Why Puebla, Mexico Is The Vacation You Need Right Now

Located in central Mexico about 60 miles southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is a must-visit for those who appreciate good food, great architecture and grand adventure.

Founded by Spain as a colonial city in 1531, Puebla's rich history has led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site, and for good reason: You'll find history here everywhere you look. According to legend, Julián Garcés, the bishop of Spanish-allied Tlaxcala, had a vision in which angels showed him where to build a new city, which has provided its original name, Puebla de los Angeles, the "City of Angels."

Visitors can enjoy not only the city's abundant art and architecture, but also its vast array of foods, such as Santa Clara's cookies, chiles en nogada and mole poblano. Through these, culinary explorers can experience the local ingredients that give rise to Mexico's most representative and famous dishes.

Despite Puebla's internationally earned reputation as having some of Mexico's finest cuisine, this state is much more than that, thanks to its colorful and diverse art. Its architecture spans the centuries from the baroque to the modern.

Just imagine a church fully covered in gold; visiting the first public library in the Americas; standing upon Tlachihualtepetl, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world's largest such structure; or walking under the city through 500-year-old secret tunnels only recently discovered.

You can also admire the active volcanoes or just enjoy the modern representation of the architecture with the International Museum of the Baroque, itself an exquisite piece of art.

On May 5, the city observes Cinco de Mayo to celebrate the defeat of French troops at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Everybody joins in, with a re-enactment of the battle and numerous parades.

These are just some of the unique experiences that await visitors in Puebla. See you there.