Tetela de Ocampo
Tetela de Ocampo is a small town in the eastern Mexico state of Puebla. It is rich in history with its early mining and wrought iron industries during the colonial era, involvement in the Mexican War of Independence, and key roles fighting the French army in the French incursion of 1862. The town is also a magnet for outdoors activities including hiking, climbing, and exploring nearby waterfalls, canyons, and cave systems.
Understand
[edit]The town was originally called Tetela de Oro due to its gold mining history, it is generally known simply as Tetela. It has a population of about 5,600 (2020). The town has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.
Battle of Puebla
[edit]Tetela de Ocampo was the home base for the Sixth Battalion of National Guards and most of its soldiers and officers were born and raised in Tetela. These soldiers were among the first to face the French army at Loreto and Guadalupe hills. In 2020, the state Congress declared the town to be Tres Veces Heroica Tetela de Ocampo (thrice heroic).
On April 8, 2020, the Magical Town was declared the “Tres Veces Heroica Tetela de Ocampo” (Thrice Heroic Tetela de Ocampo) by the state congress.
Get in
[edit]
The nearest airport with commercial service is Puebla International Airport (PBC IATA), which receives flights from the United States on United Airlines and from major Mexican cities and resorts on Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.
Buses to Tetela operate frequently from both the Puebla CAPU bus station and from the Mexico City TAPO bus station. Buses are operated by ATAH and Verdes.
- 1 Terminal Tetela ATAH (Bus Station), Esq. Calle 2 Norte y 7 Pte.. Small, older terminal with waiting room, ticket sales (cash only), baggage check, and restrooms (M$5). Buses go to Puebla, Mexico City, and numerous small towns in the region.
Get around
[edit]The historic downtown (Centro) is most easily navigated by walking, though riding a bike can be a fun way to get the lay of the land. If you need to get further out, particularly to explore some of the nearby natural attractions, your hotel can call a taxi or you can find taxis waiting at a sitio next to the Zocalo.
See
[edit]- 1 Parroquia Santa María de la Asunción (Church of the Assumption of Mary), Calle Sur 2, Centro (Cross the bridge on Av. de la Paz and climb the hill to the church). Gothic church with an elaborate facade that features neoclassical columns and an arch over the main entrance. The church's interior features twin barrel vaulted naves with granite columns and a large cupola over the main altar. The interior dome of the cupola is painted with frescos depicting the four annunciations to Mary and her ascension into heaven. At the main altar, a statue of Mary with outstretched arms, surrounded by angels and cherubs, welcomes visitors to the kingdom of heaven. The church's distinctive yellow color is a local landmark. Visitors can climb the bell tower and walk out onto the church's roof, providing sweeping vistas of the mist-covered hills nearby.
- 2 Palacio Municipal (City Hall), Plaza de la Constitucion, Centro. Su-F 08:00 - 19:00, closed Sa. The colonial era city hall is not just an impressive example of colonial architecture, it's a spectacular showcase for a series of historical murals painted by Sergio Avalos in the 1930s. The murals depict Mexican history through the eyes of local townspeople who felt the impact of Revolution with prominent depictions of revolutionary heroes Benito Juarez, Ignacio Zaragoza, and Melchor Ocampo. Another mural depicts Los Tres Juanes, reflecting the mood of loyalists who defended the Spanish monarchy. The most popular of the murals is La Fecha Inmortal, honoring the Sixth Battalion National Guard and their defense of the state of Puebla. The mural spans six panels depicting different stories in the battles against French intervention.
- 3 Zocalo de Tetela (Town Plaza), Calle 3 Ote, Centro. The town's central plaza is a large park with manicured gardens, walkways, and statues and memorials to Mexican and local heroes, including a monument to Benito Juarez and a memorial to "Los Tres Juanes". The park is a popular central landmark with food vendors and great people-watching opportunities.
- 4 Museo de los Tres Juanes, Calle 3 Sur, Centro. Regional history museum containing displays and relics from various periods of the town's history, with a definite emphasis on its role in the war against the French army in the early 1860s.
- 5 Casa Museo Tlapalcalli, Calle del Pintor, Benito Juarez, ☏ +527979730777. Tu-F 11:00 - 16:00, Sa-Su 10:00 - 16:00, closed M. Historical home and workshops of the artist Rafael Bonilla whose family own and operate the museum. Learn about the artist, his life, and his works while also exploring some of Tetela's colorful history.
- 6 Casa Museo Posada-Olayo, Pl. de la Constitución 16, Centro. Home of a local poetess born in 1898. Displays chronicle her artistic contributions in literature and embroidery. Most remarkable is a Christ figure that she wove from silk and strands of her own hair. The displays include a number of her personal items, books, portraits, and historical items from the early 20th century.
Do
[edit]- Grutas de Carreragco - about 20 km northeast of town is an undeveloped cave system with an underground river and calm pools deep below the surface. Guides will provide life vests, hardhats and lights, but you should prepare to get wet: bring a change of clothes, towel, protection for cell phone or camera. Not appropriate for handicapped, elderly, small children, or people with physical limitations.
- Cascadas de Aconco Tetela - about 15 km northeast of town is a waterfall with sheer rock cliffs of 75 meters and 35 meters. The area is particularly popular for rapelling. There are also zip-lines available and horseback treks.
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Restaurante Casa Grande, C. 3 Sur 6, Centro. Daily 08:00 - 21:00. Rustic casual restaurant serving traditional Mexican food including molletes, chilaquiles in the morning, and offering "paquetes" (combos) of popular menu items. Friendly service and reasonable prices. M$200.
- 2 Los Manzanitos, Calle 3 Pte. 7, Centro, ☏ +52 797 111 8032. Daily 09:00 - 18:00. Small, unpretentious place with a rustic, comfortable dining room serving traditional Mexican food like enchiladas and mole. Interesting variety of aguas frescas with some unusual flavors like blueberry or cucumber. M$100.
- 3 La Casa de los Abuelos, Pl. de la Constitución #4, Centro, ☏ +52 797 973 1091. Daily 08:30 - 19:30. Inside the courtyard of the Hostal Plaza Central is a traditional Mexican restaurant with rustic decor, ample portions, and low prices. M$150.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hostal Plaza Central, Pl. de la Constitución 4, Centro, ☏ +52 797 973 0217. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Beautiful historic building with a large central courtyard and guest rooms surrounding the courtyard on upper floors. Rooms are moderately furnished but attractive, comfortable, and clean. Ideal location directly across the street from the Zocalo. Outstanding value for the money. M$400.
- 2 Hotel San Jose, Avenida 3 Norte 7, Centro, ☏ +52 797 973 0201. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Small, traditional Mexican hotel with rooms organized around a central courtyard. Rooms are moderate with basic furnishings, but clean. M$500.
- 3 Cabañas Campo Real, 2 Norte y, Calle 9 Pte. s/n, ☏ +52 797 973 0024. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Rustic country cabins with mountain views. Cabins are comfortably furnished with spacious rooms that include fireplace and TV. Friendly service.