PUEBLA
Known as the City of Angels,
Puebla, a World Heritage Site,
lies 136 km (84 mi) from Mexico City. The
climate is mild and semi-humid, with rainfall
during the summer and the
beginning of fall, and generally
cool days during the summer
months. The average temperature is 16º C (61º F).
This city
has some 5,000 colonial buildings, which are mostly baroque edifices built
during the 16th century. The Cathedral
is one of
the most notable examples of this
city?s beautiful architecture. At times, it seems as though
the architectural designs of some
of the convents,
churches and squares came from
heaven above. Not only is
this city known for its
splendid architecture, but it also
offers excellent cuisine, which is a blend of
pre-Hispanic, Arabic, French and Spanish influences.
Among the world-famous dishes
are chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano chili peppers bathed in walnut sauce), and mole poblano
(a regional mole dish).
Here you?ll
also find wonderful crafts, including Talavera
pottery, el arbol de la vida
(the tree of life) figurines, bark paper paintings and unique onyx and marble
sculptures. You can find those items
and much more at the traditional
markets and beautiful plazas where artisans sell their
products. Puebla, a city of gray hewn
stone constructions, is Mexico?s fifth
largest city. As you walk along
the streets, you?ll see marvelous
facades with lovely iron balconies.
In the environs, you?ll find beautiful
natural areas where you can do all kinds of outdoor
recreational activities. During your stay,
be sure to visit the Izta-Popo
National Park, La Malinche National Park and the Valle de Tehuacan Biosphere Reserve, the largest reserve in the world.
