The city of Puebla was the first ‘perfect’ city in the Americas
Chiles en Nogada.
Talavera pottery. The most beautiful Ceramic from the 16 century
Soon after its foundation, Puebla was well known for its fine ceramics, especially for the style that would be called Talavera. This has been due to the abundance of quality clay in the region, drawing some of the best artisans. Between 1550 and 1570, Spanish potters from Talavera de la Reina in Spain came to Puebla to teach the locals European techniques of using the potter’s wheel and tin glazing. These new methods were mixed with native designs to give rise to what became known as Poblano Talavera.
Cholula. Temples on the Top of Temples
The world’s largest pyramid is hidden under a mountain
Cholula was second only to the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City), possibly with a population of up to 100,000. The great city stood at the foot of what appears to be an earthen hill that is, in fact, the largest pyramid ever built, covering over 46 acres and spanning an incredible 405 meters on each side! In addition to this great construction dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the city had a reported 365 temples. After taking the city during the Spanish Conquest, Hernan Cortes vowed that it would be rebuilt with a Christian church to replace each of the old pagan temples; less than 50 new churches were actually built, but the Spanish colonial churches are unusually numerous for a city of its size.
Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl Volcanoes. A Tragic Romance of Aztec Legend
On a clear day, the towering white peaks of the legendary Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes can be seen from the city of Puebla. Rising beyond 17,000 feet in elevation, these two majestic mountains offer
the viewer a breathtaking sight. Snowcapped year-round, the well-known landmarks have captured people’s imaginations throughout the ages. Popo and Izta, as many affectionately call these two volcanoes, share a story that reaches back into the mists of time. The name Iztaccihuatl in the indigenous Nahuatl language means “White Woman” and the mountain actually includes four peaks, the tallest of which reaches 17,158 feet. Many see her silhouette as resembling that of a sleeping woman, complete with head, chest, knees, and feet. Iztaccihuatl is an extinct volcano. Popocatepetl is the taller of the two mountains, reaching an incredible 17,802 feet in height. Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl are connected by a high mountain pass known as the Paso de Cortes. Popocatepetl is still active with the volcano has spewed smoke and ash as recently as April 2016. In the Nahuatl language Popocatepetl means “Smoking Mountain” and as we shall soon see, was aptly named.
Palafoxiana Library. The memory of the World
The libraries of the religious orders of Mexico were located in Puebla, Morelia, and Oaxaca. Palafoxiana in Puebla is the oldest library in the Americas and is the only library of the three that remained intact and authentic, as it was continuously conserved. After the 1999 earthquakes more than 1,000 listed historic buildings in Puebla had suffered some damage, and the heritage of Puebla was in a state of emergency. The restoration project returned the library to its original grandeur and strengthened the architectural elements so that the building and its bookshelves would withstand vibrations from future earthquakes. The project helped to preserve the cultural legacy and philanthropic history of the library and the city of Puebla. UNESCO also recognizes the Biblioteca Palafoxiana as the first public library in the Americas. Because of this fact, it has been declared a Memory of the World.
The Cable Car is an easy way to get an incredible view of the city’s skyline.
The cable car of Puebla offers an unsurpassable view of the city, the largest urban mural in the world, you can also appreciate the historical area of Los Fuertes as well as the volcanoes Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and La Malinche.
The cable car runs a length of 688 meters and has two cabins with a maximum capacity of 35 people.
Xanenetla neighborhood. A Mural city
It is pronounced “shanenetla” and it is a “Bravo” neighborhood that was rescued and revalued by a group of artists through 55 murals painted on the facades of its labyrinthine streets.
The murals have been a team effort. The community of Xanenetla decided that the concepts of the murals should be along the lines of “who we were”, “who we are”, and “who we want to be”, thus describing through the walls, the past, present, and future of the neighborhood. These designs have been co-created by local artists and the owners of the houses.
International Baroque Museum. The most important new art museum in North America
Designed by the Japanese Toyo Ito, the Interactive museum was financed with investments from the federal and state governments as well as a private initiative. It showcases the best of international baroque pieces from Brazil, Cuba, China, Spain, France, the United States, Guatemala, Peru, Portugal, and 21 museums besides Mexican foundations.
The new International Baroque Museum, of 18,000 square meters in length, is considered one of the most ambitious in the history of Puebla.
The two-story building hosts permanent exhibition halls and has areas dedicated to science, nature, and scientific experimentation.
| Tours: | ||
| * Government Palace * Cathedral * Frogs Alley * Baroque Museum * Chapel of the Rosary * Dolls House * Cableway * Cholula |
* Talavera workshop * Fort of Guadalupe * Fort of Loreto * El Alfenique House * Palafoxiana Library * Xanenetla neighborhood * And Much More |
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Tour Include: |
Tour price: |
| • Round trip airfare from Gdl • Hotel • Breakfast • Transportation in Puebla • All tours in the region • Certified tour guide • Escorted tours • Entrance fees |
Double Occupancy
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 Credit Cards Welcome with a 5% surcharge |
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IMPORTANT NOTE
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