Frequently asked questions
What everyone asks before visiting the Magical Town — answered short and clear.
What is Chignahuapan?
A Magical Town in Puebla's Sierra Norte, named in 2012. Its name comes from Nahuatl and means “upon the nine waters”. It is the Home of the Ornament: millions of handcrafted Christmas baubles are made here every year.
What to do in Chignahuapan?
The must-sees: the lagoon at dawn, the Basilica with its fourteen-metre carved Virgin, the Mudéjar bandstand on the plaza, the Monumental Sphere, the ornament workshops, the hot springs and the Quetzalapan waterfalls. Ready-made plans live in our What to do section.
When is the Festival of Light and Life?
From October 30 to November 2. It is Chignahuapan's Day of the Dead: floating offerings on the lagoon, monumental sawdust carpets, a torch walk and a theatrical performance on the water.
How do I get to Chignahuapan?
From Mexico City there are two good routes: from the north, via Pachuca, on the Mexico–Tuxpan highway and El Tejocotal, or from the Puebla and Tlaxcala side, on federal highway 119 (Apizaco–Tlaxco); on each you can take the toll highway or the free road. By bus: ATAH and SUPRA leave from TAPO in Mexico City, from the CAPU in Puebla and from Apizaco (Tlaxcala), and other bus lines also run from Mexico City. Your own car makes the hot springs and waterfalls easier to reach.
What should I eat in Chignahuapan?
Pit-cooked barbacoa is the specialty. Also farm trout, sierra mole, tlacoyos, festive bread and artisanal fruit liqueurs. In August and September, chile en nogada.
When is the best time to visit?
Any time. Day of the Dead brings the Festival of Light and Life; November and December are ornament season; July, the Santiago Apóstol fair. Weekdays are quieter.
Where can I buy the ornaments?
In the town's workshops and stores, many open to visitors: watch the glass blown at the torch, silvered and hand-painted. Our Ornaments section shows the whole process.
Are there hot springs?
Yes. Hot springs rise between the forest and the river, 10 to 15 minutes from downtown by car without traffic; on the few days with heavy traffic, 20 to 30 minutes. There are pools and hotels with direct access to the thermal water.
Can I visit without a car?
Yes: buses run from Puebla, from Apizaco (Tlaxcala) and from Mexico City, and downtown is fully walkable. Taxis and local transport reach the waterfalls and hot springs; our map shows parking and useful spots.
Does the site work offline?
Yes. chigna.com installs as an app on your phone (Android and iPhone) and the essential guide is stored for offline use — handy deep in the sierra.
Question not here? Ask our chat assistant in the bubble, or write to us.
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