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We all know Mexico for its pristine white sand beaches and luxury resorts along the turquoise sea, and let’s face it: if you’re looking for some pampering, there’s no better place to get it than Cancun, Tulum and the like.
But what about? authenticity?
As great as Cancun is, it’s not exactly a reflection of Mexico as a country: it was actually built to cater to an international clientele in the 1970s, and since then it has been mainly dominated by holidaymakers.
Interestingly enough, a growing number of travelers actively seeking more meaningful experiences when crossing the southern border, whether it’s immersing yourself in the local way of life or simply stepping out of the five-star complex to see what the real Mexico is like.
One of the most authentic, historic cities in Mexico, Puebla has seen a sharp increase in demand in recent years, but that is the case No beaches.
Still, 31 million tourists have visited in the last two years, a large percentage of them foreigners (and mostly Americans), so what do they see that you might not?
Is Puebla one of Mexico’s most underrated cultural gems?
Puebla is an ancient city in the central region of Mexico.
It was founded by the Spanish in the mid-16th century upon their arrival in the New World. It is best known for its sightseeing Zone Historicaa historic center from the colonial era.
It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it contains elements of the European Renaissance and the Mexican variant of Baroqueue, which is usually accompanied by ornate facades and richly detailed interiors.
As the institution notes, these have remained virtually intact.
Some of the best-preserved monuments include the Puebla Cathedral, a Renaissance gem with two belfries overlooking a Spanish-built Zócalo (the Mexican equivalent of a central piazza), the Capilla del Rosario, a gold-leaf clad chapel and the beautiful Biblioteca Palafoxiana. .
One of the oldest libraries in AmericaIt has an extensive collection of historically relevant materials, and its beautiful wooden rooms, stacked from floor to ceiling with leather-bound books, rival other notable examples in Paris such as the Richelieu and even the National Library of Austria.
The old town of Puebla is too one of the most unique in Mexicowith its narrow, cobbled streets lined with tiled houses, some dating back to the 16th century, and with a looming but dormant Popocatepetl volcano as a backdrop.
Puebla has Incredible Food
Some of the best restaurants in the city can be found in the UNESCO-protected center, such as Fonda Le Mexicanathe place for enchiladas with a chic twist, Moyuelowith a not so extensive menu of well-chosen native dishes, and Tacos Tony:
A cheaper alternative: it is a relaxed family business incredibly tasty arabic tacosa local specialty (and their tortillas are just as delicious).
Don’t miss chili en nogada, stuffed peppers topped with walnut and pomegranate sauce The muralconveniently located on Avenida 16 de Septiembre.
Our personal favorite has to be this Fonda Tipicaa simple eatery in Mercado El Parian, where you can eat mole poblano, a cocoa-based sauce poured over chicken or pork.
For dessert, make sure you head to Calle de los Dulces (literally translated as Candy Street), a bustling shopping street full of shops selling traditional dessertsby camotes Unpleasant borracitos.
Find unique experiences to make your visit to Puebla truly unforgettable
The tourist and culinary offer in Puebla is truly enormous, so how about combining sightseeing and tasting in one activity?
With this Puebla food touryou can stroll through the city’s vibrant markets, sample different types of street food, and top it all off with visits to historic sites from $89.
The large city of Cholula, part of the metropolitan city of Puebla, is a popular day out for culture vultures as it is home to a Great Pyramid, one of the largest in the world, topped by a yellow-washed shrine, and numerous smaller churches.
This day trip visits not only Cholula, but also Atlixco, another colorful colonial gemconsidered a magical city by Mexican authorities for its fascinating history and perfectly preserved architectural ensemble, and it costs only $27.59 per person.
Read more about Puebla here and why it is perhaps Mexico’s most underrated destination.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
