A Secret Castle in Puebla That’s a Hidden Gem of Mexico’s Heritage

We arrived after a prolonged journey

Through the dusty, bumpy roads and the scorching sun

Greeted by a sight of green and blue

A lake, a forest, and a castle in the middle…

While living in Mexico, I’m constantly discovering that it is full of wonderful surprises. A friend and I took a tour of Castillo Gillow and the Ex-Hacienda of Chautla, one of the country’s lesser-known treasures that piqued my curiosity and frankly cemented my satisfaction of the decision to uproot my life and experience Mexico in all its glory. And uh…yes, there is lots of glory to be had.

History of Castillo Gillow & the Ex-Hacienda of Chautla

Dating back to the 18th century, Ex-Hacienda de Chautla was once a thriving sugar plantation and textile factory. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's rich history and architectural grandeur. The hacienda's centerpiece is the magnificent Castillo de Gillow, a fairytale-like castle perched atop a hill.

Built in the early 20th century by the Gillow family, the castle features stunning French-inspired architecture, with intricate stonework and a grand central tower offering panoramic views. Visitors can explore the castle's opulent interiors, which have been meticulously preserved, and marvel at its elegant furnishings and artwork.

The Castle

It is adorably classic - an unlikely descriptor for the grandiosity of a castle, however the only grandiose element of this structure is its grace. Because its presence does not overwhelm, there is no conundrum of what section to tackle first. This castle is one of the few in Mexico and a treasure of architectural heritage, but in a workable scale. Surrounded by a lake and a forest, it has turrets and a terrace that juxtapose its surroundings incredibly elegantly.

To reach the castle, it is necessary to set out on a tranquil walkway that gracefully cuts through the body of water, connecting both shores. This unique oasis is where nature's splendor meets innovative design.

Attractions and Activities

Head for the office that clearly showcases its activities upon entering the grounds. There is a tour of the springs from 10:00am to 5:00pm every hour (for a voluntary tip). It is conducted in Spanish, which is a great way to explore the castle and learn more about its history and its architecture. With my level of Spanish and the local accent, I honestly didn’t understand much of it. But you can also just roam the grounds to admire the lake and the forest, which are home to various species of birds, fish, and plants, which are plentiful on the grounds turning it into a haven for the senses.

There’s something for everyone here. The hacienda offers hiking, fishing, zip-lining, horseback riding, or biking. You are also free to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue in the green areas, or rent a boat and paddle on the lake. There’s a museum, the chapel, the mill, and the textile factory, which are part of the hacienda's cultural heritage. To top it off, there are options to stay overnight in one of the cabins or the camping area, so go ahead and extend your visit!

The entrance fee to the castle and the hacienda is about 40 pesos per adult. Even less for students and seniors, but nevertheless very reasonable. Activities and lodging have different prices, depending on the season and the availability.

Hours are from Wednesday to Sunday between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Getting There

Castillo Gillow and the ex-hacienda of Chautla are located in the municipality of San Salvador el Verde, in Puebla. They are about 80 km (50 miles) from Puebla and 120 km (75 miles) from Mexico City. You can get there by car, by bus, or by tour. If you go by car, you can take the highway Mexico-Puebla and exit at San Martin Texmelucan. Then, you can follow the signs to Chautla. If you go by bus, take a bus from Puebla or Mexico City to San Martin Texmelucan. Then, take a taxi or a local bus to Chautla. If you are new or visiting Mexico, it’s best to book a tour from Puebla or Mexico City that includes transportation, entrance fees, and a guide.

Booking a Tour

TRIPADVISOR

TripAdvisor is the company that I recommend to use for booking tours and travel experiences worldwide. Seeing that it’s the world’s largest travel platform, I know that I can find what I’m looking for even when I’m venturing off the beaten path. Use the link below to book an English-speaking tour.

**Search Ex-Hacienda de Chautla in TripAdvisor

MEX-INCA

Mex-Inca is a tour company that knows and loves Mexico. Your tour will be in Spanish as they specialize in Mexico as a tourist destination. Mex-Inca has a reputation for providing economical, professional tours as they have been in the market since 1979. They offer a variety of travel packages that suit varied interests and preferences. Start your trip from any state capital and enjoy the activities that they provide.

Use the link below to be redirected to Mex-Inca:

Mex-Inca

Book Your Hotel

I only use Booking.com for my hotel accommodations - especially when I’m not exactly sure of my plans because they have an easy, flexible cancellation policy for most hotels. Their site is also easy to use and accommodations can be filtered for “Free Breakfast Only” or can be sorted by “Highest Rated, Lowest Price”, which I use often. Use the link below to find and book the best hotel experience for your next trip.

In Conclusion

Castillo Gillow and the ex-hacienda of Chautla are incredible, out-of-the-norm places to visit for history, nature and adventure lovers. They are a perfect getaway from Puebla or Mexico City for a girl’s trip, a celebratory gathering or just a joyful vacation with friends or family. My friend and I discussed multiple times why we should bring a group back for a long weekend - it’s that stunning. That said, nothing is rushed, stressful or overcrowded. For the first time in a very long while, I leisurely strolled the grounds and savored every moment; the scenery forcing me to slow down and take it all in. Castillo Gillow and the ex-hacienda at Chautla are pieces of history, works of art, and wonders of nature. They are a hidden gems that deserve to be discovered and enjoyed by everyone who loves travel, culture and castles.

More Info About Ex-Hacienda de Chautla

English & Español: Facebook

Español: Corazon de Puebla

Instagram: @exhaciendadechautla

Address:

Carr Federal México-Puebla Km. 4,5,

74135 San Lucas el Grande, Pue.,

San Salvador el Verde, Mexico

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Castillo Gillow