Colonial Heartland
Found in the heart of Mexico’s interior, this area offers a step back in time to the Colonial Era when Spanish influence thrived among elaborate baroque architecture and cobblestone streets along open, tree lined plazas. Recognized as the region that sparked the Mexican revolution in 1911, Mexico’s Colonial Heartland evokes sentiments of liberation and revolution and is still looked upon today as a source of national pride and independence. As a source of numerous authors and artists, the Colonial Heartland region provides nationalistic inspiration for the national conscience and retains the country’s independent spirit.
Highlights:
- San Miguel de Allende - This quaint town is a thriving center for art and culture. Containing numerous cathedrals, shops, restaurants, and art galleries, don’t be surprised to stumble upon live music or a live performance at a park or in a restaurant.
- Querétaro - Serving as the capital of the state of Querétaro, this lively city is most beautiful at night. Said to be one Mexico’s cleanest cities, it was deemed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
- Guanajuato - Guanajuato is a city of incredible charm hidden in the Sierra de Guanajuato Mountains. Its center is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with pastel colored buildings and colonial iron work. Paying homage to its colonial past, Guanajuato has no traffic lights or neon signs. Although Guanajuato was originally a major silver mining center, it is now a government seat, a college town, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
- Morelia - Founded in 1541, the capital of Michoacán is a well preserved colonial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. New buildings in the city’s center must follow strict building codes to maintain colonial Spanish architecture. The main plaza and numerous parks offer tranquil areas of retreat within the city.
- Pátzcuaro - Located in the highlands of Michoacán, this colonial town is filled with impressive churches, cobblestone streets, and beautiful plazas. In the heart of Purèpecha country (the local indigenous population) located near Lago de Pátzcuaro and Isla Janitzo, Pátzcuaro is besieged by Mexicans around the Day of the Dead for their unique celebrations on the lake.
- Zacatecas - Capital of Zacatecas state, this colonial city is replete with Spanish styled architecture and a large cathedral. Known for its silver mining history, Zacatecas is unique in the sense that its northern location has limited large amounts of tourism, making it a hidden gem for visitors.
- Monarch Butterflies - Every year, over 100 million monarch butterflies make a remarkable journey from Canada down to the pine tree clad mountains of Michoacan. A visit to this region outside of Morelia during this astounding migration is an unforgettable experience.
- Guadalajara - The capital of the state of Jalisco, the second most populated city in Mexico, and the birthplace of mariachi music, Gaudalajara is beautiful city consisting of both old colonial charm and modern extravagance. Shopping, museum and cathedral visits, sporting events, and day trips to the town of Tequila and to Lake Chapala (the biggest lake in Mexico) make Guadalajara a fabulous addition to any trip to the Colonial Heartland.
