Colonial Cities of Central Mexico

When most foreigners think of Mexico, the modern coastal resorts of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Cancún come instantly to mind. But for the inquisitive traveler seeking a genuinely authentic and fascinating cultural experience, nothing quite compares to the romantic colonial heartland. In this peaceful and timeless corner of the world, age-old customs and traditions continue to thrive in beautifully preserved towns where contented inhabitants leisurely savor the everyday richness of life.

Showcases of color and celebration, our two favorite places are San Miguel de Allende and nearby Guanajuato, both tucked away in the cool mountainous highlands a half-day’s drive northwest of Mexico City. These wonderfully picturesque towns feature a wealth of exquisite colonial architecture, reflected in a jumble of elegant mansions and stately old churches dedicated to a myriad of patron saints. Narrow cobblestone streets come lined with festive traditional cafés, eclectic galleries, craft shops, stylish boutiques and alluring pastel dwellings centerpieced by flowering courtyards and splashing fountains.

A convivial sense of community is palpably evident, especially in the lively, tree-shaded central squares where residents and visitors come to linger and relax to the rousing and passionate sounds of mariachis and norteños. Everyone seems to be a musician at heart, and fiestas are a regular occurrence. Then, too, skilled potters, woodcarvers, metalsmiths, cabinetmakers and weavers all feel at home here, creating an enchanting array of fanciful folk art and fine home furnishings that boggle the mind.

Expect a benign year-round climate, the months of November-May representing the driest time of year, with daytime temperatures typically in the 70s, dropping into the upper 40s at night from December-February. Access to the region is via the international airports at León, Morelia and Mexico City, where hotels can usually arrange the necessary transfers.