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Central Mexico
Mexico Visitors to the central region of Mexico will experience the richness of
a land that stretches from the South Sierra Madre to the north limit of the high
tableland at Huastecas that contains a wide range of climates and landscapes
shaped by their height, geographical location and the amount of rainfall they
receive. This was a key area in the pre-Hispanic world, since the main city in
the Mexican empire was set in the heart of this region, and it was here that
major battles were fought between the conquistadors and the Indian peoples.
Moreover, the 16th century saw a massive wave of evangelization that would not
only change the inhabitants’ faith but was also responsible for the construction
of new towns and villages on the vestiges of the past, changing the shape of the
land forever. The development of agriculture and mining encouraged urban growth,
turning this area into one of the richest sources of colonial art and
architecture in Mexico.
Aguacalientes is located midway between the center and west of Mexico,
and is completely surrounded by the states of Jalisco and Zacatecas. It was the
land of the fearless Chichimecs that fiercely resisted the Spanish
conquistadors. Paradoxically, yet perhaps because of its numerous gold veins,
Aguascalientes is one of Mexico’s most important colonial architectural sites.
The climate is pleasant, since most of the territory has a dry, semi-desert
climate with summer rains.
The countryside ranges from forests to desert-like areas, with stunning sunsets.
The abundance of hot water springs, after which it is named, means that the
state has numerous recreational centers and spas. Its cultural activity,
traditions and delicious cuisine, as well as its many fiestas, form an
attractive mosaic that is well worth visiting.
Mexico State - In the heart of Mexico, surrounded by eight states, lies
the state of Mexico, one of the most complex and varied in the country. The
scenery varies from arid landscapes to fertile land in the warm valleys of the
south, dotted with imposing volcanoes. The climate is equally diverse, ranging
from semi-tropical in the south, to cold or cool in the north and center, with
extensive forests at heights of up to 2,600 meters above sea level.
Here, the colonial era produced some of the finest churches, monasteries and
palaces in the country. Nowadays, this thriving, industrious state offers
visitors archaeological zones, historical monuments, culture, nature and places
for adventure and recreation, as well as colorful regional fiestas.
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Distrito Federal - Despite being the smallest
state in Mexico, the Federal District, the country’s capital, is the largest and
most complex city in the world. Its combination of history, culture and
entertainment makes it an extremely attractive city. Architectural traces of its
pre-Hispanic and vice-regal past are interspersed with modern buildings.
Its origins date from 1325, when the Mexica discovered the central islet in
Texcoco Lake where they settled and eventually founded a powerful empire, which
was defeated by the Spanish conqueror, Hernán Cortés. The colonial period
produced so many magnificent churches, monasteries and palaces that it came to
be known as "the city of palaces." The Federal District has an extremely
complete infrastructure, with air and overland links to everywhere in the
country, hotels, restaurants, amusement centers, cinemas, theaters and dozens of
museums.
- Mexico City, the City of Palaces, the ancient
capital of the Mexica empire and the jewel in New Spanish Viceroys’ crown, is
today one of the biggest, most complex and most beautiful cities in the world.
The mere size of the urban spread makes it a city among cities.
Mexico
City is a modern, cosmopolitan city situated in an old lake basin that is
surrounded by volcanic mountains. The different cultures that inhabited the city
during the course of the centuries left an interesting architectural legacy that
comprises many different styles. Firstly, there are the pre Hispanic remains
that tell of the greatness of the civilizations that settled on this land before
the arrival of the Spaniards. Mexica art can be seen on the ruins of the Templo
Mayor (The Great Temple), the site where the monolith of the goddess Coyolxauqui
was found.
The architects that arrived from Europe during the colonial
period applied and shared their knowledge of baroque, neoclassic and other
styles of art that were combined with the indigenous styles to create an
architecture that is quite unique in all the world. Works such as the
Metropolitan Cathedral, palaces, mansions and an endless number of sober,
sumptuous churches adorn the central area of the city now called the Historic
Center; these extraordinary types of buildings can also be seen in some of the
picturesque towns and villages such as Coyoacán, San Ángel, Tlalpan and
Xochimilco that used to be the outskirts of the city but have now become
incorporated into the built up areas; in spite of this, they still maintain
their provincial atmosphere. Later, after Mexico became an independent country,
new districts of the city were built in a Frenchified style and in the art deco
and colonial Californian styles.
