While Puebla is only 2 hours from the capital of Mexico City, the city has an entirely different vibe and history, and the state of Puebla has a little bit of everything!
This post outlines all my favorite spots reachable from Puebla city in a day. If you are renting a vehicle to explore the region around Puebla or trying to move around on public transit, these are my top recommendations. Good infrastructure throughout the state makes it safe and possible to reach a lot of these places and still be back to Puebla by night.
Note: most of the places mentioned here are north, south, or east of Puebla trying to avoid the outskirts of Mexico City. For the best accessible places from Mexico City, be sure to check out my Daytrips from Mexico City post instead.
If you are moving around on transportation, your best bet for most of these destinations is to head first to CAPU "Central de Autobuses Puebla." It is pretty tricky to get to from the center of Puebla, so I would take a taxi or rideshare.
Jump ahead to
FOR OUTDOOR ESCAPES
Volcan La Malinche, Tlaxcala
Head to Huamantla pueblo mágico, just an hour away from the Puebla bus terminal, and once you're there get ready to hike the 6th highest peak in Mexico!
La Malinche National Park is home to La Malinche, one of the volcanoes that beckons over central Mexico. At 14636 feet, La Malinche is a great hike if you want to get a "14er peak" or if you want to train for other nearby peaks like Iztaccihuatl or Pico de Orizaba.
Once you're in Huamantla, you will have to try to negotiate with a taxi to take you there and back as the trailhead is about a 20 minute drive uphill. We were lucky enough to go with a local friend that made it easier :)
Plan to spend about 3-4 hours (ambitious hikers) or up to 5 hours to hike up, then about half that time to come down. If you want to attempt this hike, practice good mountain safety and start early, come down if it's too stormy or rainy (what we had to do!), and bring plenty of layers, water, and snacks.
Monte Tlaloc, Mexico
If you've ever gone from Puebla to CDMX, you've passed right by Tlaloc, the volcano dedicated to the Deity of Rain. At 13642 feet (4158 m), it is the ninth highest point in Mexico. If you can survive the long day hike, you are rewarded with an archaeological zone at the top, the highest in Mexico!
I haven't done this trip yet personally, so I am attaching another blogger's awesome write-up on the place.
FOR LOVERS OF PUEBLOS MAGICOS
Huamantla, Tlaxcala
Adjacent to La Malinche volcano (see above), Huamantla is just an hour from Puebla and has a wonderful feria the entire month of August with bull running, shows, and much more.
The large centro is full of pretty churches and colonial streets, and you can make a stop at the National Puppet Museum.
Valquirico, Tlaxcala
While not technically a pueblo magico, this little Italian villa is in fact a high-end outdoor shopping area and resort that has been designed to look like a little European town. Only 45 minutes from Puebla city, it is a good stop if you want to splurge on a nicer meal or transport yourself to another continent.
Zacatlan de las Manzanas, Puebla
This pueblo magico has manzanas, or apples, in it's name, because it is indeed the Mexican apple capital. Riding into the town, you start to see apple trees everywhere, and once you're in town there is no shortage of ciders, toasted apples, and apple desserts.
The charming town center has a very colonial vibe, and a walkway at the edge of town overlooks a lush valley with waterfalls in the distance. Instead of spending time in Zacatlan proper, we chose to head to Cascadas Tuliman. This gorgeous waterfall is one of the tallest in Mexico and for just 50 pesos per person, we got to enter and have a local guided hike. On this occasion we drove as part of a road trip, but you can easily take a 2.5-3 hour bus to Zacatlan or Chignahuapan then get a taxi.
Chignahuapan, Puebla
Literally 20 minutes drive from Zacatlan de las Manzanas, Chignahupan is a lowkey pueblo magico with some beautiful little treasures. From the axolotl museum, the colorful kiosk and church, and the laidback lagoon, it makes for the perfect long day trip. It is also only 15 minutes from the aforementioned Cascadas Tuliman.
Tlaxco, Tlaxcala
About 2 hours from Puebla, Tlaxco is a chilled pueblo magico known for its pulque and haciendas. Of the pueblos I have seen in the region, it didn't have a huge centro nor a bunch of centrally located activities, but the town plaza and cathedral makes a nice spot on a road trip if you are passing through!
FOR ARCHAELOGY BUFFS
Cholula, Puebla
Cholula is only 30 minutes from the center of Puebla and you could spend several nights here if you wanted. For lack of good transit, we split an Uber from Puebla centro between four people and it was very affordable.
The main attraction is the archaeological zone and covered pyramid that is the largest in the world! The yellow church and view on the top is well worth the walk uphill. As Cholula is a bit more of a pueblo than a city, the whole town is walkable and has great night life and food. There are a bunch of university students in this neighborhood which keeps it light and fun.
Cacaxtla Archaelogical Site
Just an hour from Puebla, this gorgeous archaelogical site has bright blue and red paintings that have been vividly preserved over time. I haven't been able to go but have seen similar artwork in other parts of Mexico, you can check this other travelers post from 2016 for more details on getting there on transit.
La Cantona, Puebla
About two hours from Puebla, this place you pretty much need a car to access. It is well worth it though, as it is the largest archaelogical site in Mesoamerica! Cantona was known for its distinct walled walkways that connected the thousands of people that resided here thousands of years ago. Unlike many places in the country, you can walk all over the biggest pyramids for the best views!
FOR FOLKS TO LOOKING TO GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Laguna San Luis Atexcac
If heading to La Cantona (see above), you really ought to make a stop at this blue lagoon crater lake on the way back. With no charge to enter and no tourism at the site, this is my top hidden gem in central Mexico. Park where the town dead ends into the hill and walk a quick 10 minutes up the crater to see the lake below. Let me know if you go!
There goes my list for now... I have left out some notable spots like the city of Tlaxcala, Orizaba, and others which I have not yet visited and can't give my impressions :)
Is there a favorite spot of yours or something I am missing out on ? Comment below, happy and safe travels from Puebla and around central Mexico!
