Naolinco
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Mexico
Did you know?
- A Sunday tianguis fills Plazuela Sayago with a traditional pop-up market.
- A bronze Monument to the Shoemaker honors the local leather-making tradition.
- Chicken chilaquiles with mole are a signature dish at Restaurante Doña Josefina.
See also
Xalapa
Mexico19.53°N 96.93°W · 1,460 m
Overview
Naolinco is a mountain town with brick-paved streets and a pine-framed central plaza. Leather goods, barro ceramics and nearby waterfalls shape a visit.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Naolinco is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos, offering a peaceful alternative to larger Veracruz destinations. The small mountain town features a picturesque colonial-era downtown with brick-paved streets radiating from the main plaza, surrounded by pine trees. Nature lovers come for the forested mountain scenery and nearby waterfalls, while shoppers seek out the town's renowned leather goods and rustic barro ceramics.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
A historically Totonac region, the first Spaniards under Hernando Cortes arrived in 1519, allied with the Totonac people, and moved inland to attack Aztec strongholds. The town was established in 1526. Today Naolinco has a population of about 9,500 (2020). The town is known for quality leatherwork, a rustic orange-hue barro ceramic, and colorful celebration masks, particularly during the Fiestas de Naolinco.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The nearest airport with commercial flights is in Veracruz. From there, take a bus to Xalapa, then a second-class bus or taxi to Naolinco. The journey involves two transit legs, making it a straightforward but time-consuming approach for a small destination.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The town is small enough to get around easily by walking. Taxis are readily available near the main plaza, and hotel staff can call for one. Uber and other ride-hailing apps do not work in Naolinco, so taxis are the primary option for distances beyond walking.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Naolinco celebrates Fiestas de Naolinco with colorful masks and festivities. The mountain location provides cooler temperatures than coastal Veracruz. The waterfalls at Parque Fidelidad Las Cascadas are accessible year-round, though the wet season (June-September) may enhance waterfall flow.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options in Naolinco are limited. Hotel del Parque Naolinco offers traditional colonial style rooms near Plaza de Armas with period architectural detail including iron fixtures, columns, and archways. Hacienda San Fernando on the north side provides cabanas with well-maintained gardens, spacious bathrooms, cable TV, and mini-fridge. Some rooms may also be available through Airbnb.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Naolinco's restaurants specialize in regional cuisine with emphasis on moles. Restaurante Doña Josefina (Plaza de Armas 8) serves regional cooking in an elegant dining room with moles considered the best in town; chilaquiles with chicken and mole is a signature dish. La Quinta Karla Josefina (Insurgentes 5) features enchiladas de pipian con cecina and baked ribs, cash only. Restaurant Marce (Nicolás Bravo 15) has been family-run for over 70 years, specializing in chiles rellenos including smoky chipotle relleno. La Casona (Pl. de Armas 11) offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a colonial building with outdoor courtyard dining and a buffet option. Meal prices range from M$150-250.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The Parroquia de San Mateo Apóstol (Privada Pabello Acosta, Centro) was established in the 16th century by Franciscan missionaries but the current neo-gothic church was completely rebuilt in the early 20th century. Parque Hidalgo (Av. Revolucion, Centro) serves as the main plaza with brick-paved pathways and a central kiosco surrounded by tall pine trees and iron park benches. The Cementerio Naolinqueño (Agustín de Iturbide, Centro) is considered one of Mexico's most beautiful cemeteries with extensive memorial sculptures, open daily 08:00-18:00. The Monument to the Shoemaker (Niños Heroes) honors the town's leather-making heritage with a bronze sculpture. Outside town, Parque Fidelidad Las Cascadas (Carr. a las Cascadas) features waterfalls with a scenic mirador (overlook) for photography and a mountain trail for closer views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Local artisans are known for quality leatherwork, a rustic orange-hue barro ceramic, and colorful masks used during various celebrations (particularly the Fiestas de Naolinco). A number of shoe and leather products stores are located just north of the town plaza and close to the Monument to the Shoemaker. A tianguis (traditional pop-up market) takes place on Sundays in the Plazuela Sayago.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations include Zempoala (ancient archaeological site), Xalapa (cultural hub with university and museums), Veracruz (port city and main transport hub with coastal attractions), Xico (colonial town in the coffee region), and El Tajin (pre-hispanic archaeological site with famous pyramids). These destinations are reachable by bus or taxi from Naolinco.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Hacienda San Fernando
Hotel with cabanas on the north side of town, beautifully maintained gardens. Rooms are comfortable, clean and well equipped with spacious bathrooms, cable TV, and mini-fridge. Outdoor area has grills available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel del Parque Naolinco
Traditional colonial style hotel with period architectural detail (iron fixtures, columns, archways, etc.) Rooms are clean, but small and minimally furnished though some have balconies. Parking is on the street (no lot at the hotel).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
La Casona
Traditional Mexican and regional cuisines served in a modernized colonial building with stone walls, Mexican artesanias, and a delightful outdoor courtyard dining area. You can order off the menu, or take advantage of the buffet with its extensive selection (not to mention being able to stuff yourself by going back for seconds).
Recorded price: M$200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
La Quinta Karla Josefina
Large contemporary dining room serving regional cuisine with an emphasis on moles. Try the Enchiladas de Pipian Con Cecina or the Costillas (baked ribs). Unusual desserts including fruit filled empanadas (fig, pineapple, blueberry). Cash only (no credit cards and definitely no payment apps).
Recorded price: M$250
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Restaurant Marce
Family-run restaurant in business over 70 years. Regional cuisines with specialties including Chiles Rellenos high to an art form and served in various styles, like a wonderfully smoky Chipotle Relleno. Hearty home cooking like abuela used to make.
Recorded price: M$150
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Restaurante Doña Josefina
Regional cuisine served in an elegant dining room. The food is incredible with an emphasis on regional cooking. Their moles are the best in town and their chilaquiles with chicken and mole is a unique spin on a classic breakfast dish. The shredded pork in chileseco sauce is satisfyingly spicy. In-house bakery sells fresh bread and pastries to go. An Mexican artesanias
Recorded price: M$200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Cementerio Naolinqueño
This is a really cool cemetery that people are just dying to get into. It's one of Mexico's most beautiful cemeteries with a huge number of memorial Sculpture
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Monument to the Shoemaker
Naolinco is known for its quality leather products, and visitors to the city shouldn't be surprised to see a towering bronze Sculpture
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Accommodation options are limited. Hotel del Parque Naolinco and Hacienda San Fernando are the main hotels. Airbnb may have additional listings.
Culture
Naolinco is a Pueblo Mágico with strong artisan traditions in leather goods, barro ceramics, and festival masks used in Fiestas de Naolinco.
Money
Restaurants like La Quinta Karla Josefina are cash only. ATMs and card payment availability may be limited; carry Mexican pesos for purchases.
Transport
Nearest major airport is in Veracruz; connect via bus to Xalapa then second-class bus or taxi to Naolinco. No Uber or ride-hailing apps work here.