Metepec: Pottery, Architectural History and Nature

Get to know Metepec through its pottery tradition, Franciscan architectural history and protected natural areas. Its collections and crafts offer a different focus from local festivals or the trails on Cerro de los Magueyes.

Pottery and Crafts in Metepec

The Museo del Barro displays pottery from Metepec and Mexico’s major pottery regions. The collection also includes award-winning works from the Concurso Nacional de Alfarería Árbol de la Vida, a competition held since 1992. Here, you can see both pottery from Metepec and award-winning works from a nationwide competition.

Since 1998, the Mercado de Artesanías de Metepec has brought together 90 artisan families. They make and display traditional pieces using multicolored, glazed, natural or pigmented clay, as well as hide, leather, stained glass and woven materials. In the municipality of Metepec, the pottery tradition of El Árbol de la Vida is preserved using pre-Hispanic techniques. These include, among other things, using the flower spike of the cattail plant in pottery making. Craft skills are passed down from generation to generation through family practice.

Franciscan Architectural History

The Parroquia de San Juan Bautista is an architectural complex founded by Franciscans in the 16th century; the church was completed in 1775. The Exconvento Franciscano is attached to the Parroquia and is considered Metepec’s most important historical monument.

The Capilla de la Virgen de los Dolores, also known as El Calvario, stands on Cerro de los Magueyes. It was rebuilt between 1788 and 1799 and has a Neoclassical façade made of tezontle stone. The dates for the complex’s founding, the church’s completion and the chapel’s rebuilding mark different phases of construction.

Protected Landscape and Trails

Cerro de los Magueyes, also known as Parque Municipal de Recreación Popular El Calvario, is a state-protected natural area administered by the municipality. The 2025 municipal plan lists hiking, walking and cycling there. For 2025, the plan also describes four tourist routes through which visitors can learn about Metepec’s culture. The Magueyes Tour includes a walk on the hill.

Parque Ambiental Bicentenario has a dog park, a recreational lake, children’s play areas, a picnic area and sports facilities, as well as a center for environmental education and climate change. For planning your visit, note the difference between the trail activities listed for the protected Cerro and the specific facilities listed for Parque Ambiental.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Paseo de la Agricultura is a colorful parade through the main streets of the Cabecera Municipal. It features floats, teams of draft animals, mojigangas and groups; traditional corn dishes such as gorditas are also distributed. The celebration begins after the midday mass at the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, on the steps of El Calvario. The date traditionally depends on Easter, so the exact calendar date varies.

The Feria de San Isidro was established as a regional fair in 1977 and takes place annually on a date that varies in May. Its program includes artistic, agricultural, commercial and sporting events, as well as a national pottery and ceramics competition. In the municipality of Metepec, Garañona is considered a typical drink and is associated with Bar 2 de abril. According to the municipal plan, it has been available there since 1932.

When to Visit and Find a Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel in Metepec, the events calendar can help you choose when to travel: the Paseo is linked to Easter, while the Feria takes place on a date that varies in May. Check the specific event dates before planning your trip. Pottery, architectural history and nature offer other themes to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Polotitlán, San Buenaventura, San Pedro Totoltepec, Ecatepec De Morelos, Valle De Bravo, Temascalapa, El Cerrillo, Jocotitlán

For the main travel overview: México.