Zacatelco

Zacatelco is a small town to the south of the capital of Tlaxcala. The town is part of the greater Tlaxcala capital region, but settlement here goes way back to 1200 BCE. It's very old. But even with that long history, today Zacatelco is more than anything associated with the Ejidal Tourist Center, where families and larger groups have been getting together since it opened in 1980. While it can seem a little sedentary for today's nature and adventure seekers, the center lends an air of modest resort living across the valley. 

Still, the town is notoriously not touristy, and a visit soon gives way to an authenticity of culture, a wonderful traditional cacao drink, and charm and history where ever one looks. The town dates from 1529. The Nahuatl name was actually given by the early Franciscans to mean mound or hill of worship. 

The traditional cacao drink is recognized by the state of Tlaxcala as part of it's official culture and heritage. But people come to enjoy all kinds of local foods and specialties. During the carnival seasoms, the Chivarrudos dancers perform in masks, colorful hats, and the namesake chivarras, leather chaps first used by local ranchers and horseman. The show is always spectacular. But the rest of the year, the 16th-century Santa Inés church and the surrounding plaza make for perfect strolling grounds. 

Not far off, the Laguna de Acomulco is a fantastic fishing and recreational lake and the Cacaxtla archaeological site draws visitors from all over the world.  

Probably most visitors arrive to Zacatelco from the capitals of either Tlaxcala (a half hour to the north), or from Puebla. The Puebla capital is not quite an hour to the south. From Mexico City, both Supra and Tlaxcala (Autotransportes de Tlaxcala) offer direct service from the TAPO bus station to the Tlaxcala capital from which a taxi or combi can get you the last leg of the trip. The overall trip should take just over two hours.