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[music] in 1521 a.d. the course of mexicanhistory changed forever the aztec capital fell to the spanishconquerors the colonial period lasted for three centuries until mexico won it's independence. but the cities that were the glory of that time are still. casting there enchanting spells [music] now the colonial city mexico open the doors the country's vivid past

for many these historical sites some have capturedthe essence of the real mexico. and as you're about to discoveryou'll find them in sorts magical setting. join us as we discover the romance of days gone by in tours of mexico guadalajara is perhaps the most mexican of all the mexican cities.

think of any food, drink, dance or traditions identified with mexico chances are they began here guadalajara located in the state of jalisco at an altitude of 5200 feet guadalajara is not only the second largestcity in mexico is one of the most serenely beautifulcities in all of north america there's some intangible combinationof qualities that makes visitors feel at home in guadalajara it's a city of parks and fountains, ofmonuments

and roses color is everywhere in this city of roses bell ringing it's a modern city cloaked in colonial charm traces of spanish influence that began in 1542 can be seenin the lavish colonial architecture of lovely mansions and gothic churches thatdecorate this metropolis which uniquely mix with new skyscrapers

and fine hotels the people of guadalajaraare famous for having a zest for life [mariachi music] that is truly infectious e they are proud of themany mexican traditions the began here including enchiladas tequila the mexican hat dance mariachi music

and the charreria which is amexican-style rodeo you'll find that there's plenty to see and do here inguadalajara everything from cathedrals, culturalcenters and theaters, to museums, plazas and parks invite you to stroll through thisfantasy for site seers. as for native crafts and shoppingguadalajara is unsurpassed several shopping malls

street side stores and craft centers are filled with unique and crafts contemporary clothing and a fineselection and leather goods then head to mercado libertad oneof the largest markets in all of latin america with more than 1,000 stands on justabout anything you can imagine [ music] it is said, that scarcely a day passesthat you cannot play golf in guadalajara the gulf capital of mexico

there aremore than half a dozen championship quality courses in and around the city it's also one of mexico's greatest tennis centers you find excellent and well litefacilities throughout the city the dining in guadalajara is known to bein elegant sumptuous experience, feast on the manymexican specialties available in both posh in casual restaurant all over the city for those of you who want a taste of

authentic mexican culture the gentility uphold mexico and theconveniences of modern day luxury come visit the colonial graciousnessof guadalajara. san miguel de allende one of thebirthplaces of mexican history for the city itself speaks up the pastknown as an artistic and intellectual center and for it's great shopping san miguel offers a lot more than ancient symbolism come discover the attraction for thiscolonial city which both the lifestyle all its own

san miguel is one of several importantcities located between mexico city and guadalajara but it definitely has a magic all itsown san miguel de allende nourishes ourspirits with the ancestral character of it's winding cobblestone street colorful lush courtyard in parks wroughtiron gates and big stone walls that hold withinthem a hidden beauty it's an international town in a mexicancolonial setting so strikingly lovely in its architecturethat it's been designated as a national

monument the city's named after ignacio allende a leader in the war from independence fromspain and still retaines much of this colonial authenticity andcharm as clearly visible in the architecturaltreasures that illuminate the town towering over the zocalo or main square seventeenth-centurygothic-style church

which can be seen from any point in thecity surrounding hills besides its beauty, climate and hospitality people come from far andwide to experience what is known as the artist's delight and inspiration a largepercentage of the population are foreigners here to study, draw, paint, sculpt or retired in the mexican sunshine you find that various centers have beendevoted to the study of the arts

some of which have been built on oldabandoned haciendas san miguel is truly an artistic anintellectual center the town is also a field day forshoppers as might be expected this colonial cityis brimming with artwork but you also see a seemingly endlessarray at other high-quality shops in exclusive boutiques that will keep even the veteran shopperoccupied for hours especially good buys are metal works, ceramics

