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Puebla’s Historic Site of the Forts (Los Fuertes) – 12 Opportunities for History, Nature, Recreation, and Fun
The historic site of the Forts (Zona Histórica de Los Fuertes) – or just short “Los Fuertes” – with its 2 hilltop fortresses that offer panoramic views of the city is a historic landmark. Here’s where the Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) in 1862. Mexico fought against Napoleon III, and the Mexicans fought back the French army under Ignacio Zaragoza. Puebla commemorates this important date with its celebrations on May 5th each year. The two forts, Loreto and Guadalupe, were originally chapels built on the Acueyametepec hilltop. At the beginning of the 19th century, they were reconstructed to serve as military forts. Nowadays, they host museums…
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Ex-Hacienda Chautla and Its Picturesque Castle Gillow: 2024 Guide for a Half-Day Trip
An English-style castle and a lake divided by a dam: The ex-hacienda Chautla in the state of Puebla shows off its glamorous past until today. Once a thriving hacienda with farmland for corn, wheat, and later maguey (an agave plant), it’s now a popular recreational area for the poblanos (people living in Puebla). Just a 45-minute drive from the city of Puebla, it invites you to spend a day in nature at the lake surrounded by forests. And you can even bring your pet along! This guide tells you what it is, what it costs, and what you can do. About the Ex-Hacienda Chautla and Castle Gillow In 1777, the…
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18 Best Things to Do in Mexico City – And How to Plan Your Stay
The capital of Mexico and home to 180 Museums: Mexico City can’t be fully explored in just one day. The 2 million-inhabitant capital of Mexico is diverse and vibrant, and at first glance, you might not know where to start your trip. But no worries, I’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll start from the heart of the city, the zócalao (main square). I’ll list the highlights of Mexico that you should have heard of, and how to best plan your stay before you arrive. Be it architecture, museums, culture, or history – the capital of Mexico has so much to offer for everyone. Even if you’ve been to…
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Montezuma’s Revenge: Traveler’s Guide on How to Stay Healthy in Mexico
You planned your trip to the pyramids, and then it happens: Montezuma’s revenge, also called traveler’s diarrhea, hits you and ruins your vacation. This is probably one of the most common fears that travelers are facing in Mexico. But no worries! With a good understanding of what to watch out for you’re well prepared to avoid complications. One thing upfront: Even Mexicans get Montezuma’s revenge from time to time, especially when they travel to another region within Mexico. So it’s not just you! Most of the time, the sickness lasts only for 1-3 days with mild symptoms. Still, here are some guidelines that will hopefully help you avoid it. So…
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Discovering Cantona: Impressive Ruins of an Ancient City in Puebla
One of the most extensive archaeological sites in Mexico lies in the northeast of the Puebla state, close to the border to Veracruz: Cantona. And it might well be the site with the most ball game courts: Archaeologists have found 27 so far, more than in any other Mesoamerican site. This pre-Hispanic city was once one of the most extensive of its time. At its peak, it was home to over 90.000 people who lived here in 7500 housing units. Nowadays, you can climb many of its pyramids and temples, walk the cobbled streets, and enjoy the peace and quiet as the site is little visited. You might even have…
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Essential Packing List for Mexico – 27 Items You Should Not Forget to Pack
Want to know what should be part of your essential packing list for Mexico? Let’s have a look at what you should keep in mind when preparing for your vacation. When you arrive at your destination, you don’t want to have to do emergency shopping because you forgot important things. Rather spend your time at the beach or in the city doing some sightseeing! To be well prepared, here’s an overview of what you should have in your suitcase from a local guide. Sun Protection It doesn’t matter if you’ve booked a beach vacation or a city tour: The sun can be pretty unforgiving in most parts of Mexico. The…
