TLAXCALA
The small territory of Tlaxcala is located in Mexico?s central region. Despite its small size,
it has a huge cultural offering, as it has kept its pre-Hispanic and colonial
influences intact over the years. In this state you can visit various pre-Hispanic
settlements founded by the Olmecs and Xicalancas: about 19 km (12 mi) west of the capital lies Cacaxtla, where you can see ruins and murals; 2 km (1mi)
north of Tlaxcala is the archaeological zone of Ocotelulco, where an altar was built to honor Tezcaltlipoca; and finally there?s the ceremonial center of
Xochitecatl.
Among the capital?s notable attractions is
its architecture. During your stay, you?ll see such beautiful constructions as
the Catedral de Ocotlan,
which has a local Baroque style. You?ll also take notice of the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza de Toros, built
in the 18th century, and the art nouveau-style Xicotencatl
Theater.
Also of interest is the town of Huamantla, known for its festive religious
celebrations and colorful prayer rugs. You can also visit Huamantlada,
which has an entertaining running of the bulls. Another option is the so-called
taurine tour, which includes visits to ex-haciendas
and farms, allowing you to enjoy various recreational activities, learn about
bulls and have a very relaxing experience.
About 13 km (8 mi) from Huamantla and 26 km (16 mi) from the capital is La Malinche National Park, a wooded area of 45,711 hectares
(112,906 acres), which is near an inactive volcano called Matlalcueyetl.
The volcano is 4,461 meters (14,721 feet) above sea level. There you can go
mountain bike riding and rappelling. For a day of swimming, check out the balnearios Las Cumbres and La
Trinidad. If camping is your thing, the best options are Palo Huerfano and
Valle al Final de la Senda.
As for local cuisine, be sure to try mixiotes (steamed mutton), barbacoa
de hoya (baked mutton) and turkey mole. Tlaxcala is also famous for its pre-Hispanics recipes,
including salsas made from the maguey worm, pulque, chinicuiles (red maguey worms), chapulines
(fried grasshoppers), escamoles (ant larvae) and ahuautli (larvae of syrphid
flies). For souvenirs, you can buy crafts made of cornhusks, red pottery, alebrijes (colorful wooden figurines), onyx items, masks
and silver from Tlaxco.
