Enough with the Cancun all-inclusives, riotous partying around PV’s Romantic Zone, and splurging on luxurious Cabo retreats: this year, it’s high time you delve deeper into the real Mexico.
You know, the one that sounds more like Mé-hi-co, where you don’t overhear strident Americans in the table next to yours, every cantina you go to, and where paying for stuff doesn’t feel like spending in dollars with a peso price tag.
Located in central Mexico, at the foot of the thunderous Popocatépetl volcano, Atlixco is known for its fascinating mix of colonial charm and indigenous heritage, beautiful architecture, and vibrant street markets.
Most importantly, it’s actively calling on tourists to visit this year, as it aims to leave the off-path territory and position itself as a mainstream cultural destination:
Could Atlixco Become Mexico’s Next Big Thing?
In 2025, Atlixco received more than 2.8 million visitors, a 5.7 percent rise over the previous year, and a record-breaking figure for the 142,000-people-strong municipality.
Granted, the vast majority of tourists are Mexicans, but it only takes a quick Reddit search to find out Atlixco is starting to gain quite a bit of traction in international circles.
Unlike other parts of Mexico, Americans and Europeans aren’t exactly flocking there yet, but the city does have potential to burst out of its own little Mexican bubble, and attract the international crowds it deserves.
This month, the Atlixco municipality officially launched the Apasiónate por Atlixco (“Fall In Love With Atlixco”) campaign, and maybe that’s just the marketing push it needs to finally catapult into national stardom.
As Mayor Ariadna Ayala stated, tourists are welcome to “come, enjoy, celebrate, and make Atlixco a part of their story”.
Sounds promising, alright, but it’s not just empty words. Apasiónate por Atlixco is a literal year-round event calendar that aims to consolidate the city as one of the leading destinations in the country.
Whether it’s Valle de Catrinas, an open-air route of giant lady skull figures for Día de Muertos, Huey Atlixcáyotl, a folkloric festival celebrating the local indigenous culture, or Villa Iluminada, the winter-themed Christmas light show, there’s plenty to look forward to if you’re heading to Atlixco this year, regardless of season.
Prettiest Offbeat City In Mexico?
If you’re flying to Europe any chance you get for the stunning architecture, timeless streets paved with old cobblestones, and ancient allure, you’ll feel right at home in Atlixco.
Its Historic Center, packed full of colonial-era buildings dating back to the Spanish era, revolves around a picture-perfect Zócalo, or main square. Super lively, with flowers everywhere, ringed by street food kiosks.
Dominating the church, right next to the municipal building, Parroquia de Santa María de la Natividad is a monumental yellow-washed church with an ornate bell tower and a beautiful Neoclassical interior.
In the vicinity of the main square, Avenida Hidalgo, commonly known as ‘Street of the Flowers’, is lined with colorful facades, adorned with flower pots and murals, cafés, and cute little heritage townhouses. An iconic stroll that will take you through the heart of Atlixco.
Must-See Spots In Atlixco
For that classic ‘I’ve been there’ photo spot, check out La Escalera Ancha, a photogenic staircase with steps covered in indigenous artwork.
For delicious street food that will satisfy your cravings, Mercado Benito Juárez is the top spot in town: a short 5 min walk from the main square, it’s peppered with vendors dishing out chalupas, cemitas, and mixiotes—all your favorite Central Mexican treats—usually costing under $5.
Atlixco is also surrounded by Central Mexico’s verdant nature, and the best way to get a sense of the landscape is hiking Cerro de San Miguel: a verdant hill overlooking the city’s church spires and rooftops, and the chains of mountains in the distance.
On clear days, you can even see the smoking Popocatépetl volcano from up there.
How To Get To Atlixco This Season
For most Americans, the easiest way to get to Atlixco is flying to Puebla, the nearest city serviced by a major international airport.
Nonstop flights are available from Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), and Los Angeles (LAX), multiple times a week, usually from around $300–$450 USD.
From Puebla, hop on an Oro or ERCO bus to Atlixco. One-way tickets cost roughly 140 MXN | $7.60, and the journey takes roughly 1 hour.
