Tlaxcala, a state with rich gastronomy and a natural spectacle

Tlaxcalan cuisine is not only a tourist attraction, but a living form of cultural resistance. Many communities, such as San Isidro Buensuceso, San Juan Totolac, and Ixtenco, maintain traditional agriculture and celebrate local food fairs.

Let's take a tour of its main culinary treasures:

• Corn: a fundamental base of the Tlaxcalan diet, it is used in tortillas, tamales, atole, tlacoyos, and in dishes such as tlatloyolli.
• Chiles: pasilla, guajillo, and chiltepín chiles, used in salsas and moles. Edible insects: such as escamoles (ant larvae), grasshoppers, and maguey worms.
• Maguey: products such as pulque, an ancestral fermented beverage, are obtained from this plant.
• Quelites: edible plants such as quintonil, purslane and papalo.
• Wild mushrooms: such as the blue mushroom, huitlacoche, and others collected during the rainy season.

Natural spectacle: firefly sighting

The 2025 firefly viewing season in Tlaxcala officially begins on June 20 and ends on August 10, offering visitors a magical experience in the forests of Nanacamilpa and Calpulalpan. This natural phenomenon attracts thousands of national and international tourists who seek to witness the bioluminescence of these insects in their natural habitat.

Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, when dark conditions favor the visibility of the flashes.

A recommendation for firefly watching is Rancho Buenavista, one of the most representative Ecotourism Centers in the state of Tlaxcala, which was founded in 1892, as a hacienda surrounded by unparalleled landscapes and a forest of pines, cedars and firs.

The whale watching experience at Rancho Buenavista is provided by local guides committed to the conservation of the ecosystem, who year after year invite visitors to follow the appropriate recommendations to enjoy this season:

• Make a reservation in advance to secure your place.
• Arrive at the ecotourism center early to enjoy all the activities such as corn talk, pulque tasting, and enjoying the spectacular view of the forest from the lookout point.
• Wear warm clothing (jacket and raincoat, as well as non-slip footwear).
• Respect the natural environment by avoiding artificial lights, noise, and any form of pollution that could affect the life cycle of fireflies.
• Do not use any type of repellent.

In addition, Rancho Buenavista offers cultural, gastronomic and holistic activities designed to connect with nature, traditions and personal well-being throughout the year.

Some of the featured experiences include:

Talks about corn: An in-depth discussion about corn as the foundation of Mesoamerican culture, its symbolism, its history, and its role in current rural life.

Tasting and talk about pulque Visitors will be able to learn about the process of extracting aguamiel, its fermentation and taste natural pulque in an experience guided by local producers.

Holistic Experience “Holistic Expression” A session of introspection and creativity where, through guided painting, participants explore their spiritual energy and the message of the universe. Available Wednesdays and Fridays during firefly season, subject to availability.

Reforestation activity: Plant a tree. Visitors have the opportunity to make a positive impact by planting a tree as part of Rancho Buenavista's environmental commitment.

Connection with nature You can visit the ancient tree that is over 200 years old and leave your wishes written on it, hug a tree, enjoy the viewpoint watching a sunrise or sunset.

Traditional Gastronomy Each package is accompanied by typical regional food, with local ingredients prepared by chefs who are dedicated to preserving traditional cuisine.

Eco-friendly lodging in cabins surrounded by forest.

Glamping for those seeking comfort with natural contact.

Camping in a safe and designated area.

Buenavista Ranch

Km 1.5 Nanacamilpa-Tepuente Unpaved Road, Tlaxcala, Mexico.