To ensure that your trip is seamless even before you arrive in Puebla and don’t miss out on the local treasures, you can choose a private car service like Daytrip. Prioritize your comfort, as our local driver takes you to the magical Puebla and gives you the best recommendations for a memorable trip. Along the way, stop at charming villages like Tonantzintla to experience local culture on a deeper level. On a clear day, you might even be lucky enough to spot the spectacular volcano Popocatépetl!

A brief history of Puebla

The valley city of Puebla was founded in 1531 by Spanish colonizers, drawn by its strategic location between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. It came in especially handy during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, and the Mexican Revolution in 1910. The Battle of Puebla marked the importance of the city, as Mexicans sang the victory over the French forces. Cinco de Mayo is still celebrated in Puebla each year as a festival that lasts for one month, filled with traditional Mexican music, parades, and festive events.

Puebla was the ideal place not only for military purposes but also for agricultural production and trade. The city’s potential was recognized, and it became the first planned city of the continent, thus contrasting with other settlements that were growing organically at the time. Puebla experienced significant growth and development, which we can appreciate to this day in the shape of splendid architecture, lovely cobbled streets, local culinary delights, and much more.

From Mexico City to Puebla: travel tips

Your trip from Mexico City to Puebla will be one for the books, so make sure you are well-prepared. Here are some tips that are good to consider before you step out of the vehicle and immerse yourself in the magic of Puebla.

Be mindful of the altitude

Puebla is located in a high-altitude area, around 7,000 feet above sea level, so there is a chance you might experience altitude sickness if you are not used to such elevation. There is no silver bullet, so try to take it easy, drink plenty of water, avoid alcoholic drinks, and don’t skip meals.

If you have no appetite, try to eat smaller portions throughout the day, but don’t go on an empty stomach. To prevent any symptoms, you can also bring altitude-sickness pills, such as Diamox.

Bring comfortable footwear

The best way to explore the cobbled streets of the charming city of Puebla is by walking, so pack your most comfortable shoes and you are good to go!

Carry some cash and support the locals

Although cards are widely accepted in most places, such as hotels, restaurants, and bigger shops, having some cash will allow you to support the local artisans, as they rarely accept cards. This way, you will show your appreciation for their handmade crafts (such as Talavera pottery), connect with the locals, and contribute to the economy, as you bring your new souvenir with you.

From Mexico City to Puebla by bus

Travelers often visit Puebla by bus, as it is the cheapest way of getting there. You will get to Puebla in approximately 2.5 hours. Here is a breakdown of the companies that you can choose from:

• ADO: ticket prices start from around $24 (MXN 406). You can also choose first class, but you will have to pay more.
• AU: the lowest prices start from around $14 (MXN 234). This company is owned by ADO, so they have similar buses. Tickets can be purchased on the ADO company’s official website. AU offers budget services, so if you want to save, you can opt for these buses.
• Estrella Roja: the cheapest tickets can be purchased for around $16.50 (MXN 280). This bus company also offers first-class tickets.

From Mexico City to Puebla by private car service

The safest, quickest, and most comfortable option for getting to Puebla is by booking a door-to-door car service. With Daytrip, you'll travel with a vetted, English-speaking local driver, so you won’t have to worry about your Spanish when it comes to visiting Puebla.

Daytrip's private car service will take you to Puebla in just over 2 hours. As you weave through the picturesque landscapes and little towns along the way, you can take advantage of enjoying the views from an air-conditioned, spacious, and comfortable car. Your local driver will also load your luggage and share his insider tips so you experience the best Puebla has to offer.

The best part is that you can also personalize your drive and pick stops of your choice before you arrive in Puebla. You can easily visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive ancient cities in the Americas, or the hilltop Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. Getting to your destination has never been more seamless and enjoyable!

Get lost between the books in the very first library of the Americas

Yes, you read it right! Biblioteca Palafoxiana, located in Puebla, was founded in 1646. It is not only the oldest one, but it is also the only one that has survived from the colonial times. Nowadays, it holds more than 42,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts. If you are a real book enthusiast, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore this impressive historic treasure.

Taste the local dishes

If you are looking for a savor-filled journey, Puebla is undeniably one of the top destinations in Mexico! Recognized for its delicious local cuisine, Puebla is home to some of the most exquisite dishes in Mexico. Once in Puebla, you cannot leave the city without trying the famous mole poblano which is also known as Mexico’s national dish. It is a thick sauce, typically served with meat, that combines a variety of ingredients, with chili and chocolate being the two of the primary components.

Get lost in the secret tunnels of Puebla

Exploring the underground tunnels in Puebla offers a unique and fascinating experience. Discovered in 2015, these tunnels, built between the 17th and 19th centuries, served as connections between churches and other historic buildings. As you walk through the illuminated passages, you can learn more about the fascinating history these tunnels hold.

Take a day trip to Puebla’s Magical Towns

Puebla is a place where the real magic happens, as the state of Puebla is filled with the so-called Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns). While there are many charming and historic villages in the whole country, Pueblo Mágico is a town that has preserved, valued, and defended its historical, cultural, and natural heritage. These towns are usually characterized by their astonishing and well-preserved historic centers, colonial architecture, folklore, legends, and other cultural traditions that have been cherished throughout generations.

Some of the most popular Magical Towns that you can take a day trip to are Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Tlatlauquitepec, Cholula, Cuetzalan, and Pahuatlán.

It is worth noting that Puebla experiences the rainy season from May to October, so expect some rain if you visit during this time. On the other hand, if you visit during the dry season, which is from November to April, you can expect lower temperatures.