Puebla
The Mexican state of Puebla is a land-locked state situated in the central-eastern section of Mexico. It is bordered to the south by Oaxaca and Guerrero, by the state of Veracruz to the east and north-east, to the west by Morelos and the state of Mexico, and it's northern and north-west borders wind variously along the states of Hidalgo and Tlaxcala.
Puebla's territory shares the base of Mexico's tallest volcano, Orizaba, with its neighbor, Veracruz. The peaks of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes are also found within its confines.
Puebla's capital is the city of the same name, a colonial gem known affectionately as the City of Angels. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site owing to its incredible quantity (around 5,000!) of magnificent baroque-style churches (be sure to visit the Cathedral), convents, fountains and other colonial constructions which populate its historic center. Be sure to take in Puebla's excellent museums, such as the Museo de la Revolución Mexicana (Museum of the Mexican Revolution), the Exconvent of Sta. Rosa, the Palafoxiana Library, the Museum of Anthropology and History and the Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos (National Mexican Railway Museum). Don't forget a vist to the Forts of Guadalupe and Loreto where the celebrated Battle of Puebla took place on May 5th, 1962.
Puebla is known for its delicious mole (a savory paste made of ground chiles, chocolate, peanuts and other nuts, seeds and spices), its chiles en nogada - mild green chiles stuffed with seasoned meat and raisins and served in a walnut sauce topped with pomegranate seeds - a traditional dish for the celebration of Mexico's Independence from Spain), and its camotes or yams.
Puebla is also noted for its production of a particular kind of glazed pottery known as Talavera. Fine tiles and ceramic pots and dishes are fashioned, hand painted and fired to perfection by master ceramicists. A visit to a Talavera workshop is an interesting outing while in the city.
Other places and activities of interest in the state include a visit to the picturesque town of Cuetzalan, located 182 km from Puebla City, where the Cascada La Gloria and an indigenous crafts market can be enjoyed; hiking and climbing in La Malinche National Park and the Popcatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes; and tours of the Franciscan Convent of San Gabriel, the Great Pyramid and the 365 churches (!) of Cholula, just outside of Puebla.
Beside the Great Pyramid of Cholula, there are several other archeological sites to explore in the state of Puebla. These are: Tepapayeca, Tepatlaxco, Tepexi, Yohualichan and Cantona.
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