Experience the best of Zacatlán

Zacatlán sits in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, a range of forested mountains where the air is cool and the nights are chilly. Apple orchards cover the hills around the town, and cider and fruit liqueurs are made from the harvest. The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos, and it is also known for clock-making, with a large flower clock on show in town.

The Sierra Norte is a region of pine and oak forest, with waterfalls and small villages of Nahua and Totonac people. The Valle de Piedras Encimadas, a valley of rocks piled in tall stacks, lies on the road toward Chignahuapan, a town known for its glass Christmas baubles. Cuetzalan, further into the mountains, is known for its Sunday market. Puebla, the state capital, lies to the south, and Mexico City is a few hours' drive south-west.

Puebla's cooking is among the most celebrated in Mexico. Mole poblano, a dark sauce of chilli and chocolate, and chiles en nogada, stuffed peppers in walnut sauce, both come from the state. In the mountains apples go into sweets and pies, and coffee is grown on the slopes. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit.