Ixtapan de la Sal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ixtapan de la Sal
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Town & Municipality
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Main plaza with church
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| Country |  Mexico |
| State | State of Mexico |
| Municipal Status | 1822 |
| Elevation
(of seat)
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1,880 m (6,170 ft) |
| Population
(2010) Municipality
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| • Municipality | 33,541 |
| • Seat | 15,383 |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (US Central)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (Central) |
| Postal code (of seat) |
51900
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| Website | www.edomexico.gob.mx/ixtapandelasal |
Ixtapan de la Sal is a town and municipality in the State of Mexico, Mexico. It is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Toluca, the state's capital. It is also 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Mexico City.
The name Ixtapan comes from the Nahuatl language. One idea is that it means 'over salt' or 'in salt'. Another idea is that it means 'in white waters'. The Spanish part, de la Sal, means 'of salt'.
Two rivers flow through Ixtapan de la Sal: the Salado river and the Salitre river. There's also an aqueduct. A special feature is La Laguna Verde, a natural spring with carbonated water that bubbles up from underground.
Ixtapan de la Sal officially became a city on January 22, 1981. In 1996, it joined the "100 Colonial Cities" program. This program lists old and important Mexican cities that are popular with tourists.
Exploring Ixtapan de la Sal
Tourism is the main way people make a living in Ixtapan de la Sal. Many visitors come each year to enjoy the natural hot water springs. Ixtapan is a top tourist spot in the State of Mexico.
Hotels and Spas
Some well-known hotels are located here, often right next to a thermal spring. These include the Ixtapan Spa Hotel and Golf Resort, Marriott Ixtapan de la Sal, and Hotel Rancho San Diego Grand Spa Resort. These places offer baths in naturally heated water, massages, and other relaxing services.
Water Park Fun
Ixtapan is also home to the Parque Acuático Ixtapan. This water park has a thermal spring spa, areas for kids and families, and exciting water rides. It also has a large green space with a small train that takes you on a tour.
Downtown Sights
In the downtown area, you can find the La Asunción de María church. It was built in the 1500s by Spanish conquerors. Nearby are the town hall and the Plaza de los Mártires ('Martyrs' Square'), also known as the Jardin central ('central garden'). Here, you can see the Monument to the Martyrs and other old buildings from the 1900s.
Sculptures and Art
Along the Arturo San Roman boulevard, you'll see several large sculptures. At the town's entrance, there's the Iztapancihuatl sculpture, a goddess of thermal water. Further along, there's a fountain with Diana Cazadora. Finally, there's a sculpture honoring the Independence Insurgents.
Star Caves
About 15 kilometers (9 miles) from town are Las Grutas de la Estrella. These are caves formed by water dissolving limestone. They are filled with amazing stalactites and stalagmites in many colors.
In September 2015, Ixtapan de la Sal was recognized as a Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) by a federal program. This program highlights towns with special natural beauty, culture, or history.
About the Municipality
The town of Ixtapan de la Sal is the main center for the surrounding communities. It governs places like Ahuacatitlán, Barrio Santa Ana, and San Diego Alcalá.
Population and Education
In 2005, the municipality had a population of 30,073 people. About half of these people live in the town of Ixtapan de la Sal itself.
There are 114 schools in the area with about 566 teachers. Most people can read and write, with a low illiteracy rate of 12.6%. Almost half of the people (48.8%) are working.
A Look Back in Time
In 1394, a group of people from the Pacific coast traveled through this area. They discovered that when the hot spring water evaporated, salt was left behind. Salt was very valuable back then! When the emperor heard about this, he ordered more people to move there, leading to the founding of Ixtapan de la Sal.
During the Spanish conquest, Hernán Cortés sent Andrés de Tapia to take control of Ixtapan de la Sal. The first priest, Juan Guichen de Leyva, arrived later. Franciscan monks helped convert the local people to Christianity after 1543.
In 1822, Ixtapan de la Sal became a municipality of the State of Mexico. The first local elections happened in 1825. In 1912, the town was attacked by followers of Zapata's ideas. Because of this, August 10th each year is a day of local mourning.
Geography and Climate
Ixtapan borders several other municipalities, including Coatepec Harinas and Tonatico. It also borders the state of Guerrero to the south.
The climate in Ixtapan de la Sal is generally cool and semi-dry, with rain mostly in the summer. The average temperature is about 17.9°C (64°F), making it a pleasant place to visit.
Plants and Animals
Ixtapan de la Sal has many different kinds of plants. You can find pine trees, cedar trees, jacarandas, and avocado trees. There are also unique plants like watercress, chamomile, and date palms.
The area is also home to a wide variety of animals. You might see rabbits, squirrels, quails, iguanas, and badgers. Other animals include coyotes, foxes, opossums, and many types of birds and reptiles.
Local Culture and Fun
Celebrations
On the second Friday of Lent, there is a special religious celebration for the Lord of Forgiveness.
Another religious festival takes place on August 15th. This event honors the Assumption of Mary.
Traditions
When someone passes away, there's a tradition of offering prayers for nine days. On the ninth day, a wooden cross is carried to the tomb and placed there permanently.
Another tradition is the tianguis, an open-air market held every Sunday. Some people still practice el trueque, which means bartering or trading goods instead of using money.
Dances
A popular dance parade is called Apaches. Local people take part in it on September 15th and 16th to celebrate the Mexican War of Independence.
Students from local schools and the school for the arts often perform dance routines in the town square. They do this for special days like Mother's Day and Teacher's Day.
The La danza de los Moros is performed by church members during religious events.
Sometimes, La danza de los Chinelos is performed as a parade or 'pilgrimage' to honor a patron saint.
Music
The traditional music group is the Banda de Viento (wind band). Its members play musical instruments, often without formal training. There's also a weekly fountain light show with music at the Jardin Central, which many young people and families enjoy.
Arts and Crafts
The main handicrafts made here are pottery, carved wood, and sweets. People also make pipían and pumpkin candy in October and November. The most famous crafts are wooden copalillo items and pottery.
