State: Tlaxcala

Population: 970,000
Size: 1,565 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: States of Hidalgo, Puebla and Mexico
Important cities/sites within the state: Atlihuetzia, Huamantla, Tlaxcala (capital) and the archaeological zone of Cacaxtla
Major airport(s): Tlaxcala Airport, Hermanos Serdan Intl. aka Puebla Intl. (PBC)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Website: www.tlaxcala.gob.mx

Tlaxcala is Mexico’s smallest state, located in the central part of Mexico and bordered by the states of Puebla, Hidalgo and Mexico. As the “land of maize bread,” the state is renowned for its maize-based food, as well as its pulque – a unique drink made out of the local vegetable. The rainy season in Tlaxcala runs from April to October.

Tlaxcala was founded in 1525 as Tlaxcala de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in the Valley of Chalchihuapan, a piece of land relinquished by the lords of Tizatlán and Ocotelulco. In 1534, twelve Franciscan friars arrived in Tlaxcala to begin the spiritual conquest and with the help of local indigenous groups built numerous open chapels and convents. The town grew rapidly and in 1535 was named the Very Noble and Very Loyal State of Tlaxcala. It was also turned into the seat of the first archbishopric in New Spain.

Tlaxcala´s majestic surroundings include volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, lush forests and desert areas, ideal for ecotourism and adventure sports. The state’s first-rate infrastructure, together with its impressive archaeological zones, beautiful churches, colonial buildings and historic haciendas, are only a few of the reasons travelers come to explore this charming corner of Mexico every year.

Cuisine is another specialty in Tlaxcala. Some of the local favorites include crema de frijol, served with avocado, cheese, chopped toasted guajillo chiles and fried pork croutons; as well as mixiote, a local specialty made of mutton, marinated in a spicy sauce, wrapped in a maguey leaf and steamed cooked.

Despite its size, the city of Tlaxcala, the state’s capital, offers visitors a variety of attractions including colonial masterpieces, stunning prehispanic murals and folkloric festivals all within minutes of each other. It is a colonial gem with a unique charm. On weekends, locals head to the main square to listen to local bands play, while visitors stroll around the main plaza admiring the architecture. The 16th-century Palacio de Gobierno features colorful 20th-century murals and the newly opened Museo de la Memoria showcases Tlaxcalan history through unique displays.

The state is the size of Rhode Island and offers much more than expected for its quaint size, making it the perfect destination for travelers who enjoy a small town environment with a lot to offer.