Overview
Zacatelco is a small city of roughly 46,000 people in Tlaxcala, best known for the Chivarrudos dance tradition performed during carnival and Holy Week. Visitors come for the atmospheric Plaza Principal and to sample Cocoa Zacatelco, made from a pre-Hispanic recipe supposedly favored by Moctezuma.
Culture · Day Trips · Festivals · History
Before you go
Culture
Chivarrudos dance tradition is the town's cultural hallmark, performed during carnival and Holy Week with masked dancers in goatskin chaps.
Food
Tavola buffet offers cheapest meals at M$100. Cocoa Zacatelco vendors in Plaza Principal serve traditional hot chocolate. Mercado Municipal is best for authentic regional prepared foods.
Shopping
Mercado Municipal de Zacatelco operates daily 08:00-20:00 with busiest crowds on Sundays and Mondays. Excellent for fresh produce and prepared foods.
Transport
Nearest major bus station is in Tlaxcala, 10 km away. ATAH buses connect Mexico City's TAPO terminal to Tlaxcala hourly (M$100, 90 min). Local taxis available for shorter hops.
