The Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís was built in the mid-16th century and is located in the center of Cuetzalan. In the early 19th century, it received a 68-meter-high clock tower in the eclectic style. The town’s tourism history also has a notable milestone: Cuetzalan was named Mexico’s first Pueblo Mágico in 2002.

Church, Museum, and Cultural History

Different aspects of local and regional history come together at the Museo Regional de Cuetzalan Emma Flores de Morante. Exhibits include everyday clothing, handicrafts, looms, photographs, and some documents. There are also archaeological pieces from Yohualichan and paleontological collections from the Cambrian and Ordovician periods, dating from 500 to 600 million years ago.

Other archaeological and ethnographic collections feature representations of music, dance, and handicrafts that are representative of the Sierra Nororiental in the state of Puebla. The museum also provides information about local dances such as the Voladores de Cuetzalan, the Danza de los Santiagos, and the Danza de los Negritos, as well as ceremonial masks. It is located in the same place as the Casa de Cultura, whose original building dates to 1898.

Dances and Fiesta

Cuetzalan preserves the traditional Danza de los Quetzales and Danza de los Voladores dances. The Fiesta de San Francisco de Asís features performances of the dances of the Voladores, Quetzales, Santiagos, Negritos, and Toreadores. A large market in the center of Cuetzalan is also one of the features associated with the fiesta.

Yohualichan and Nature Nearby

Yohualichan, an important Totonac ceremonial center in the heights of the Sierra Madre, lies within the municipality. Monumental pyramid structures define the site, including one structure with numerous niches. The archaeological complex also includes a ball court area almost 100 meters long. The Yohualichan exhibits in the museum thus offer a different perspective on the ceremonial center.

Near Cuetzalan, Reserva Azul has an ecological reserve with cloud forest. Another natural attraction is Cascada las tres caídas (Las Brisas) in San Andrés Tzicuilan, 3 km from the center of Cuetzalan. Driving to one of the parking lots there takes about 10 minutes by private car.

Coffee History and Cuisine

Coffee is also part of Cuetzalan’s history. Jesús Flores planted the first coffee plants there between 1860 and 1870. Coffee cultivation was favored by the climatic and altitude conditions of the Sierra Nororiental of Puebla. This local history can be paired with a culinary specialty: Cuetzalan’s cuisine includes Tlayoyos filled with Alverjón, beans, potatoes, and broad beans.

The church is in the center, the waterfalls are 3 km away, and Yohualichan is an archaeological destination within the municipality. These differences can help you plan your visits and look for a hotel that suits the priorities of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tehuacán, Tlachichuca, Santa María Zacatepec, Tepeyahualco, Acatzingo De Hidalgo, Tepeojuma, San José Ayotla, Santa María Coronango.

Return to the main travel overview: Puebla.