Modernism was characterized by
magnificent skyscrapers that sprung up in districts such as Polanco, Anzures,
Del Valle and Santa Fe. The advantage of a mega-city such as Mexico City is that
it offers the visitor all sorts of entertainment possibilities during the day
and at night. Avenues like Avenida Insurgentes are true axis of fun and
recreation and has spots that cater to all tastes. Mexican culture in all its
manifestations can be admired at the large number of quality museums that can be
found in many different parts of the city. These have displays and exhibitions
of art and culture ranging from the pre Hispanic (the National Museum of
Anthropology) to the Vice Regal (the Franz Mayer Museum) to the modern (the
Museum of Modern Art), as well as Mexican traditions as can be seen in the Frida
Kahlo Museum.
There are also plenty of possibilities for those who want
to leave the city and enjoy nature. You can visit the volcanic mountains in the
south of the city or the mountain valleys to the west and enjoy the quesadillas
(melted cheese in tortillas) that can be bought at the food stalls located in
the shade of the forest trees that form part of the National Parks and
Ecological Reserves. To the east, the traveler can admire the snow-capped
volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, just as the Indians, Conquistadors and general population of the city did over the centuries.
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The state of Guanajuato, located in an area known as the Bajio, is rich
in ecosystems that vary from forests to semi-arid zones. It borders on
Querétaro, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Jalisco and Michoacán. Before the
Conquest, the region was inhabited by several indigenous groups, include Otomi,
Purépecha, Cascán, Pain, Guamar and Cuacuchil, and by the time of the Spaniards’
arrival, the Tarascans had established a number of strongholds.
Guanajuato contains some of the most striking vice-regal cities in Mexico, which
flourished as a result of the wealth of their mines and even today, make the
area one of the country’s main silver producers. The city of Guanajuato, the
capital of the state, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and
currently hosts the International Cervantes Festival. The state was the site of
a number of events that determined the course of the country, such as the Shout
of Independence in Dolores, now Hidalgo. San Miguel de Allende is another
architectural jewel while Celaya, León is a flourishing industrial and
commercial center.
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The city of Guanajuato, one of the loveliest in
Mexico, in set in fairy-tale surroundings on the slopes of the Cerro del
Cubilete. As a result of the magnificent architecture of its many historical
monuments, as well as its unusual urban lay-out, it was declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Its fame and fortune originated in the rich
gold and silver deposits discovered by the Spaniards in the vicinity of what
would later become the city. The region was formerly inhabited by nomadic groups
of Chichimeca. In 1541, the Spaniards arrived for the first time and in 1546,
the viceroy granted don Rodrigo de Vázquez permission to built a cattle ranch on
the outskirts of Guanajuato. The city was founded in 1570, a title it was
granted by Philip V. By the end of the 18th century, Guanajuato was the second
most important and richest city in New Spain, after Mexico City.
Its history, cultural tradition, magnificent architecture and mild climate with
an annual temperature of 18ºC have made it a center of attraction. Nowadays,
Guanajuato is a city of unusual beauty, with a rich colonial tradition. In the
midst of ravines and gullies, its streets taper off into steep, twisting alleys
or underground tunnels and streets that wind their way through brightly colored
houses perched in the hills.
Guanjuato, the capital of the state of the same name, has a wide range of hotels
in the city and its surroundings, as well as several restaurants and nightclubs.
Guanajuato’s festive spirit comes to the fore in its fiestas and popular events
such as the Holy Week celebrations, the feast of our Lady of Guanajuato, the
celebrations of the Presa de la Olla, the sugar figure fair, the festival of
hot-air balloons and the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Christmas in Guanajuato
is an unforgettable experience that is worth experiencing to the full. This is
the time of the traditional callejoneadas, when the lively tunes of student
music groups fill the night air. One of the most important events in Mexico is
undoubtedly the International Cervantes Festival, which originated in 1952, with
the presentation of the Entremeses Cervantinos in the Plaza de San Roque. If you
are interested in seeing this festival or any other of the city’s events,
Guanajuato one of the easiest states to reach because of its broad network of
highways and international airport in the city of León
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Many of San Miguel Allende’s current inhabitants
came here on a visit one day. Drawn by its climate, colonial architecture and
village atmosphere, they returned again and again...until they decided to settle
permanently. These new residents of San Miguel protect, cultivate and have
become part of this charm, with its unique blend of cosmopolitanism and
tradition. San Miguel has managed to preserve its colonial grandeur, traditions
and intimate provincial atmosphere while developing an infrastructure that
offers all the comforts of modern life. Moreover, the diversity of its current
inhabitants, together with the fact that several have chosen it as a place for
retirement have made its population more open and provided it with an enormous
variety of options for entertainment.
