Macuipa is a 2,500-meter-high hill covered with grasslands, located southwest of the city of Zacatecas. Its name comes from a spiritual event that occurs during a specific drum movement in the Drum Festival (Tatei Neixa). Here, the jicareros (carriers of gourds) begin their ritual fasts, marking the beginning of a period of purification and spiritual preparation within the Huichol Route.

Along the route there are five main gates, important thresholds that mark the stages of the pilgrimage. This area is considered the Second Gate. The two elders who guide the pilgrimage are the urucuecame, located to the south, and the nauxatame, to the north. The jicareros or gourd carriers pass between them, are spiritually purified, and receive blessings.

Sacred sites:

• Jai Quitenie: Segunda Puerta.