Amatlán de Cañas: The Hidden Magical Town Among Mountains

Before continuing, I stopped in Ahuacatlán, a town with unique colonial charm. In its main square, I found a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by leafy trees and benches where elders rested, watching life pass by with the serenity that only years can bring.​

What caught my attention were its two imposing churches facing each other: on one side, the Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís, with its stone façade and bell tower rising above the town; on the other, the Iglesia del Señor del Perdón, a temple of simple architecture but great historical value. This architectural contrast makes the square a fascinating spot.​

After a few minutes enjoying the tranquility, I resumed my journey toward Amatlán de Cañas, with a few more stops along the way.​

My first stop was Barranca del Oro, a small village nestled among mountains. From its natural viewpoints, the scenery was simply breathtaking: hills covered in vegetation, clouds seemingly touching the earth, and fresh air inviting one to linger.​

I took some incredible photos of the church and main streets, particularly noting a green, antique façade with an equally old wooden door—reflecting the town’s historic character.​

eeling hungry, I asked a local for a snack recommendation and was directed to Panadería Nico, a small bakery with the aroma of freshly baked bread. I tried a concha and a cajeta-filled horn, both with a fluffy texture and perfect sweetness to continue the journey energized.

Continuing the route, I arrived at El Rosario, a village famous for El Manto—a natural spring within a canyon. To reach the waterfall, I descended 144 steps. As I went down, the sound of water intensified, and I began to see the water body winding between rocks.​

Venturing further, I discovered a natural canyon with rock walls covered in lush vegetation. At the end of the path, I encountered an impressive waterfall about 7 meters high, its crystalline veil forming a curtain inviting a dip. I didn’t hesitate to take a refreshing swim, feeling the current rejuvenate every part of me.

Next, I visited Estancia de los López, a village with a strong artisanal tradition. My first stop was the peanut factory, where I witnessed the production process using techniques passed down through generations.​

I tasted a peanut sauce with a perfect balance between creaminess and spiciness, as well as honey and sesame-coated candied peanuts. Each bite had an authentic flavor reflecting the care put into these products.

A few blocks uphill from the main square, I found a street where all the houses are made of adobe. Time seemed to have stopped there: rustic-textured walls with the green of the mountain contrasting the earthy tones of the village. A corner that conveys the region’s essence in every detail.

Finally, I arrived in Amatlán de Cañas. Upon entering the town, its cobblestone streets and adobe houses with red tile roofs welcomed me.​

My steps led me to the Lateran Basilica, also known as the Templo de Jesús de Nazareno, built in 1881. Inside, the architecture and the revered image of Jesús de Nazareno caught my attention, reflecting the community’s deep devotion.​

Upon exiting, I met the tejuino vendor right in front of the square. I bought a cold glass of this fermented corn drink, with its characteristic acidic and refreshing touch—perfect to beat the midday heat. I sat in the main square, enjoying the tejuino while observing the town’s daily life.​

After exploring the town, hunger led me to Los Tukanes, a traditional restaurant where I tried the famous camarones a la cora and freshly grilled arrachera—a true feast.​

One of the gastronomic treasures of Amatlán is its artisanal production of chocolate and peanuts—two products with a deeply rooted history in the region.

At the chocolate corridor with Mrs. Olga Lidia, I observed the traditional process: cacao is slowly roasted on clay griddles, then ground on volcanic stone to create a thick, aromatic paste. I tasted a cup of metate-style chocolate, prepared with cinnamon. The flavor was intense, with a slightly grainy texture that made it even more authentic.