Cuetzalan facts for kids
Cuetzalan (say "kwe-TSAH-lan") is a small town located high in the hills of Puebla, a state in Mexico. It's about 183 kilometers (114 miles) from Puebla City, the state capital.
The town was started by Franciscan friars in the year 1547.
Exploring Cuetzalan
Cuetzalan is found in a mountain area called the Sierra Norte de Puebla. The weather here is warm and humid. This is because it's about 900 to 1000 meters (2,950 to 3,280 feet) high and close to the Gulf of Mexico.
The town has many sloped, cobbled streets. You'll see lots of old-fashioned buildings. Cuetzalan is also the main town for the surrounding area, known as the municipality of Cuetzalan del Progreso.
In 2002, Cuetzalan was given a special title: "Pueblo Mágico" (Magic Town). This title is given to towns that have special natural beauty, rich culture, or historical importance.
The center of town is full of markets. You can find many handmade crafts there. There are also stalls selling everyday items. Since it's a popular place for visitors, Cuetzalan also has restaurants and places to relax. Getting to Cuetzalan from Puebla City usually takes about four hours by bus. The best way is to take a coach from the main bus station in Puebla.
A part of the BUAP university is also located here.
Amazing Waterfalls
One of the most popular places to visit in Cuetzalan is La Cascada de las Brisas. This is a beautiful waterfall hidden in the jungle around the town. You can take special open-back jeeps to the end of a road. From there, a path leads through the jungle to a pool at the bottom of the waterfall.
There are many other waterfalls hidden in the jungle and coffee farms nearby. You can explore some of them by walking east. If you walk far enough, you can even reach Papantla in the state of Veracruz. This is a long hike, taking two to three days! When you cross the river that marks the border between Puebla and Veracruz, you'll notice a change in culture and language. People there often speak Totonac.
Mysterious Caves
Cuetzalan is also known for its large network of caves. These caves can be very dangerous. It's important to be very careful if you explore them. Only experienced cavers who are well-prepared should enter.
Local Radio
Cuetzalan is home to XECTZ-AM, a special radio station. It is run by the government and broadcasts in Nahuatl and Totonac languages. These are languages spoken by local indigenous people.
See also
In Spanish: Ciudad de Cuetzalan para niños
