Visiting Puebla, Mexico

The Enchanting Town of Churches, Pottery & Mole



Experience

What is special about Puebla Mexico?

Puebla, the capital of Mexico‘s Puebla state, is a vibrant city that ranks as Mexico’s fifth-largest urban center. Renowned for its well-preserved Baroque-style architecture, a UNESCO-acclaimed historic center, and delectable regional delicacies such as mole poblano, Puebla seamlessly combines contemporary elements with a captivating historical backdrop. Undoubtedly, Puebla stands out as an essential destination worth exploring when planning a trip to Mexico.

At only a two hour drive from Mexico City, the Historical Center of Puebla is the perfect escape from the hecticness of the big city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puebla offers a little bit of everything: baroque and colonial-style architecture, 17th century churches, unique pottery, culinary delicacies and much more!

On a day trip from Mexico City, I wander down one of Puebla’s pristine, colonial streets and I am dizzied by the blasts of color. Blue, green, yellow, orange – every perfectly manicured building calls to me to knock on their large, wooden door to see if there was an equally stunning courtyard behind it. After passing by a cluster of even more technicolored buildings, I stumble upon one of Puebla’s gradious churches. In the city famous for its baroque-style architecture, I spend hours contemplating the intricate details of these 17th and 18th century masterpieces.

In search of a special memento to bring home, I head for the local artisanal market. There I stand in awe at the brightly painted, white and blue talavera pottery, made there in Puebla. Tempted to buy a whole dish set and somehow ship it home, I settle on a decorative plate that I can carefully protect in my carry-on bag. With all that sensory overload, I am famished. Not the worst problem to have when you’re in the capital of one of the most famous moles in all of Mexico. The rich, spicy, chocolaty sauce smoothers the morsel of chicken. The complex flavors take me to another world as it melts in my mouth. The waiter comments that it’s their “special recipe” of 23 ingredients which is married together over the course of two weeks.

I could easily spend weeks here but yet, I am obligated to catch my five o’clock bus back to the city. The mole sits happily in my belly as we pull away from this enchanting town. I admire my plate and vow to visit again soon to discover even more that Puebla has to offer.

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SEE – Photos & Videos

One of Puebla, Mexico’s many bright, colorful buildings
One of Puebla many bright, colorful buildings
The enchanting Templo de la Compañía de Jesús with a baroque-style facade in Puebla, Mexico
The enchanting Templo de la Compañía de Jesús with a baroque-style facade
Talavera pottery that can be purchased in El Parián, the famous artisanal market in Puebla Mexico
Talavera pottery that can be purchased in El Parián, the famous artisanal market in Puebla
Enchiladas Tres Moles, the perfect plate to sample various moles in Puebla Mexico
Enchiladas Tres Moles, the perfect plate to sample various moles

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GO – Getting There

By Plane:

Major airlines such as Aeromexico and American fly to Puebla by way of Mexico City or direct from the US.

By Bus:

How do you get around in Puebla?

Puebla is a busy city with various transportation options such as buses, cars, and walking. The best methods to rely on are the “metrobus”, Puebla’s bus system, and Uber to get around.

The Enchanting Town of Churches, Pottery, and Mole - Puebla, Mexico - Map
The Enchanting Town of Churches, Pottery, and Mole – Puebla – Map

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Do – Activities & Attractions

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Stay – Accommodation

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Eat – Restaurants

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Time – Seasonality & Schedules

Puebla has mild temperatures all year long. The city can be overrun with tourists around Battle of Puebla Day (May 5th), Independence Day (September 16th) and Christmas.

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Safety – Possible risks

Puebla’s Colonial Center is likely one of the safest areas in all of Mexico with regards to theft. Not that many of the others are overly dangerous mind you, but there is a certain feeling of security being here. It is likely due to the high percentage of tourists to locals, mixed with the kind and gentle demeanour of people that makes this place safer than most.

Physical danger certainly exists and if at all you don’t feel confident with your own abilities to navigate the town, be sure to hire a guide and/or bring a friend along. It is best to always let family or friends know of your movements when you travel in case you go ‘off the map’ – and it is no exception in Puebla.

Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim to those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

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Pay – How much does it cost?

A day trip to Puebla from Mexico City, including round trip bus fare and a stop for some mole will run you about you 600 mxn – 800 mxn. Add in a shopping trip at the artisanal market and an overnight at a hotel in order to visit neighboring Cholula will increase the cost.

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Responsible Travel – Best Practices

While visiting churches in Puebla, be respectful of the mass schedule and anyone who might be praying. Take off your hat and keep voices low while inside. Always be cognizant of signs prohibiting photos with flash.

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Reality Check – Be Aware

Puebla is a wonderful day trip from Mexico City or can stand alone as a destination all in itself! It is a colonial city famous for its architecture, history and food so if you’re looking for something more adventurous, Puebla might not be the place for you. As the colonial center is small, you might find that churches and restaurants hold relaxed hours or may not have posted hours at all so stay flexible. Also, as Puebla is less-visited by foreigners, you may find that fewer people speak or understand English and therefore, it’s a good idea to brush up on your basic Spanish phrases.

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JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

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Have you ever been to a city that had a really unique historical or cultural feature? Where was it and what made it so unique?

If you return to Mexico City from Puebla, don’t miss out on the chance to Bicycle your way through CDMX!

Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts in the comment section below!

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