April, 2013 - Huichapán

While on a trip to Mexico in April of 2013, my friend Alejandro took me on a day's excursion to the town of Huichapán which is located to the north of Mexico City in the state of Hidalgo.

Huichapán was designated as a "Pueblo Mágico" (Magic Town) by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism for its historic and cultural qualities.  Although Huichapán is much less touristic than the other "Magic Towns" that I have visited, it was a pleasant and interesting excursion, and it was definitely a place that the typical "gringo" tourist does not visit.

Most Mexican towns have a "zócalo" or central plaza, and Huichapán is no exception.

Facing the plaza are two chapels and a church which date back to colonial times.

 

The interior of the church...

 

 

 

Outside of town is Huichapán's most unique site.  This colonial aqueduct was built to bring water into the town.  Where it crosses a small canyon its arches are more than 100 feet tall.  It is supposedly the highest aqueduct in Latin America.

 

 

 

Today visitors can walk along the top of the aqueduct, following the channel which once carried water.