Over the course of several Mexico trips, I have visited quite a few pueblos mágicos, but Atlixco stands out to me. While it is rightfully known as Mexico’s City of Flowers, the town offers much more than flower nurseries and plant displays. It is a place where culture is celebrated through murals, festivals, and dance events, where traditions are kept alive without becoming inauthentic, and where the ever-present Popocatépetl is both a blessing and a challenge.
The proximity to the volcano has shaped the Atlixco Valley for millennia. Combined with the warm moderate climate, the fertile volcanic soil created ideal conditions for agriculture, which compelled people to settle in the valley around AD 650. One of the settlements was on the slopes of Cerro San Miguel, at whose foot the Spaniards founded Atlixco as ‘Villa de Carrión’ on September 29, 1579. The valley became known as ‘el granero de la Nueva España’, the Granary of New Spain, and heavily contributed to the colony’s economy.
The very same conditions continue to shape the area and Atlixco today, and are reflected in the hundreds of flower nurseries where hydrangeas, marigolds, poinsettias, and more are cultivated throughout the year. Within the protected Historic Monuments Zone of the town, many buildings from the colonial time remain, and alongside colorful murals and flower displays, they form the foundations of a town where history, agriculture, and local traditions remain closely connected. Thanks to this, Atlixco was named a pueblo mágico in 2015.
I first visited the general area during a press trip, and was so intrigued that I decided to return to Atlixco de las Flores the following month to experience the Valle de Catrinas festival. And I am more than glad that I did, as walking all over town with my friend was an absolute delight and an incredible way to discover the best things to do in Atlixco. Whether you are planning a day trip like me, or are staying a little longer, you will quickly discover that flowers are only one part of what makes Atlixco so special.
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How to get to Atlixco
Atlixco is most commonly visited from Puebla, and if you have a (rental) car, the 31 km drive along Federal Highway 190 should take around 35 minutes. Be sure to stop along the way at Mirador Atlixcayotl so you can take in a fantastic view of the volcanoes. Once in Atlixco, you will find plenty of parking lots near the Zócalo.
Alternatively, you can also take the bus from Puebla to Atlixco. Usually, the ORO buses depart from Puebla CAPU station every 30 minutes and arrive at Atlixco’s Terminal Oro Erco after around an hour.
Should you prefer exploring the town with a guide, this guided group tour that combines Atlixco and Cholula is a great option.
If you prefer a private tour and want to have more time in Atlixco, this tour by Unlimited Experiences Puebla is the ideal option for you. You have plenty of time in Atlixco, and afterwards, this private tour takes you to the nearby Chipilo, where a cheese and wine tasting await you.
Getting from Mexico City to Atlixco
Should you want to explore Atlixco from Mexico City, you first have to travel to Puebla de Zaragoza, whereby taking the bus is your best option. Ensure you get off at Puebla CAPU, from where you can take the ORO bus to Atlixco. Given the longer travel time, I recommend spending at least one night in Atlixco.
Getting around in Atlixco
For travelers in a good physical condition, it is easy to walk everywhere within the historic center. Alternatively, you can take the Tranvía Turístico that stops at many of Atlixco’s highlights, including the Crystal Viewpoint near the peak of Cerro de San Miguel.
Where to Stay
Chances are that you will be visiting Atlixco as a day trip from Puebla, but if you want to spend more time in this charming town so you can roam its colonial streets, attend seasonal events, and explore the surrounding area, it is worth it to spend a night or two in Atlixco.
I did two days trips to the area so I did not spend a night in town, but given the chance to return to Atlixco, I would book a stay at one of the following two hotels:
Casa de la Audiencia is located just around the corner from the Zócalo, so you will be staying in the best possible location. The rooms are modern, and original elements of the building like brick walls and arches serve as accents reminding you of the building’s history.
Hacienda Santo Cristo Hotel & Spa is located further away from the historic center of Atlixco, but is the best hotel if you are looking for a relaxing, luxurious stay. All rooms have a modern interior, but wooden beams at the ceiling maintain the charm of the historic hacienda. There is a pool and spa on site.
Things to Do in Atlixco
While it might be a small town, there is a surprising range of things to do in Atlixco. A trip here is a journey that combines flowers, colorful colonial buildings, and volcano views, as well as seasonal events that celebrate the local culture and heritage.
Despite the close proximity, it is completely different from nearby cities and towns, which makes Atlixco the ideal addition to any trip to Puebla de Zaragoza and Cholula.
1. Valle de Catrinas Festival
Valle de Catrinas might be a seasonal event, but it is such a unique celebration that it is worth visiting Atlixco just so you can experience it. Since 2021, it is held annually during the Day of the Dead season from October to early November, and as you walk through the pueblo mágico, you will find monumental catrinas that are up to 8 meters tall near many of Atlixco’s most interesting landmarks.
