Just a short jaunt from the cultural hub of San Cristobal de las Casas, nestled in the highlands of Chiapas, lies the artisan town of Amatenango del Valle. This hidden gem is a haven for those seeking authentic Mexican Pottery, renowned for its unique, handcrafted pieces sold directly by the talented artists who create them. Forget tourist traps and inflated prices; Amatenango offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire genuine mexican pottery at prices that will astound you. My friend Allan and I, along with fellow travel enthusiasts, embarked on a memorable road trip to experience this pottery paradise firsthand.
The Road to Amatenango: An Unexpectedly Smooth Journey
Our adventure began on a bright morning in San Cristobal, as we set off in my rental car towards Palenque. Whispers of potential road hazards and checkpoints had initially made me slightly uneasy. However, local advice assured us that daytime travel was safe, and the rumored incidents were far from our intended route. Despite my initial apprehension, our GPS guided us through a quaint village, leading us briefly astray onto a steep dirt road that seemed to promise anything but our destination. A moment of doubt quickly dissolved when a friendly local emerged, warmly redirecting us back to the correct highway. From that point on, the drive to Amatenango del Valle was surprisingly straightforward and stress-free.
Warm Welcomes and Unexpected Encounters on the Road
My travels in Mexico consistently reinforce the incredible warmth and helpfulness of its people. Any lingering concerns about road safety vanished as we encountered friendly locals, including a memorable interaction with a police officer. Pulled over for unknowingly passing on a bridge, a polite explanation and apology were met not with a citation, but with a handshake, a photo opportunity promoting local law enforcement’s helpfulness, and a friendly wave onward. This encounter perfectly encapsulated the welcoming spirit we encountered throughout our journey to find mexican pottery.
Arriving in Amatenango: A Pottery Paradise Unveiled
Approaching Amatenango del Valle, the town initially appears like any other rural Mexican community, dotted with cornfields and roadside stands. However, a closer look reveals these stands are overflowing with vibrant mexican pottery, spilling out onto the sidewalks in a colorful display. We parked and began to explore the artisan area, stretching for about half a mile, immersing ourselves in a world of handcrafted ceramics.
Amatenango is celebrated for its distinctive hand-fired and brightly painted pottery, often depicting chickens, various birds, and even jaguars. This style is sometimes playfully referred to as “chicken pottery,” but encompasses a wider range of animal and nature-inspired designs. We discovered an array of shapes and sizes, from charming hen-shaped bowls perfect for eggs to peacock-shaped planters and other delightful avian and feline creations. The truly special aspect is that each piece is made entirely by hand by the very artisans who sell their work, ensuring authenticity and a personal touch in every piece of mexican pottery.
Unbelievable Prices on Authentic Mexican Pottery
The prices in Amatenango are genuinely remarkable. I purchased two striking blue, two-tone bird planters, each standing approximately 0.75 meters (2 feet) tall, for a mere $350 pesos total – around $20 USD. The value is astonishing when you consider that similar original art pieces could easily cost ten times as much in larger cities or international boutiques. The affordability raises questions about the profit margins for these talented artists, making supporting them directly even more meaningful when buying mexican pottery.
Plan Ahead: Bring Extra Luggage for Your Pottery Treasures
Our shopping spree resulted in the acquisition of seven beautiful bowls and decorative items for under $100 USD. Realizing we hadn’t brought sufficient luggage space, we opted to ship our treasures back to Playa del Carmen using Estafeta, a reliable and affordable domestic shipping service. However, for future visits, packing an extra suitcase specifically for mexican pottery finds is definitely on the agenda.
With plans to return to San Cristobal in the coming year, a revisit to Amatenango to purchase more of this exquisite and affordable mexican pottery is a certainty. The combination of quality and price is simply irresistible, and the vibrant colors and unique designs make these pieces perfect gifts or additions to any home.
Amatenango: Your Destination for Authentic Mexican Pottery and Cultural Immersion
From the genuinely welcoming locals to their extraordinary artistic talent expressed in clay, Amatenango del Valle is undeniably worth the short hour’s drive from San Cristobal. Its location also makes it a convenient stop on the way to other regional attractions like El Chiflon Waterfalls and the stunning Montebello Lakes. The authentic beauty and cultural richness of Amatenango truly merit your time and exploration. For anyone seeking genuine mexican pottery directly from the source, Amatenango del Valle is an unmissable destination.
Do you have any questions about visiting Amatenango or purchasing mexican pottery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy travels,
Matt
