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Imagine Latin America  >  Destinations  >  Mexico  >  Colonial Highlands
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Colonial Highlands

Mexico’s geographical, spiritual and cultural heartland, the Colonial Highlands are characterised by grand baroque architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, tree-lined shady plazas, dreamy afternoon siestas and a warm temperate climate. A land of mariachi, tequila, festivals, fireworks and sombreros that will ignite your senses and capture your heart.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

It’s hard to resist the old-world charm of Mexico’s Colonial Highlands. Built from the wealth of the silver deposits found in the sierras north of Mexico City, this is an area rich in history and culture with a vibrant arts and culinary scene. The mild climate makes it feel like it is spring eternal, providing the perfect year-round environment in which to explore the romantic Spanish colonial cities this area is famous for.

After the Spanish Conquest in the early 16th century, the conquistadors and missionaries set about creating the tree-lined arcaded plazas, grand cathedrals, elaborate churches and cobblestoned streets that would remind them of the great Andalusian cities they had left back home. The legacy is an area of magnificent and well-preserved colonial towns and cities full of colour, style and laidback charm. Strong Catholic beliefs, along with regular celebrations and parades, all add to the atmosphere. Such are the delights of these towns and cities that many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the former silver mining town of Guanajuato, the pink limestone city of Morelia, the home of Mexico’s national spirit, Tequila and the vibrant arts centre, San Miguel de Allende. Another highlight of this region is Mexico’s second city, Guadalajara birthplace of the sombrero, the Mexican hat dance and Mariachi bands.

All these towns and cities are wonderful to stroll around soaking up the Spanish Baroque architecture, discovering the churches, museums and art galleries, browsing the markets for traditional Mexican handicrafts and sitting in the shade of the plazas watching as life unfolds around you. Another feature of the region is the flourishing culinary scene, from street stalls to upscale restaurants Mexican cuisine appears to be having a moment and while we’d recommend the chance to visit a tequila distillery, the vineyards of the area are also worth exploring and are attracting increasing attention from the international wine industry.

Spending a week driving around these colonial towns was the highlight of all my visits to Mexico. Everywhere is beautifully restored painted in a variety of colours. Great for those who like history, culture, stunning landscapes or simply drinking a ‘cafecito’ in a plaza!


Grant Greenham

Guanajuato

San Miguel de Allende

Tequila

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San Miguel de Allende, Colonial Highlands

For romance, elegance and style, the four suites of L’Otel located in a quiet street of San Miguel de Allende’s historic centre, boast antique furnishings, plush linens, colourful artwork and chic antiques in a lovingly restored old colonial building.

L'Otel

Guanajuato, Colonial Highlands

Villa Maria Cristina is a grand Relais and Chateaux hotel, whose classic mansion façade hides a series of connecting colonial-style buildings through beautiful patios and gardens. Elegant and sophisticated, this is the most deluxe property in the city.

Villa Maria Cristina

San Miguel de Allende, Colonial Highlands

Hotel Matilda is a contemporary boutique design hotel, full of modern arty touches that offer a fascinating comparison with its traditional exterior on a cobblestone street.

Hotel Matilda

San Miguel de Allende, Colonial Highlands

Situated high in the mountains of central Mexico, this luxurious boutique hotel is ideal for experiencing the stunning beauty of the Guanajuato region and exploring the cultural riches of the nearby town San Miguel de Allende.

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Tequila, Colonial Highlands

Situated in the magical town of Tequila, Solar de las Animas is an exquisite property, and the only luxurious option in the town, allowing guests easy access to the area’s best distilleries and surrounding UNESCO heritage agave fields.

Solar de las Animas

Guanajuato, Colonial Highlands

A pretty boutique hotel lovingly crafted from a 19th century building, Edelmira honours its heritage with exposed stonework, elegant archways, wrought iron balconies and large French windows, all beautifully styled with contemporary chic.

Edelmira Hotel Boutique

San Miguel de Allende, Colonial Highlands

With a fabulous central location, wonderful landscaped garden and terrace, Hotel Casa Rosada occupies what was San Miguel de Allende’s former hospital during the 18th century, combining colonial architecture with modern additions to great effect.

Hotel Casa Rosada

San Miguel de Allende, Colonial Highlands

Cool calm contemporary design meets old colonial charm at Hotel El Palomar, with a rooftop pool and terrace, choice of stylish rooms and suites and amazing views of the cityscape, all just a five-minute walk from the main plaza.

Hotel El Palomar

Guanajuato, Colonial Highlands

Quinta las Acacias is located in Presa de la Olla, one of the most beautiful and tranquil areas in Guanajuato. This small boutique hotel combines Mexican architecture with contemporary artesian crafts to create the highest level of luxury.

Quinta las Acacias

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Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Tequila, Todos Santos

Perfect for an off-the-beaten-track experience, this trip will immerse you in western Mexico’s charm and makes for an easy self-drive adventure. Explore the colonial towns of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato & Tequila before flying to the beach for R&R.

14 nights from $6164 per person Beach, Culture & history, Beach

Mexico Self-Drive

Mexico City, Guanajuato, Oaxaca City & Puerto Escondido

This luxury itinerary allows you to soak in Mexico’s rich and diverse culture before indulging in some relaxation on its stunning Pacific coast, all whilst staying in some of the most beautiful boutique properties, perfect for a spot of romance.

12 nights from $7548 per person Beach, Culture & history, Imagine Favourites

Romantic Mexico

Cancun, Merida, Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico City, Guanajuato, La Paz & San jose del Cabo

Discover Mexico’s highlights and gain an amazing in-depth insight into the cultures and traditions of this incredible country, travelling from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific and stopping at fascinating cities and ancient ruins along the way.

22 nights from $11070 per person Culture & history, Imagine Favourites, Beach

Mexico in Depth

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San Miguel de Allende, Colonial Highlands

Embark on a historic walking tour around the colonial city of San Miguel, before delighting in a delicious picnic lunch at a nearby vineyard. Afterwards you will taste wine, cheese and visit the Botanical gardens.

San Miguel City Tour and Vineyards

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Mexico Itineraries

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