Central Mexico Overview

Central Mexico is the nation’s heartland, home to alluring colonial cities and stunning Aztec ruins. For centuries, fertile hills, access to Mexico City, and a silver-rich underground made this heavily populated area the key to controlling the nation, leading to invasions by the Aztecs, Spanish, and French and many bloody battles during the War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution. Today, the area’s tumultuous history and beautiful setting in the mild Mexican altiplano draws history buffs and nature lovers alike.

After docking in Veracruz in 1519, Cortés worked his way inland, convincing local tribes from Puebla and Tlaxcala to join his entourage—and massacring those who didn’t. Despite his best efforts, images from indígena mythology still mingle with Catholic icons in the area’s many churches, pointing to a vibrant indigenous culture. Pre-Hispanic heritage is also preserved in nearby archaeological sites, including the impressive structures in Cholula and Cacaxtla.

To the northwest, the states of Guanajuato and Querétaro occupy a vast, bowl-shaped plateau sheltering some of the nation’s richest colonial heritage. Mining began in the area soon after the Spanish arrival, and by the 18th century the state of Guanajuato supplied the majority of Mexico’s silver, which transformed its capital city into the region’s commercial and banking center. Now a bona fide University town, its well-preserved colonial buildings make it one of the most beautiful stops in the state. San Miguel de Allende, located just east on the silver trail, lures expats with Siren songs of hot springs, perfect weather, and a lively artistic life. Mountainous Hidalgo attracts tourists to the stunning archaeological site of Tula and numerous hiking opportunities in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Impressive ruins, solemn convents, and picture-perfect towns speckle the Estado de Mexico before giving way to green plains and snowy mountains.

South of Mexico City, the state of Morelos is a prime vacation destination for Mexicans and foreigners alike, who come to take a dip in Cuernavaca’s “eternal spring,” explore Xochicalco’s beautifully desolate ruins, and bask in Tepoztlán’s striking landscape.