Cuetzalan
Discover Cuetzalan
Cuetzalan is a scenic colonial town in the highlands of northern Puebla state in Central Mexico. The town has lots of white colonial buildings with dark red bands painted across the bottoms, set among steep cobblestone streets. It has a 1500-year-old archaeological site nearby, coffee plantations, and copious natural attractions that include waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails through the jungle. The climate is subtropical and humid with frequent rains. The forests of the surrounding mountains are foggy and fog frequently descends into the town. The average temperature of 23 °C means most of the year will have pleasant conditions, but hot days are a possibility in the summer.
What to Experience in Cuetzalan
Taste of Cuetzalan...
Yolixpa is the local liquor you've never tried but need to. It is said to date back to the time of the Totonacs, long before the Aztecs would dominate the region. It is an aromatic liqueur based on aguardiente (basically a less refined rum), infused with a blend of aromatic botanicals (aka, herbs). The drink is popular in the town of Cuetzalan, where it is made using from 20 to 30 different herbs, including mint, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, sage, and wormwood. Modern versions are often sweetened with piloncillo, an unrefined brown sugar though the traditional elixir has a bitter flavor. An adventurous epicure would seek out several different examples to compare, contrast, and understand its many faces.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Cuetzalan.
Yolixpa is the local liquor you've never tried but need to. It is said to date back to the time of the Totonacs, long before the Aztecs would dominate the region. It is an aromatic liqueur based on aguardiente (basically a less refined rum), infused with a blend of aromatic botanicals (aka, herbs). The drink is popular in the town of Cuetzalan, where it is made using from 20 to 30 different herbs, including mint, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, sage, and wormwood. Modern versions are often sweetened with piloncillo, an unrefined brown sugar though the traditional elixir has a bitter flavor. An adventurous epicure would seek out several different examples to compare, contrast, and understand its many faces.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom Puebla's CAPU bus terminal, Autobuses Ahorro operates Via buses to the town of Tlatlauquitepec every 30 minutes throughout the day. The 2½-hour bus ride to Tlatlauquitepec costs M$300. Tlatlauquitepec is about 45 km from Cuetzalan and a taxi would take about 30 minutes and cost about M$400. Combis may be available for less. From Mexico City's TAPO bus station ADO operates 1 AU bus per day to Cuetzalan. The 6-hour trip costs M$500. Cuetzalan is fairly compact and easy to navigate by foot. Taxis are useful for getting out to the caves or other nearby destinations. There are several waterfalls on the Tecolutla River. A hiking trail connects the falls. You could likely visit all of these in a single day, but inquire locally for current conditions: Yolixpa is the local liquor you've never tried but need to. It is said to date back to the time of the Totonacs, long before the Aztecs would dominate the region....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Cuetzalan is fairly compact and easy to navigate by foot. Taxis are useful for getting out to the caves or other nearby destinations. There are several waterfalls on the Tecolutla River. A hiking trail connects the falls. You could likely visit all of these in a single day, but inquire locally for current conditions: Yolixpa is the local liquor you've never tried but need to. It is said to date back to the time of the Totonacs, long before the Aztecs would dominate the region. It is an aromatic liqueur based on aguardiente (basically a less refined rum), infused with a blend of aromatic botanicals (aka, herbs). The drink is popular in the town of Cuetzalan, where it is made using from 20 to 30 different herbs, including mint, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, sage, and wormwood. Modern versions are often sweetened with piloncillo, an unrefined brown sugar though the traditional elixir has a bitter flavor.
Money & Budget
Yolixpa is the local liquor you've never tried but need to. It is said to date back to the time of the Totonacs, long before the Aztecs would dominate the region. It is an aromatic liqueur based on aguardiente (basically a less refined rum), infused with a blend of aromatic botanicals (aka, herbs). The drink is popular in the town of Cuetzalan, where it is made using from 20 to 30 different herbs, including mint, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, sage, and wormwood. Modern versions are often sweetened with piloncillo, an unrefined brown sugar though the traditional elixir has a bitter flavor. An adventurous epicure would seek out several different examples to compare, contrast, and understand its many faces.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Cuetzalan
Las Brisas Waterfall
A view of a city from a high point of view
Las Brisas Waterfall
a group of white mushrooms sitting on top of a forest floor
Las Hamacas
Cuetzalan
Mexican selling cloth, Cuetzalan
white concrete building with flags on top under blue sky during daytime
A teenager cooks chilaquiles for breakfast in the middle of the rainforest. Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico
women's green and red dresses
Las Brisas Waterfall
A view of a city from a high point of view
Las Brisas Waterfall