Amealco, the magical town home of the colorful Lele dolls of Otomí tradition.

Published March 1st, 2023

Distinguished by its rich gastronomy, culture, and traditions, Amealco is a recognized magical town in the state of Queretaro, besides being the head of the municipality of Amealco de Bonfil, where the Otomi culture is still present.

Its name comes from the Nahuatl Ameyalco or Amellayi, which means “place of springs”, and was founded in 1538 by the Spaniards, being currently a town with a rich and varied history and cultural heritage, among which stands out the classic Lele dolls, dressed in colorful ribbons in their braids and colorful matching dresses.

What stands out in the magical town of Amealco?
Amealco is also home to many inhabitants with Otomí roots, whose influence is evident in the region’s festivities, gastronomy, and handicrafts, and one of its biggest festivities is the National Handmade Doll Fair held in November.

While the other important festival, the town fair, which celebrates the founding of the town and municipality, is held in April, despite the fact that it was founded on May 3, 1538, if you go for a visit or a stroll, it is worth observing the architecture of the place.

In addition, its pre-Hispanic cuisine is a great attraction for visitors, with delicious dishes such as lamb barbecue, carnitas, consommé, tostadas de arriero, or mole de guajolote, which you can find every Tuesday throughout the municipality, along with the typical drink of the place, pulque or aguamiel. However, they also produce fruit wines and crystallized sweets.

Returning to the handmade dolls, remember that these are considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Queretaro, being created by Otomi women and if you are in town you can admire them in the Museum of the Handmade Doll, with dolls from 18 states of the Republic, although Amealco also has pottery and clay pottery unique in the region.

What is there to visit in Amealco?
In addition, among its attractions you will find:

• Old Temple of San Ildefonso Tultepec.
• Amealco Ravine
• Municipal capital
• House of handicrafts
• La Piedad Waterfall
• Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross)
• Cerro de los GallosSan Pablo Hill
• El Aserrín
• El Cuisillo
• Ex Hacienda La Muralla
• Ex Hacienda La Torre
• Servin Lagoon
• Artisan Market
• San Ildefonso Tultepec Community Museum
• Artisan Doll Museum
• Cerro de Los Gallos Recreational Park
• Santa Maria Parish Church
• Pottery and Textile Handicraft Workshops

Amealco is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters and enjoys a stable climate, with an average temperature of 15º C south of Querétaro, bordering to the north with San Juan del Río and Huimilpan, to the east with the State of Mexico and to the south and west with the State of Michoacán. Holm oaks, arbutus, oyamel, and pine trees surround the region, making it a fertile place for agriculture.

Amealco was added to the Magical Towns program in 2018, a great recognition of its cultural heritage and natural beauty. In addition, it is located just 45 minutes from San Juan del Río, one hour from Querétaro and two hours from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Pachuca, or Toluca, and three hours from Mexico City, making it easily accessible for visitors.