Things To Do
in Huamantla
Huamantla is a colonial town perched on the high central plateau of Tlaxcala, surrounded by rolling hills and a backdrop of traditional crafts. Its streets glow with pastel facades, arcades, and a plaza that hosts markets, processions, and festive gatherings. The town is renowned for its vibrant craft scene—tinwork, papel picado, textiles, and pottery—driven by generations of artisans.
Nearby natural spaces, including the Malinche massifs, offer easy escapes for hikers and nature lovers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Parroquia de San Luis Obispo, an architectural gem that showcases the town's colonial history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, taking in the local shops and cafes that line the way. Don’t forget to stop by the local market to sample fresh fruits and traditional Mexican pastries.
After lunch at a cozy restaurant featuring regional cuisine, head to the Museo de la Ciudad de Huamantla to delve deeper into the town's rich cultural heritage. The museum showcases intriguing exhibits, including artifacts from pre-Hispanic times to modern-day Huamantla. Spend some time exploring the picturesque Plaza de la Constitución, where you can relax in the shade of trees and observe local life.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local eatery, savoring dishes like mole and tamales. Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk around the illuminated town square, where local artisans often display their crafts. Cap off the evening with a visit to a nearby café for a cup of rich Mexican coffee while enjoying live music.
Begin your day by exploring the vibrant artisan workshops that Huamantla is famous for, particularly those specializing in traditional papel picado. Watch skilled artisans at work, creating intricate designs that capture the essence of Mexican culture. Engage with the artists and learn about the history and significance of their crafts.
Head to the local market, where you can find beautifully crafted pottery, textiles, and other handmade souvenirs. Take a break for lunch at a nearby taqueria to enjoy some fresh tacos while mingling with locals. Afterward, participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own piece of traditional art guided by a local artisan.
In the evening, visit a local gallery or exhibition space to witness contemporary interpretations of traditional art forms. Grab dinner at a restaurant known for its ambiance and delicious regional dishes, perhaps trying some local mezcal. Finish the night with a stroll through the town, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and perhaps catching a local performance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich artisan traditions and welcoming locals
- Easy access to nature and scenic viewpoints
- Compact town center with walkable streets and plazas
- Reasonable costs and abundant street food options
- Limited nightlife compared to big cities
- Occasional language barriers for non-Spanish speakers
- Smaller medical facilities; may prefer facilities in Tlaxcala or Puebla for complex care
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¿Dónde está…?" - Where is…?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "Quisiera / Me gustaría" - I would like
- "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Huamantla
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of town, with arcades, fountains, and the church—perfect for early-morning or golden-hour street photography.
A historic church with architectural details and interior spaces ideal for moody interior shots.
Colorful stalls and daily life provide vivid foregrounds and candid portraits.
A street of pastel houses and decorative corners great for architectural and lifestyle photography.
Food in Huamantla
Huamantla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty corn-based dish with beans, chiles, and sometimes pork, served with toppings and tortillas.
Must-Try!
Oval maize cakes stuffed with beans or cheese, often topped with nopales, cilantro, and salsa.
Fried tortillas topped with meat, salsa, cheese, and onions for a crisp, comforting bite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market where you can sample daily staples, fresh produce, tortillas, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Tacos, tlacoyos, elotes, and esquites offered from small stalls and mobile carts.
Seasonal morning stalls offering warm tamales with traditional beverages to start the day.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly “Buenos días/Tardes” with a handshake is common; address people with respectful titles and maintain a calm, courteous demeanor in public spaces.
Conservative dress is appreciated when visiting churches or religious sites; hats are removed indoors.
Participate with courtesy during fiestas and processions; ask for permissions when photographing people in intimate settings.
Safety
Tipping in Huamantla
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically expect 10-15% tip if service is not included; round up taxi fares; hotel staff and tour guides appreciate small tips.
Cash is widely accepted, with credit/debit cards common in larger restaurants and shops; ATMs are available in town, but some markets are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming flora; comfortable for outdoor explorations and plaza events.
Warm to hot days; afternoon showers are possible. Stay hydrated and schedule outdoor activities for the morning.
Pleasant temperatures with less rain; ideal for hiking and street photography around town.
Cool to cool-mild days with chilly nights; layer up and enjoy evening festivities or indoor museum visits.
Huamantla at Night
Hiking in Huamantla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent highland area just outside Huamantla offering well-marked trails, forest scenery, and sweeping valley views.
Airports
How to reach Huamantla by plane.
Closest major airport with domestic and some international connections; typically a 60–90 minute drive to Huamantla depending on traffic.
Large international hub about 2.5–3.5 hours by road, depending on route and traffic; many flight options and connections.
Alternative regional option with domestic flights; typically a 2–3 hour drive depending on traffic and route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population traces roots to Tlaxcala’s indigenous communities, contributing to language, craft traditions, and cultural events.
Residents include long-time farmers and artisans as well as people commuting from nearby towns for work and education.
Visitors from Tlaxcala, Puebla, and Mexico City blend with locals, especially during festival periods and weekends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town and the region, with local clubs and enthusiastic weekend matches.
Regional leagues and informal play; often observed in town squares or local parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Huamantla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes center on corn, beans, rice, and vegetables. Request meat-free options, and ask about lard or animal stock in preparation.
Look for plant-based mole sauces and vegetable-forward dishes; confirm no dairy or animal stock in sauces.
Corn-based flatbreads and tortillas are common; verify sauces and fried items are prepared in clean oil and without wheat-based thickeners.