Atlixco
The beloved city of the flowers sits at the very foot of the most famous volcano in Mexico, and the legends and the enchantments are as beguiling as ever.
Atlixco is a small town founded in 1579 as the Villa de Carrión. It has long been a vacation spot and weekend getaway for people from the capital of Puebla, and for some from a bit further afield. At the foot of the giant volcano of Popocatépetl, the town has long been known for the thriving flower industry and the frequent annual events associated with flowers and floriculture. The town is also often referred to as Atlixco de las Flores.
The historic town played a major role during the siege of Puebla in 1862, and for that they are still widely celebrated. The Mexican Federal Government recognized it as a Pueblo Magico in 2015 for the unique atmosphere and culture that is plainly evident here.
Visitors will take off for the adventure of the Cerro de San Miguel. The Viveros de la Colonia Cabrera is a little closer and along with outdoor activities, visitors will want to explore the historic center, the Municipal Palace, the Mural of the Atlixcáyotl Dancers, and the Nativity of Our Lady church. The surrounding streets are vibrant with the culture not just of flowers, but of the famous atlixquense cooking. The surrounding farms support a strong cecina (beef) culture, but vegetarians won't go hungry.
The Huey Atlixcáyotl Festival is celebrated on the last Sunday of every September. The La Villa Iluminada de Atlixco lights up every holiday season from mid-November through early January.
Most trips to Atlixco will pass through the capital city. From the CAPU station the trip is less than an hour. There are some direct buses from Mexico City, especially with the Oro or ADO bus lines which leave from multiple locations. The trip from the TAPO station generally takes just over three hours. So an overnight stay is worth considering and often very well rewarded.
