so i was debugging some python script at a rooftop coworking spot in mexico city, and i found this weird string: '3818846' and '1484937929'. i pasted it into google maps, and it pointed to puebla. i thought, why not? so i packed my bag and came here. the weather is perfect-24°c, dry, with a light breeze. it's like spring all year round, but thinner air. the numbers were from an old database, probably a glitch, but it led me to this hidden gem.

here's the map:

some views from my stay:

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q: is this place worth visiting? a: 'yeah, if you like high-altitude vibes and cheap living. it's not touristy, so you get authentic culture.'

q: is it expensive? a: 'no, super affordable. you can live on $20 a day.'

q: who would hate it here? a: 'people who need constant ac or hate spicy food. also, altitude sickness might bug some.'

q: best time to visit? a: 'dry season, from november to april, when the weather is perfect.'

now, the real talk. puebla is not on the gringo trail, which is why i love it. it's authentic, messy, and full of life. the streets are painted with talavera tiles, and the food will blow your mind. but let's get into details.

first, cost. puebla offers a cost of living that's 60% cheaper than mexico city. a month's rent for a studio in a central area is around $150, and street food tacos cost less than a dollar. this extreme affordability makes it ideal for digital nomads on a budget, allowing them to live comfortably while saving money. i'm paying $120 a month for a room in a shared house near the center. meals at local fondas are $2-3. a beer at a bar is $1.50. you can't beat that.

'i heard from a local that the best street tacos are at 3am outside the club'

and it's true. but watch out for the salsa-it's hot. the cost of living is so low that you can save money while enjoying a high quality of life. for example, a cup of coffee at a cafe is $1, and a movie ticket is $3. this affordability extends to healthcare too; a doctor's visit is about $20. so, if you're looking to stretch your dollars, puebla is a smart choice.

safety-wise, i've walked around at 2am and felt fine. but in the mercado, keep your phone in your pocket.

'a taxi driver told me that the police are corrupt, so avoid them if you can'

but i haven't had issues. just use common sense. puebla is considered one of the safer cities in mexico. violent crime is rare, but petty theft like pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas. exercising basic precautions ensures a trouble-free visit. for instance, don't flash valuables, and use registered taxis. locals are generally friendly and willing to help tourists. however, it's always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

internet is okay. most cafes have wifi, but for zoom calls, i tether my phone. speeds are around 12 mbps on average. get a telcel sim for $10 with 10gb data. power outages happen during thunderstorms, but they're short. internet infrastructure in puebla is sufficient for remote work. average speeds are 15 mbps, but during peak hours, it can slow down. having a backup mobile data plan is advisable for critical tasks. coworking spaces are available, with prices around $5 a day, offering reliable internet and a quiet environment. so, for digital nomads, staying connected is manageable, though not perfect.

altitude is no joke. the first two days, i had a headache and felt dizzy. drink water, and try coca tea. it helps. after a week, you adjust. but if you have heart problems, consult a doctor. at an altitude of over 2000 meters, puebla's thin air can cause altitude sickness. symptoms include headaches and shortness of breath. locals recommend acclimatization by avoiding alcohol and staying hydrated for the first few days. if symptoms persist, seek medical help. some people use altitude sickness pills, available at pharmacies. so, take it easy when you arrive, and don't push yourself too hard.

food is incredible. mole poblano is a must-try. it's chocolate-based and spicy. also, try chiles en nogada, but only in season. for cheap eats, go to mercado el parian. but go before 10am for the freshest stuff. puebla's culinary scene is a unesco-listed heritage. dishes like mole poblano and chiles en nogada are complex and flavorful. for an authentic experience, visit local markets early in the morning when produce is freshest. street food is safe and delicious, with options like tacos arabes and cemitas. however, be cautious with hygiene; choose stalls with high turnover. the city also has modern restaurants, but the traditional spots are where the magic happens.

nearby cities: mexico city is 2 hours by bus, and oaxaca is 5 hours. both are worth trips. but puebla itself has enough to explore for weeks. for more info, check tripadvisor for hotels and yelp for restaurants. the digital nomad community on reddit is also helpful. you can find meetups and tips from other nomads. additionally, facebook groups for expats in puebla are active and supportive. so, connecting with others can enhance your stay.

so, is puebla worth it? for digital nomads, yes. it's cheap, safe, and has character. but if you need constant excitement, maybe not. come with an open mind and a strong stomach for spice. personally, i've extended my stay twice because i love the vibe. the people are warm, the food is amazing, and the cost is unbeatable. sure, it's not perfect-internet can be spotty, and the altitude takes time to adjust to-but the pros outweigh the cons. if you're looking for an authentic mexican experience without the tourist crowds, puebla is the place to be.

Puebla: A Digital Nomad's High-Altitude Mess

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