La Magdalena Tlatlauquitepec is a small village in the rural hills of Puebla (state) in eastern Mexico. The town is known for its rugged outdoor scenery and for active outdoor explorations. It is an area with an abundance of rivers, waterfalls, and tranquil pools. It attracts outdoorsmen like rock climbers and hikers. Although it bears the designation of Pueblo Mágico, it's really a poster child that proves how badly watered down the program has become in recent years since not only is the population far below the government guidelines, the town also lacks any tourism infrastructure of any kind. Travelers who are seeking cultural value, sites of historic interest, or great culinary or artistic traditions should avoid this town.

Templo Santa Maria Magdalena

Get in

By bus

Autobuses Via operates frequent bus service from Puebla's CAPU terminal to La Magdalena Tlatlaquitepec. Buses depart every 15 minutes or so for the 2 hour trip, which costs about M$150.

See

• 1 Templo Santa Maria Magdalena, Calle Benito Juárez, Primera. Small neoclassical church built in the 18th century. The church is lightly decorated with a clean, serene feeling. It has two belfries, one notably larger than the other and a single nave that feels bright and humble. It's a pretty church, but there is nothing remarkable about it. (updated Jan 2025)

Do

Most of the state of Puebla is verdant green jungle in the mountains of the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is an area with dense forests, rich biodiversity, rivers, streams, waterfalls, caves, cliffs and canyons. Nature is the draw of Magdalena de Tlatlauquitepec. There is not a lot for the sedate sightseer to enjoy, but plenty to keep an avid outdoor adventurer busy.

• Cerro Cabezon - Cable cars go up the mountain, which is popular for rock climbers and mountain bikers. Cavers enjoy myriad natural caves that burrow deep into the mountain.
• Cascada de Puxtla Tepantzol - After driving as close as possible to the falls, you will have to hike through the rain forest for about 30 minutes before reaching the majestic, towering waterfalls. The area is virgin forest and there are no tourist amenities here, so bring what you need, including sturdy hiking boots, a towel, and mosquito repellant.
• Pozas Naturales Tlacayotlan y Quiquiyahuac - Beautifully scenic stretch of river with narrow side streams that carve out narrow chutes and waterfalls dropping into small pools of aquamarine water. After parking, you'll need to hike about 10-15 minutes on a rocky trail to get down to the river. Bring a swimsuit, towels and drinking water.
• Centro Ecoturístico Bosque de Niebla - Visitor center at the rain forest has exhibits to provide info on the local ecosystem. They also rent bikes or horses for you to explore the Backcountry trails.

Buy

The town is too small to support a permanent marketplace, but there is a tianguis in the main plaza every Sunday with local farmers bringing fresh produce to sell in town.

Eat

There are no restaurants in town.

Sleep

There are no hotels in town.

Go next

• Xalapa
• Huamantla