Founded in 1576, San Luis Potosi was strategically important in colonial times and during the wars of the republican period. The patriot Francisco I. Madero, who was briefly imprisoned in the city in 1910, later named his revolutionary call to arms the Plan of San Luis Potosi. The city center has narrow cobbled streets and solid colonial architecture, but outlying areas are modern. Among its major landmarks are the San Francisco convent and Carmelite churches.
Oct 102009
The highlighted green area is Morelos State.
Set in the center of the country and surrounded by complex mountain ranges, lies the state of Morelos, which enjoys one of the mildest climates in the country. It borders on the Federal District and the states of Mexico, Puebla and Guerrero.
Despite its small size, it boasts numerous attractions. This territory was dominated by the Chichimecs, but it was also inhabited by the Xochimilca and subsequently the Tlahuica. It was precisely the latter that founded Cuauhnáhuac, which the Spaniards converted into Cuernavaca, now famous as “the city of eternal spring,” that Hernán Cortés chose as the site for building his large realm. Its climate meant that several sugar cane haciendas were built there, while the Jesuits erected churches and monasteries that can still be admired to this day. This state was the site of major historical events during the period of independence and the revolution. Today it houses numerous spas and recreational centers.
Oct 102009
Located in the northeast part of the state, Asientos was founded by Francisco Ibarra, Don Benito Gaspar de Larrañaga and Juan Ignacio de Larrañaga Salcedo. In 1548 a religious group congregated originating the settlement of Real de Minas which became Nuestra Señora de Belén de los Asientos de Ibarra, later Asientos.
Among its main buildings, the Nuestra Señora de Belén Parish, has original Miguel Cabrera paintings. It dates back from 1705 with a distinct eighteenth century architectural style. The Guadalupe Sanctuary still keeps its original cemetery and funeral home; in this chapel built in 1765, you can admire some mural paintings of the apostles, all natural size, by Teodoro Ramírez. Another attraction is the House of the Miner, where you can appreciate quarry crafts, aluminum doors and window framing.
Special mention should be given to the chapel and former convent of El Señor del Tepozán, which was built at the end of the 18th century. Next to this chapel there is another building, built in 1704, which many years ago was used as a monastery and a retirement home. On the other side of the chapel you can find the Tepozán Park, which has a playground and green areas.
Something very interesting about Asientos are the mines, which represent the progress and history of the town. On January 25, the traditional fair of the parish’s supporter is celebrated: Nuestra Señora de Belén. The miner’s day is celebrated in July along with a festival dedicated to El Señor del Tepozán.
The most representative craftsmanship of Asientos is, without a doubt, the traditional pottery done by Don Cuco, who makes excellent artifacts such as jugs, pitchers, mugs, ashtrays, candle holders, pots and flower pots.
Oct 102009
The highlighted green area is Veracruz State.
Veracruz, the state with the longest coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, is virtually synonymous with enjoyment, music, dancing, magic and witchcraft. It is set in the east of the country, and borders on Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Tabasco. Its climate varies according to the region and ranges from hot and humid on the coast to extremely cold in the mountainous areas.
From the earliest times, the state?s favorable conditions encouraged the development of major cultures such as the Olmec, Huastec and Totanac, which created sites such as El Tajín, San Lorenzo and Tres Zapotes. The conquest of the region culminated with the founding of Villa Rica de la Veracruz by Hernán Cortés in 1519. During the period of Independence, the port of Veracruz was the scene of the Mexicans spirited resistance to the invading forces.
Veracuz is a land of elegant colonial cities such as Córdoba, villages with rich traditions such as Papantla and Tlacotalpan, magical places such as Catemaco and its Isla de los Monos and others with a wealth of cultural activity, such as Xalapa. However, it is also the site of coffee plantations in exuberant surroundings, natural wonders such as waterfalls, lagoons, rivers and the lush coastal strip of the Costa Esmeralda. The colorful fiestas held throughout the year culminate in the world-famous carnival, which, combined with the superb local cuisine, make this an exceptional state.
The highlighted green area is Baja California State.
Baja California is set in the far northeast of Mexico. Its shores are washed by the Pacific Ocean (to the west) and by the Sea of Cortés (to the east). It borders on Sonora to the northeast, Baja California Sur to the south and the North American state of California to the north.
The region was formerly inhabited by nomadic groups that left remarkable cave paintings as a testimony of their presence. Religion subsequently proved more effective than weapons in conquering the Indians and the remains of Jesuit missions can still be seen throughout the state.
This is one of the least humid areas in the world, with a dry, extreme climate. The landscapes are unusual, since the blue shades of the sea contrast with the desert and its steeply sloping mountain ranges covered with cactus. This strip of land contains fertile valleys and gorgeous beaches; its terrestrial and marine life is extremely varied while its wines and seafood are among the best in the country.
Oct 102009
Basilica of Ocotlan
Ocotlán (from the Nahuatl ocotl (“pine tree”), meaning “place of pines”) is a city in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala, located in the centre of that state within the conurbation of the state capital, Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl.
The Basilica of Ocotlán, dedicated to the Virgin of Ocotlán, a 1541 Marian apparition, is a renowned site of Roman Catholic pilgrimage.
In the 2005 INEGI census, Ocotlán reported a population of 22,082, making it the largest settlement in the municipality of Tlaxcala: more populous even than the state capital, which reported 15,777.
