San Salvador Atenco: The Place on the Edge of Water
San Salvador Atenco, a municipality located in the vicinity of Mexico City (Mexico’s largest city and also its capital), is an important archaeological site that is home to some of the most ancient sites in the whole of the Americas. San Salvador Atenco is the municipal seat of Atenco, which is derived from a Nahuatl phrase that can be translated as “place on the edge of water”
Famous for its ancient ruins and excavations, San Salvador Atenco is an apt chronicle of Mexico’s rather illustrious history. Situated in the vicinity of Mexico City, the municipality of San Salvador Atenco is an excellent place for a one-day excursion. A vibrant and colourful settlement with tranquil and peaceful environs, San Salvador Atenco is a definite must visit. There have been fifteen excavations in this area. The oldest artefacts date back to 7000 BC and include stone tools and other human artefacts evidencing human settlements in the region during that time. The city’s historical and archaeological significance is but of course the most inviting of the many San Salvador Atenco tourist attractions.
Places to Visit in San Salvador Atenco
San Salvador Atenco is home to a large number of significant and noteworthy buildings and structures, the beauty of which is only enhanced by the municipality’s tranquil environs and scenic locales. San Salvador Atenco is a beautiful city and is home to some of the most historically significant structures in the whole of the Americas. Some of the more prominent San Salvador Atenco tourist sights include practically every nook and corner of the city’s archaeological sites, the many fossils, the many rare artefacts, the historical Chapel of Cristo de Esquipulas (a beautiful and historic church constructed in 1571 by the victorious Spaniards for purposes of evangelization), etc.
Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
San Salvador Atenco has a high crime rate and though it is safe for tourists, it is very much advisable that certain rather necessary precautions be taken including avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Political protests in the town often tend to get violent, and one is advised to avoid these as much as possible. Nevertheless, San Salvador Atenco abounds with historical treasures that are simply to be seen to be believed. Though small, San Salvador Atenco is home to a decent number of restaurants, cafes, eateries, stalls, gift shops, etc. Spanish is the official language of the country; however, English is sparsely understood by many. The local currency is Mexican peso (MXN). The local cuisine draws influences from a variety of cuisines and has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it is freely available at very affordable prices.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit San Salvador Atenco is from October to May.
Best way to reach
- By Air: San Salvador Atenco is well connected to Mexico City, one of the region’s most important travel hubs, and as such, is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
- By Rail: San Salvador Atenco is well connected to Mexico City, which is the most important railway station in the Mexican rail network, and forms the terminating or origin point for many inter-city trains.
- By Road: San Salvador Atenco is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, San Salvador Atenco is well connected to Mexico City, one of the major centres of Mexico’s road transport system, and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby Mexico attractions.
Accommodation
The San Salvador Atenco accommodation scene is decent enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Further, many local and international tour operators offer San Salvador Atenco vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the San Salvador Atenco tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises the place on the edge of water, which goes by the name of San Salvador Atenco, may hold.