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Place in Tlaxcala, Mexico
Photo: ROberto Carlos Román Don, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Church of St John the Baptist
The town's main church was built in the 17th century as a large imposing baroque structure with a large stone tower and a somewhat smaller stucco bell tower. Inside, the church contains several 400-year-old paintings and sculptures and an imposing gold altar.
Zocalo, Plaza Principal
The town's main plaza is a large urban park with towering shade trees, sculpted shrubbery, a large central bandstand (kiosco), and plenty of benches to sit and people watch for a few hours. On weekends, food vendors set up stands selling cool drinks, fried churros, tacos and various regional treats.
Small regional museum that focuses on Otomi indigenous culture with an emphasis on corn (one of the historic "three sisters" whose cultivation enabled civilization in ancient Mexico). Exhibits include a large number of local artworks, particularly the murals created each year for the town's corn festival. Guided tours are available (in Spanish) and recommended since the museum has few explanatory signs to help visitors understand what they're seeing.
The 2700-meter high volcano is locally referred to as "man of 10 craters" because it offers spectacular views of nearby volcanoes, including 6 that are close enough to explore on a single hike. From Ixtenco, take a cab (or walk) 2½ kilometers west of town to the trailhead. From there, it is an easy ascent on a well marked, groomed trail to the summit.
Traditional family-run restaurant serving regional dishes. Some dishes, like moles and guisadas rotate seasonally. Known for their chile en nogada.
Cozy small restaurant serving traditional Mexican and regional dishes.
Nice drinking spot with natural and cured pulques. Innovative flavors of cured pulques are often available, like mazipan, or oats with blueberries. A variety of beers and micheladas are also available. Light food (antojitos).
Basic hotel without a lot of amenities, but basically the only realistic option in town.
Historic hacienda with comfortable, spacious rooms.
By bus
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.
By car
The drive from Puebla to Ixtenco is via a modern highway with tolls.
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.
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Puebla · International · PBC
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