Overview

Experience Tlaxcala and Puebla, neighboring cities with centuries of shared history and culture. Absorb the essence of these two significant regions in comfort and style with a small group of travelers and expert guides.

On our first day, we will take in the peace and beauty of Tlaxcala, the capital of the smallest state in Mexico. We'll stay at a comfortable hotel on the main square, enjoy local cuisine, tour the city's sites, and discover its significant history. 

The second day, our journey takes us to the bucolic village of San Pablo del Monte, where we'll visit the town's Talavera factory and shop. The next adventure is our drive into the historic zone of central Puebla City, where we'll check into our hotel. In contrast to diminutive Tlaxcala, Puebla is Mexico's 4th largest city. It is a bustling metropolis of beautiful 17th and 18th-century architecture, excellent cuisine, and an outstanding intellectual atmosphere. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is considered a photographer's dream. This safe city is an international business, education, and tourism draw. It is no surprise that it has won many accolades in the past years, including: "One of the top 10 destinations in the world" (Lonely Planet Travel Guide) and "#13 of the must-visit cities in the world" (New York Times).

Our expert local city guide will give us an in-depth tour of Puebla's historical zone and a morning tour of the striking Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, and two of its Spanish churches. We'll visit one of Puebla's finest Talavera factories, have time to wander the Antique Corridor of Los Sapos, the exquisite Amparo Museum, as well as El Parian, an open market filled with stands and shops selling Talavera and other artisan goods from Puebla. If you enjoy excellent regional cuisines, you are in for a treat! We'll take you to the best of Puebla's restaurants. 

On our journey back to San Miguel, we'll take in the exceptional archeological site of Cacaxtla, which has some of the best-preserved murals in Mexico. We'll have time to see the site and do some birding, later we'll enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant in a beautiful setting.

Join Travelian Tours' expert guides for this inside look at this important, safe region of Mexico.

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Tlaxcala- History, Art and Regional Cuisine

7:00 am Depart on a five-hour drive to Tlaxcala (box breakfast en route). Enjoy lunch* at a local Tlaxcalan restaurant with unique cuisine and delicious fresh, cold pulque. After checking into our hotel, walk to important sites and visit the Artisan Museum and shop. Meet in the hotel lobby for drinks and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Boxed breakfast.
Overnight in Tlaxcala.

 

DAY 2 - San Pablo Talavera, Puebla Cuisine

After breakfast at our hotel, check out and drive to Puebla via San Pablo del Monte. Visit its Talavera factory and shop. From there, drive into downtown Puebla for a traditional (Poblano*) Comida*. After checking into our hotel, there will be a brief orientation in the lounge. Have time to wander and take photos or relax. Meet for dinner* that evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Puebla.

 

DAY 3 - Puebla - Historic Tour, Cuisine, Poblano Talavera

After breakfast at our hotel, we'll depart for a Historic Tour of Puebla with our local guide. We'll enjoy lunch* at one of Puebla's best restaurants. Our van will pick us up and take us to one of Puebla's finest Talavera factories, with its exquisite shop for those who are looking for a special Talavera piece to purchase. In the afternoon, we'll have time for further wandering and shopping (El Parian and downtown shops). We'll meet for dinner* that evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Puebla.

 

DAY 4 - Cholula - Tour of Archeology and History, Cholulan Cuisine and More!

After breakfast at our hotel, our guide will take us on a tour of the site of Cholula's Great Pyramid, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, as well as the Spanish Churches of San Francisco Acatepec and Santa Maria Tonantzintla. Enjoy local cuisine at a popular Cholulan restaurant for lunch*. Visit a famous local artisan on our way back to Puebla. Once at our hotel, you can relax, visit the Museo Amparo, or take street photography of city life and the plethora of architectural wonders. Meet for dinner* that evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Puebla.

 

DAY 5 - Cacaxtla Archeological Site, Journey to San Miguel de Allende

After breakfast at our hotel, we'll check out and depart for our next adventure: visiting the Cacaxtla Archaeological site and its famed murals. There will be time for some birding at the site. Then, we'll drive to a nearby restaurant for lunch before departing for San Miguel. The approximate arrival to San Miguel will be 6 pm.

Included Meals: Breakfast.

 

* Poblano or Poblana means a person or something from Puebla.
* This itinerary is subject to changes without prior notification.
* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.

Our updated list of Recommended Items to Bring is available here.