The city of Puebla is a place full of culture, charm, traditions, history, and beliefs… The magnificent trace of the city has made up the legend that angels built it.
Puebla is a jewel of the world’s architecture and has been able to adapt spaces and fill them with life and movement. The city is well-stocked with modern and comfortable hotels, beautiful colonial buildings, and interesting museums.
After the conquest, the City of Puebla was the first to be founded in the state, on April 16th of 1531, as a social and human experiment, in which a group of civilians headed by Fray Toribio de Benavente participated.
The majestic City of Puebla and other important cities were built with the labor and art of the Indians of the area, as well as that of enterprising Spaniards. Therefore, the area thrived with agriculture and cattle raising.
In what architecture concerns, churches, schools, hospitals, and homes were built, and it is here where cultural syncretism left one of its most important legacies; in the historical center of the City of Puebla which was declared “Cultural Heritage of Mankind” by the UNESCO in 1987, with more than 2600 buildings of great value.
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Located on the top floor of the College of San Juan, and today is the House of Culture. It was founded by Bishop Juan de Palafox, who donated his private library of 6,000 volumes to the Tridentine Seminary in 1646.
It is considered the first public library in the Americas and has more than 45,000 books and manuscripts, ranging from the 15th to the 20th century. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Callejón de los Sapos (Alley of the Toads)
This is a pedestrian street with a series of typical colonial houses with their gates and balconies painted in vibrant colors, that have become antique bazaars where you can purchase special and rare items.
On Sundays, there is an open flea market where the visitors will find novelties and unique pieces, a real magnet for collectors. Besides, there are several restaurants and bars to enjoy a tasty meal or the local fruit liquors.
There are Mariachi groups and trios every night. Store hours: 10: 00-19: 00 hrs.
Estrella de Puebla
Admire incredible panoramic views of Puebla when you take a ride on the largest Ferris wheel in Latin America. At almost 76 meters with 54 closed cabins (holding up to 8 people), you will have a lovely view of the city, including the impressive Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanos.
Parque de la Concordia, Legend Nights
You can enjoy a video screeing over Concordia Lake, located in the area of the Forts of Loreto.
Here you will learn about some legends of Puebla like the history of the city foundation and the arrival of China Poblana, an Asian woman who lived in Puebla, came to Mexico in 1620 as a servant and left her mark on the traditions of the Spanish colonial region with her clothing.
Ex Hacienda de Chautla
This place gathers history, beautiful architecture, natural landscapes, legends, and mystery. One of its main attractions is El Castillo (The Castle), an English-style residence built in the 19th century which overlooks the dam.
The site offers activities such as sport fishing, camping, picnicking, and rents out facilities for events.
Domes of the Church of San Gabriel, Cholula
This temple is one of the oldest in Mexico since it dates back to the 15th century and is located in the main plaza of San Pedro Cholula. It is a monumental complex with a fortress appearance dedicated to the archangel San Gabriel.
The cloister area contains frescos with scenes from the life of Francis of Assisi, along with portraits of a number of Franciscan friars. It has three chapels, one of them is “Capilla Real” (Royal Chapel) with 49 domes, its construction and shape represent the Arabian mosques.
Iglesia de los Remedios in front of the Popocatépetl
The church was built on the pyramid in 1594 as a symbol of the evangelization of the Spaniards over native polytheism. The hill remains verdant on the front side, and on the other side, archeologists have excavated the pyramid’s stairways, sacrificial altars, and five miles of tunnels that are open to visitors.
After a large earthquake, it was rebuilt between 1864 and 1874. Though it’s up seemingly endless steps, the hike to the top of the hill is worth the effort. The panoramic view of Cholula, Puebla, and surrounding volcanoes is breathtaking, especially if you arrive early.
Cholula Main Plaza
This is an important meeting point in Cholula with a nice fountain of San Miguel Arcángel, donated in 1554 by King Felipe II of Spain. It is framed by the Ex Convento de San Gabriel and the city hall fronted by a line of businesses and restaurants, which in turn are fronted by a 170 meters gallery, marked by 46 arches supported by columns, known as the Guerrero Portal, an ideal place to enjoy the atmosphere and good cuisine of Cholula.
Africam Safari
Puebla has the most important zoo in Latin America where there is a great variety of wild animals, as well as a great number of endemic species, and there are also some endangered species. In this spectacular zoo, the animals live free like in their natural habitat.
The zoo extends to 30 ha. at the bank of Valsequillo Lake and it is one of the largest in Mexico.
This amazing zoo and wild animal park is home to more than 3,500 animals from 300 different species. The park is divided into regions that house wildlife from Asia, Africa, and North America. Visitors can drive through the park in their cars or in the zoo bus, and mingle with the free-roaming animals.
