Tlaxco

Tlaxco is a town in the northern part of Tlaxcala, Mexico. The town was selected as one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos for its scenic setting, lying between mountains, forests, and plains covered with maguey. It is noted for its churches and haciendas.

Understand
Small groups of Haustec and Otomi settled in the local area from 900 AD onwards, but didn't establish a permanent city at Tlaxco. Early Spanish settlers ignored Tlaxco and it wasn't until 1614 that Franciscan monks established a permanent presence. The town grew slowly but steadily to the status of municipality by 1866, and eventually to a population of 14,806 people (2010 census).

The town prides itself for its pulque and bulls.

By bus
From Mexico City, go to the TAPO bus terminal. ATAH (Autotransportes Tlaxcala, Apizaco, Huamantla) has hourly departures to Tlaxco. The 2-hour trip will cost about M$300 on the ejecutivo-class Supra buses.

By car
From the city of Tlaxcala, take federal highway MEX 117D to MEX 119 north. The 43-km trip will take less than an hour. Expect tolls on 117D.

Get around
Walking or taking a taxi are your best options.

See












Do





 * Fiesta de San Agustín - August 28. Festival for the town's patron saint, includes lots of food and traditional music and dance including sones and the traditional Danza de los Negritos.


 * Feria de Queso, la Madera, y el Pulque - 10 days in August. Celebrates traditional crafts of the region with traditional and inventive cheeses, wood products, and a variety of natural and flavored pulques. The fair features rodeos, charreadas, mariachis and a lineup of popular entertainers.

Buy
Visit the silversmith workshop of Doña Eva Martínez. It's a house-museum where you can learn a little about the fine craft of silver smithing and there's an on-site gift shop where you can buy earrings, necklaces and other items. Doña Eva uses historic designs from the colonial era.

Eat
Tlaxco artisanal cheeses are widely available in town. There are traditional varieties with unique flavor profiles and also some innovative cheeses in flavors like enchilada, epazote, or smoked.



Drink
Pulque is widely available in a variety of flavors.

Sleep
Stay in a hacienda like La Hacienda San Pedro de la Cueva, where you can spend unforgettable nights, have a barbecue breakfast and take a bike ride around the property, or try a traditional hotel in el centro.



Go next

 * Tlaxcala is the state's beautiful capital city
 * Huamantla for a taste of bullfighting culture