Visitors come to San Miguel to wander through its colonial streets, go horseback
riding or cycle through the hills or visit its botanical cactus gardens. They
are also attracted by its impressive traditions and fiestas such as the
sanmiguelada, when bulls charge across the center of the town, or the
pilgrimages to the sanctuary at Atotonilco. But perhaps its most characteristic
feature is the opportunity it provides to be part of Mexican traditions, arts
and crafts through the courses and schools designed for foreign visitors.
It was founded in 1542 by Fr. Juan de San Miguel, yet thirteen years later, when
the viceroy wished to make the town official, a war had broken out with the
Indians that lasted until 1590. Strategically located between Mexico and the
silver of Zacatecas, San Miguel reached its peak in the 18th century when most
of remarkable buildings were inaugurated, together with the Colegio de San
Francisco de Sales, where several of the leaders of Independence, which began in
1810 in the nearby town of Dolores, were educated. It experienced two other
peaks, one during the time of Porfirio Diaz, when the Gothic tower of its parish
church was built, and another during its current phase of internationalization
and restoration, which began about sixty years ago.
San Miguel lies in the center of Mexico, east of the state of Guanajuato and
north of the fertile zone of the Northern Central Highlands; it is 92 km from
its capital and 276 km from Mexico, reached by crossing the state of Querétaro.
The city lies in the low hills of the basin of the La Laja River, 1910 m above
sea level, which guarantees it a year-round pleasant climate.
The state of Hidalgo occupies a privileged region in the center of Mexico
and borders on the states of Mexico, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi
and Querétaro, giving it a variety of climates, landscapes, ethnic groups and
traditions. These contrasts constitute its greatest attraction for Mexican and
foreign visitors alike.
Hidalgo offer archaeological zones such as Tula (the great metropolis of Toltec
culture), and Huapolcalco; beautiful churches, monasteries and colonial and 19th
century mansions, pulque haciendas; fascinating museums; national parks, ideal
sites for adventure tourism and ecotourism; former mining towns and various
spas, most with thermal waters. Visitors to Hidalgo will find the best options
for adventure, recreation, culture or simply relaxation.
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Pachuca - In the midst of a contrasting setting
of mountains and deserts stands the majestic city of Pachuca, also known as "The
Windy City" because of the cool winds that sweep down from the mountains.
Pachuca is the capital of the state of Hidalgo and one of the loveliest cities
in the sate, due to its magnificent colonial and modern buildings that bear
witness to the state’s continuous development. Its inhabitants respect both its
tradition and the expression of its historic past.
Pachuca’s architectural styles are usually either neoclassical or modern, and
its narrow, winding streets lead into attractive parks and plazas. Its historic
center has sloping streets and quaint, narrow streets, with beautiful old mining
buildings, whereas the south is a modern city with great industrial activity.
Walking through the City of Wind, it is quite common to come across monuments of
great historical value as well a unusual museums. Visitors to Pachuca can admire
and purchase the local handicrafts, and enjoy one of the country’s most
extensive and exotic cuisines, in which the influence of the Cornish miners who
arrived in the 19th century can still be felt. The nearby villages contain
magnificent 16th century buildings, a product of the evangelization of the
region by Augustinian and Franciscan monks.
Pachuca was founded in 1598 and its name is said to have come from the Náhuatl
Pachoacán or Patlachiuhacan, "place of gold and silver." It formed part of the
Mexica empire from approximately 1450 until 1528, when the Spaniards conquered
the region. Since its founding, the city’s growth has been directly linked to
mining, since in 1534, rich silver deposits were discovered in the area. At
present, some mines still produce considerable amounts of this metal. The rugged
surroundings are excellent are ecotourism and adventure tourism. Mountains,
ravines, forests, clear streams, cliffs, reservoirs, lagoons and stunning
scenery are all within easy reach of Pachuca.
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Teotihuacan - According to a Nahua legend, this
imposing metropolis was the site of the birth of the fifth sun, the new era for
the Mexica. When the Mexica or Aztecs arrived in this region, the city had
already been abandoned. Nevertheless, since there were still signs of its
previous magnificence, they attributed it to the gods, calling it Teotihuacan,
meaning "The city where the gods are born". Legend has it that at the beginning
of time, some of the gods gathered to distribute their functions. Whoever dared
throw himself onto the mystic fire would be the sun. However, there was a second
god that, consumed with jealousy, also hurled himself onto the flames. As a
punishment, the other gods threw a rabbit at him to hide his light, which is how
the moon was created. The sacrifice of this and other gods led to a constant
struggle between the powers of the day and night.
