Best things to do in Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala's Absolute Essentials

Tlaxcala showcases a dense concentration of pre-Hispanic and colonial heritage. This selection features the archaeological complexes of Cacaxtla and Xochitécatl, known for their well-preserved murals and ceremonial architecture. In the state capital, the Jorge "El Ranchero" Aguilar bullring and the Palacio de la Cultura represent significant historical landmarks. Natural highlights include the seasonal firefly sanctuary in Nanacamilpa, while Val'Quirico offers a European-inspired architectural experience within a former hacienda setting. Local commerce is centered around the traditional Emilio Sánchez Piedras market.

Tlaxcala's Absolute Essentials — Map

Karina Miranda Vargas / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Santuario de las Luciérnagas

A forest reserve in Nanacamilpa where thousands of fireflies emerge for mating between June and August. The sanctuary consists of over 200 hectares of oyamel fir and pine trees.

Tim Zaman / CC BY 3.0

B

Cacaxtla

Cacaxtla is an archaeological site located near the southern border of the Mexican state of Tlaxcala.

Simon Burchell / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Xochitécatl

Xochitecatl is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Mexican State of Tlaxcala, 18 km southwest of Tlaxcala city.

Luis E Gasca / CC-BY-SA

D

VAL'QUIRICO (Ex-hacienda de Santa Águeda)

A residential and tourist complex built on the grounds of the former Santa Águeda hacienda. The site is designed to resemble a medieval Italian village with stone architecture and narrow alleys.

Luis E Gasca / CC-BY-SA

E

Jorge "El Ranchero" Aguilar Plaza

The heart of Tlaxcala is a lively historic center with a bullfighting arena. There are many cafés and restaurants around.

F

Palacio de la Cultura

A late 19th-century neoclassical building that serves as the headquarters for the Mexican Ministry of Culture. It hosts temporary art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

G

Palacio de la Cultura

A late 19th-century neoclassical building that serves as the headquarters for the Mexican Ministry of Culture. It hosts temporary art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

H

Palacio de la Cultura

A late 19th-century neoclassical building that serves as the headquarters for the Mexican Ministry of Culture. It hosts temporary art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

I

Mercado Municipal Emilio Sánchez Piedras

The city's primary traditional market, featuring hundreds of stalls selling regional produce, hand-woven textiles, and local culinary specialties like tacos de canasta.

J

Mercado de La Loma

A neighborhood market in the La Loma district providing fresh local produce, meats, and traditional prepared foods.