These statues are handcrafted by local artists using a traditional papier-mâche technique, so the celebration helps preserve a centuries-old Mexican papier-mâche tradition. The theme changes every year and always highlights different aspects of Mexican culture.
When I visited Atlixco in October 2025, the festival paid tribute to local traditional trades like tortilla makers, potters, and weavers. It was truly stunning to see how the artists managed to capture the essence of the different occupations and how much character the catrinas had.
In 2025, there were 14 Catrinas in and around Atlixco, while another 8 were placed at other destinations across Mexico. Many of the monumental figures in Atlixco are located within the historic center, but chances are you will want to drive or take a taxi to those located further away from the town center. Among those located further away are the most picturesque sculptures which can be found inside the flower fields east of Atlixco, allowing you to take photos of the catrinas with Cerro San Miguel and Popocatépetl as a backdrop.
In addition to the sculptures, you will also find a show and food stalls at the Convention Center. While the food stalls open every afternoon, the shows only take place during the weekend as well as in the week leading up to Día de los Muertos.
2. Zócalo
As one would expect from a town best known for flowers, Atlixco’s Zócalo features colorful flowers and even topiaries. It is like a small park right in the heart of the historic center and is an amazing place to relax and people-watch, so sit down on the Talavera tile-adorned benches and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.
The kiosk in the Zócalo’s center is rather unique, as it is a café operated by Mexico’s The Italian Coffee Company chain. Like the benches, the café is decorated in Talavera tiles, and a traditional kiosk is located on the rooftop terrace of the cafe.
As such, it is worth buying a cup of coffee so you can access the rooftop area even if you plan to eat breakfast at one of the restaurants located around the main plaza.
On the weekends, parts of the Zócalo are transformed into a flower market, where vendors sell a wide range of locally grown flowers and plants. The selection is a plant lover’s dream, and you might find yourself wanting to buy them all to turn your home into a lush oasis.
Surrounding the plaza, you will find historic buildings like Parroquia de Santa Maria de la Natividad, a yellow church that was constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries.
The church’s bell tower, roofs, and doorways are beautifully decorated and the designs reminded me of the piping on Lebkuchen, the traditional German Christmas cookie.
Atlixco’s Palacio Municipal is located next to the church and should also not be skipped. Like many other municipal palaces in Mexico, the interior walls are covered in murals. Painted by local artist Juan Manuel Martínez Caltenco, the murals showcase the local history and feature Popocatépetl, the Danza de los Voladores, scenes depicting life in Atlixco, and political motifs.
3. Murals in Calzada 16 de Septiembre
Unlike in Puebla de Zaragoza, where street art can only be found when venturing outside of the historic center, the murals of Atlixco form part of the streetscape right in the heart of town. And while there are colorful murals in various streets, Calzada 16 de Septiembre is the best place to see street art.
The murals in this street are a celebration of the local culture and traditions, so you will want to take your time while looking at them to learn more about what makes this pueblo mágico special.
I especially loved the Día de los Muertos mural that depicts Atlixco’s marigold fields with Cerro de San Miguel and Popocatépetl in the background. The mural depicts the view from the Valle de Catrinas in October, so travelers can marvel at the scenic view even when visiting Atlixco during other times of the year.
Near the beginning of the street, you will also find Capilla de la Tercer Orden de San Francisco (Chapel of the Third Order). Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, this Baroque-style chapel features Indigenous elements and is a prime example of Indigenous artists influencing the colonial-era religious architecture.
4. La Escalera Ancha & the Monumental Clock
In addition to its murals, Atlixco also has a painted staircase known as ‘La Escalera Ancha’. Painted in 2020, it depicts a woman and a man dancing in traditional attire and has become the most photographed spot in town.
Only the vertical parts of the steps are painted, so the image is only visible when standing at the foot of the staircase. It connects Av Hidalgo and Calz 16 de Septiembre, and if you are looking for it from the upper road, you will find it right at Plazuela Fray Toribio de Benavente in front of Atlixco’s oldest convent.
I first saw the staircase from a distance while walking around to see all the catrinas in town, and yet I had a hard time locating it from above. Thankfully, the staircase has another recognizable feature that helps you identify it without having to walk down to check whether the steps are painted.
Right at the top of La Escalera Ancha, you can see Atlixco’s Reloj Floral. This fully functional monumental clock has a flower arrangement as its clock face and was manufactured in Zacatlán, another pueblo mágico in Puebla.