Teotihuacan was inhabited for nearly 2000 years, and was contemporary with some
of the main Mesoamerican cities such as Cholula and Monte Albán. Many of the
concepts that would subsequently be seen in other cities such as the orientation
of buildings originated there. The location of the Pyramid of the Sun, one of
its main structures, is by no means coincidental. It was built on top of a cave
whose existence was necessary in order to erect a building that represented the
center of the universe on top on it. The culture of its settlers was based on
the adoration of the god of rain. The pyramids of the sun and moon, the citadel,
with its temple to Quetzalcóatl (the plumed serpent) and the Palace of
Quetzalpapálotl (plumed butterfly) are the main constructions along the great
Way of the Dead, measuring one and a half km. This archaeological site is
located 50 km northeast of Mexico City.
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The city of Toluca lies at an altitude of 2,680
meters above sea level, making it the highest city in Mexico. Although the
nights are cold, the days are very pleasant and one can enjoy the famous chorizo
(pork sausage) and a cup of coffee, or an aperitif and a walk along the 19th
century arches, the biggest in Mexico. In the same block, there is the cathedral
that was built at the end of the 19th century. Its façade is the one that used
to be on the old San Francisco church. Crossing the Plaza Civica, or Plaza de
los Mártires (Civic, or Martyrs’ Square) next to the 19th century Government
Palace that was built in the Neo Classical style, and after passing Maria
Garibay Plaza, we arrive at the Botanical Gardens where the spectacular Cosmo
Vitral ( a work of art made of more than 1,500 pieces of stained glass brought
over from Europe) is on exhibition. This is one of the biggest works of art of
its type in the world.
You must not leave without first having seen the Centro Cultural Mexiquense (The
State of Mexico Cultural Center), a modern complex only 5 km from the city. Here
you will find the Museo de Antropologia (The Anthropology Museum), the Museo de
Arte Moderno (The Modern Art Museum) and the Museo de Culturas Populares (The
Popular Culture Museum), where pre Hispanic objects and works of art are on
display. The Central Library is also located there. 7 km southeast of the city
on Highway No. 55, you will come across Metepec, or "Cerro de los Magueyes"
(Maguey Cactus Hill) in Nahuatl. The main attraction in this Matlazinca
settlement, apart from the Convento de San Juan Bautista (The St. John the
Baptist Convent,) is the noisy but picturesque Monday market, where the most
celebrated ceramics potters in the region flock to sell their wide range of
handicrafts.
Located in the central region of Mexico and only 65 km from Mexico City, Toluca,
the state capital, extends over the beautiful, fertile valley of Toluca. In the
background lies the Nevado de Toluca (The Snow-capped Volcano of Toluca), the
only volcano you can drive up. In its craters, there are two small lakes called
"Laguna de la Luna" ("Moon Lake) and "Laguna del Sol" (Sun Lake). This heavily
industrial city and its snow-capped volcano 22 km away is a visual inspiration,
especially in the winter months when it is heavily covered in snow.
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Valle de Bravo is a charming little hamlet, with
white stucco colonial houses adorned with wrought iron balconies and red-tiled
roofs. It is also a mountain village rising up on the shores of the lake and
surrounded by pine trees and mountains. Just an hour away from Toluca, it has
become a popular tourist resort because of its numerous attractions and the
places of interest in its surroundings. Originally called San Francisco del
Valle de Temascaltepec, for over three centuries, it was primarily dedicated to
agriculture and horticulture. In 1946, however, both the scenery and people’s
lives were transformed when the valley was flooded as part of the Miguel Alemán
hydroelectric project.
Nowadays, Valle de Bravo’s lake offers a range of water sports such as skiing,
sailing, canoeing and fishing, while the village boasts steep, narrow streets,
numerous stalls selling traditional appetizers under the archways in the plaza,
an unusual wood and tile bandstand, a handicrafts market and the parish church
of San Francisco, the local patron saint, with16th century bell towers.
Avándaro, a neighboring village that has now been incorporated into Valle, has
luxury housing developments as well as a deluxe hotel, and riding and golf
clubs. The surroundings are also ideal for mountaineering, rock climbing,
cycling, cross-country motor cycling, gliding and hang-gliding.
The state of Michoacán encompasses the west
central and Pacific areas and is surrounded by Colima, Jalisco, Guanajuato,
Querétaro, the state of Mexico, Guerrero and the Pacific. Because of its
abundance of lakes, Michoacán has been called "the land of fishermen." Its
surroundings are a pleasant combination of different types of landscape, making
it an endless source of natural beauty.
