Huauchinango is a magical small town high in the mountainous north of Puebla. Part of the Huasteca region, it seems to have more to do with neighboring states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, and San Luis Potosi. But that very ambiguity, the doubtfulness of a sense-of-place seems to lend a veil of unbelievability. Something like Xilitla, perhaps the Mexican capital of surrealism, Huachinango offers visitors a trip into an entirely different landscape. One that\'s visited by clouds, complex and otherworldly, but ultimately, it\'s one that remarkable and well worth a long weekend, or an extended stay.

Named a Pueblo Mágico in 2015, the town is one of azaleas and orchids. These grow in such profligacy on the banks of the Texcapa River that they\'re celebrated every spring with the most important orchid and azalea festival in the country. It\'s been held every year since 1938.

People come to gawp at the Cerro de Zempoala, and to relax along the lakes at Necaxa and Tenango de las Flores. The two dams have made something of a lakes district in the northeast of the city proper. Never too posh, it remains surprisingly accessible. The larger region is dotted with waterfalls and jungles such as those at Xopanapa and Salto Chico. The Las Posas ecological center only acts as an introduction to the dynamic and bio-diverse natural landscape. If you don\'t plan to take off into the surrounding forest, some of it will surely lean in on the city when you visit.

Huauchinango used to be called Cuauchinanco. Settled in the 11th century, the name could be loosely translated from the Nahuatl as surrounded by forests.

Huachinango is centered around the Santuario del Señor en su Santo Entierro, the Sanctuary of the Lord, Interred. There\'s also a 16th-century Augustinian convent where the faithful still villagers offer flowers every year. The town has a long tradition of dance and out front of the 1860s Municipal Palace you may witness some of the best performances in the region.

The food scene revolves around enchiladas with jerky, papatla tamales and tamales de puño, plus of course trout. The artisan scene is plainly evident in the area of the local market where vendors peddle embroidered textiles, wood carvings and extensive basketry.

Autotransportes San Pedro Santa Clara run regular buses from Indios Verdes in Mexico City. The trip takes about two hours, but upon arrival you may well wonder why Huachinango is not a super popular Mexico City getaway. There is really a lot on offer.