You’ll be hard pressed to find a region as exciting, eclectic and exquisite as Central Mexico—an area where even business dealings come with a helping of color and culture. The cradle of much of Mexico’s history, icons, art, and even world-famous cuisine is a country in itself, cradled by the pride of a nation as it moves forward.
PUEBLA
Once the main city of colonial Mexico, Puebla sprouted in 1531 as a major stop between Mexico City and Veracruz. One of its major claims to fame is its Talavera pottery, a type of hand-painted glazed ceramic prevalent throughout Mexican structures and interiors. Puebla is home to thousands of colonial structures and churches. Among its most famous are the neoclassical Puebla Cathedral, the Puebla Regional Museum of Vice-regal Art and the gold-covered Rosario Chapel in the Santo Domingo Church. Most major sites are located within the city’s historic district, around which an industrialized Puebla has flourished. Visitors will want to try its trademark dish, the chile en nogada (chile in walnut sauce) and keep an ear open for Nahuatl, the language of the Puebla Valley’s indigenous group, still spoken in some areas. Lucky travelers may also get a glimpse of Mexico’s most famous active volcano, Pocopatepetl.
Good Time to Go: Every 5th of May, the city commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, which resulted in the small, ill-equipped Mexican army beating the French.
MEXICO CITY
The capital of Mexico, also known as DF or Distrito Federal, is one of the world’s most remarkable cities, as vibrant in its trend-setting ways as it is respectful of its past. You need at the very least a full week to explore its most exciting locales, spread out across a basin more than 7,300 ft. above sea level—but a few months’ stay would be better, if you can manage it. The mosaic of cultures and structures here is a well of richness that goes back thousands of years, with Aztec, pre-Revolutionary and colonial sites still making their mark among the most
modern of sites. Mexico City is divided into delegaciones (boroughs) and then into colonias or neighborhoods. These colonias span a range of areas and attributes. Condesa, for instance, is known for its Art Deco architecture, while Santa Fe is frequented by travelers doing business with one of its many international companies. El Centro includes the city’s main plaza or Zocalo, the largest plaza in Latin America, and historic center made up of hundreds of gorgeous historical buildings. Here, visitors will fi nd Mexico’s incredible Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest in the Americas and built upon the ruins of an Aztec complex; the National Palace and its murals by Diego Rivera; and the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor and accompanying museum. North of the Zocalo is the Medicine Museum of Mexico, while visitors heading west will run into the famed House of Tiles or Casa de los Azulejos, which is completely covered in Talavera tile; the 18th century San Felipe Neri Temple; and the Mexican National Art Museum. The main hotel and museum zone is around Chapultepec, the hill where Aztecs once resided and which is surrounded by the Chapultepec Forest. Atop the hill is Chapultepec Castle, the residence of Emperor Maximilian during the 19th century. Maximilian ordered the construction of Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in the 1860s to shorten the distance from the National Palace to Chapultepec Castle. The Paseo features some of the capital’s city most iconic monuments, including the Winged Victory sculpture that commemorates Mexico’s War of Independence. Chapultepec is also home to Mexico’s famous National Anthropological Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art and the Papalote Children’s Museum. To the north is Polanco, where many embassies and trendy shops are located. Chief among these are the high-end stores on Avenida Presidente Masaryk. Polanco is home to one of the city’s newest hotels, Las Alcobas, with just 35 modern guestrooms and a restaurant by celebrity chef Michael Mina. There’s also the borough of Xochimilco, the former agricultural hub of the Aztecs, which is known for its trajineras—fl at-bottomed boats adorned with flowers and often complete with food and musicians that visitors can hop on to enjoy the day. Not far off is Teotihuacan, which is thought to have been the largest city in the Americas before the Spaniards conquered Mexico. This is where visitors will fi nd the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, as well as murals throughout its famed “Street of the Dead.” Teotihuacan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Good Time to Go: Mexico City will celebrate its 27th Annual International Marathon in August with thousands of runners. Due to the city’s high altitude, this is considered one of the hardest races in the world.