furniture wooden doors and handicrafts in san miguel deallende dining is an art form you'll findyourself in some of the most picturesque settingsenjoying fantastic international cuisine time and timeagain you can always count on san miguel's warm hospitality

get to know san miguel de allende the cradle mexico's colorful past here in the heart of mexico is one ofthe country's most strikingly beautiful cities fascinating guanajuato from lavishchurches and elaborate mansions to winding cobblestone streets andtwisting tunnels you'll find a new surprise around every corner here the best way to explore this historicalcity is that just lose yourself in it let's explore guanajuato

music] just to the west of mexico city is thepicturesque city of guanajuato its special characteris formed by history and geography it's the site of some of the mostimportant acts of the mexican independence movement and it has one of the world's mostunusual street systems have your camera ready a trip to guanajuato is like opening a encyclopedia unforgettablescenery below ground is the city's unique

labyrinth a subterranean highways carsnow drive through the stone arch tunnels there were once the city flood controlcanals above-ground amazing cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, steep stairways andbrick bridges wind up and down the city's hillside infact some of the street have legend's such as the famous an extremely narrowcallejon del beso or alley of the kiss the first battlein victory in the fight for independence took place in guanajauto as evidenced bythe numerous monuments

the city's place in history was alsoassured when silver veins were discovered and guanajuato was built from thesubsequent wealth today this can be appreciated by sayingthat dazzling display a fine architecture in ornate mansionsdetailed churches public buildings and baroque theatersthe tradition of a sophisticated culture seem is ever-present in the city's dedicationto the world of theatre and it's renown international cervantes festival

guanajuato is made for walking it seemsthat every tiny side street leads to inviting parks quaint houses, impressive buildings orstreet side cafes. there's a certain flavor of this colorfulcity that can only be felt by strolling through it. other attractions in guanajuato include the many museums that carefully tell of theregion's rich past several old haciendas and universitiesalso attest to the magnificent architectural wizards and dynamic legendsat the past

and for shopping the local stores areclean. colorful and full of interesting crafts in this crowning jewel of colonial citiesdining tends to late night enjoy regional specialty plates as you listen to traditional sounds of the callejoneadas the talented and famous choir that sings of guanajuato's charm. [singing ] guanajuato is the perfect place to forget the twentieth century

[singing] some of mexico's most significanthistorical events take place right here in quertaro. the city holds several treasures and you are about find out is a true gem of colonial architecture so venture backcenturies with us as we explore queretaro queretaro is just north of mexicocity and is the capital of the state have thesame name it's an overwhelming center spanishcolonial architecture

and a crossroads at mexican historyeverywhere you look there's evidence a cities dole religiousand historical legacy the city was taken over by the spanishin 1531 many beautiful churches weresubsequently built as visible in the many colonialbuildings queretaro played a leading role in the struggle for independence andrevolutions. a sense of civic pride prevails in the town's main squarewhich is carefully dotted with monument that depict

tales that ancient legend it is the meeting place for localresidents, pensive businessmen relaxing travelers and anyone who enjoysthe warm and colorful setting a smiling faces blooming flowers and antique fountains another way to catch a glimpse of notonly queretaro's interesting past but also its involvement with the arts is to visit one of several museums thatabound in the area some of which that have been constructed in buildings that have been here for hundreds of years

it is virtually impossible not to seea hacienda if you visit queretaro these old ranches have lasted throughout the city's tryingtimes decorate the town and it's surrounding areas some have been renovated and now allow guests to stay in theancient dwellings just that people did hundreds years ago queretaro is also famousfor its enormous aquaduct which is a unique structure consistingup seventy two solid arches

that it provided water to the city foryears just another relic that proudly symbolizes the city the afterspending the day gazing at the many miraculous testamentthat mexico's enthralling past you can also discoverthat due to its closeness to mexico city queretaro also a moderncommercial center so be prepared to do some serious shopping then end your day by feasting on any number of regional or mexicanspecialties the various restaurants in queretaro offer

