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Central Mexico
Mexico is rich with colonial cities acknowledged for their beauty, detailed architecture, and historical significance. Gorgeous civic and religious buildings showcase a diverse blend of architectural styles in Guadalajara, Puebla, and Michoacan.
In cities like Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi, you'll find an extravagance comparable to that of fine European destinations. Many of these New World cities were built during Mexico's mining boom, and their beautiful streets and colorful heritage are no more resplendent than in Merida and Oaxaca, with their rich mestizo heritage.
Here are three wonderful choices for touring central Mexico:
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Guadalajara |  |
Michoacan | |
Puebla | |  |
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Guadalajara |
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Guadalajara—the Pearl of the West—is the proud state capital of Jalisco and the second-most populated city in Mexico. It's also home to some of the nation's most important cultural symbols: mariachis, tequila, the hat dance, and Mexican rodeos. The city is known for its magnificent architecture, beautiful parks, and surrounding forests, often referred to as the city's lungs.
 Located 540 km (335 mi) northwest of Mexico City, Guadalajara is blessed with excellent temperatures ranging from 11º to 26º C (52º to 79º F). Among its main draws is the magnificent architecture of its historic and religious buildings, in particular that of the Hospicio Cabañas, which houses murals of artist Jose Clemente Orozco and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guadalajara stands out for its warm hospitality, and is known for its beautiful parks and surrounding natural areas, such as el Bosque la Primavera (the Primavera Forest). There's also the Parque Metropolitano for camping and ecotours, and outdoor activities of all kinds. In the historical downtown district stands the cathedral, known for its emblematic towers. Behind the cathedral lies the Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater), a monumental 19th-century building and one of the city's main cultural arts venues. Near Guadalajara is Zapopan, the most important religious center in western Mexico. Or you can visit nearby Tonala, the pottery capital of Jalisco and the only city in the nation where more than 10 traditional techniques are used to make various crafts. Nearby is the magical Lake Chapala, and the picturesque town of Tequila, where Mexico's most famous drink is produced. And in Guadalajara you'll always find a vibrant nightlife in the various bars and restaurants, where you can also enjoy a delicious torta ahogada (a roll filled with pork and bathed in hot sauce), pozole, and the traditional sounds of mariachi music. Book your Guadalajara adventure on Expedia and save. |
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Michoacan |
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Located in southwest Mexico, Michoacan is a goldmine of cultural events and historical architecture with vast natural areas, national parks, and volcanic rock formations. Go camping, take an ecotour of the protected Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, and get your adrenaline pumping with extreme sports, mountain biking, paragliding, and more.
 The area is abundant with natural beauty, thanks to the volcanic rock formations of the Sierra Madre del Sur. In this territory you'll discover vast natural areas and national parks such as Cupatitzio Canyon and the Jose Maria Morelos Park. Go camping, venture forth on ecotours, and try some extreme sports, including BMX mountain biking and paragliding. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is a protected fir forest that serves as nesting grounds for the monarch butterfly.
In the state of Michoacan you'll also find a wide variety of traditional cultural events, such as the Day of the Dead celebration at Lake Patzcuaro and on its nearby islands, where you'll see some of the most visited churches in the state. Try the excellent local cuisine and find all kinds of regional crafts at the stores and markets. Later, you can check out the nearby archaeological zones of Tzintzuntzan and Ihuatzio. In the city of Morelia, the state capital, you'll see magnificent buildings in the Historic Center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The notable edifices include the Cathedral and the Palacio de Clavijero, both of which recall the city's fascinating history. Other interesting sites are the Hospital de la Huatapera de Uruapan and the Zamora Cathedral. On Michoacan's coast you'll find gorgeous beaches like Playa Azul and Lazaro Cardenas, which offer lodging and restaurants, and Maruata, Michoacan's most famous beach and the nesting grounds for the black sea turtle. Book your Michoacan adventure on Expedia and save. |
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Puebla |
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The city of Puebla, founded in 1531, is one of Mexico's most culturally significant cities and home to several important historical events. Capital of Puebla State, the city is home to beautiful buildings in colonial, art deco and other styles made of gray stone, red brick, and tiles. The city is known for its intricate hand-painted ceramics, known as Talavera, as well as for its renowned cuisine.
 Known as the City of Angels, Puebla is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lies 136 km (84 mi) from Mexico City. The climate is mild and semi-humid, with rainfall during the summer and the beginning of fall, and generally cool days during the summer months. The average temperature is 16º C (61º F).
This city, Mexico's fifth-largest, has some 5,000 colonial buildings, which are mostly baroque edifices built during the 16th century. The Cathedral is one of the most notable examples of classic architecture in this beautiful city, whose convents, churches, and town squares seem to have come from heaven above. Puebla is also known for its excellent cuisine, which is a blend of pre-Hispanic, Arabic, French, and Spanish influences. Among the world-famous dishes are chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano chili peppers bathed in walnut sauce), and mole poblano (a regional mole dish). Here you'll find wonderful crafts, including Talavera pottery, el arbol de la vida (the tree of life) figurines, bark paper paintings, unique onyx and marble sculptures, and much more at the traditional markets and beautiful plazas where artisans sell their products. Puebla is accented with gray-hewn stone buildings, marvelous facades, and lovely iron balconies. Nearby, you'll find beautiful outdoor natural areas and recreational activities. During your stay, be sure to visit the Izta-Popo National Park, La Malinche National Park, and the Valle de Tehuacan Biosphere Reserve, the largest reserve in the world. Book your Puebla adventure on Expedia and save. |
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