5. Ex-Convento de San Francisco
In 1582, just three years after the foundation of the town, the Franciscan order established a convent in Atlixco. Constructed in several phases and completed in 1620, the convent is one of the oldest buildings in town.
Situated on the slopes of Cerro de San Miguel, the fortress-like building overlooks the town while also being close to the Indigenous population that the Franciscans were hoping to convert to Christianity.
The Ex-Convento de San Francisco was severely damaged during the earthquake of September 19, 2017, and access to the convent area is restricted as restoration works are ongoing.
During my own visit, only the church was open, and while the interior is much simpler than that of churches in Puebla de Zaragoza and Cholula, it is this lack of opulence that makes it stand out. The ribs of the vaulted ceiling and the altarpiece are the most prominent features.
End your visit to the complex by taking in the great view of Atlixco’s protected Historic Monuments Zone from the forecourt.
6. Cerro de San Miguel
If you want to see the most panoramic views the pueblo mágico has to offer, you need to ascend Cerro de San Miguel. To get to the first viewpoint, you can either walk up the winding road, take the tourist tram, or drive.
Please note that parking spaces are limited and that the road is narrow, so driving up the hill is not the best option during the weekend or the Valle de Catrina celebration. When heading back down, I saw a long line of cars waiting for a parking spot, so walking is likely the best option for travelers in a good physical condition.
The first viewpoint Mirador Cerro De San Miguel is located right at the Netotiloyan (Plazuela De La Danza) event space where the annual Huey Atlixcáyotl is celebrated. There are vendors selling snacks and drinks, so buy yourself a treat and enjoy the view. In October, one of the Catrinas is located here.
From the viewpoint, you can climb a staircase with more than 200 steps to reach Capilla San Miguel Arcángel, a small yellow chapel at the summit of the hill. Oftentimes, it is closed, but the panoramic vista makes the final ascent worth it.
The nearby Mirador de Cristal, a glass viewpoint only a brief walk away from the chapel, offers the most scenic view of Atlixco’s flower nursery area and the mighty Popocatépetl.
7. Shop in Av. Nicolás Bravo
At first glance, Avenida Nicolás Bravo looks a particularly colorful street that ends with a picturesque arch. However, it is even more, as the street is lined with artisan stores which make it the best place to buy souvenirs while in Atlixco.
During the Valle de Catrinas festival, one of the Catrinas can be found near La Portada arch, and the convention center located on this street serves as the main event hub where you will find food stalls, the show, and yet another Catrina.
8. Aqueduct
Most visitors tend to skip Atlixco’s aqueduct as it is located a brief walk away from the historic center, but if you have the time, it is nice to see a piece of Atlixco’s economical history that most tourist tend to miss. The arches of La Chapulapa were built at the end of the 19th century and brought water to a spinning and weaving factory, where it was used to generate electricity.
I ended up heading to the site as one of the monumental Catrinas is usually placed here during the Valle de Catrinas festival, which made the side trip there even more worth it.
9. Visit Atlixco’s Flower Nurseries
Given Atlixco’s reputation as the flower capital of Mexico, no trip there would be complete without visiting at least one of the town’s flower nurseries, or viveros as they are called in Spanish. In total, there are more than 400 viveros in Atlixco, and 200 of them are located just a short drive northwest of the historic center.
If you are visiting Atlixco in October, Vivero Flor Natura is the best nursery to visit. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a carpet of marigolds, and as you walk to the covered area, you will find Día de los Muertos decorations interspersed among the plants you can buy here.
Visiting the vivero certainly had me wishing it was permitted to bring flowers from Mexico to Germany because I would have loved to buy several of the cacti and succulents for sale.
But even without going on a flower shopping spree, it is one of the best things to do in Atlixco, as heading to the flower nurseries is what allows you to get the full ‘Atlixco flower experience’. This is especially true if you visit the town during the week and do not get to see the flower market at the Zócalo.
10. Excursion to the Foothills of Popocatépetl
While in Atlixco, Popocatépetl is omnipresent and you can see the impact of the rich volcanic soil, but if you want to explore the foothills of the volcano, you should do a day trip to the Tochimilco area. Located at the foot of the volcano, the town is the ideal starting point for tours through the lush forests while also offering impressions of life within the high risk zone of the volcano.
Based on my own experience, I recommend the ‘Volcano Views Tour – Forest Route’ with Tranvía Turístico La Vitorina. The tour starts with a traditional local breakfast at an artisan bakery before you embark on a 4×4 tour through the town and then along the foothills of the volcano. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views as your guide shares legends about the volcano, including the sad story of the warrior Popocatépetl and his princess Iztaccíhuatl.
