State · Centro do México (arredores da capital)

Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala, the smallest state in Mexico: the colonial capital, the Basilica of Ocotlán, the murals of Cacaxtla, the La Malinche volcano and the firefly sanctuary.

In the photo: Cacaxtla archaeological site

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

The state

Get to know Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala is the smallest state in Mexico, in a high valley between Puebla and Mexico City. The Tlaxcaltecas were enemies of the Aztecs and allied with the Spanish in the conquest, which gave the region a particular place in colonial history.

The capital, Tlaxcala, is a small, peaceful city of houses in orange tones, with the Government Palace, covered in murals about the region's history, and the former Franciscan convent with the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which are part of the 16th-century monasteries on the World Heritage list. On top of a hill, the Basilica of Ocotlán has a white stucco façade and red-tiled towers.

About 20 km away, Cacaxtla preserves pre-Hispanic murals in vivid colors, protected by a large shelter, and Xochitécatl, next to it, has pyramids with views of the volcanoes. The La Malinche volcano, over 4,000 meters high, has trails and a mountain center.

In Nanacamilpa, the forests typically host millions of fireflies on nights at the start of the rainy season, between June and August. In Huamantla, in August, the Night When No One Sleeps covers the streets with carpets of colored sawdust and flowers. On the table, tlacoyos and pulque.

When to go

The dry season runs from October to May, with clear days and cold nights in winter, from December to February. From June to September it rains in the afternoons; the fireflies of Nanacamilpa usually appear from June to August, and Huamantla's carpets are in August. Tlaxcala is 3 hours behind Brasília.

Getting there

Arrival is via Mexico City or Puebla. Tlaxcala’s capital is about 2 hours from Mexico City and about 40 minutes from Puebla by bus or car. For Cacaxtla, Nanacamilpa and Huamantla, a car or an organized tour is the most practical option.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Tlaxcala

Can you visit Tlaxcala from Puebla?

Yes. Tlaxcala’s capital is about 40 minutes from Puebla, and Cacaxtla is on the way.

When to see the fireflies of Nanacamilpa?

They usually appear on nights from June to August, at the start of the rains. The sanctuaries operate with guided visits and require reservations.

What is the Night When No One Sleeps?

A festival in Huamantla, in August, in which residents cover the streets with carpets of colored sawdust and flowers for the procession to pass.

What to see in Cacaxtla?

Pre-Hispanic murals in vivid colors, featuring warriors and animal figures, protected beneath a large shelter.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: INEGI / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.