Central Inland Mexico - Overview

Dominated by the mass of Mexico City, Central Inland Mexico is a region that encompasses picturesque colonial cities, volcanic mountains, sweeping farms and the rush and crush of urban life.

Car horns mark the sluggish passing of traffic in congested Mexico City, but for the crowds, find plenty of people-watching and cultural attractions to compensate. Museums punctuate the city with a regularity that might daunt even the most devoted history/art/anthropology buff. Start with a tour of the historic center to ease into big city delights.

A favorite escape for foreigners and Mexico City dwellers, San Miguel de Allende to the northwest is all about ambiance. Laid-back and picturesque, a stroll through the city will get you acquainted with gentile colonial architecture and important historic sights. Stay on indefinitely to learn the language and the people if you can.

Guanajuato, not far from San Miguel de Allende, is the birthplace of Mexican artist Diego Rivera and developed as an important economic center after the discovery of silver centuries ago. Take a tour of the still operational mine and pick up silver souvenirs before leaving town to visit some of the other inland destinations.

Cuernavaca, southwest of Mexico City, offers visitors a temperate climate, graceful architecture and access to some of the ruins in this area.

A short drive from Cuernavaca is Taxco, a pleasant mountain city that, like Guanajuato, grew to importance after silver was found in surrounding hills. Learn more about the history of this precious metal at the museum dedicated to the subject and hop the cable car up above the city for great views.

Important agricultural state, Michoacan, rolls west from Mexico City. Stretching green fields, rugged volcanic mountains and charming villages are edged in by the Pacific Ocean. Expect picturesque landscapes, monarch butterflies and don't miss a trip to the Volcan Paricutin.

Guadalajara, only second in size to Mexico City, is a pleasant stop on the drive from Mexico City to beaches on the Pacific Coast. Find a range of tourist amenities, colonial architecture and plenty of opportunities to practice your Spanish.

Central Inland Mexico is about cultural attractions. Whether you have a month or a week, don't miss a stop in at least one colonial-style city and a few days in Mexico City.

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