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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Agricultural center (wheat, sweet potatoes, fruit; livestock); shoe manufacturing, lumber milling.
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.
Situated in fabulously rich mining region, it once produced silver and antimony; also gold, lead, and copper deposits. Once a city of nearly 40,000 people, now nearly a ghost town. A popular tourist stop. Sometimes called Catorce.
Oct 102009
Located on the west side of the state, Calvillo was a settlement of Nahua Indians of San José Huejúcar, and it means “Place of Willows.” José Calvillo, owner of the Hacienda of San Nicolás, donated the land for the town’s founding, which was done by the governor of Guadalajara, Manuel Colón de Larreategui on November 18, 1771.
Famous for its guava production, Calvillo offers very interesting places such as the Main plaza, which dates back to 1778. The chapel of El Señor del Salitre, built in 1772 has true picturesque jewels in its paintings.
The Sanctuary of Guadalupe is decorated with paintings that are wallpaper and have images of the Guadalupe Virgin. In El Tepozán, you can admire wall paintings that are anthropomorphic figures of diverse colors, with various other paintings detailing different eras. One of the recreational sites that Calvillo has is the Malpaso dam, where you can practice water sports and fishing. The Laurel mountain range is an elongation of the Sierra Fría. Here mountain climbers, which enjoy a great level of difficulty, will find cliffs and elevated column mountains, which constitute a great challenge. In the Laurel mountain range you can find beautiful sites such as the Alisos waterfall.
Oct 102009
Minor port on narrow bar off Northwestern Yucatan Peninsula.
Henequen growing, fishing.
Nearby is the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano , biological reserve. There is a surrounding wildlife refuge for a large colony of flamingos. They are most visible from September through March when they are nesting. There are also herons, egrets, pelicans, and ducks.
Oct 102009
Site of a famous flood, which in 1888 almost washed the city away. Leon, on the main Railroad line between El Paso, Texas and Mexico city, and on Mexico Highways 37 and 45, is a commercial, agricultural, and mining center and one of Mexico’s leading leather working and shoemaking cities.
The local mines yield gold, copper, silver, lead, and tin.
Leon was officially founded in 1577. Formerly called Leon de los Aldama.
Oct 102009
The third-largest city of Mexico, Monterrey is the Railroad and highway hub of NE Mexico. It is also Mexico’s second-most important industrial center. The site of the nation’s largest iron and steel foundries and a major producer of cement. Monterrey’s modern industrial complex also includes a wide range of light manufacturing (including glass and beverages).
The city has experienced further growth with the construction of maquiladoras, foreign-owned plants that use low-wage labor for goods exported to the U.S. Natural gas, coal and petroleum from the neighboring states of Coahuila and Tamaulipas are also major sources of industrial activity.
Its moderate, dry climate, cool mountains, and hot springs make the Monterrey area a popular resort. Monterrey is the home of the University of Nuevo Leon and Monterrey Technical Institute, one of Mexico’s most prestigious institutions of higher education.
The city was founded in 1579.
Oct 102009
Pachuca, one of Mexico’s oldest and most famous mining towns, was founded in 1534 on the site of an ancient Toltec city. The region is extremely rich in ore deposits, especially silver, which has been mined since Aztec times.
Pachuca is also a cultural and educational center, with a university, a meteorological observatory, and a noted school of mining and metallurgy.
Landmarks include a 16th-century convent and church and La Caja, built in 1670 as a storehouse to hold the royal tribute.
