Cuetzalán is more formally called Cuetzalán del Progreso. Among the first generation of Pueblos Magicos, no one has ever doubted that it belongs in the list. High in the Sierra Norte region, weather is somehow warm nearly year round. Cobbled streets are built around the mountain top location, and the air positively vibrates in welcome to visitors old and new alike. The very town center is built for strolling the crooked streets and stone walls seem to echo the hundreds of years that people have called Cuetzalán home.
In fact, the town is said to have been founded around 200 BCE by the very ancient Totonac people. They dominated the region for many hundreds of years and are best known for the ruins of the city of El Tajín in modern day Veracruz. Here, they are just as famous for the ancient ruins at the Yohualichan site. It\\\\\\\'s a few minutes ride outside of the town center, but just as emblematic of Cuetzalán as the town church or anything in the town center.
People come for the ruins and for the waterfalls. La Cascada de las Brisas is the most famous. This is coffee country, and the surrounding jungle covered hills will never let you forget it. They\\\\\\\'re famously dotted with caves and the truly adventurous can often find solace in their dark and many chambered interiors.
The town is alive with food in addition to the coffee that\\\\\\\'s brewing around every corner. The old San Francisco church dominates the center of town, but you\\\\\\\'ll not mind exploring the market that spreads out into surrounding streets. It\\\\\\\'s a great place to eat, and lots of visitors find themselves wishing they could stay at least a few more days.
- The bus line, AV, runs regular buses from the east side of Mexico City (TAPO and Santa Marta Acatitla stations). The journey can take about six hours. Somewhat better options are available for travel from Poza Rica or from the Puebla CAPU station. Most bus lines will only get you as far as Tlatlauquitepec, after which a taxi or combi ride of about an hour is still required.