Oct 102009
The highlighted green area is Durango State.
The state of Durango, nestling in the Sierra Madre Occidental, is surrounded by Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Zacatecas, Jalisco and Nayarit. Its surroundings are full of spectacularly beautiful natural formations that have served as the setting for several films on the Wild West. Its landscape includes forests, canyons, valleys, rivers, lagoons, deserts, orchards and vineyards.
Durango has managed to preserve nearly virgin sites, meaning that its ecosystems are extremely fragile. Temperatures are extreme, ranging from 14ºC below zero in winter at altitudes of over 3000 m, to over 41ºC in the desert in summer. The August rains in the valleys and mountain ranges provide a wonderful spectacle. Durango?s attractions are many and varied: it has two biosphere reserves, with abundant fauna, while over 250 species of migratory and endemic birds have been recorded in the state. It has archaeological sites with cave paintings and architectural jewels left by the missionaries and colonizers. The outskirts of the city contain spas with thermal and mineral springs, as well as reservoirs that are ideal for sports such as fishing.
Oct 102009
It is the commercial and processing center of an irrigated agricultural and cattle-raising area.
Founded as Valladolid in 1541 by Antonio de Mendoza, Morelia is built on a rocky hill and is surrounded by a fertile valley at the West edge of the central plateau. High peaks border the valley on 3 sides. The climate is warm and healthful. The city is supplied with water by an aqueduct dating from the colonial period.
The most imposing Spanish structure is the cathedral, begun in 1640; colonial architecture, some modern buildings, and shaded plazas give the city a pleasant atmosphere.
The Colegio de San Nicolas, founded (1540) in Patzcuaro and transferred in 1580 to Morelia, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Mexico.
Morelia was the birthplace of Agustin de Iturbide and of the patriot Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, for whom it was renamed in 1828.
Oct 102009
It is the commercial and communications center of the surrounding mining and agricultural (cereals and cattle) region. The fruits and flowers of Irapuato’s luxurious gardens are famous throughout Mexico.
Oct 102009
Agricultural center (corn, coffee, tobacco, sugarcane, fruit); noted for apples and cider. Iron and silver deposits. Pre-Columbian pyramids nearby.
Oct 102009
A popular tourist and health resort. Many Spanish-language programs for foreigners here.
In the city are beautiful churches, monasteries, a 16th-century Franciscan convent, a palace built by Hernan Cortes and decorated with murals by Diego Rivera, and a formal garden that was frequented by Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlotta.
Nearby is the Toltec ruin, Xochicalco, built over limestone caves.
Oct 102009
The highlighted green area is Nayarit State.
On the Pacific coast, surrounded by the states of Sinaloa, Durango, Zacatecas and Jalisco, lies the attractive state of Nayarit. Its origins are to be found in the Cora and Huichol groups that settled in the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental. In ancient times, it was a major transit area and legend has it that the group that would subsequently found the great Tenochtitlan set out from the island of Mexcaltitán, led by Huitzilopochtli. During the 18th century, it served as the starting point for the evangelization of Alta California.
This explains why it has both archaeological sites, colonial and 19th century buildings and monuments.
Nayarit has everything to offer: history, culture, traditions, stunning beaches and places for ecotourism and adventure, served with delicious cuisine in gorgeous natural settings.
Hot humid climate. Produces most of the oranges in the state, as well as corn, beans, coffee, plantains, peanuts, chilies, and vanilla. There is a prosperous cattle industry. Very active commerce.
Oct 102009
Sabancuy is a small fishing village about an hour and a half south of Campeche City on the coastal highway or about one hour north of Ciudad del Carmen. The town sits on the river delta and is as of yet an undiscovered tourism spot. It is 68 kms South of Champoton or about 130 kms south of Campeche City. As you approach Sabancuy from the main highway you must turn onto a bridge that takes you through the river to the town’s main square where the typical Mexican church stands guard on the main plaza.
The area around Sabancuy is an ecological treasure with numerous fish and birds species. The river is beautiful as are the beaches on the other side of the highway. There are no big hotels nearby and no tourism development yet. The few tourists who come here are usually touring the Yucatan peninsula on their own and happen to stop by. There are rumours of future small and medium sized developments in the town as well as ideas for B&B’s and extended stay accommodations.
Agricultural center (wheat, sweet potatoes, fruit; livestock); shoe manufacturing, lumber milling.
The highlighted green area is Distrito Federal. Its very tiny.
Despite being the smallest state in Mexico, the Federal District, the country’s capital, is the largest and most complex city in the world. Its combination of history, culture and entertainment makes it an extremely attractive city. Architectural traces of its pre-Hispanic and vice-regal past are interspersed with modern buildings.
Its origins date from 1325, when the Mexica discovered the central islet in Texcoco Lake where they settled and eventually founded a powerful empire, which was defeated by the Spanish conqueror, Hernán Cortés. The colonial period produced so many magnificent churches, monasteries and palaces that it came to be known as the city of palaces. The Federal District has an extremely complete infrastructure, with air and overland links to everywhere in the country, hotels, restaurants, amusement centers, cinemas, theaters and dozens of museums.
Oct 102009
Chiefly an oil-refining center, it also serves as the commercial and distribution point for the surrounding agricultural region.
The first important battle between liberals and conservatives in the 19th-century War of the Reform was fought here.