TOLUCA
Toluca is just 30 miles away from Mexico City, located at the base of Nevado de Toluca Volcano. The capital of the state of Mexico is the highest city in the nation, at 8,844 ft. above sea level. It’s famous for its abundance of museums and historic buildings, including the Temple of La Merced, one of Mexico’s oldest convents; the Coin Museum, which traces Mexico’s history through the evolution of its legal tender; the Cosmovitral, home to one of the largest stained glass murals in the world and an indoor botanical garden; and the Watercolor Museum.
Good Time to Go: The Alfenique Fair takes place from mid-October to mid-November and celebrates Mexico’s Day of the Dead with sugar skulls and other types of candy; many other wares and souvenirs are sold in Toluca’s Los Portales.
MORELIA
Founded in 1541, the capital of Michoacan has more than 1,000 historic sites or structures, which make this city one of Mexico’s most rich and certainly one of its most signifi cant. Among the important sites are its aqueduct, built in 1785, and its twin-towered cathedral, built of pink stone. Right by the cathedral is Morelia’s main plaza, more than 400 years old and always bustling with pedestrians, strolling musicians and balloon vendors. Just a few minutes away on foot is the 17th century Government Palace, home to extraordinary murals that depict the history of Mexico. Also worth a visit is the Colonial Art Museum, depository for a great number of religious paintings and artifacts. Shopping afi cionados may want to visit the Mercado de Dulces to try local sweets and La Casa de las Artesanias, housed in a former monastery, for handicrafts. Serious golfers also have something to look forward to here—the Tres Marias Golf Course, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus design. Another place to visit in Michoacan is Santa Clara del Cobre, whose main plaza is adorned with light posts and a gazebo made from the homegrown copper that has made the town famous. You’ll be able to fi nd everything copper here, from vases and kitchenware to jewelry and chandeliers.
Good Time to Go: Morelia welcomes the International Guitar Festival each spring.
QUERETARO
You can’t help falling in love with Queretaro. Just two hours away from the country’s capital, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site of grand elegance and historical signifi cance for Mexico. Its most beautiful structures include the Theater of the Republic, which opened in 1852 and where the Mexican Constitution was proclaimed; the San Felipe Neri Cathedral and its pink hewn stone ridges; the St. Augustine Convent, now the location of the city’s art museum; and the San Rosa de Viterbo Church, with buttress arches and gold-covered altarpieces carved out of wood. Queretaro, in fact, is home to 42 churches, but perhaps the city’s most famous emblem is its aqueduct, which features 74 massive arches and which was completed in 1735. There are trolley tours available that help visitors orient themselves as to the layout of the historic center, but it’s best to explore it on foot. In fact, Queretaro’s State Tourism Offi ce has come up with a self-guided audio tour in which visitors follow a series of bronze plaques along the center’s sidewalks and follow along with an audio system available at their offi ce, which is centrally located. Just a couple of blocks away is the beautiful Dona Urraca, a 24-room hotel that has expertly combined Queretaro’s romantic vibe with practical comforts. The state of Queretaro also has a number of wineries, including Fraixanet and La Redonda, that offer tours throughout the week.
Good Time to Go: The small town of Tequisquiapan, about 40 minutes away from the city of Queretaro, is known for its artisanal cheeses and holds an annual Cheese & Wine Festival in May.
GUANAJUATO
“Pretty as a picture” is an apt description for the city of Guanajuato, capital of the state of the same name. This is indeed a breathtaking place of colonial architecture, baroque churches and cobblestoned streets, considered by many to be the most beautiful in all of Mexico. Its dozens of plazas add an air of idyllic nostalgia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the former home of artist Diego Riveranow a museum, and the Juarez Theater, which has expertly preserved
several architectural styles over the years. Guanajuato is also known for its Museo de las Momias, where over one hundred mummies from the area are displayed. The state of Guanajuato is also home to the charming Dolores Hidalgo, designated one of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” and San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful colonial jewel of roughly 80,000 people that’s best known, perhaps, for its pink stone, neo-Gothic Parish of Archangel San Miguel, named after the friar who founded the town in 1542.
