Discover Apozol: River Landscape, Churches and Traditions

When looking for a hotel in Apozol, it is worth first considering the location and your travel interests. The town lies in the Cañón de Juchipila between the Sierra de Morones and the Sierra de Nochistlán. The Río Juchipila runs north to south along the northern and western sides of the town. It carries water year-round, although flow conditions can vary seasonally.

Landscape and Orientation

Areas of low woodland vegetation lie west of the town. These include oak, mesquite, manzanilla and various grasses; a diverse range of bird and mammal species is also part of Apozol’s natural heritage. The river, vegetation and two Sierras provide different points of reference for the landscape around the town.

Churches, Architectural History and Traditions

The present-day Templo de Santa María Magdalena has a broad nave and a Latin cross floor plan. It was rebuilt in the first decades of the 19th century. The building is made of regional stone; only the façade and some details of the dome are made of cantera stone. The temple also houses the Señor de la Ascensión, an 18th-century sculpture of Christ on the cross.

Perched on a hill, the magenta-painted Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is surrounded by cedars and casuarinas. Access is difficult because of the terrain; check locally before visiting. The novena to Santa María de Guadalupe includes daily pilgrimages to the chapel on the adjacent hill.

The Tastoanes tradition commemorates the Mixtón War and is dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. In the municipality, the Danza de los Tastoanes is celebrated from July 23 to 26; the main feast day is July 25, in honor of Santiago el Mayor. If these festivities are important to your trip, confirm the dates for your chosen year.

Crafts and festive cuisine are also part of the municipality’s cultural traditions. Crafts include cross-stitch, weaving and cutwork, as well as wooden masks and animal figures, saddlery, Ixtle bags, huaraches, monteras, hats, saddles and various wooden souvenirs. Festive cuisine includes Zacatecan chorizo, country bread and various stews, as well as torrijas, pipián, asado de boda, capirotada, enchiladas, shrimp fritters, and menudo made with beef and goat.

The former San José de La Labor hacienda is located on Calle Bernardo Reyes. Its complex of buildings can be seen from higher parts of Apozol and is in poor condition; check its condition and access locally before visiting. The former La Purísima hacienda lies south of the built-up area of Apozol.

Getting There and Accommodation

Federal Highway 54 crosses Apozol from north to south and is paved. Road conditions and maintenance can change, so it is advisable to check for current information before driving. Intercity buses stop along the highway, as Apozol does not have its own bus station. Services to Juchipila, Jalpa, Zacatecas and Guadalajara are frequent; check bus frequency before you leave.

The nearby Paraíso Caxcán thermal spa in the neighboring municipality of San Miguel is part of the immediate tourist area. It offers hotel rooms, cabins, and master, junior and VIP suites. Reservations are requested by phone and then confirmed. As availability and reservation procedures can change, confirm these details by phone before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Juchipila, La Cardona, Fresnillo, Río De Medina, Tonalá, Pinos, Jalpa, Sombrerete

For the overview of the wider region: Zacatecas.