24 hours in Puebla
Puebla is a beautiful city situated in the heart of Mexico. The city is renowned for its rich history and culture, as well as its delicious cuisine and unique architecture. If you have 24 hours to explore this city, there’s plenty to see!
The city has a population of 1.5 million and boasts more churches than almost any other city in Mexico – over 70 (!). It is also one of the most Spanish-looking cities in Latin America. Puebla is situated south-east of the Mexican capital and is surrounded to the west by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. In recent years, the city has developed significantly to better accommodate tourists and serve its local residents. The city is also known as the ‘City of Knowledge’ and is a cultural metropolis.
Breakfast at El Parian
Start your day with a typical Mexican breakfast at El Parian, a traditional market in the centre of Puebla. Here you’ll find plenty of stalls serving local dishes, such as chiles en nogada (stuffed chillies in a creamy walnut sauce), mole poblano (a complex sauce made with chocolate and spices) and tlayudas (a kind of Mexican pizza). Be sure to try the famous cemita sandwich, made with a local bread roll, deep-fried chicken, avocado and Oaxaca cheese.
Explore the historic centre of Puebla
Puebla’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a wealth of wonderful sights to explore. Start at Puebla Cathedral, an impressive building with a Baroque façade and a sumptuous interior. Continue your walk to the Capilla del Rosario, a smaller church with a stunning interior adorned with gold and countless precious stones. Be sure to visit the Casa de los Muñecos, a magnificent 18th-century building that now serves as a museum, and the beautiful Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s central square. A visit to the International Museum of Baroque Art is also a must. This museum opened its doors to the public in 2016 and was designed by the Japanese artist Toyo Ito. There aren’t many museums dedicated to Baroque art, although this style is often described as awkward in form and extravagant. The Baroque is the style associated with figures such as Don Quixote, Rembrandt van Rijn, Isaac Newton and Shakespeare. For half a century, this was the dominant style. In Mexico, this style has left its most indelible mark on the city of Puebla.
Time to roll up your sleeves at Uriarte Talavera
Puebla is renowned for its pottery, which is still produced using traditional methods. A visit to the Uriarte Talavera family business offers a great opportunity to see this for yourself. This family business was founded in 1824 by Mr Dimas Uriarte. It began as a small workshop. Here, a variety of pottery products are made using traditional methods dating back to the16th century. These resemble the techniques used in Dutch Delftware. Today, it is the largest ceramics producer of its kind. Here, you can gain an in-depth insight into the production process, which involves a great deal of craftsmanship. If you wish, you can also take part in a workshop.
Lunch at El Mural de los Poblanos
For lunch, head to El Mural de los Poblanos, a restaurant renowned for its modern take on classic Mexican dishes. Be sure to try the chiles en nogada or the mole poblano. You should also enjoy a glass of mezcal or tequila to round off your meal. These are family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. The restaurant’s name, ‘El Mural’, refers to the mural on one of the restaurant’s walls. This mural was created by the artist Antonio Álvarez Morán and depicts several figures from Puebla’s history.
Fancy something sweet instead? Puebla is famous for that too.
Take a stroll down Calle de los Dulces, a three-block stretch lined with sweet shops. Stop off here at La Gran Fama Dulceria. La Gran Fama was founded in the19th century and was the first traditional sweet shop in Puebla. The shop has been run by the same family for generations, and they still serve the traditional sweets that the people of Puebla know and love. Sample handmade treats and be sure to try the camotes, Puebla’s signature sweet made from sweet potato.
Visit the pyramids of Cholula
On the outskirts of Puebla lies the Pyramid of Cholula. What makes it special is that it is the largest pyramid (by volume) in the world, measuring 450 by 450 metres. From its base, the pyramid stands 66 metres high. By way of comparison, the Great Pyramid in Egypt measures 230 by 230 metres and the Temple of the Sun at Teotihuacán measures 220 by 230 metres. However, do not expect to find a colossal structure here. The pyramid has blended into the mountainous landscape in a remarkable way. When the Spanish arrived here, the pyramid was already overgrown, which meant it remained undiscovered until 1931. The Aztecs called this great pyramid Tlachihualtepetl.
Do you have some time to spare before dinner? Explore the Barrio de Analco neighbourhood!
Barrio de Analco is a historic neighbourhood in Puebla known for its colourful houses and narrow streets. Explore this charming neighbourhood on foot and admire the beautiful architecture and the local shops and restaurants.
End of the day
In Puebla, you’ll find Arabic influences; for example, they have their own version of the Mexican taco here, the ‘taco árabe’. This taco originated from Middle Eastern influences, when migrants moved to Puebla after the First World War. They brought with them spit-roasted lamb and pita bread. The two culinary traditions soon gave way to a new recipe. The spit-roasted lamb was replaced by pork, as the Poblanos found this more to their taste. They also began using spicy salsas instead of the traditional flavours.
For dinner, head to Entre Tierras, a cosy restaurant with a lively atmosphere and a modern twist on Mexican dishes made from the finest organic produce. Entre Tierras is a restaurant where farmers bring their local produce because they know it will be prepared with genuine appreciation. They serve dishes with a love for Mexican cuisine.
Staying overnight in Puebla
It is advisable to choose a hotel situated in one of Puebla’s many historic buildings. The Banyan Tree Puebla hotel, situated in the historic centre of Puebla, is a fine example of this. This luxury hotel is housed in a restored 16th-century monastery in the city’s historic centre. The hotel features a blend of colonial and contemporary design elements and offers facilities such as a lovely rooftop swimming pool, a spa and several dining options with stunning views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.
We hope this has sparked your enthusiasm for a wonderful trip to Mexico. Click here to view our Mexico tours, which we have put together to inspire you. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question about a trip or the best time to visit Mexico? Please feel free to get in touch with us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’d be happy to help.