Good Time to Go: The Festival Internacional Cervantino (International Cervantes Festival) celebrates the life and works of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of “Don Quixote.” It is thought to be one of the most important cultural events in the Americas and will take place in October.
LEON
Also in the state of Guanajuato, Leon is perhaps Mexico’s leather Mecca, for which it’s recognized as the “Shoe Capital of the World.” But there’s much more to discover about the state capital; for starters, its Metropolitan Park is an idyllic spot to practice watersports or go cycling along an ecological reserve. The park also offers boat rides and has a special area for camp-outs. Also of note are the Our Lady of Angels Church, built in the 18th century, and the Triumphal Arch, built in 1893 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Mexican independence. Leon is also home to the Guanajuato Cultural Forum, which offers dance, theater and musical events throughout the year.
Good Time to Go: More than 100 balloons will be on hand for this year’s International Balloon Festival, taking place Nov. 13-16.
GUADALAJARA
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco, a massive metropolis that has stayed at the forefront of Mexico’s economy while celebrating its roots. As in Mexico City, its neighborhoods offer different glimpses into its progress and culture. Tlaquepaque, for example, is a great place for shopping, with jewelry and art shops fi nding their way among the area’s mansions and hotels, while less expensive retail options are found in Tonala. The Zona Rosa is known for its restaurants and nightclubs, while the Centro Historico or Historic Center holds a vast amount of historic buildings and worthy sites. Chief among these is the city’s emblematic twin-towered cathedral, consecrated in 1618, and the four main plazas that surround it. Nearby is the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans, lined with bronze sculptures of some of the state’s most recognized tapatios, or natives of Jalisco. Guadalajara is sometimes referred to as Mexico’s Silicon Valley for its proliferation of high-tech and electronics industries, but it’s also known as being the birthplace of Mexico’s mariachi music and its wide-rimmed sombrero. In 2011, Guadalajara will welcome the XVI Panamerican Games.
Good Time to Go: The city’s mariachi and charreria (cattle rodeos) festival takes place in September. Don’t forget to try tortas ahogadas—sandwiches “drowned” in a spicy tomato sauce.
AGUASCALIENTES
Its Spanish name means “hot waters,” and the state was in fact named for its natural hot springs, some of which are still available to visitors. However, its capital city was almost an afterthought—originally just a stop between Mexico City and Zacatecas. Aguascalientes is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities and has quality museums and repositories, including the Aguascalientes Museum, Jose Guadalupe Posada Museum and even the city’s baroque cathedral, home to a few paintings by artist Miguel Cabrera. Besides its beautiful local crafts and colonial architecture, Aguascalientes is blessed with close proximity to El Sabinal, a recreational park rich in wildlife and harboring 400-plus-year-old trees.
Good Time to Go: Aguascalientes’ annual Festival de San Marcos, which runs through May 10, is a celebration full of color, local delicacies and bullfi ghts, and one of the most famous in all of Mexico.
SAN LUIS POTOSI
You may come here for the history, but will stay for the food. Founded in 1592, San Luis Potosi is perhaps best known for its Huasteca cuisine, which derives from the Huastec Indians. Founded during a mining boom due to its proximity to San Pedro Hill’s silver deposits, the capital of the state of the same name is now a university town that bustles with life amid colonial magnifi cence. Among its most notable visitor attractions are the Templo del Carmen, designed during the 18th century in the Spanish churrigueresque style, with intricate carvings on its walls; the Museo del Virreinato, which holds pieces from the Spanish vice-regency; and the National Mask Museum, with more than 2,000 masks from around the country. Visitors seeking accommodation options now have One San Luis Potosi, from Grupo Posadas, to add to the mix.
