City of Nanacamilpa: Haciendas, Fireflies and Pulque
Accommodation in City of Nanacamilpa
The City of Nanacamilpa brings together historic haciendas, religious heritage and a seasonal natural experience. When choosing accommodation, your travel dates and the kind of stay you want are especially important: overnight options at the haciendas vary, and the firefly season around Hacienda Ixtafiayuca takes place in July.
Accommodation and travel season
The historic Hacienda Ixtafiayuca is surrounded by nature. In July, the woods around the hacienda glow with the bioluminescence of millions of fireflies. During this special season, the hacienda accepts individual overnight reservations; seasonal availability may change. For most of the year, the hacienda is rented exclusively to one group at a time. This provides complete privacy and a personalized experience. If you are planning for a particular period, it is best to check the applicable reservation terms in advance.
Hacienda San Cayetano offers single and double rooms for overnight stays. Visitors can tour and photograph the chapel, stables and maguey fields; access may depend on their stay. If these places are important to your plans, coordinate the sightseeing options with your stay. This allows the specific overnight conditions and the kind of visit you want to make to be considered together, without conflating the two haciendas or their offerings.
Church history and local festivals
The Parroquia de San JosĂ© was founded in 1581. It stands on the site of a former hacienda chapel, which was under the direction of Juan VillerĂas. The parish church was restored in 1959 and is considered one of the architectural and religious landmarks of the 16th century in the state of Tlaxcala. The founding date, predecessor building and restoration offer different points of reference when exploring the town’s history.
The recurring festivals also have distinct focuses. DĂa Grande Nanacamilpa is celebrated every year on November 23. The traditional Feria del Pulque is held annually in the main square and includes an exhibition about pulque culture and its derivatives. During the fair, various exhibitions are also held in front of the municipal government offices. Natural and cured pulque are available, as are products from businesses in the municipality. Check the event dates before your trip if you would like to combine your visit with a festival.
Woods and fireflies
The Santuario de las Luciérnagas is located in the municipality of Nanacamilpa. This protected area in the woods of Nanacamilpa is a place where fireflies can be observed. It is part of a mountain ecosystem made up mainly of oyamel fir, pine and oak forests. The ecotourism activities mentioned for the area include hiking, camping and guided tours. Visits are regulated: do not use lights or camera flashes, and avoid making noise so as not to disturb the natural environment. Before visiting, check the current rules and conditions.
The sanctuary can be reached by road from several directions: from Mexico City via the México–Pachuca highway and Apan, from Puebla via the México–Puebla highway and Tlaxcala, and from Hidalgo via the Apan–Calpulalpan road. Check road conditions and signage before setting out. Some visitors to Nanacamilpa combine firefly watching with guided tours where they can learn more about the region’s edible mushrooms. These tours often include tastings and mushroom-preparation workshops; confirm the availability of individual tours.
Discover more destinations: Tlaxco, Terrenate, Xalostoc, Huamantla, Apizaco, Santa MarĂa Atlihuetzián, Chiautempan, Santa MarĂa Ixtulco.
For the broader travel overview: Tlaxcala.