It is the land of the indomitable Tarascans, who left their mark on places such
as Tzintzuntzan, Huandacareo, Tingambato and Ihuatzio. Even today, traces of the
colonial era can still be found in towns and cities like Morelia, Ucareo, Charo,
Cuitzeo and Pátzcuaro. The state is dotted with craftsmen’s villages with deeply
rooted traditions. Michoacán also offers an astonishing variety of natural
attractions, such as camping sites, spas with thermal waters, grottoes, rivers,
lagoons, volcanoes such as El Paricutin and the wonderful Monarch butterfly
sanctuary.
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Morelia, declared a World Heritage site because
of the architecture, spaciousness and aesthetic symmetry of its plazas, gardens
and atriums, is one of the loveliest colonial cities in America, in addition to
enjoying a well-earned reputation as a cultural center. First-time visitors to
the city will be surprised by the pink stone of the buildings in the Historical
Center and the elegance of its Cathedral, the sound of whose bells accompanies
those strolling through the city’s streets, plazas and gardens. They will also
be able to admire examples of the city’s viceregal architecture in the baroque,
neoclassical and plateresque styles such as the Clavijero Palace, the Palacio de
Gobierno, the Church of the Society of Jesus and the Church of St. Augustine.
Visitors are usually surprised to discover that music is still played at the
Conservatorio de las Rosas, the first of its kind in America. Also of interest
is the Aqueduct, a late 18th century hydraulic work, as well as the houses that
have preserved some of the loveliest courtyards in Mexico.
In addition to its colonial buildings, churches and former monasteries,
Michoacán also provides an opportunity to buy selected handicrafts and share
unforgettable moments with the people who make them: the master craftsmen.
Exploring the lively, colorful markets, seeing the traditional clothes still
worn in this region and sampling Michoacán’s delicious cuisine will give you a
feel for the area and its people. Construction of the city of Valladolid began
on May 18 1541 on the initiative of the first viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de
Mendoza, in a place known as Guayangeo. Its original grid was the one most
commonly used in settlements of the time in the Spanish colonies. Since the 19th
century, the capital of Michoacán has been called Morelia, in honor of one of
the most important figures in the struggle for Mexico’s independence, José Ma.
Morelos y Pavón
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Patzcuaro, set in a forest on the shores of a
lake, is the capital of Utopia. Here, Vasco de Quiroga founded a new world where
he not only evangelized and defended the Indians, but also built schools and
hospitals and taught the handicrafts that are still produced by local artisans.
Three basic elements of the Utopia founded by Quiroga can still be seen today:
the mountainous landscape of pines, firs and junipers surrounding the lake, as
well as the birds and fish that inhabit it: the small villages of wood, adobe
and tile containing some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the country
and the characteristic handicrafts of each community: lacquer and silverwork,
pottery, wood carving, copper, guitars and textiles.
Visitors should take advantage of their stay in Pátzcuaro to stroll through its
steep streets and restful plazas, sample its traditional food, listen to its
legends and the delightful music of the pirecuas or the native language of the
Tarascans, or play water sports such as fishing and sailing. The most important
fiesta is held on November 1 and 2, the days of the dead, when fishermen row
across the lake to the Island of Janitzio in their canoes with lighted candles.
Pátzcuaro is surrounded by places of impressive natural beauty such as Uruapan
and the Tzaráracua waterfall, and the area covered by the eruption of the
Paricutin lying just a little further away.
This area was a Purépecha settlement, whose most important archaeological
remains are the ceremonial stone structures of Tzintzuntzan. In 1533, don Vasco
handled the Indians’ resentment at the Spaniards’ excesses so successfully that
he was appointed bishop and moved to Pátzcuaro, where he carried out extensive
social work that pitted him against the authorities and the clergy itself, whom
he resisted with the support of Charles V. After his death in 1565, the region
was overshadowed by Morelia. It was not until after the Revolution, when people
started to pay attention to the Indians once more that the craftwork that had
been produced for centuries in these villages began to be revalued. Lying
fifty-six kilometers outside Morelia and 2,140 m above sea level, Pátzcuaro is
the center of a system of towns surrounding the lake of the same name, which,
with its 130 km, has one of the loveliest valleys in the country.
Morelos - Set in the center of the country and surrounded by complex
mountain ranges, lies the state of Morelos, which enjoys one of the mildest
climates in the country. It borders on the Federal District and the states of
Mexico, Puebla and Guerrero. Despite its small size, it boasts numerous
attractions. This territory was dominated by the Chichimecs, but it was also
inhabited by the Xochimilca and subsequently the Tlahuica. It was precisely the
latter that founded Cuauhnáhuac, which the Spaniards converted into Cuernavaca,
now famous as "the city of eternal spring," that Hernán Cortés chose as the site
for building his large realm. Its climate meant that several sugar cane
haciendas were built there, while the Jesuits erected churches and monasteries
that can still be admired to this day. This state was the site of major
historical events during the period of independence and the revolution. Today it
houses numerous spas and recreational centers.