Good Time to Go: The San Luis Potosi Arts Center has a full roster of activities year-round as well as guided tours.
PUEBLA
Once the main city of colonial Mexico, Puebla sprouted in 1531 as a major stop between Mexico City and Veracruz. One of its major claims to fame is its Talavera pottery, a type of hand-painted glazed ceramic prevalent throughout Mexican structures and interiors. Puebla is home to thousands of colonial structures and churches. Among its most famous are the neoclassical Puebla Cathedral, the Puebla Regional Museum of Vice-regal Art and the gold-covered Rosario Chapel in the Santo Domingo Church. Most major sites are located within the city’s historic district, around which an industrialized Puebla has flourished. Visitors will want to try its trademark dish, the chile en nogada (chile in walnut sauce) and keep an ear open for Nahuatl, the language of the Puebla Valley’s indigenous group, still spoken in some areas. Lucky travelers may also get a glimpse of Mexico’s most famous active volcano, Pocopatepetl.
Good Time to Go: Every 5th of May, the city commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, which resulted in the small, ill-equipped Mexican army beating the French.
MEXICO CITY
The capital of Mexico, also known as DF or Distrito Federal, is one of the world’s most remarkable cities, as vibrant in its trend-setting ways as it is respectful of its past. You need at the very least a full week to explore its most exciting locales, spread out across a basin more than 7,300 ft. above sea level—but a few months’ stay would be better, if you can manage it. The mosaic of cultures and structures here is a well of richness that goes back thousands of years, with Aztec, pre-Revolutionary and colonial sites still making their mark among the most
modern of sites. Mexico City is divided into delegaciones (boroughs) and then into colonias or neighborhoods. These colonias span a range of areas and attributes. Condesa, for instance, is known for its Art Deco architecture, while Santa Fe is frequented by travelers doing business with one of its many international companies. El Centro includes the city’s main plaza or Zocalo, the largest plaza in Latin America, and historic center made up of hundreds of gorgeous historical buildings. Here, visitors will fi nd Mexico’s incredible Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest in the Americas and built upon the ruins of an Aztec complex; the National Palace and its murals by Diego Rivera; and the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor and accompanying museum. North of the Zocalo is the Medicine Museum of Mexico, while visitors heading west will run into the famed House of Tiles or Casa de los Azulejos, which is completely covered in Talavera tile; the 18th century San Felipe Neri Temple; and the Mexican National Art Museum. The main hotel and museum zone is around Chapultepec, the hill where Aztecs once resided and which is surrounded by the Chapultepec Forest. Atop the hill is Chapultepec Castle, the residence of Emperor Maximilian during the 19th century. Maximilian ordered the construction of Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in the 1860s to shorten the distance from the National Palace to Chapultepec Castle. The Paseo features some of the capital’s city most iconic monuments, including the Winged Victory sculpture that commemorates Mexico’s War of Independence. Chapultepec is also home to Mexico’s famous National Anthropological Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art and the Papalote Children’s Museum. To the north is Polanco, where many embassies and trendy shops are located. Chief among these are the high-end stores on Avenida Presidente Masaryk. Polanco is home to one of the city’s newest hotels, Las Alcobas, with just 35 modern guestrooms and a restaurant by celebrity chef Michael Mina. There’s also the borough of Xochimilco, the former agricultural hub of the Aztecs, which is known for its trajineras—fl at-bottomed boats adorned with flowers and often complete with food and musicians that visitors can hop on to enjoy the day. Not far off is Teotihuacan, which is thought to have been the largest city in the Americas before the Spaniards conquered Mexico. This is where visitors will fi nd the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, as well as murals throughout its famed “Street of the Dead.” Teotihuacan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Good Time to Go: Mexico City will celebrate its 27th Annual International Marathon in August with thousands of runners. Due to the city’s high altitude, this is considered one of the hardest races in the world.
