The Colonial Heartland
Many of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities are located within the historically rich interior of central Mexico. Essentially, the opulent cities of Guanajuato, Morelia and San Miguel de Allende represent the colonial heartlands, founded by the wealth of silver mining. Each city has its own unique personality but the sheer grandeur of baroque architecture is evident throughout the labyrinth of narrow cobble-stoned streets and peaceful tree-shaded plazas, providing a glimpse at what some claim to be the ‘real Mexico’.
There are many other attractions to the colonial heartlands. From late autumn, a number of trees located east of Morelia turn fiery orange in a colourful spectacle announcing the migratory arrival of millions of Monarch butterflies.
Mexico’s unique celebration of life and death takes part annually in November. The Day of the Dead festival is celebrated nationally but is particularly renowned at the lakeside town of Pátzcuaro and the nearby island of Janitzio which is besieged by those honouring their ancestors in a parade of decorated boats, music and dance.