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Cuernavaca - The cosmopolitan, charming "city of
the eternal spring," with its marvelous climate, flowers, swimming spots and
lovely architecture always extends a warm welcome to visitors. Only 90 km from
Mexico City, Cuernavaca is the jewel city in the state of Morelos. Its climate
(average temperature is 20º C) and the crystalline waters of its swimming spots
have attracted visitors from Mexico and all over the world for a very long time
now. This is where the Indians who built Xochicalco lived five hundred years
prior to the arrival of the Spaniards; the actual city (later invaded by the
Aztecs), was founded by the Tlahuica Indians during the 16th century. The
conquistador, Hernán Cortés resided in the city and his son was born there. At
the beginning of the 19th century, Father Morelos continued the struggle for
independence started by Hidalgo, and during the Mexican Revolution, Cuernavaca
saw Emiliano Zapata’s fight for land rights.
Today, all you have to do is drive the 88 km separating Cuernavaca from the
hustle and bustle of Mexico City, and you will find yourself in a pleasant,
sunny, different climate where you can enjoy the rich color of the bougainvillea
and the colorin trees; the river flowing gently through a canyon; the colonial
atmosphere of the downtown area and the refreshing waters of its apancles and
its natural springs. Interestingly, the city has for decades been one of the
main places where foreigners come to learn Spanish at one of the many language
schools. Summer courses, seminars and a wide range of academic activities are
held in this semi-tropical and very pleasant climate.
The nightlife is rich and varied, and the options for eating out could not be
better. Restaurants in the downtown area and throughout the city (some of which
are first class) specialize in regional Mexican dishes that can be enjoyed in
spacious gardens. There is also the option of having a refreshing drink in the
lively, young atmosphere of the soda fountains located in front of the Palacio
de Cortés.
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Tepoztlan, is usually associated with words like
landscape, mountains, history, climate and tradition, which describe its most
obvious aspects. Together with these, however, another series of sometimes
contrasting terms are used to describe other less tangible aspects that visitors
soon perceive: magic, religiosity, energy, atmosphere, peace. The scenery, then,
consists of imposing mountains, a pyramid, valley and a 16th century convent
that is a World Heritage site, surrounded by a typical Mexican village. The
inhabitants are divided between those who have centuries-old roots and
traditions and members of the intellectual elite who came in search of something
and eventually settled here. Activities include climbing the pyramid and
exploring the museums, such as Carlos Pellcer’s archaeological museum or the one
housed by the former monastery; experiencing a temascal, a sort of pre-Hispanic
steam bath, or visiting one of the many schools of yoga and meditation.
Alternatively, you can try some of the traditional gastronomic or vegetarian
specialties or international cuisine; engage in adventure sports such as
mountaineering, go riding or cycling, or browse the open-air markets and shops
that carry handicrafts ranging from traditional wood sculptures to African drums
and oriental textiles.
At the top of the hill stands the pyramid of Tepozteco, the temple of a people
whose importance is reflected in the fact that its envoys were among those that
received Cortés. Tradition has it that the last governor was baptized on
September 8, the birthday of the Virgin, the patron saint of the convent that
the Dominicans built in the center of the town and which is still its highest
building. Because of its proximity to Mexico, Tepoztlán was often involved in
wars and was occupied by the French in the 19th century and by Zapata during the
Revolution. In this part of the world, geography is a determinant feature.
Located 70 km outside Mexico City, the town with its approximately 20,000
inhabitants stands on top of a plain in the state of Morelos, near Cuernavaca,
in a hollow that only opens up towards the point where the sun rises. To the
west, it is protected by a 500 m high wall that is a bare rock face during the
dry season and a cascade of foliage during the rainy season.
Puebla is located in the central part of the country and surrounded by
the states of Mexico, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Guerrero and Morelos.
Its surroundings are dominated by mountain ranges with enormous volcanoes such
as Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl while forests and fertile cropland, as well as
rivers, lakes, springs and reservoirs complete the landscape. The diversity of
climates, the existence of numerous eco-systems and varied agricultural products
are the result of its complex mountain system.
