Many still do not know of this architectural colonial gem that is laden with history, only one hour from Pachuca and two hours from Mexico City. Tlaxcala is a viable option for a family vacation since it has archeological sites, museums, a botanic garden, swimming recreational park, a zoo and even a bullring.
On top of being surrounded by history, art and tradition, the geographic location of Tlaxcala converts it into an ideal destination for those that like extreme sports as well as for those that look for somewhere removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can come and camp and take in the most esthetically pleasing sites such as ecosystems, forests, gorges and cascades.Tradition plays a major part and it is for this reason that in February and March, during the colorful festivity of Carnaval, exotic costumes and dances take to the streets. Don't forget to visit the museums because we can guarantee that you will have a magnificent learning experience, bringing you closer to the cultural heritage of Tlaxcala.
Cacaxtla
This site is one of the important representations of the Olmec- Xicalanca civilization. It is located 19 kilometers from Tlaxcala and is notable for the spectacular pre-Hispanic murals that have been found there. They are incredibly colorful and are virtually intact. There is also a collection of deformed skulls, objects found in tombs, seashells from the Gulf of Mexico, clay figurines and statues.
Within Cacaxtla, you will find the Great Platform: a pyramid with a roof built over it for easier viewing. It has been divided into various sections such as El Palacio (The Palace), el Patio de los Rombos (the Patio of the Rhombus), el Patio de los Altares (the Patio of the Altars), El Cuarto de la Escalera (the Room of the Stair) and el Templo de Venus (the Temple of Venus). These rooms are among the most popular of this site.
The Handcraft House
This is one of the most visited museums in the city. Its objective is to proliferate the different types of handicrafts produced in the state through observation. Here, you can see the creation of these pieces by the craftsmen and women, potters, embroiderers, woodworkers and weavers who explain the techniques. There are nine rooms, a handicrafts store, a multi-use room, a picturesque cafeteria where you can enjoy Tlaxcaltecan cuisine and a pulqueria (a bar that serves a special fermented drink called "pulque", which is made from maguey).
Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is an opportunity to come in contact with nature and take in the scent of pirul (Pepper Tree), capulines (wild cherries), ayacahuites (the Mexican White Pine), tepozanes and encinos. You will find woods, green houses, gardens, a plant nursery, a library and a movie theater. Located in Tizatlan.
Xicotencatl Theather
The restored Neoclassical facade made of quarry rock with the highlight being the elegantly painted crown moldings, depicting the muses of the fine arts in Tlaxcaltecan landscapes.
Public Recreation Areas
If you are traveling with kids, you can visit the number of recreational water parks in Tlaxcala. Among the most popular are Balneario Palo Huerfano, Santa Lucia and Centro Vacacional La Trinidad. All have large swimming pools, lawns and picnic areas, all for a pleasant day to enjoy in groups.
The Haciendas
In 1542, the Viceroy of New Spain, Don Antonio de Mendoza, takes control of the Tlaxcaltecan possessions and turns them over to the Spaniards for cattle breeding and grazing lands. Wheat and cattle were brought for food, prompting the creation of haciendas which were there to administrate production. Nowadays, you can come and visit these haciendas and admire these legendary constructions and the architectural styles. Here you can enjoy regional food, music, walks and tour these rural and agricultural regions.
Cascades of Atlihuetzia
Along the Rio Zahuapan, you will find the beautiful cascades of Atlihuetzia, with an impressive drop of 30 meters. These cascades are located in Santa Maria Atlihuetzia.
Tlaxcala Regional Museum
Located in the Ex-Franciscan Cloister, it has nine rooms where you will find a chronological history of the state. In the collection, you can find rare pre-Hispanic pieces, such as colonial furniture and books.
Museum of Memories
Housed in a restored XVI century building, this museum is the only interactive museum of the city that provides you with a tour through the history of the state. There are six exposition rooms, a library specializing in the arts and a quaint cafeteria, among its attractions.
Jorge "El Ranchero" Aguilar Bullring
The Jorge "El Ranchero" Aguilar Bullring of Tlaxcala was built in the 18th century and is admired for its architectural beauty which uses local materials such as tepetate, adobe and xalnene rock. In 1788, the first bullfight was held in this plaza and the construction of this plaza instigated the building of haciendas in the area. The "Monumental" Bullring of Apizaco is the largest of the state.
The Altiplano Zoo
The Altiplano Zoo is located several kilometers from the city of Tlaxcala, in the city of Apetatitlan. The complex covers 13 hectares, where you can learn about the fauna of the region. In total, there are 200 animals housed here, kept in habitats specially designed for each species. The Zoo also has conservation programs for those animals in danger of extinction.