacapan, friendly service.
Small, intimate hotel with 6 rooms. Rooms are sparse and comfortably well-kept. Off-street parking. Swimming pool available.
Rustic, gay friendly hotel with outdoor swimming pool and views of the mountains.
From Mexico City's Taxqueña bus terminal (south), TER buses (Transportes Estrella Roja) leave hourly for the 2-1/2 hour trip to Tlayacapan and cost M$100 (February 2023).
Read in the guideTlayacapan is a compact small town. Walking is the best way to get around. Taxis are readily available if you want to go further afield.
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