Tlaxcala
Small in size, giant in historythe cradle of the nation.
Tlaxcala is Mexico’s best-kept secret. Small in geography but monumental in history, this state was the crucial ally that shaped the conquest and the birth of modern Mexico. It is a land of red earth, fighting bulls, and magnificent haciendas that look like medieval fortresses. Traveling here feels like stepping into a period piece, where silence is heavy and traditions are guarded with fierce pride. From the magical forests of Nanacamilpa, which glow with thousands of fireflies in the summer, to the colorful sawdust carpets of Huamantla, Tlaxcala offers an intimate, deeply cultural experience free from mass tourism.
Why to visit
Because Tlaxcala proves that size doesn’t matter. It offers safety, authenticity, and a direct connection to the foundational history of Mexico. It is a place to sleep in a 17th-century hacienda, drink pulque fresh from the tinacal, and walk through a forest of living light.
Key Destinations
Tlaxcala City
Val’Quirico
HIGHLIGHTS
The Signature Experience
BEST FOR
Regional Vibes
History and Ecotourism. It attracts those seeking the romance of the hacienda era and unique natural phenomena.
Momentours
Travel toolkit
Temperate and cool. Nights can be cold due to altitude.
1.5 to 2 hours from Mexico City by car.
A car is essential to visit the scattered haciendas and the firefly sanctuaries.
Living Heritage
Cultural Roots
Tlaxcala (meaning “Place of Tortillas/Bread”) is deeply tied to the land. The heritage is visible in the “Talavera” pottery of San Pablo del Monte and the deep-rooted bullfighting culture, where raising brave bulls is a way of life. The Carnival of Tlaxcala is unique in Mexico, featuring dancers with European-featured masks and whips, mocking the colonial elite of the past.
Living Heritage
Culinary Soul
Pulque: The sacred fermented agave drink is produced here with reverence.
Mixiote: Spiced meat (rabbit, mutton, or chicken) steam-cooked inside the skin of the maguey leaf.
Sopa de Tlaxcala: A bean and tortilla soup that rivals the Aztec soup.