Guanajuato and the Mexican Central Highlands

The former silver mining town of Guanajuato is a beautiful spot in Mexico’s central highlands. At 2,012 meters above sea level things can get a bit chilly in the winter, but it’s colonial streets and brightly painted buildings are beautiful in any weather. With a huge student population, the city boasts raucous nightlife, and there are also fascinating cultural spaces like the Mummy Museum and Diego Rivera’s house.

Spend a few days in the city and then head off to explore the rest of the state, including the expat town of San Miguel de Allende. It might have been overrun by North American expats in recent years, but its beauty is undeniable. It’s worth a day or two of your trip.

If you’ve got more time, cross the border to San Luis Potosi state. The Huasteca region is the biggest attraction, with its mountains, waterfalls and great hiking. The city of San Luis Potosi is also a great colonial center to visit, and it was once a hotbed of revolutionary feeling.

Make the effort to get out of Mexico City to the north and you will find a fascinating region with a proud history. There are wonderful cities and plenty of natural attractions, so there is something for everyone.