To say Atlixco is full of charm would be a huge understatement, however, given its location near both Cholula and the city of Puebla, travelers often overlook it.
But to discount this town would be a big mistake, as it has so much to offer when it comes to history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
In Prehispanic times Altixco was known as Quauhquechollan, meaning “Place of the Quecholli Eagle.
During the Aztec period, the city grew in prominence and became an important hub for the military of the Triple Alliance, as well as a crucial center for trade.
Like nearby Cholula, the Atlixco is also dominated by a large hill that was once dominated by an imposing Prehispanic ceremonial center which in the 17th century was replaced by a church.
The hill, known today as the Cerro de San Miguel, and its surrounding area have in recent years been the site of a great deal of archaeological research which among its findings has proven the existence of a large Aztec Plaza, complete with a Mesoamerican ballcourt.
Given its high elevation, the weather in Atlixco is comfortable, with daytime temperatures usually hovering around 75°F or 24°C.
As it happens, Atlixco’s weather is also perfect for growing flowers, which has turned the community into one of the country’s most prolific nurseries for varieties including petunias, lily of the valley, and of course, the ever-popular cempasúchil and poinsettia.
Because Atlixco does not attract huge numbers of tourists, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy all that the State of Puebla has to offer, without the crowds.
But one of the best things Atlixco has going is its laidback atmosphere, especially in the historic center where you will find groups of old men playing cards, families just taking in the beauty of the town, and plenty of benches to relax on.
That said, around 1 p.m., things can get a little hectic with the buzzing of motorcycles and cars making tight bends around the town’s narrow streets.
If you go
Getting to Atlixco is fairly easy via public transportation from either Puebla City or Cholula, but taxis are not that expensive and much faster.
For overnight stays, Atlixco has a wide range of hotels, with one of the most comfortable being the Hotel Boutique Alquería de Carrión — an independently owned Tesoros de México property.
