Puebla

Puebla is the place to go for a vacation full of authentic character. This colonial city, located about 85 miles southeast of Mexico City, is densely packed with churches, but its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery and sweet and spicy cuisine. Visitors should try the mole poblano (made with a variety of ingredients such as chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon, and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples and pomegranate seeds). When the sun goes down, head to Callejón de los Sapos to hear live music.

Cultural events in the state include Cinco de Mayo, the Ritual of Quetzalcoatl, Day of the Dead celebrations (particularly in Huaquechula), and Carnival (especially in Huejotzingo). It is home to five major indigenous groups: Nahuas, Totonacs, Mixtecs, Popolocas, and Otomi, who are mostly found in the state's far north and far south.