IAU 2019 International Conference
 
Practical Information

This page includes some practical information that might be useful to check before coming to Mexico for the IAU 2019 Conference. We encourage our participants to have a look at the information below and consider them to make arrangements for their travels.

The address of the conference venue “COMPLEJO CULTURAL UNIVERSITARIO” is: Boulevard Atlixcáyotl #2299, Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, Corredor Comercial Desarrollo Atlixcayotl. 72810 Puebla, Pue.

How to travel to Puebla

For most participants it is advised to fly to Mexico City Airport and take the direct shuttle bus from the Airport to Puebla. Tickets for the recommended shuttle provider Estrella Roja can be purchased in each terminal. Buses run 24/7 on a frequent basis except late night/early morning when the bus only departs every hour.

If you happen to be flying into to Puebla's international Airport( PIA), shuttle services are limited. Anyone not flying with Volaris will need to arrange a taxi or Uber.

Need More Help? Practical information about shuttle service, links to interactive maps, contact information, and detailed instruction are available here.

Practical information about Puebla

About Puebla

The city of Puebla, located in the state of Puebla in central Mexico, has a municipal area of 534 km2 with an estimated 2.5 million inhabitants (2010).

Puebla, which was founded in 1531 by Spanish conquerors, is situated about 100 km east of Mexico City, at the foot of the Popocatepetl volcano. It has preserved its great religious structures such as the 16th–17th-century cathedral and fine buildings like the old archbishop's palace, as well as a host of houses with walls covered in tiles (azulejos). The new aesthetic concepts resulting from the fusion of European and American styles were adopted locally and are peculiar to the Baroque district of Puebla. The historic centre of Puebla was declared UNESCO world heritage in 1987.

See also: Video about the Historic Centre of Puebla (UNESCO/NHK) 

In addition, Puebla plays an important role today for Mexican economy, being the centre of the country’s car industry and home to many foreign companies.

Several Higher Education institutions can be found in Puebla, amongst them the IAU 2019 Conference host and partner Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP). 

Climate and Weather

Puebla is located in the Mexican highland, some 2100 meters above sea level. In November, it is winter in Mexico. The moderate climate in this area of Mexico has dry winters, which can also get colder than the coastal and tropical regions, especially at night. However, the sun can be quite strong when it comes out during the day. We advise the participants to take into account that long clothes and jackets might be needed outside or in event venues.

Average High: 24°C / 75 °F (day)

Average Low: 7°C / 44 °F (day)

Timezone

Puebla operates on GMT - 6 hours.

Currency

The Mexican Peso is the currency of Mexico. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Mexican Peso exchange rate is the USD to MXN rate. The currency code is MXN and the currency symbol is $. Major currencies can be exchanged at most hotels, banks and licensed money changers.

 

Approximate Exchange Rate: 
MXN 100 = 4,55 EUR*
MXN 100 = 5,04 USD*

*On 23 August 2019

Electricity

In Mexico the standard voltage is 110- 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Mexico, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), but you might need to bring an adapter. The power plugs and sockets are of type A and B, with two or three prongs.

 
 
Discover Puebla and Mexico 
 
 
 
 
Top Attractions in the City 
 

Puebla is a colourful, vibrant city with many cultural activities and restaurants to explore. It is known for its historic centre with colonial buildings around the main square (Zocalo), the Cathedral of Puebla, and its many markets.

Other attractions include the Palafoxiana Library, the Casa de Alfeñique Museum, the City Hall, the National Railway Museum, the Amparo Regional Museum, and the recently opened International Museum of the Baroque.

For more information on Puebla, visit:

Mexican Tourist Office 

Video clip on destinations to discover in the state of Puebla 

City of Puebla Tourist guide (Spanish only, but lists options for accommodation, tour providers, etc.) 

 

Green Campus Tour BUAP

For IAU Conference participants, our host Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is organizing a Green Campus Tour taking place immediately after the closing ceremony at 15:00 on 15 November and the bus will take participants back to the hotel by 18:00. This will give you the opportunity to visit not only the BUAP Cultural Centre, but also main campus. Three experts from BUAP will present current initiatives put in place by BUAP in support of sustainable development followed by a short tour in the botanical garden.
The tour is free of charge, but limited to max. 100 participants. Take this opportunity to learn more about BUAP and sign up now to secure a place.
 
Places to Eat
 
Puebla boast a distinct regional cuisine that cannot be found in the rest of Mexico. The national dish of Mexico was invented in Puebla 400 years ago. Although fine dining, the city's food culture focuses on a familial and casual style. There is many street foods, 'hole in the wall' restaurants, and local markets to be discovered. 
 
 
 
Outdoor excursions and Day Trips 
 

Cholula (30min by car from Puebla)

The Great Pyramid of Cholula, just outside the city of Puebla, is a must-see, as it is hidden under a hill and the Spanish colonialists build a church on top of it. It is possible to go inside the pyramid, walk around the archaeological site and the adjacent museum, in which findings such as pottery, wall paintings and reconstructions of the original pyramid are displayed. The charming town of Cholula also invites its visitors to take a walk around its small streets, lined with shops and restaurants.

The easiest way to get from the centre of Puebla to Cholula is to go in a small group by taxi. Find more information on Cholula here, on the pyramid opening times (spanish only), and a report on the pyramid by the BBC here.

 

Mexico-City (2-3h)

Mexico-City (short CDMX or just “Mexico”) is the capital of Mexico and can be visited from Puebla (though more time should be planned in for traffic). As the international airport is in Mexico-City, it might also worth staying 2-3 days in the capital after or before the conference.

To find out what to do and where to stay in Mexico-City, we recommend checking the city's site.

 

For other tourist destinations in Mexico, the Mexican tourist office provides plenty of information and assistance.