COLONIAL MEXICO

If you are interested in art, architecture, history and culture, there is no better way to enjoy these pursuits than to follow the Spanish silver mining route and visit Mexico’s Colonial cities.

Mexico City

Despite its size and often-quoted problems, Mexico is a fascinating city. Built right on top of the Aztec capital city Tenochtitlan, it is a mixture of ancient, colonial and modern. The city is bursting with art, museums, music and culture. The enormous murals by Rivera and Siquieros depict a complete, colourful Mexican history whilst the Anthropological Museum fills in the gaps. The famous Aztec city of Teotihuacán lies only forty minutes away.

Southern Silver Cities

South of Mexico City, Puebla (City of Angels), Cholula, Cuernavaca and Taxco are the places to head for. Puebla has now swallowed up the once independent town of Cholula and between them they house some of the most important colonial architecture in Mexico. Renowned for their dramatic cathedrals, churches and convents they are also home to some of Mexico’s finest potters. Taxco may seem modest in comparison to the other cities, with its red-roofed, white-walled houses, sprawled over a steep hillside. However it is still brimming with silver shops, as it has been for the last 3 centuries.

Northern Silver Cities

North of the capital city you will encounter one colonial town after another. For those who have the time to visit them, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Queretaro amongst others, constitute the Colonial Heartland of Mexico. All once wealthy mining towns, much of Mexico’s colonial life took place here. The towns still retain their impressive architecture and cobbled streets - perfect for wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere. Steeped in history, the whispers calling for Mexican Independence began in this region. From the grandeur of the Baroque architecture in the pink city of Zacatecas to the desert landscapes surrounding San Luis de Potosi and the artistic haven of San Miguel de Allende, each city is individual.

Guadalajara

Jalisco state's main city is the second largest in Mexico and home to many of the country's most colourful crafts and traditions - the sombrero hat, mariachi music and tequila all began life here. Often described as the most 'Mexican' of all Mexican cities.

Morelia and surrounds

The compact, lively capital city of the Michoacan State still feels very Spanish. Fond of festivals and fiestas, this city has lots of museums, an imposing cathedral, lovely colonial buildings and plenty of music, theatre and art. Only 60km away, on the southeast shore of the mystical Lago Pátzcuaro, is the hill town named after the lake. With a strong indigenous presence, it is mostly famed for its colourful Day of the Dead celebrations. Janitzio Island is the largest in the lake, providing great views of the area - it is well worth a visit. From Morelia you can also visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Although a little off the beaten track, a clutch of trees turned flaming orange by the arrival of millions of Monarch butterflies makes it worth the effort. They arrive from late autumn to mate and lay their eggs and leave in late spring.