A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

San Andrés Calpan: A Historical and Natural Treasure in Puebla, Mexico

Located in the state of Puebla, Mexico, San Andrés Calpan is a municipality that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This charming place is known for its impressive colonial architecture, its fertile farming fields, and its vibrant community life.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

San Andrés Calpan is famous for its church of San Andrés, a 16th-century gem that is considered one of the most representative examples of the Plateresque architectural style in Mexico. This church is part of the group of former convents declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

In addition to its church, Calpan is home to several Indian chapels, religious buildings dating back to the colonial era and are a testament to the evangelization of the indigenous peoples of the region.

The Chile en Nogada Fair

San Andrés Calpan is nationally recognized as the birthplace of chile en nogada, one of the most emblematic dishes of Mexican cuisine. Every year, during the month of August, the Chile en Nogada Fair is celebrated, an event that attracts thousands of visitors eager to taste this culinary delight.

The Natural Beauty of its Surroundings

The surroundings of San Andrés Calpan are a paradise for nature lovers. The municipality is surrounded by imposing volcanoes, such as Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, which offer spectacular views and the possibility of outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering.

Furthermore, Calpan is located a few kilometers from the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that houses one of the areas of greatest biodiversity in Mexico.

Community Life

San Andrés Calpan is a place where traditions and customs are kept alive. Visitors can participate in local festivities, such as the Fiesta de San Andrés, which is celebrated every November with traditional dances, music, and fireworks.

In addition, local markets offer a wide variety of fresh produce and handmade crafts, allowing visitors to take a piece of Calpan home with them.

In summary, San Andrés Calpan is a destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. A place that is undoubtedly worth visiting.

Gastronomic Products of San Andrés Calpan

• Chiles en nogada

  San Andrés Calpan is famous for being one of the places of origin of chiles en nogada, a traditional Mexican dish that is prepared with poblano peppers stuffed with a stew of meat and fruits, covered with a walnut sauce and decorated with pomegranate. This dish is especially popular during the festivities of August and September.

• Mole poblano

  Mole poblano is another of the emblematic dishes of the region. This dish is prepared with a variety of chilies, spices, chocolate and other ingredients that are ground and cooked to create a thick and rich sauce that is served over chicken or turkey. Mole poblano is a dish that is enjoyed throughout the year, but is especially popular during festivities and celebrations.

• Apples and pears

  San Andrés Calpan is also known for its production of apples and pears. These fruits are used in a variety of dishes and desserts, including compotes, pies and jams. During the harvest season, visitors can enjoy these fresh fruits and the products made with them.

Sporting Activities in San Andrés Calpan

Mountain Biking

San Andrés Calpan has mountain biking routes that will allow you to enjoy the nature and landscapes of the region. You can travel along trails surrounded by vegetation and with views of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.

Hiking

The area of San Andrés Calpan is ideal for hiking. You can explore the trails that surround the volcanoes and enjoy incredible panoramic views. In addition, you can visit the lavender fields and nearby archaeological sites.

Paragliding

If you are a lover of extreme sports, in San Andrés Calpan you can practice paragliding. From the heights, you will have a privileged view of the volcanoes and the beautiful landscapes of the region.

Soccer

Soccer is a very popular sport in Mexico and San Andrés Calpan is no exception. You can join local matches or simply enjoy a game at one of the local fields.

Places near San Andrés Calpan

If you are in San Andrés Calpan and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Cholula, known for its impressive pyramid and churches, is a tourist destination in Mexico that offers a rich culinary experience with traditional dishes such as chiles en nogada and cemita poblana.

Atlixco, known as the "City of Flowers", is a tourist destination in Mexico famous for its warm climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant gastronomic culture, offering delicious traditional dishes such as mole poblano and chiles en nogada.