Located in central Mexico, the states of Guanajuato and Puebla are considered two of the safest destinations in the country. Like Taxco, Guanajuato (capital city) is known for its silver mining industry, but it also has a one-of-a-kind museum filled with naturally-mummified bodies, and streets so narrow, it is said that people can kiss each other from opposite balconies. Puebla (capital city) is just a two-hour drive from CDMX and is the birthplace of the mole poblano– the most popular of the mole variations and most well-known outside of Mexico. It is also where the Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican Army defeated the French Empire. Of course this holiday is now celebrated as Cinco de Mayo across the States, but in Mexico, is primarily celebrated in Puebla. Spending 2-3 days at each capital city is sufficient, and it should include a visit to the well-known town of San Miguel de Allende (in Guanajuato)!
Guanajuato (city) and San Miguel de Allende
- El Pípila Monument– monument to one of the city’s heroes in the Mexican War of Independence. The site also provides a great view of the whole city.
- Museo de las Momias– featuring the world’s largest collection of naturally-mummified bodies, this museum is a must-see!
- Day trip recommendation- San Miguel de Allende. I was only here for a couple of hours, but I was able to get in a stroll around the city center. La Parroquia, the beautiful church widely seen as the face of San Miguel, is easily visible from most parts of the town. The church’s square is filled with small shops, including vendors selling dried flower crowns that are, of course, very popular with visitors (see the picture of me above)! San Miguel has a large American retiree population and it was not hard to see why- it is a beautiful colonial town, with gorgeous weather and in one of the safest regions of the country.
- Restaurant recommendation- Casa Valadez (Guanajuato). Great place for breakfast, dinner or just a dessert.
Puebla (city)
- Great Pyramid of Cholula– just outside of Puebla, you will find the world’s largest pyramid by volume at the Cholula archaeological site. It is partially excavated, but you can see one whole side of the pyramid near the site’s exit.
- Downtown Puebla– at the city’s main square, el Zócalo, you can catch one of the hop-on, hop-off buses to get a complete tour of the city. The tour includes a stop at Fort Loreto, where the Battle of Puebla took place.
- Restaurant recommendation- El Mural de los Poblanos. We ate here for dinner on the first day and I loved it so much, we didn’t eat anywhere else during our three-day stay. The breakfast was just as delicious as the dinner and the service was amazing. If you want to try more than one mole, order the Tres Moles Enchiladas which allows you to pick 3 of their homemade moles to be served over 3 enchiladas.
