Puebla

The fourth largest city in Mexico today and flanked by the two immense volcanoes Popocatepetl and Ixtlatlxihuatl, Puebla was also one of the first largest European settlements where the trades people came to establish the first prestigious art guilds in the New Spain. As a result from this rich cultural mix, Puebla today is famous for its Creole Cuisine and its magnificent UNESCO protected colonial world heritage city. Programs are tailored to satisfy endless cultural interests in this fascinating region.

Things to See and Do in the City and Suburbs:

• Colorful weekend "Antique Tianguis" or market day in which people bring their old furniture and art to buy and sell in Los Sapos neighborhood
• World famous Talavera/Majolica Pottery from famous producers such as Uriarte to small village producers in San Pablo del Monte and Cholula
• Great Museums and Colonial Baroque Treasures within the Historic District such as The Rosary Chapel
• World famous Folk Art in nearby towns in detailed painted pottery, cut-out paper, textiles, masks etc
• Cooking classes to learn the secrets of the traditional "Mole Poblano"
• Spanish language learning schools

Nearby:

• Birthplace of tree bark paper called Papel Amate, in San Pablito
• Annual great Dance Festivals in Quetzalan
• XVI century Franciscan masterpieces with unique iconography in situ such as Huejotzingo, Tepeaca and Calpan
• XVII and XVIII century baroque masterpieces such as Santa Maria Tonatzintla and San Francisco Acatepec
• Cholula, one of the largest pyramids in the world