TOLUCA
Toluca is just 30 miles away from Mexico City, located at the base of Nevado de Toluca Volcano. The capital of the state of Mexico is the highest city in the nation, at 8,844 ft. above sea level. It’s famous for its abundance of museums and historic buildings, including the Temple of La Merced, one of Mexico’s oldest convents; the Coin Museum, which traces Mexico’s history through the evolution of its legal tender; the Cosmovitral, home to one of the largest stained glass murals in the world and an indoor botanical garden; and the Watercolor Museum.
Good Time to Go: The Alfenique Fair takes place from mid-October to mid-November and celebrates Mexico’s Day of the Dead with sugar skulls and other types of candy; many other wares and souvenirs are sold in Toluca’s Los Portales.
MORELIA
Founded in 1541, the capital of Michoacan has more than 1,000 historic sites or structures, which make this city one of Mexico’s most rich and certainly one of its most signifi cant. Among the important sites are its aqueduct, built in 1785, and its twin-towered cathedral, built of pink stone. Right by the cathedral is Morelia’s main plaza, more than 400 years old and always bustling with pedestrians, strolling musicians and balloon vendors. Just a few minutes away on foot is the 17th century Government Palace, home to extraordinary murals that depict the history of Mexico. Also worth a visit is the Colonial Art Museum, depository for a great number of religious paintings and artifacts. Shopping afi cionados may want to visit the Mercado de Dulces to try local sweets and La Casa de las Artesanias, housed in a former monastery, for handicrafts. Serious golfers also have something to look forward to here—the Tres Marias Golf Course, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus design. Another place to visit in Michoacan is Santa Clara del Cobre, whose main plaza is adorned with light posts and a gazebo made from the homegrown copper that has made the town famous. You’ll be able to fi nd everything copper here, from vases and kitchenware to jewelry and chandeliers.
Good Time to Go: Morelia welcomes the International Guitar Festival each spring.
QUERETARO
You can’t help falling in love with Queretaro. Just two hours away from the country’s capital, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site of grand elegance and historical signifi cance for Mexico. Its most beautiful structures include the Theater of the Republic, which opened in 1852 and where the Mexican Constitution was proclaimed; the San Felipe Neri Cathedral and its pink hewn stone ridges; the St. Augustine Convent, now the location of the city’s art museum; and the San Rosa de Viterbo Church, with buttress arches and gold-covered altarpieces carved out of wood. Queretaro, in fact, is home to 42 churches, but perhaps the city’s most famous emblem is its aqueduct, which features 74 massive arches and which was completed in 1735. There are trolley tours available that help visitors orient themselves as to the layout of the historic center, but it’s best to explore it on foot. In fact, Queretaro’s State Tourism Offi ce has come up with a self-guided audio tour in which visitors follow a series of bronze plaques along the center’s sidewalks and follow along with an audio system available at their offi ce, which is centrally located. Just a couple of blocks away is the beautiful Dona Urraca, a 24-room hotel that has expertly combined Queretaro’s romantic vibe with practical comforts. The state of Queretaro also has a number of wineries, including Fraixanet and La Redonda, that offer tours throughout the week.
Good Time to Go: The small town of Tequisquiapan, about 40 minutes away from the city of Queretaro, is known for its artisanal cheeses and holds an annual Cheese & Wine Festival in May.
GUANAJUATO
“Pretty as a picture” is an apt description for the city of Guanajuato, capital of the state of the same name. This is indeed a breathtaking place of colonial architecture, baroque churches and cobblestoned streets, considered by many to be the most beautiful in all of Mexico. Its dozens of plazas add an air of idyllic nostalgia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the former home of artist Diego Riveranow a museum, and the Juarez Theater, which has expertly preserved
several architectural styles over the years. Guanajuato is also known for its Museo de las Momias, where over one hundred mummies from the area are displayed. The state of Guanajuato is also home to the charming Dolores Hidalgo, designated one of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” and San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful colonial jewel of roughly 80,000 people that’s best known, perhaps, for its pink stone, neo-Gothic Parish of Archangel San Miguel, named after the friar who founded the town in 1542.
