Uncovering Mexico’s Rich History Behind Tourist-Ready Landscapes

Explore 5 World Heritage Cities

Experience my dynamic tour! We’ll visit four World Heritage towns – Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, and Morelia – along with two other breathtaking sites, all in just one night and two days. These towns are renowned globally for their beauty, but they also played crucial roles in shaping modern democratic Mexico. By delving into their history, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s true essence today.

If time permits, we may even stop at Peña de Bernal, the third tallest monolith in the world. The view from the top is truly breathtaking, and it’s believed to be a powerful spot that can energize anyone who sees it.

During our journey, I’ll take you to savor the famous Barbacoa Tacos and the traditional Michoacán cuisine, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Let’s take a closer look at each city:

 

Querétaro

The heart of Querétaro, founded in 1532, is a beautiful place, perfect for strolling and enjoying tea. With 1,400 historical monuments, it remains a World Heritage town, preserving the layout from the time when Spanish settlers coexisted with the locals. Weekends offer bustling markets to explore or take snaps of the charming streets. Once a supply hub for surrounding towns, Querétaro’s symbolic aqueduct, about 1,200 meters long today, once transported water from a mountain 9 kilometers away to the town center.

 

Guanajuato

Known as the “most beautiful town in Mexico,” Guanajuato, though small, serves as the capital of the state of Guanajuato, and its historic role in the War of Independence in 1810 makes it significant. The underground tunnels, once built to control the flooding of the Guanajuato River, now serve as a maze-like network of essential infrastructure for residents. Explore this charming town on foot, and don’t miss the opportunity to take home some beautiful Majolica ceramics or visit renowned Ceramics workshops, though they are around 3 hours away from Guanajuato City.

 

Dolores Hidalgo

Dolores Hidalgo, where the independence movement began, may not be as famous as Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende, but its historical importance to Mexico cannot be underestimated. Also, it is the birthplace of the maestro of Mexican music, José Alfredo Jiménez, making it a place deeply embedded in Mexico’s history and culture. The central church marks a turning point in history, much like Japan’s Nijo Castle.

 

Morelia

Named after one of the heroes of Mexico’s independence, José María Morelos, Morelia serves as the capital of the state of Michoacán. The Michoacán state government prioritizes tourism with its abundant resources, including nearby towns such as Pátzcuaro, about 50 kilometers to the west. The city center of Morelia is especially beautiful at night, creating a calm atmosphere even without walking around. Michoacán offers various traditional sweets, some of which are sweet but also appealing to Japanese tastes. It is a region with a rich history of craftsmanship and offers a variety of handmade crafts. From Morelia, you can easily extend your trip to Pátzcuaro, the former capital of the Purépecha culture (Prepecha), which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. There, I can take you to local eateries (with no signs) that offer traditional Michoacán cuisine.

 

San Miguel de Allende

Named after one of the heroes of independence, Ignacio Allende, this town is frequented by many foreign visitors from North America, and it’s a well-maintained, popular tourist destination.

 

Bernal

Peña de Bernal, the third tallest monolith in the world, can be reached on foot up to two-thirds of its height, although rock climbing is required for the summit.

 

Especially recommended for those who…

Of course, everyone is welcome, regardless of the above categories!