Pueblos Magicos in Mexico- Atlixco, Puebla

A Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) designation is awarded to those communities that over time have maintained their original architecture, traditions, history, and culture. As well as to those that have been of great relevance to the country’s history.

The Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) are defined as places with great symbolism and legends, they are towns whose historical importance has been fundamental for the development of history and that enhance the national identity in each of its spots. These places have special magic that connects the visitor with our roots and traditions. With exceptional beauty, these are destinations that will most definitely captivate you.
Currently, throughout Mexico, there are 177 Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), whose attractions generate great admiration among both domestic and foreign visitors from all around the world.

Today, I want to introduce you to Atlixco Puebla. A town of about 125,000 people with wonderful weather year-round.

Atlixco, Puebla

The city is surrounded by volcanoes.

The view of the Popocatépetl (aka El Popo) and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes is magnificent from any angle, especially when you’re a few kilometers away. Atlixco is a town located about 40 minutes away from the capital city Puebla. This closeness to Don Goyo, as locals call the volcano, is what makes the weather so nice in Atilixco—hot and warm during spring and rainy in summer. That’s why one of many Atlixco attractions is its water parks, perfect for spending a family day.

Going up to Cerro de San Miguel viewpoint allows you to have Atlixco’s panoramic sight, whose name means “Water in the valley”, in which its natural wealth and architectural contrasts can be appreciated. In addition to the valley landscape, there you can find the 18th Century Capilla de San Miguel. Ancestral traditions from one place in Miguel Arcángel is a character that unifies Atlixco’s prehispanic and colonial heritages, since September 29th is the feast of its patron saint that sometimes coincides with Huey Atlixcáyotl festival, celebrated each last September Sunday.

The Huey Atlixcáyotl festival is one of Puebla’s most important festivities since it gathers participants from various state regions who, through music, dance, and different rituals thanking Quetzalcóatl for the good harvest. Due to its proximity to Puebla city, several convents can now be visited, such as the Exconvento del Carmen, La Merced, and San Francisco.

For the adventurous, you should visit Atlixco to take a tour of Punto Marconi. It’s said here the laws of physics are left aside when cars that are in neutral can go up the slopes instead of going down them. This place is also recognized for its alleged UFO sightings, although the only unidentified flying object that you will surely find here is its famous tin flying saucer installed by some paranormal activity fan.

Another fun fact about Atlixco is that it holds the record for having the largest harvest of poinsettias in Mexico. A flower that is emblematic in every Mexican home during Christmas.

Private Relocation Tour in Atlixco

If you want the best local experience of Atlixco and are considering it as a place to live, I recommend working with Martha. You will find her contact information along with her rates in our list of Puebla relocation tours. She is a native of Atlixco that moved for a few years to the U.S. but found herself coming back to connect with her roots. She now lives in Atlixco full time, and loves it!

Martha has a great Airbnb you can stay at while you explore the town. She can show you rentals, different neighborhoods, and give you a true locals perspective into this pueblo magico!

For a full insight into Living in Atlixco, watch my Live Q&A with Martha where she shares her experience in this beautiful town

Stay tuned for my next post where I will showcase another Pueblo Magico in Mexico and what makes it special.