Cuetzalan del Progreso: Mexico’s Hidden Gem

Located in the state of Puebla, this cloud forest of lush mountains touches three sierras, overlooking Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz.

Cuetzalan del Progreso is a magical town where time slows down and traditions remain alive. At the heart of the community lies its vibrant mercado — the beating pulse of daily life. Here, you can still witness millenary traditions like “trueque,” the ancient practice of trade and exchange that connects people, land, and livelihood.

Cuetzalan del Progreso's vibrant mercado.

Walking through Cuetzalan’s cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. Indigenous traditions are woven with nature’s beauty, from the colorful textiles to the scent of freshly roasted coffee drifting from nearby cooperatives. The Nahua and Totonac cultures’ deep respect for the earth is reflected in every cup of coffee — each one grown through sustainable farming practices that nurture both the land and the community.

COVOLV: A Sustainable World. Cuetzalan del Progreso.

This lush region is framed by coffee plantations, their rich soil sustaining local families and preserving biodiversity. Each step through Cuetzalan is an immersive experience — a dance of color, rhythm, and exchange. The bustling market comes alive as community members trade harvests from their milpas (small parcels of land), keeping ancestral traditions strong.

Cuetzalan del Progreso's community and connections.

Just outside town, near the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the Voladores de Papantla perform their breathtaking ritual — descending gracefully from the heavens, symbolizing the connection between sky, earth, and spirit. Continue your walk to La Iglesia de Los Jarritos, a sanctuary nestled close to the clouds, where local music fills the air and time seems to stand still.

These communities hold a profound connection to the land, preserving a rich heritage that sustains this beautiful region — and the coffee you enjoy every day.

Cuetzalan: The heart of it's cultural heritage.

When you visit Cuetzalan, you naturally embrace simple, slow living. You escape the rush and blend into the tranquility of the cloud forest.

Be a Conscious Traveler offers an immersive adventure in the heart of a Sierra coffee plantation.

Discover the itinerary: beaconscioustraveler.com/soulful-coffee-cuetzalan

Shop the Cuetzlan Collection on Etsy!