Nuestro Nuevo Pueblo Mágico Favorito - Our New Favorite Enchanted Town
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In this episode of Learn Spanish and Go, hosts Jim and Mai celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary by exploring Zacatlán de las Manzanas, a newly discovered 'Pueblo Mágico' in the state of Puebla, Mexico. They share their firsthand experience of the town’s lush greenery, cool climate (12–20°C), and stunning natural setting nestled in a canyon surrounded by forests. The couple highlights Zacatlán’s rich apple production, artisanal crafts, and the unique vitromurals—mosaic-style artworks made from small colored glass pieces—created by local artist Mari Carmen Olvera Trejo. They recount a guided tour that included iconic spots like the Zócalo, Mirador de Cristal, and the legendary Callejón del Hueso, whose name stems from historical and folkloric tales. The episode blends travel storytelling with cultural insights, emphasizing the town’s cleanliness, family-friendly atmosphere, and accessibility from nearby Cholula. The hosts reflect on how this short getaway felt both restorative and meaningful, marking their first anniversary with their son Santi. The episode serves as both a travel recommendation and a celebration of cultural immersion. Jim and Mai underscore the value of exploring lesser-known destinations within Mexico’s network of Pueblos Mágicos, especially for families. They praise the town’s blend of natural beauty, heritage, and community spirit. The experience reinforces their mission of connecting listeners with authentic Spanish-speaking environments through real-life travel narratives. The episode ends on a warm, reflective note, inviting listeners to consider Zacatlán as a top destination for a peaceful, culturally rich escape.
Zacatlán de las Manzanas is a hidden gem in Puebla with a cool, forested climate and stunning canyon views, perfect for a short, restorative getaway.
The town’s identity is deeply tied to apple cultivation, with a wide variety of local products like cider, jam, and cheese bread (pan de queso).
The vitromurals—mosaic artworks made from colored glass fragments—are a unique cultural highlight, created by local artist Mari Carmen Olvera Trejo.
Callejón del Hueso, a narrow alley with a spooky name, has a fascinating origin story rooted in local legend and historical waste disposal.
Zacatlán is highly accessible from Cholula (just 2 hours by car) and ideal for families, with many baby-friendly amenities and activities.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Anniversary Escape
“Hoy hemos estado caminando mucho. Es nuestro aniversario también y decidimos grabar este episodio justo aquí en... Nuestro nuevo pueblo mágico favorito.”
Zacatlán’s Origins & Climate
The hosts explore the Nahuatl roots of 'Zacatlán' (meaning 'place of grass') and its addition of 'de las Manzanas' due to abundant apple cultivation. They describe the town’s cool, forested environment at 2,400 meters above sea level.
The Magic of Vitromurals
“La verdad que sí te deja como que wow, así sin palabras.”
Callejón del Hueso & Local Legends
The hosts explore the eerie yet charming Callejón del Hueso, learning its name comes from historical meat bone disposal and a local legend about a man named Don Hueso.
Family-Friendly Escape & Final Reflections
“Ahora que tenemos a Santi también buscamos... como tours donde podemos estar un rato pero todavía haciendo cosas, right?”
“La verdad que sí te deja como que wow, así sin palabras.”
“Hoy hemos estado caminando mucho. Es nuestro aniversario también y decidimos grabar este episodio justo aquí en... Nuestro nuevo pueblo mágico favorito.”
“Ahora que tenemos a Santi también buscamos... como tours donde podemos estar un rato pero todavía haciendo cosas, right?”
Hosts
Guest
Zacatlán de las Manzanas
place
Mai
person
Jim
person
Puebla
place
Santi
person
Cholula
place
Mari Carmen Olvera Trejo
person
Callejón del Hueso
place
Mirador de Cristal
place
Nahuatl
other
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