The region was populated by Toltecs, Chichimecs and Xicalanca Olmecs. Nahua
groups arrived in the area in about the 10th century and by the 15th century,
the Mexica dominated virtually all of what is now the state of Puebla. The
Spanish conquerors made their influence felt by founding the finest baroque city
of all: the gorgeous Puebla de los Angeles, one of the country’s architectural
and cultural jewels. However, they also influenced craftwork by creating the
famous Talavera ceramics, and food, where the blend of Spanish and Indian
influences produced one of the most varied and succulent cuisines in Mexico.
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Puebla City - It would be difficult to find a
better place for preserving the traditions and wealth of the Colonial era than
the streets, churches and buildings of a city that was supposedly designed by
the angels. Puebla, deeply religious and proud of her history, has managed to
preserve the treasures created by her architects, artists and craftsmen. Today,
the Historic Center is a World Heritage Site where you can visit churches and
convents, admire colonial doorways and facades, wander through plazas and patios
or visit museums displaying everything from pans to railroad cars including
paintings, archaeological objects, and of course, the books in the valuable
Palafox Library collection. The city also has shops specializing in Talavera
pottery and traditional confectionery, and antiques in the Los Sapos district as
well as a wide range of restaurants where you can sample the wonderful local
cuisine. Other nearby places worth visiting include the Laguna de San Baltasar,
an environmental project center, the archaeological zone of Cholula and a zoo
where the animals roam freely.
There were no pre-Hispanic settlements here. Puebla was founded in 1531 by the
Spaniards to encourage immigration, concentrate European knowledge, reduce the
atrocities against the Indians and establish an enclave on the route between
Veracruz and Mexico. Textile and ceramics industries were established there soon
afterwards, although the clearest evidence of the town’s success was the
increase in the population, which rose from 50 settlers to 70,000 during the
last third of the 17th century. This was mirrored by an increase in the number
of churches and their influence and before the liberal triumph, the clergy owned
half the buildings in the city. During the century of wars, its strategic
position made it a hostage of both sides and the city made its mark on history
when in 1862, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, the patriots defeated the French
invaders. On September 16 1869, President Juárez rode into the city on the first
train from Mexico. Volkwagen now has a factory there with 16,000 employees that
produce and export 1500 cars daily.
Puebla lies 129 km away from Mexico City in a valley reached by crossing the
volcanoes to the east, to the north of Tlaxcala and to the south of La Mixteca.
It has a mild climate with an average temperature of 16ºC, dropping to a minimum
of 6ºC in January. The rainy season lasts from June to October.
The state of Queretaro has numerous historical, cultural and natural
attractions. It is located in the center of the country and bounded by
Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, the state of Mexico and Michoacán. Its surroundings
consist mainly of mountain ranges and low hills, with fertile valleys in the
south. Querétaro is synonymous with art, natural beauty, traditions, and
archaeological and historical sites. Few states are fortunate enough to be able
to offer so many and such varied attractions. This state has been influenced by
three pre-Hispanic cultures: the Teotihuacan, the Toltec and the Mexica
cultures, reflected in places such as Toluquilla, Ranas and El Cerrito.
Spanish influence is evident throughout the region. In 1996, the Historical
Center of Santiago de Querétaro was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
The city was the scene of major events in national history and nowadays is a
majestic vice-regal city with striking baroque buildings. The state has a wealth
of natural attractions, such as waterfalls, grottoes, mountains, spas, and
places for camping or engaging in ecotourism and adventure, as well as
traditional artisans’ villages.
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In the Queretaro city you can embark on a voyage
of discovery. Although Querétaro is one of the smaller states, its capital
offers a surprising range of activities, from the golf and riding clubs on its
outskirts to Fray Junipero’s mission in the Sierra Gorda; from relaxing spas to
mountaineering excusions, from the San Joaquin forest to La Huasteca in Jalpan,
which can take anything from a few hours to a few days. But however visitors
choose to spend their time in Querétaro, they always feel that their stay was
well worth it.
The city was founded in 1531 as an Indian town as a result of an alliance
between Hernán Bocanegra and the Otomi chief Conin, baptized as Fernando de
Tapia, who helped combat the Chichimecs that lived in the region, although the
rebellions continued until 1590. During the following centuries, the state
became the third largest in the kingdom, while its elite played a key role in
the Independence. In 1847, it became the capital of the region and twenty years
later, it was the site of the decisive battle between the forces of the Republic
and the empire of Maximilian who was shot on June 19 on the Cerro de las
Campanas. In 1917, Mexico’s current Constitution was drafted and signed in
Querétaro.
The work of all these centuries is reflected in Querétaro’s numerous churches,
monasteries and other constructions. These can be reached by the walkways that
recall the pace of earlier times and which we can admire nowadays thanks to the
preservation of the city’s historic center, declared a world heritage site by
UNESCO. Thus, Querétaro is historic, both because of the events it has witnessed
and because of the buildings that have been preserved.
