Tlatlauquitepec

Tlat-laow-kee-tay-peck is for those looking for a deeply local experience, with the added benefits of fresh oxygen, farmland in abundance, fresh seafood, and one of Mexico’s greatest outdoor markets. This pueblo mágico is tiny, authentic, and probably where you’re going to find me if I’m forced to go off grid. Located at 6,300 ft of elevation, “Tlatlauqui” is a truly magical place to spend a few days, especially for city dwellers who need a break from the bustle.

Start your day with…
A coffee on the zócalo at the little cafe next to El Mural Restaurant. No idea the name, but it’s hard to miss.

Gaze out the window at a misty Cerro del Cabezón from the dining room of Hotel San Jorge, where the owner’s daughter will whip you up a delicious Mexican breakfast in a traditional open kitchen.

If it’s Thursday, head immediately to the local tiangius…
This market literally takes over the center of town, and sells everything you can think of. Plums, mangoes, tomatoes, blue-jeans, traditional ponchos, razors, fish, masa…I could go on for ages. It’s awesome and overwhelming, enough so that I’d encourage you to plan your trip to experience it.

Take an upward “stroll” to Santuario del Señor de Huaxtla…
Follow the dirt roads lined with berries and avocados that wind throughout this farming community, whose human inhabitants seem far outnumbered by its population of cows and horses.

Have linner at Terre Restaurant…
No this is not a typo. Linner is my favorite meal, a feast that combines lunch and dinner. Because Tlatlauqui is just 2 hours from the coast of Veracruz, the fish selection is veritably fresh and delicious. It’s also jaw-droppingly cheap, so enjoy your mezcal with abandon!

Hotels:
Hotel San Jorge for the sweet staff, the glorious garden, and the unobstructed views of Cerro del Cabezón and the valleys that cut beneath it.

Activity Suggestions:
Mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, and whatever other extreme mountain sports you might be into with Atrévete Actividades Extremas
A peaceful evening boat ride on the La Presa de la Soledad lake. Read about my experience here.
A tlayoyo cooking class with the oh-so-charming Doña Tere in her traditional kitchen.

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Related articles & blogs:
Spend a couple of dreamlike days in Tlatlauquitepec

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