Tonalá’s history comes into focus through several historical connections: the founding of the Indigenous village, the Franciscans, and the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Visitors planning a stay will find a tangible local history here, rather than a single, isolated attraction.

Tonalá’s History and the Camino Real

The Indigenous village of Tonalá was founded by Tonaltecan settlers. San Francisco de Tonalá, in turn, was established beside the Real de Minas de San Pedro de los Chalchihuites. Franciscans from the convent in Chalchihuites administered San Francisco de Tonalá. Later, Franciscan pastoral care in the Indigenous village included Christian instruction and baptisms. It concerned people who converted or submitted to the Spanish Crown.

The historical classification also changed over time: alongside Chalchihuites and Nueva Tlaxcala, Tonalá was one of three divisions of the former San Pedro de Chalchihuites. In 1777, the Real de San Pedro de los Chalchihuites and the pueblos of Tonalá and Tlaxcala were described as parts of the same jurisdiction. These place names and administrative ties show how closely Tonalá’s history is connected to that of Chalchihuites, without equating historical divisions with present-day ones.

The Temple of San Francisco, associated with San Francisco de Tonalá, was one of the most significant buildings at this point along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. More broadly, from the 16th through the 19th century, the Camino Real was used to transport silver from the mines of Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and San Luis Potosí, as well as mercury imported from Europe. The route also fostered social, cultural, and religious connections between Hispanic and Indigenous cultures in the Americas.

The Temple of San Francisco in the municipality of Chalchihuites houses a 17th-century polychrome sculpture of Nuestra Señora de las Aguas; devotion to her originated in Tlaxcala. The same temple in the municipality of Chalchihuites also houses a figure of Señor del Santo Entierro, said to have been a gift from Philip II. These different elements—from the building’s history to its religious figures—give local history a tangible, multifaceted character.

Alta Vista in the Municipality of Chalchihuites

The archaeological zone of Alta Vista is located in the municipality of Chalchihuites and is considered one of the most significant ceremonial centers in northern Mesoamerica. Its alignment makes it possible to observe the sun’s annual movement. The site draws visitors at the spring equinox; organized programs may vary.

The Museo de Sitio de Alta Vista displays remains of the pre-Hispanic Chalchihuites culture, including around 350 archaeological finds from the excavations. Exhibitions may change. The site and museum offer different perspectives: Alta Vista’s alignment draws attention to the sun’s movement, while the finds present material evidence of the culture.

The archaeological zone is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; last entry is at 4:00 p.m. Check the hours before your trip, as they may change. From the city of Zacatecas, take Federal Highway 45 toward Sombrerete, then the state highway toward Jiménez del Teúl. After Chalchihuites and El Refugio, cross the Río Colorado; the site is another 1 km from there.

Discover more destinations: Fresnillo, Juchipila, Río De Medina, Zacatecas, Pinos, Río Frío, Sombrerete, Apozol.

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