It is 200 km away from Mexico, and southeast of a state with extremely varied
geography in the fertile region known as the Bajio, which stretches as far as
Guanajuato. To the north it borders on the Sierra Madre Oriental, known as the
Sierra Gorda there, and to the south it borders on the neo-volcanic axis, which
explains the presence of numerous thermal springs in the area. It is the capital
of Querétaro, and has 800,000 inhabitants and a moderately dry climate with
average temperatures of 22ºC.
San Luis Potosi - Set midway between the northeast and center of the
country, San Luis Potosi is one of the states with the greatest number of
neighbors: Jalisco, Zacatecas, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz,
Hidalgo, Querétaro and Guanajuato. Geographically, it is divided into the
Huasteca Potosina, the Middle Zone and the High Tableland. Its surroundings are
extremely varied, ranging from the hot, green plains of La Huasteca to the cool,
desert-like tableland. In pre-Hispanic times, it was occupied by
hunter-gatherers and by Huastecs shortly before the arrival of the Spaniards.
However, San Luis Potosi developed mainly as a result of the silver deposits in
Cerro de San Pedro, which increased its architectural and artistic wealth.
Several towns date from this period, such as Real de Catorce, Villa del Rey,
Santa Maria del Rio and the capital itself, San Luis Potosi. The state has
stunning natural sites, ideal for adventure, ecotourism or simply for
relaxation. Visitors can explore forests, springs, waterfalls and spas or visit
artisans’ villages and discover their traditions, fiestas and customs.
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San Luis Potosi City - The product of the
richness of its mines and the tenacity of its earliest inhabitants, which earned
it the status of royal, pontificial city, San Luis Potosi has preserved its
original urban lay-out, the elegance of its civil and religious architecture and
its distinctive colonial appearance. Yet it has also preserved another type of
wealth: its traditions and the hospitality of its people who receive visitors
with open arms. San Luis Potosi was founded in 1583 as a Franciscan mission,
shortly after which it was divided into districts, becoming one of the main
colonial cities established around a mining center. It has retained its
importance as a regional capital and industrial center, producing textiles and
smelting metal, while its districts proudly continue to celebrate their fiestas
and traditions.
Set on a windy plain, San Luis Potosi has attractive pedestrian areas, ample
plazas, museums, markets, cafeterias and a general air of calm. Moreover, the
surroundings provide numerous opportunities for sports activities and
ecotourism, since nature has provided the state with marvelous scenery that will
also challenge your outdoor skills.
Tlaxcala State - Small yet attractive state nestling in the center of
Mexico and bounded by the states of Mexico, Puebla and Hidalgo. Every inch of
its territory is put to good use. It is possible to take in most of the state in
a few days, although there will always be something left to discover. Tlaxcala
offers nature, history, culture and one of the most imaginative cuisines in the
country.
This "land of maize bread" is also the land of the century plant and therefore
of pulque, a drink made from the latter; of volcanoes, rivers and waterfalls,
lakes, forests and even "desert", archaeological zones and beautiful churches
and colonial buildings as well as haciendas where fighting bulls are bred.
Ecological and adventure tourism are also extremely popular in the state. Its
infrastructure and services are first-rate, which is another reason why you
should visit this wonderful corner of Mexico.
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Tlaxcala City - Pleasant city with narrow,
well-designed streets, striking colonial monuments and a delightful provincial
atmosphere which, together with the hospitality of its inhabitants makes
Tlaxcala an ideal resort. Tlaxcala still preserves its original grid from the
16th century, which was also the time when the constructions surrounding its
pleasant, sunny plazas were built. The city center is lined with beautiful
religious and civil buildings, veritable historical and artistic treasures that
are definitely worth visiting. This city, the smallest state capital in the
country, is located 115 km outside Mexico City and is extremely easy to reach.
It was founded in 1525 in the Valley of Chalchihuapan, a piece of land ceded by
the lords of Tizatlán and Ocotelulco and was originally known as Tlaxcala de
Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. In 1524, twelve Francisan friars arrived in
Tlaxcala to begin the spiritual conquest and with the help of the indigenous
people built open chapels and austere convents. The town grew rapidly and in
1535 it was granted a coat of arms and named the Very Noble and Very Loyal City
of Tlaxcala, It was also made the seat of the first archbishopric in New Spain.
Tlaxcala is also within easy reach of places of archaeological, architectural,
natural and cultural interest, as well as cattle-raising and pulque haciendas
and craftsmen’s villages.
Central Mexico
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