Ixtenco
Discover Ixtenco
Ixtenco is a small, historic town with a rich Otomi indigenous heritage in the Central Mexico state of Tlaxcala. The town has an idyllic colonial core with 16th century churches, cobblestone streets, and a colorful main plaza. It is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos. The town was originally settled by the Otomo indigenous people. Around the 14th century, it was subsumed by the Tlaxcalan culture. The Tlaxcalan are a Nahuatl-speaking Mexica group that are distinct from the Aztec. When the Spanish colonized Central Mexico, they took over Ixtenco in 1531 and began the process of turning it into a Spanish colonial town by building churches and haciendas. Two churches in Ixtenco date from the 16th century: the parish church of San Juan Bautisto and the Virgin of Guadalupe Chapel. The latter was built by missionaries of the Franciscan order.
Taste of Ixtenco...
Traditional Tlaxcalan regional specialties can be sampled in the local marketplace or local restaurants. The most famous dish in this town is mole de ladrillo which is flavored with guajillo chiles, cilantro, and cinnamon. Ixtenco is known for serving atole (a somewhat sour, corn-based drink, usually served warm) made from locally grown purple corn. Accommodations are severely lacking in Ixtenco, but the nearby town of Huamantla may have a better selection. There are also several historic haciendas in the area, but they are not in town and often cater to an upscale traveler who doesn't mind "splurge" hotels.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Ixtenco.
Traditional Tlaxcalan regional specialties can be sampled in the local marketplace or local restaurants. The most famous dish in this town is mole de ladrillo which is flavored with guajillo chiles, cilantro, and cinnamon. Ixtenco is known for serving atole (a somewhat sour, corn-based drink, usually served warm) made from locally grown purple corn. Accommodations are severely lacking in Ixtenco, but the nearby town of Huamantla may have a better selection. There are also several historic haciendas in the area, but they are not in town and often cater to an upscale traveler who doesn't mind "splurge" hotels.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe closest airport is in Puebla, though Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City is also convenient and will offer much more flight options. From the airport, you could take a bus (recommended), rent a car and drive, or take a taxi or Uber. ATAH operates a bus station for Ixtenco about 5 km north of town. Though it is in the municipality of Huamantla, it's a lot closer to Ixtenco than it is to Huamantla. From Ixtenco, ATAH operates hourly buses to Mexico City (TAPO and Autobuses del Norte) and occasional buses to Tlaxcala and Puebla. Autobuses Texcoco Sierra Plus also has routes from Mexico City. A bus from TAPO to the Huamantla station takes 2 hours 15 minutes and costs about M$250. A bus from Puebla CAPU takes about 50 minutes and costs about M$200. The drive from Puebla to Ixtenco is via a modern highway with tolls. From Puebla, drive northeast on federal highway MEX-140D for about 30 km, then exit to the north on federal highway 136 into Ixtenco....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The historic downtown area is perfect for casual walking and is the best way to get to know the town.. There is a taxi sitio at Plaza de la Constitucion if you want to explore some of the places outside the town. Traditional Tlaxcalan regional specialties can be sampled in the local marketplace or local restaurants. The most famous dish in this town is mole de ladrillo which is flavored with guajillo chiles, cilantro, and cinnamon. Ixtenco is known for serving atole (a somewhat sour, corn-based drink, usually served warm) made from locally grown purple corn. Accommodations are severely lacking in Ixtenco, but the nearby town of Huamantla may have a better selection. There are also several historic haciendas in the area, but they are not in town and often cater to an upscale traveler who doesn't mind "splurge" hotels.
Where to Stay
Accommodations are severely lacking in Ixtenco, but the nearby town of Huamantla may have a better selection. There are also several historic haciendas in the area, but they are not in town and often cater to an upscale traveler who doesn't mind "splurge" hotels.
Money & Budget
Traditional Tlaxcalan regional specialties can be sampled in the local marketplace or local restaurants. The most famous dish in this town is mole de ladrillo which is flavored with guajillo chiles, cilantro, and cinnamon. Ixtenco is known for serving atole (a somewhat sour, corn-based drink, usually served warm) made from locally grown purple corn. Accommodations are severely lacking in Ixtenco, but the nearby town of Huamantla may have a better selection. There are also several historic haciendas in the area, but they are not in town and often cater to an upscale traveler who doesn't mind "splurge" hotels.