Population:
5,100,000
Size: 13,187 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: States of Veracruz, Oaxaca,
Guerrero, Morelos, México, Tlaxcala and Hidalgo
Important cities/sites within the state:
Acatzingo, Africam Safari, Atlixco, Calpan,
Cuetzalan, Cholula, Huejotzingo, Puebla (capital)
and Tonantzintla Major airports: Hermanos
Serdan Intl. aka Puebla Intl. (PBC)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.puebla.gob.mx
The state of Puebla is located in the central part
of the country. Its diverse natural beauty consists
of stunning mountain ranges, enormous volcanoes,
lush forests, fertile cropland, rivers, lakes,
springs and reservoirs, all ideal for a variety of
exciting outdoor activities.
The region was formerly populated by the Toltecs,
Chichimecs and Xicalanca Olmecs. During the 10th
century the Nahua group arrived in the area and by
the 15th century, the Mexica (also known as the
“Aztecs”) dominated nearly all of what is known
today as the state of Puebla. When the Spaniards
arrived, much of the city’s surroundings began to
change. The Spanish conquerors founded the first
baroque city in the country, Puebla de los Angeles,
now one of Mexico’s prized jewels; implemented the
handicraft work of Talavera ceramics, now
internationally renowned; and influenced the area’s
culinary traditions, some of the most unique and
varied in Mexico, now characterized by a unique
blend of Spanish, Oriental and indigenous flavors.
Puebla State features several important
archaeological sites. The Tenapa Pyramid in Cholula,
Puebla, dating back to 400 BC is one of the most
frequently visited sites, four times larger in
volume than the Keops Pyramid in Egypt. Several
years ago, archaeologists discovered that the
pyramid actually consists of several superimposed
pyramids, and today, only a small percentage of the
pyramid has actually been uncovered. One of the
pyramid’s unique features is the “Iglesia de Nuestra
Señora de los Remedios” church completed in 1666.
Built at the top of the pyramid, its symbolic
position stands witness to the success of the
Catholic church in the conversion of the indigenous
people.
Puebla also has four of the tallest volcanoes in
Mexico, one of which is still active. The second
tallest volcano in Mexico, the Popocatepetl, stands
at approximately 78,900 feet and frequently spews
steam, gases, and ash. And on occasion, eruptions
and tremors occur, reminding the Poblanos of its
powerful and potentially destructive presence,
although the last major eruption happened thousands
of years ago. Churches were built centuries ago at
the foot of these volcanoes, many of which still
stand today.
For those that enjoy outdoor and extreme sports, the
state of Puebla offers many organized trips for
tourists featuring rock-climbing, camping, trekking,
and mountain-biking, to name a few. For food and
music lovers, Puebla features an annual food
festival in November and a concert of bells in
October, where more than 100 bells from churches
around the area participate.
The state’s capital, Puebla City, is one of the most
beautiful and traditional colonial cities in Mexico.
It was founded in 1531 by the Spaniards in an effort
to encourage immigration, reduce the abuse against
Indians and establish an enclave between Veracruz
and Mexico. Today, the city is considered one of the
most beautiful historic centers and tourist
destinations in Mexico, located 80 miles from Mexico
City, north of Tlaxcala and south of La Mixteca. As
a World Heritage site, the city’s streets, churches
and buildings are so breathtaking they are said to
have been designed by the angels.
Cuetzalan is a picturesque colonial town located in
the hills about 120 miles from Puebla City.
Highlights in the town include, the San Francisco
and Guadalupe churches, the Municipal Palace, the
Ethnographic Museum and the cemetery. And just a few
miles outside of town is the archaeological zone of
Yohualichan, the Atepolihui Falls and plenty of
caves to explore. |