Good Time to Go: The Festival Internacional Cervantino (International Cervantes Festival) celebrates the life and works of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of “Don Quixote.” It is thought to be one of the most important cultural events in the Americas and will take place in October.
LEON
Also in the state of Guanajuato, Leon is perhaps Mexico’s leather Mecca, for which it’s recognized as the “Shoe Capital of the World.” But there’s much more to discover about the state capital; for starters, its Metropolitan Park is an idyllic spot to practice watersports or go cycling along an ecological reserve. The park also offers boat rides and has a special area for camp-outs. Also of note are the Our Lady of Angels Church, built in the 18th century, and the Triumphal Arch, built in 1893 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Mexican independence. Leon is also home to the Guanajuato Cultural Forum, which offers dance, theater and musical events throughout the year.
Good Time to Go: More than 100 balloons will be on hand for this year’s International Balloon Festival, taking place Nov. 13-16.
GUADALAJARA
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco, a massive metropolis that has stayed at the forefront of Mexico’s economy while celebrating its roots. As in Mexico City, its neighborhoods offer different glimpses into its progress and culture. Tlaquepaque, for example, is a great place for shopping, with jewelry and art shops fi nding their way among the area’s mansions and hotels, while less expensive retail options are found in Tonala. The Zona Rosa is known for its restaurants and nightclubs, while the Centro Historico or Historic Center holds a vast amount of historic buildings and worthy sites. Chief among these is the city’s emblematic twin-towered cathedral, consecrated in 1618, and the four main plazas that surround it. Nearby is the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans, lined with bronze sculptures of some of the state’s most recognized tapatios, or natives of Jalisco. Guadalajara is sometimes referred to as Mexico’s Silicon Valley for its proliferation of high-tech and electronics industries, but it’s also known as being the birthplace of Mexico’s mariachi music and its wide-rimmed sombrero. In 2011, Guadalajara will welcome the XVI Panamerican Games.
Good Time to Go: The city’s mariachi and charreria (cattle rodeos) festival takes place in September. Don’t forget to try tortas ahogadas—sandwiches “drowned” in a spicy tomato sauce.
AGUASCALIENTES
Its Spanish name means “hot waters,” and the state was in fact named for its natural hot springs, some of which are still available to visitors. However, its capital city was almost an afterthought—originally just a stop between Mexico City and Zacatecas. Aguascalientes is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities and has quality museums and repositories, including the Aguascalientes Museum, Jose Guadalupe Posada Museum and even the city’s baroque cathedral, home to a few paintings by artist Miguel Cabrera. Besides its beautiful local crafts and colonial architecture, Aguascalientes is blessed with close proximity to El Sabinal, a recreational park rich in wildlife and harboring 400-plus-year-old trees.
Good Time to Go: Aguascalientes’ annual Festival de San Marcos, which runs through May 10, is a celebration full of color, local delicacies and bullfi ghts, and one of the most famous in all of Mexico.
SAN LUIS POTOSI
You may come here for the history, but will stay for the food. Founded in 1592, San Luis Potosi is perhaps best known for its Huasteca cuisine, which derives from the Huastec Indians. Founded during a mining boom due to its proximity to San Pedro Hill’s silver deposits, the capital of the state of the same name is now a university town that bustles with life amid colonial magnifi cence. Among its most notable visitor attractions are the Templo del Carmen, designed during the 18th century in the Spanish churrigueresque style, with intricate carvings on its walls; the Museo del Virreinato, which holds pieces from the Spanish vice-regency; and the National Mask Museum, with more than 2,000 masks from around the country. Visitors seeking accommodation options now have One San Luis Potosi, from Grupo Posadas, to add to the mix.
Good Time to Go: The San Luis Potosi Arts Center has a full roster of activities year-round as well as guided tours.
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