Travel to Puebla, Mexico – Episode 984

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March 4, 2026

On March 4, 2026

Hear about travel to Puebla, Mexico, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Scott Thompson from Livit Immersion Center about his adopted home in this historic colonial city in central Mexico.

Why should you go to Puebla?

Scott says, “Puebla’s kind of an outlier. It’s the one big city that nobody’s ever heard of. So there’s not a lot of tourist industry. The international tourist industry, especially. The city is a world heritage city, and it’s recognized by UNESCO since 1987. So it’s full of history and architecture and culture and food. There’s 2,600 historic buildings and monuments in the city center.”

Scott Thompson’s Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Puebla, Mexico

Day 1: Get Oriented in Historic Puebla

Start by grounding yourself in the historic center, which Scott strongly recommends as your base.

Begin with a walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus to get bearings.
Visit Puebla Cathedral, one of the tallest cathedrals in Mexico.
Walk the zócalo and surrounding colonial streets.
Learn the story behind the Battle of Puebla and why Cinco de Mayo matters here more than anywhere else in Mexico.

This first day is about understanding Puebla’s layout, history, and rhythm before diving deeper.

Day 2: Cinco de Mayo History, Tunnels, and Murals

Head north of the center to explore Puebla’s military history.

Visit the forts tied to the Battle of Puebla, now museums with city views.
Explore the Puebla tunnels, once used for troop movement and resupply.
Walk through the Xanenetla murals, a colorful neighborhood art project created with local residents.

This day connects Puebla’s civic identity with its modern creative energy.

Day 3: Convents, Libraries, and Museums

Focus on Puebla’s intellectual and artistic legacy.

Tour the Exconvento de Santa Rosa (Museum of Popular Art), home to:
- The historic Talavera-tiled kitchen
- The origin stories of mole poblano and chiles en nogada
Visit the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest public library in Latin America.
Spend time at Museo Amparo, which Scott highlights for:
- Pre-Hispanic artifacts
- Colonial-era rooms
- A rooftop terrace with views of Puebla’s domes and rooftops

Day 4: Food, Markets, and Puebla Specialties

Scott is clear that food is central to understanding Puebla.

Take one of the Top 5 Puebla Food Tours To Try to sample:
- Antojito street foods
- Cemita poblana
Visit Mercado Municipal La Acocota, a working local market.
Eat a cemita at Semitas Beto, one of Scott’s go-to spots.
Stop for dessert at Mary Barragan Ice Cream.
End the day at La Pasita in Puebla (the oldest bar) near Barrio de los Sapos, famous for its raisin liqueur and photogenic streets.

Day 5: Talavera and Artisan Puebla

Dive into Puebla’s most famous craft tradition.

Visit Uriarte Talavera or Talavera de la Luz for workshops and tours.
Learn how authentic Talavera Mexicana is made and certified.
Browse Mercado de Artesanías El Parián, keeping an eye out for real Talavera versus decorative ceramics.

Scott emphasizes understanding the difference between authentic Talavera and souvenir versions.

Day 6: Cholula and Indigenous Baroque

Take your first major day trip.

Travel to Cholula, Puebla.
Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world by volume.
With the purchase of a ticket, you can go through the Pyramid’s museum and the Ceremonial Patio.
They may one day reopen the tunnels beneath the pyramid to the public.
Explore the Church of Santa María Tonantzintla, a standout example of Indigenous Baroque art.
Enjoy the youthful, café-filled vibe shaped by the nearby university.

Scott recommends hiring a guide here so you understand what you are seeing.

Day 7: Atlixco

End with nature and color.

Visit Atlixco, known for flowers and plant nurseries fed by volcanic runoff.
Explore seasonal floral displays and town decorations.
Take in views of La Malinche and nearby volcanoes.
If time allows, detour to Cuexcomate (volcano) when you return to Puebla, often called the smallest volcano in the world.

Optional Extension: Tlaxcala and La Malinche

For travelers who want deeper history:

Visit Tlaxcala, key to understanding Spanish-indigenous alliances.
Take in views of the nearby volcanoes, the active Popocatepetl (Popo) and adjacent Ixtaccihuatl (Ixta).
And of course, if you’d like to stay longer and learn Spanish in this idyllic setting, arrange an immersion course with Scott and family at the Livit Immersion Center.

Best Time to Go (Scott’s Advice)

Ideal months: late August through October
Highlights:
- Chiles en nogada season
- Lush landscapes after the rains
- Fewer crowds than in December or during the holidays