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Tlaxcala Travel Guide

Capital: Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl

Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala is Mexico's smallest state, an easy add-on to a Puebla trip. Its two draws are superb: the vivid Maya-influenced murals of Cacaxtla, and the summer firefly sanctuary at Nanacamilpa, where the forest lights up in June and July.

The capital is a quiet colonial city with one of Mexico's prettiest plazas and the remarkable 16th-century open chapel of the San Francisco convent.

Destinations in Tlaxcala

  1. Fireflies at the Santuario de las Luciérnagas, TlaxcalaSantuario de las Luciernagas4.5The firefly sanctuary at Nanacamilpa: the forest flashing in June and July.
  2. Murals at Cacaxtla, TlaxcalaCacaxtla murals4.4The brilliantly preserved battle murals of the hilltop palace.
  3. Tlaxcala capital3.9The small colonial capital: plaza, murals of the state government palace.
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Top Cities & towns in Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala ›Huamantla ›Val'Quirico ›Ixtenco ›Tlaxco ›

Regional food

  • Tlatloyos and escamoles (ant larvae) in season
  • Pulque in the highland haciendas

Read the full Mexican food guide ›

Getting there

Tlaxcala is about 30 minutes north of Puebla and 2 hours from Mexico City by bus. The firefly sanctuary runs guided night walks in season.

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