Tlaxcala/Cacaxtla

With a taxi driver, Miguel, I visited the city Tlaxcala, the capital of the state with the same name. I originally planned to stay here for a night, but the taxi driver told me it wasn’t worth it. He was right, but nonetheless, there were a few notable sites. We stopoped first at the Basilica de Ocotlan. Inside, the light was shining directly on the priest. We passed by the center of town, which is very pedestrian-friendly. The facades of the buildings are beautiful, and are well-preserved. The orange, red, and bright colors make it interesting. We walked though the main square (zocalo), which is surrounded by the Palace de Gobierno, and the Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares. I got a spectacular view of the city from the Convento de San Francisco.

On the way back to Puebla, Miguel and I stopped at Cacaxtla, another World Heritage site. Cacaxtla was once the home of the Olmeca-Xicalanca people. The pyramids (piramides) date from the 7th century here. There’s also a wonderful view of the Mexican basin, as well as the mountains.

Palacio Legislativo.

The tallest Christmas tree I've ever seen.

The Parroquia de San Jose.

The plaza of Tlaxcala. It's no wonder they call Tlaxcala La Cuidad Roja (The Red City).

Inside the Basilica of Ocotlan.

This Basilica de Ocotlan (oh kote LAWN)

Tlaxcala is famous for its bullfights (los toros).

I admired the beautiful colors of the center of Tlaxcala. It looks like Puebla.

This is Cacaxtla. After walking down a dirt path, visitors can explore the archaeological site and enjoy the view.