Central Mexico

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.

• 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 Iztaccíhuatl, just as the Indians, Conquistadors and general population of the city did over the centuries.

The state of Guanajuato, located in an area known as the Bajío, is rich in ecosystems that vary from forests to semi-arid zones. It borders on Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Jalisco and Michoacán. Before the Conquest, the region was inhabited by several indigenous groups, include Otomí, 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.

• 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

• 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 Díaz, 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 Potosí 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 Cívica, 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 María 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 Antropología (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.

• 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 Paricutín and the wonderful Monarch butterfly sanctuary.

• 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

• 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 Paricutín 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.

• 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 colorín 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.

• 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 Iztaccíhuatl 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.

• 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 Potosí, 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.

• 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 Junípero’s mission in the Sierra Gorda; from relaxing spas to mountaineering excusions, from the San Joaquín 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 Otomí 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 Bajío, 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 Potosí 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 Potosí 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 María del Río and the capital itself, San Luis Potosí. 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.

• 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 Potosí 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 Potosí 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 Potosí 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.

• 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