Central

Mexico City
This is one of the most populated and fascinating cities in the world–a unique blend of cultures dating back more than 2,000 years. You’ll need more than a couple of days to see the highlights of Chapultepec Park and its National Museum of Anthropology, the Zona Rosa, and the historic center with its colonial architecture superimposed on the ruins of an Aztec city. Mexico City is fascinating and diverse and so are our hotels here. While contrasting in style, they all have excellent locations to discover all this city has to offer. While La Casona is a traditional, elegant home that is demure and discreet, Condesadf is smart, chic and closest to the emerging Condesa area restaurant and bar scene. Another unique option is Habita, an un-conventional, ultra-modern base from which to socialize with local fashionistas. Mexico City Historical Center sponsors excellent free guided tours. A side trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacan can be done in one day. From here, depart to Puebla on toll-free highway #190 (two lanes, scenic) or toll-highway #150D, just under two hours away. On clear days, Popocatapetl will loom impressively in front of you en route, best seen from seat # 1 on your bus. (To do this tour in reverse, you can exit Mexico City on toll-highway #95D to Cuernavaca.)

Puebla and Cholula
The historic center of Puebla is wonderful for walking and is filled with fine talavera ceramics as well as architecture and antiques inherited from its colonial settlers. Within three blocks of the Zócalo and closest to the best markets for all these handcrafts are our two boutique hotels–Meson Sacristia de Capuchinas and Meson Sacristia de la Compania–which share the same gracious owners, though each boasts its own style and dining experiences. Just 30 mintues away is the America’s oldest city, Cholula, with its astounding pyramid and tunnel system. La Quinta Luna hotel is significant for its historic building and thus a perfect spot to settle in while absorbing the history and culture. Between these two cities, a minimum three day visit is recommended.

Cuernavaca
Leave Puebla southward on highway #190, switching to highway #160 at Izucar de Matamoros and on to Cuernavaca (all toll-free). Cuernavaca’s Museum of Cuauhnahuac is historically important, located in the Cortés Palace, the former home of conquistador Hernán Cortés. Interesting sites to visit in this area include the town of Tepoztlan, strange and beautiful for its geography, and the silver city of Taxco. Amazing excursions not to be missed are the caves at Cacahuamilpa, the rapids of the Amacuzac River and the pre-Hispanic observatory of Xochicalco. We do not have a hotel in this area at the moment but you may visit our Website for lodging recommendations. On a culinary note, neighbouring Puente de Ixtla is considered to have the best cecina (a regional meat dish).

Circuit Extensions
Highly recommended extensions are Oaxaca City and Huatulco for their cultural importance, beaches and ecological attributes (see South circuit itineraries, page 50), or the closer Bajio colonial cities of Morelia and Queretaro (see Bajio circuit on page 36) for their historical significance and cultural communities.

Monte Gordo
Although not a part of central Mexico, Monte Gordo may be reached by driving east from Mexico City, the closest major destination with an international airport. Traveling by small aircraft is highly recommended and is a fast, easy way to arrive at Azucar, a Mexico Boutique Hotel and the best lodging option in this region. Most beach towns in the area are accessible from either Xalapa, Veracruz City or Poza Rica and feature wonderful restaurants serving tasty local specialties.