If you’re one that loves to hit the road this place is match made in heaven. A mere 1:45mins from CDMX and you will find yourself in one of the quaintest fake-towns one can find in Mexico. The oddest part is that it is a complete modern housing compound that decided to take inspiration on the Italian Tuscany and keeps its aesthetic all around. Even better, if you have a good stash of savings and have been daydreaming on a holiday house in Tuscany Val’Quirico might be a great place to invest. Also, it is slightly closer to CDMX so no need to take a plane and it’s warmer year-round. Grab the kids, Fido and a couple of friends and we can promise you, you’ll have fun.
I had no expectation on my first visit. For starters, someone mentioned “Residential Compound” and it made me shudder thinking we were headed to a Gated Community (aka Diplomatic Ghetto) that would have one restaurant selling burgers, chicken nuggets and frozen French fries. But CoVid restrictions in Mexico City were getting to us and we decided to give it a try. The route was straightforward, and we arrived there on a perfect time of 1:30mins, moreover, it was still earlish so we were able to walk around the different plazas, visit the shops, fantasize on buying a Chagall (yes, there are very nice Art Galleries) and check the Bird Sanctuary with relatively few people.
The place rents toy cars for the little ones, bikes for the older ones and apparently there is also a stable but I didn’t see it, (Thank You CoVid) but still, walking around we really felt out on a holiday and I dare say out of Mexico. All the lovely strolling and admiring the owls made it for us to remember to eat at the same god forsaken hour than EVERYONE else’s. We walked and walked and walked looking for a place they would take us with no avail. To be fair, there are quite a lot of options, we passed, French, German, Italian, Spanish and an exotic meats place before we stumbled on a Mexican place La Catrina del Zocalo. There were seats, so we immediately sat down and ordered some clericot YUM! The food was excellent, with a little amuse bouche and one of the prettiest salads I have seen in Mexico (it was yummy but it was also so pretty!) we had some filets and all of them were cooked to perfection and with very interesting sauces. During our meal, we had a sax player from the plaza that created a very nice ambience, apparently different singers/entertainers go from plaza to plaza with different types of music.
It was late afternoon when we finished our meal, relaxed, happy and entertained. There are a few overnight options (pet friendly nonetheless) that we might try if we decide to come back, there was also a huge group of bikers that I silently envied on my way out. Ice creams seem to be very good but this writer had already eaten enough (and drunk enough for an afternoon) so we decided to discover them next time around, hopefully with our dog on toll.
Why we love it: Tuscany two hours away from CDMX, yes please!
Who it's perfect for: Fams or anyone looking for a quick change of air
Time to stay: Daytrip
Where to find it: 2 hours away in Tlaxcala
When to go: Any weekend
Additional Info: Get there early and reserve your dining spot!