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Puebla
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T his gem of Mexico is one you'll not want to miss. Two or so hours south of Mexico City, Puebla is an extraordinary part of the country known for its spectacular pre- and post-Colonial architecture and powerful nature. And, like Mexico City, "Puebla" is the name of both the state and its primary city. Here you'll find a cosmic mix of thousand-year-old Nahuatl pyramids side by side with glorious 16th-century churches as expansive volcanos loom in the background. On the menu is chiles en nogada, camote, the ever-pleasing mole poblano and, of course, rich history. Because even if you don't know Puebla, Americans likely know its biggest export: Cinco de Mayo, the holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla when Mexico defeated the invading French army.
Puebla decorated for Cinco de Mayo
Puebla is surrounded by two of Mexico's most popular National Parks, anchored by several of the country's highest peaks. In fact, the namesake mountains of Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park ("Izta-Popo" for short) are visible from the city on a clear day. The most notable is Iztaccíhuatl, famous for resembling a sleeping woman. Further west, you can visit Atlixco, famous for its ornamental flower production, and Chipilo, a town settled by Northern Italian immigrants that retains much of the old country's aesthetics.
Los Fuertes, the site of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, remains a popular attraction in Puebla today. A city whose center boasts UNESCO World Heritage status as a "Design City," comprised of thousands of Baroque treasures like the Iglesia de Santa María Tonantzintla, Capilla del Rosario and Puebla Cathedral. Colorful alleyways can be found nearby, in the barrios (neighborhoods) of Los Sapos and Xanenetla. For greater heights, check out the Estrella de Puebla ferris wheel or Teleferico cable car.
West of Puebla you'll find the Great Pyramid of Cholula: the largest pyramid on Earth by volume. Constructed over thousands of years in honor of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, when the Spanish invaded they erected a Neoclassical church atop it. The church remains, and today many of the pyramid's ancient staircases, terraces and tunnels have been excavated for tours. Nearby is another elaborate church, the Tempolo San Francisco Acatepec.
In the city
Great Pyramid of Cholula
Beyond the city
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