Belfry of San Fransico Church, Queretaro, Mexico

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 on the wealth of silver mining.

Each city has its own unique personality but the sheer grandeur of the colonial and baroque architecture is evident throughout the labyrinth of narrow cobble-stoned streets and peaceful tree-shaded plazas, providing a glimpse of the outstanding wealth of this region at the time.

Mexico Day of the dead Shutterstock
Mexico

A little more about the Colonial Heartland

There are many other attractions to the colonial heartlands. From late autumn, the trees in the Biosphere Reserve of Michoacan State 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 Patzcuaro and the nearby island of Janitzio which is besieged by those honouring their ancestors in a parade of decorated boats, music and dance.

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Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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Sue Grimwood

I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.

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John Faithfull

Over multiple trips, John has immersed himself in the natural and cultural highlights of this huge country. He has had close encounters with grey whales off Baja’s Pacific coast, swam with whale sharks in the Caribbean, attended shaman rituals in Chiapas and sought out some of Mexico City’s finest Mezcalerias.

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