Mexico City is a fascinating capital that enchants its visitors with countless options. It’s one of the biggest urban centers in the world, divided into 16 delegations and 300 neighborhoods whose contrasting characteristics might initially seem overwhelming to those visiting for the first time. Its immensity, nevertheless, is seductive, and advertises itself dramatically to those arriving by plane at night: below you, an interminable and awesome carpet of light.
For those visiting Mexico City for the first time, it’s important to know that the majority of tourist attractions are concentrated in the Centro Historico (Historic Center): la Plaza de la Constitucion- popularly known as El Zocalo, the imposing Catedral Metropolitana, the Palacio Nacional and the archeological zone of the Templo Mayor. In addition, there are also many fascinating museums housed in colonial mansions. Nearby is the Plaza Garibaldi, mecca for the profoundly authentic experience of Mexico, surrounded by the aroma of tequila and the music of mariachi.
Historically, the city is important for being the birthplace of Ignacio Allende, whose surname was added to the city's name in 1826, as well as the first municipality declared independent of the government by the nascent insurgent army during the Mexican War of Independence.
However, the city declined during and after the war, and in the early 20th century, it was in danger of becoming a ghost town. Its baroque / neoclassical colonial structures were "discovered" by artists who arrived and began art and cultural institutes, such as the Allende Institute and the School of Fine Arts. This gave the city a reputation, attracting artists like David Alfaro Siqueiros, who was a painting master.
This attracted foreign art students, especially former American soldiers studying at the G.I. Bill after World War II. Since the city has attracted a large number of foreign retirees, artists, writers and tourists, which has changed the economy of the area, from agriculture and industry to trade and services for external visitors and residents.
Guanajuato is replete with magic and legend, alive with the history of the insurgents of the Independence of Mexico. Today, the multi-colored facades of buildings, the University, the Monument of Pipila, the Alhondiga de Granaditas, the churches and subteranean tunnels and streets and the serenades of the Estudiantina street musicians make up an indelible image of its radiant architecture and folklore.
To stroll through the city is to experience a pleasing and magical moment. From the lookout situated a few feet from the rose-colored stone monument dedicated to Pipila, accessible by foot or funicular, visitors can admire an incredible panoramic vista of the city and the surrounding valley.
Among other unforgettable attractions of the city of Guanajuato worth exploring are the legendary Callejon del Beso and the museums Casa Diego Rivera, Iconografia del Quijote, Alhondiga de Granaditas, the Wax Museum, and the Museo de las Momias (the world famous Mummy Museum).
Dolores Hidalgo, Cradle of National Independence, its full name, is one of the 46 townships of the Mexican state of Guanajuto. It’s located in the center of the state witha border of 1590 km2. According to the 2000 census, the population has grown to 128,994 inhabitants, many dedicated principally to traditional artesania, making talavera tile in the style originated in the time of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Dolores Hidalgo is the center of an enormous rural area dedicated to the cultivation of grape, alfalfa, oat, chile ancho, and sheep ranching. In the prehispanic era, the township was known as Comomacan, which means “place where they hunt turtledoves.”.
The city considers itself the cradle of the Independence of Mexico, as its cathedral was witness to the famous Cry of Dolores, the initial summons to take arms up against the Spanish Crown issued by Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the dawn hours of September 16, 1810.
Queretaro is one of the smallest states of the country, but nevertheless, also one of the most heterogenous. The number of attractions that surround it have made it one of the most fascinating, dynamic, colorful and diverse states in Mexico.
You can visit Queretaro any time of year: its great climate makes your stay pleasant, and its numerous activities will make it an unforgettable stay. A warm and agreeable place, a destination that offers, with its parties, its history, its culture and its gastronomy, the good life.
Queretaro is easily accessible for any traveler. It’s located 2 hours from Mexico City, less than an hour from San Miguel de Allende, 2 hours from Guanajuato, two hours from Michoacan and two hours from San Luis Potosi. Additionally, Queretaro counts on enough attractions to extend your trip: two World Heritage sites, the Wine Route, charming towns and many ecotourism camping sites.
