Traveling to Central Mexico and Mexico City
First, learn not to fear the words Mexico City! It is most likely not at all the things you have heard. Yes, it is a gigantic, populated, sprawling metropolis, but, it is also the Western Hemisphere’s oldest urban center and is packed full of awe-inspiring history and culture. At a mile and half high, the weather is always in your favor. Generally cool and comfortable, this capital city is in the Distrito Federal (federal district). The historic Zócalo (city center) is the second largest plaza in the world, second only to Red Square in Moscow. Filled with museums, restaurants and one of the most gorgeous cathedrals in existence, this is a good starting place to explore the city.
* Mexico City alone houses 100 museums, more than any other city in the world, and it’s the world’s fourth-leading city for theater arts after New York, London and Toronto. Not to mention the city also has 1,500 monuments, 10,000 plus colonial structures, and 10 archeological sites. If that’s not enough, it’s still one of the best travel values in North America!
Follow this with a trip to the pyramids (31 miles northeast of the city) of Teotihuacán or the floating gardens of Xochimilco and you can begin to understand the intrigue and mystery that have surrounded this culture for centuries.
As you venture outside Mexico City to look deeper into the interior of the country, you will find places that you never knew existed in the confines of your perception of Mexico. Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos, a quick two hours from the City will transport you to an entirely different world. Rolling hills and trees are the backdrop for this notorious retreat. Famous for its relaxed resorts, spas and fine dining, Cuernavaca is known the premier weekend getaway choice from the hustle and bustle of booming Mexico City. From there, be sure not to miss the enchanting city of Taxco in the neighboring state of Guerrero. The drive itself is worth the visit. Roses are grown in this region and literally hundreds of acres of them line the highway. As you make your way into the mountains you will be amazed as the city comes into view. A sea of white washed homes, red tile roofs, and the spires of the stunning Santa Prisca church make for an unforgettable picture. Not to mention that fact that Taxco is the “silver capital of the world” with over 2,000 shops in the city itself! Bring your camera and your cash!
Two of the country’s most fascinating states, Puebla and Tlaxcala also lie within two hours of Mexico City. Both are rural in nature and offer archeological and colonial attractions. The city of Puebla (capital of the state) is one of Mexico’s best preserved colonial cities. The imprint of the Spanish influence can be seen in exquisite colonial-era buildings of gray stone and wrought iron. Sitting at 6,500 feet, the city is outlined by four towering ice-capped volcanoes, the tallest of which is Popocatepetl or “Popo” at 17,845 feet. Cholula, one of Mexico’s most formidable archeological sites, is just 8 kilometers west of the city. Cholula’s Great Pyramid of Tepanapa is the largest pyramid ever constructed.
In contrast, nearby Tlaxcala is Mexico’s smallest state. Its simplistic village charm and classic colonial architecture gives visitors a refreshing look at small town Mexican life. Stunning pre-Hispanic murals, colorful religious festivals and Pamplona-style running of the bulls give this tiny state big character. In addition, Tlaxcala has fabulous archeological sites including Cacaxtla, with fantastic ancient murals, and the recently excavated Xochitecatl.
A myriad of incredible colonial cities are found throughout the states of Central Mexico. Most notable are San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato in the state of Guanajuato, Morelia and Pátzcuaro in the state of Michoacán, and Zacatecas in the state of the same name. San Miguel is a quaint yet cosmopolitan colonial gem. With a provincial attitude, the city is proud of its designation as a national monument. A well known artist community thrives here and visitors will enjoy galleries and museums to accompany the winding, terraced cobblestone streets and flower-filled patios. Guanajuato, built up and down a mountainous ravine and founded in 1557, is said by some to be Mexico’s most beautiful city. The difficult topography lends to interesting exploration, but the steep stairways, brick bridges and narrow streets give the city a distinctive medieval flavor. Neo-classical churches and colonial mansions give the impression that Guanajuato was born to be a European treasure.
Morelia and Pátzcuaro can be found in the state of Michoacán. Personal favorites of mine, I remember having to really think about the fact that I was in Mexico when I visited these fantastic cities. Pristine mountain lakes, wild flowers and pine trees will forever change your preconceived notions of Mexico. Morelia, the capital of the state, is even more lush than neighboring Guanajuato. The city resembles something from a gothic fairytale with its 17th and 18th century architecture and style. Well known for its dedication to music, arts, and higher education, Morelia is the aristocrat of the colonial cities. Not far outside Morelia is the wonderful town of Pátzcuaro. Located on the Southeast shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, this intriguing destination was once the center of the Purépecha Indian Empire. Purepechas still live, farm and sell their wares at the marketplace, and the local fishermen still use butterfly nets to catch their famous whitefish. The arts and crafts here are unlike anything you have ever seen in Mexico. Pátzcuaro is also known for its elaborate and beautiful “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) celebrations.
Zacatecas is called “the city with the pink stone face and silver heart.” At 8,000 feet in elevation this unusual town filled with buildings of pink stone is squeezed into a narrow gully between two hills. Not only is it a prominent silver producer, but specialize in wine as well. It has an elegant and almost regal feel to it and the city isn’t shy about flaunting its wealth. With its intricacies and delicate architecture, Zacatecas is a photographer’s dream. In 1993, the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
