Tlaxcala · Mexico

Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

The smallest capital in Mexico: the UNESCO Franciscan convent, the Basilica of Ocotlán, the murals of Cacaxtla and, in Huamantla, the flower carpets and the La Malinche volcano.

Central Mexico (around the capital)

In the photo: Pyramid of Flowers, in Xochitécatl, Tlaxcala.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Tlaxcala is Mexico’s smallest state and lies between Mexico City and Puebla, on a plateau dominated by the La Malinche volcano, over 4,400 meters high. The Tlaxcalteca people were never dominated by the Mexica and in 1519 allied with Hernán Cortés, a pivotal episode of the conquest.

The capital, also called Tlaxcala, is a tranquil city of colonial houses painted ochre and red. The 16th-century Franciscan convent complex of Our Lady of the Assumption, one of the first on the continent, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. Above the city, the Basilica of Ocotlán has a white Baroque façade and red brick towers.

About 20 km away, the Cacaxtla archaeological zone preserves pre-Hispanic murals in vivid colors, protected by a large metal shelter, next to the pyramids of Xochitécatl.

To the east, Huamantla is a Pueblo Mágico known for its sawdust and flower carpets in August during the Virgin of Charity festival, and for the national puppet museum. It is also the base for climbing La Malinche. Tlaxcala follows UTC−6, Mexico City Time, with no daylight saving time.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Tlaxcala, Huamantla.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla is

Boundaries: INEGI / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional de Puebla Hermanos Serdán (PBC), in Huejotzingo · 30 km to Tlaxcala

The city of Tlaxcala is about 120 km from Mexico City, roughly a 2-hour drive or bus ride, and about 35 km from Puebla. Puebla International Airport (PBC), in Huejotzingo, is about 30 km from Tlaxcala; Mexico City Airport (MEX) is about 120 km away.

Suggested arrival point: Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala · Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla Capital Suggested arrival point

Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala is the capital of Mexico’s smallest state, a small colonial city about 120 km from Mexico City. It has the Plaza de la Constitución with the Government Palace and its murals, the 16th-century Franciscan convent complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Basilica of Ocotlán. The archaeological site of Cacaxtla is about 20 km away.

Tlaxcala · Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

Huamantla

Huamantla is a colonial town about 45 km from the capital, at the foot of the La Malinche volcano, and is a Pueblo Mágico. In August, for the Virgin of Charity festival, the streets are covered with sawdust and flower carpets. It houses the Museo Nacional del Títere, the former Franciscan convent of San Luis Obispo and the Basilica of Charity.

The local experience

Things to do in Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

Tlaxcala · Tlaxcala · Convent and cathedral

Franciscan Conventual and Cathedral Complex of Our Lady of the Assumption (Convent Complex of Tlaxcala)

16th-century Franciscan convent with the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, separate bell tower and a mudéjar ceiling, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Huamantla · Tlaxcala · Museum

National Puppet Museum Rosete Aranda (MUNATI)

Puppet museum in Huamantla’s center, with puppets from Mexico and other countries and the Rosete Aranda company collection.

Huamantla · Tlaxcala · Church

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity

Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity, Huamantla’s patroness, from which the August procession departs over the flower carpets.

Tlaxcala · Tlaxcala · Church

Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlán (Basilica of Ocotlán)

An 18th-century baroque sanctuary on a hill above Tlaxcala, with a white façade, red-brick towers and a gilded chapel behind the altar.

See 3 more places in Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

Tlaxcala · Tlaxcala · Historic building

Tlaxcala Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno de Tlaxcala)

Colonial palace on the Plaza de la Constitución with murals by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin about the history of Tlaxcala.

Huamantla · Tlaxcala · National park

La Malinche National Park

An extinct volcano over 4,400 meters between Tlaxcala and Puebla, with pine forests and a trail to the summit.

Tlaxcala · Tlaxcala · Archaeological sites

Cacaxtla and Xochitécatl

Nearby archaeological sites: the colorful murals of Cacaxtla’s Great Basament, under a large shelter, and the pyramids of Xochitécatl.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

The dry season runs from October to May, with sunshine most days; December and January have cold nights, near 0 °C. Between June and September afternoon or evening rains are common. In August, Huamantla makes its flower carpets for the Virgin of Charity festival.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days: one for downtown Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla and another for Huamantla. With a third day, you can climb La Malinche. It is also visited as a day trip from Puebla.

Which city to stay in

Tlaxcala’s center, near Plaza de la Constitución, has hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the convent and museums. Huamantla has accommodation in its center. Puebla, 35 km away, offers more options and can serve as a base.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

How many days should you allocate for Tlaxcala?

Two days: one for the capital’s center and the Cacaxtla archaeological site and another for Huamantla.

Can you visit Tlaxcala from Puebla?

Yes. Tlaxcala is about 35 km from Puebla, and Cacaxtla is on the way between the two cities.

When are Huamantla’s flower carpets held?

In August, for the Virgin of Charity festival; the main night is usually the one from August 14 to 15.

Is a car needed to explore the region?

It helps: Tlaxcala’s center is walkable, but Cacaxtla, Huamantla and La Malinche require a car, taxi or tour. There are buses between the towns. In Mexico you drive on the right.

Do you need a visa to travel to Mexico?

Mexico’s entry requirements depend on nationality and travel document: travelers from several countries enter visa-free for tourism, while others need a visa, which in some cases can be applied for online. Requirements can change: confirm before you travel.

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Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.