My personal highlight of the tour was the short hike through the forest as it was truly fascinating to see the sheer amount of plants thriving in this area. The hike ends at a small waterfall, where you can drink water originating from the slopes of the volcano.
Afterward, the tour takes you to a hydrangea flower nursery that also cultivates avocados. Among other dishes, these locally grown avocados are served at the small family-run open-air eatery where the tour ends with a delicious meal.
11. Enjoy Pueblan Food
When exploring foodie destinations like the state of Puebla, every opportunity to eat Pueblan dishes should be taken, so be sure no Atlixco day trip is complete without enjoying the local cuisine.
To make the most out of your time, I recommend starting your day in Atlixco by eating breakfast right at the Zócalo. During my own visit, I ate breakfast at Vittorio’s Restaurant, and can only recommend it.
While eating, you can observe locals going about their everyday life so you get a glimpse of Atlixco beyond its touristic elements. With dishes like cecina de Atlixco and tamales with mole, the breakfast selection of the restaurant includes a range of traditional Pueblan breakfast dishes. Should you prefer a light breakfast, you can also order waffles, fruits, and yoghurt.
In order to get a truly local experience, you should eat lunch at Mercado Benito Juarez. The prices here are very reasonable and you will find a wide selection of traditional Mexican and local dishes.
FAQ
How much time should you spend in Atlixco?
Atlixco makes for a great day trip from Puebla, and while you can see all the highlights in one day, it is well worth it to spend more than one day in town. If you have at least another day, you can explore the areas outside of the historic center and can do a day trip to surrounding villages and the foothills of the volcano.
What is the best time to visit Atlixco?
Thanks to its relatively stable and warm climate, Atlixco is a great destination year-round. However, you should bring an umbrella if you plan your visit during the height of the rainy season from June to September.
Atlixco’s festivals and events are another thing to consider when planning your visit. Among them, the most notable events are the following:
Huey Atlixcáyotl: First celebrated in 1965, Huey Atlixcáyotl takes place on the last Sunday of September. The festival celebrates both Saint Michael the Archangel and the god Quetzalcoatl, and gives thanks for harvest. During the festival local dances are performed at Netotiloyan (Plazuela De La Danza) on Cerro de San Miguel.
Valle de Catrinas: Every year, the Valle de Catrinas event begins in early October and lasts until November 2, so you have plenty of time to see the monumental Catrinas and experience this unique Día de los Muertos celebration.
If you only have the chance to visit Atlixco once, I highly recommend heading there in October so you can experience the Valle de Catrinas event.
Villa Iluminada: During Villa Iluminada, light installations spread the Christmas spirit through the streets of Atlixco and transform the town into an illuminated wonderland. Like Valle de Catrinas, the event has changing themes, so a new experience awaits you every year. The event begins in late November and usually ends on January 6.
Is Atlixco safe?
The state of Puebla where Atlixco is located is among the safest destinations in Mexico for travelers, so you have nothing to be concerned about. As is always the case when traveling, you should keep your wits at you and keep a firm hold your belongings to avoid getting pickpocketed.
Based on my experience, I consider Atlixco a great and safe destination for female solo travelers.
Is Atlixco worth visiting?
Atlixco is a vibrant town where the local culture is celebrated through art and festivals, making it a unique destination that is certainly worth visiting. As you wander through the historic center, you will find yourself stopping frequently to marvel at the decorative elements of the buildings and the colorful murals. And as expected in the City of Flowers, floral displays greet you everywhere from the Zócalo to the display of the Reloj Floral.
Quite frequently, you will catch sight of Popocatépetl, which is closely connected to Atlixco’s history and serves as a reminder of how the volcano shaped Atlixco’s economy, culture, and way of life.
Given the close proximity to Puebla de Zaragoza, Atlixco makes for an excellent day trip and is a great destination year-round. If you can, you should plan your trip there in October, so you can experience the Valle de Catrinas festival that brings together a range of elements of the local culture. It is such a unique celebration that I would recommend traveling to this part of Mexico just so you can see Atlixco’s beautifully crafted catrinas.
Looking back, I traveled to Atlixco to see flowers and the catrinas, but by the time I left, it felt like I had experienced much more. While there is no guarantee that you will love Atlixco as much as I do, you will almost certainly leave the town feeling happy to have added it to your Mexico itinerary.
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If you are planning a trip to Atlixco you might also be interested in these Puebla travel guides:
Things to Do in Zacatlán
4 Days in Puebla Itinerary
Is there anything else you would like to know about Atlixco?
Let me know in the comments!
Atlixco is now on my travel list, thanks to you. I would love to follow in your footsteps, wander the same streets, and discover the city through your eyes. Thank you for the inspiration. Once again, such a wonderful piece of article!