DAY 10 OCT 2, SATURDAY

Wanna be a butterfly?

Go to Atlixco!

Atlixco is one of Puebla state's 9 Pueblos Magicos. Although the label Pueblo Magico (‘Magic Town’) is being tacked on every town left, right, and center these days, Atlixco really deserves its spot on the list. Everything about this town is purely magical; from its picture perfect center square to its teeny tiny church on the hill.

Atlixco is a city in central Mexico, at the foot of the Popocatépetl volcano, 30 km from Pueblo. It’s the city of flowers because it has a pleasant climate due to its proximity to the Popocatépetl volcano, the land in Atlixco is ideal for growing a wide variety of flowers.

On Zócalo square, the Palacio Municipal has colorful murals depicting local history. Colonial buildings include the Ex-Convento del Carmen, now home to a cultural center and a small archaeological museum, and La Merced Church, with an ornate baroque facade. San Miguel Hill has sweeping city views.

Getting to Atlixco from Puebla City was very easy! We took the "Oro" bus for only 35 pesos per person (one way). Puebla City has three Oro terminals and this website will help you find the station that is closest to you! http://www.autobusesoro.com.mx

: Poniente: Av 2 Pte 3303 Amor 72140 Puebla seems to be a viable terminal. No need to go up to casetas which is in Cholula.

WHEN OUR BUS REACHED ATLIXCO TERMINAL, WE WALKED TOWARD THE ZOCALO

Atlixco is known for its flowers (hence named Atlixco de las Flores). The main drGag was full of lovely planters with flowers. The zocalo was even more beautiful.

Zócalo:

There are these lovely tiled benches all round zocalo

JARDIN MAGICO

We took an uber to this topiary garden. We found it OK... there's a top notch topiary place right near our home in Houston.

See for yourself in the link below

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NCcL9DfpsBFsCTNK9

This nursery exhibits their specimens on the side road.

Here there is plastic and frames exposed; with a little effort, they can grow creepers to cover those as well and prsent a better appearance.Also the botanical garden tag just does not seem justifable.

Anyway it was a pleasant hour once we lowered our expectations

This the entrance of a maze... it was easy and fun

FLOWER CLOCK

We ubered back to zocalo and started walking the main drag... toward the FLOWER CLOCK and the church.

The whole street was very colorful and lovely

Viewing the floral clock and the Escalera Ancha with the colorful Colonial houses on Avenida Hidalgo in Atlixco is indeed a cool experience.

Managed to get a clear view of the lady and the guy painted on the steps... terrific artist!!. Each step has some parts but the totality creates such a complete picture.

There were these colorful houses when we went down the stairs

We climbed back and went to the church

It was closed

We checked out the views

Then walked back down

We had icecream at zocalo

Viveros De Atlixco

We had read everywhere that flower-lovers (and plain old` lovers!) will enjoy a walk through the town's many greenhouses, located on Heroes 5 de Mayo. A stroll in this part of town will allow us to enjoy the true essence (and aroma!) of Atlixco. bugambilias but buds of every shape, size, and color are sure to be found here!

We got an uber and went there. They were just nurseries we find in any part of the world. There were some pretty flowers and garden accessories and locals were shopping. We felt out of place just looking around