and reminisce of your day spent travelingback in time the charm and romance of mexico's vividpast come alive every day here in mexico city capital of the country. mexico city'slike an enormous living museum of mexican history and even if at first this world-class cityimpresses you with its cosmopolitan fair you'll be amazed by its colonial ahistorical tressures located in the distrito federal and surrounded by towering mountains mexico city is a remarkable showplacefor nearly three thousand years and human cultural development

it was actually built on the ruins ofthe aztec empire's most important city aside from being the oldest continuouslyinhabited city in the western hemisphere it's also the largest city in the worldhas ever known it is the economic political andcultural center in mexico and prides itself on being chic andmodern while at the same time showcasing itscolorful ancient roots the best place to start is a centrist historico or the historic district its heart is the plaza de laconstitucion more commonly refer to as the zocalo this was built by thespanish from the stones of the aztec's

main temple the size of the zocalo is staggering it's a second largest citysquare in the world a tour this area will give you anoverview of the cities history you will see palaces, museums churches and much much more morewonders can be found in chapultepec park a vast culturaland recreational center spending over 2,000 acres

this enormous park is the site of familypicnics and important institutions visitors can enjoy some of the country'sfinest museums here as well as botanical gardens beautifullakes romantic settings and many other uniquefeatures at the park at chapultepec park you won't wantto miss seeing where the world's finest museums the national museum of anthropology itdisplays thousands of artifacts and exhibitsdedicated to mexico's 30 centuries a human evolution also in the park is thefamous chapultepec castle

for an unforgettable passage intothe past visit teotihuacan just 31 milesnortheast of mexico city this ceremonial city which began infive hundred a.d. was one of the most importantcities in the continent the two most impressive structures arethe pyramid of the sun and pyramid of the moon obviously mexicocity is not easily conquered more surprises can be found at thepalace of fine arts with the ballet folklorico performsregularly

visit the elegant neighborhood the zonarosa or spend the day seeing all the amazinghistorical monument if you still have the energy you'llundoubtedly be swept away by the city's world-class shopping there are endless opportunities here towander through cosmopolitan shops and tempting market place's displaying cultural keepsakes inaddition to being a cultural mecca mexico city's also i dining paradise everything from ultra luxurious to thesimple and the rustic is available

and you'll find that practically everyethnic cuisine from the world served here. then you can finish theevening of enjoying the famous mexican nightline soallow plenty of time for your visit can experience this captivating pulsating city now we're going to visit taxco mexico's famed silver city but this town seduction goes way beyondit mineral content it fell about charm and beauty andhistory and that's just the beginning lets visit taxco

taxco is undoubtedly one of the mostbeautiful colonial cities in all of mexico this silver mining town is built on the side of a mountain nestled in the sierra madre mountainshalfway between mexico city and acapulco no matter where you lookyou'll see incredible views and evidence of its rich colonial heritage narrow and steep cobblestone streetstwist in every direction hundreds and quaintcolonial homes with red tile roofs

cascade down the capacious hills at thispicturesque village this is that city that truly sparkles special visitors greeted by proud residents flashing mirrors in symbolism the famesilver town taxco's silver industry was given aboost by don jose de la borda who on revealing this rich load of silver constructed one of the most magnificentchurches in mexico thanking god for his discovery the famedsanta prisca church lavishly decorated with ornate detailbestows an overwhelming beauty

that must be seen to be trulyappreciated see proof of taxco's underground treasure in the more than300 attractive silver shops that are scattered throughout the city shining silver jewelry, handmade silverpottery and other opulent temptations lure youfrom one tiny workshop and store to another make sure you stroll through the charmingzocalo a great place for people watching andeating cafes

its intimate setting provides theperfect ambience to enhance the breathtaking sightseeing here in taxco the site's do not stop there though a string of grottoes wondrous and will eliminate caves andcaverns host chambers have natural beauty highlighted by interesting rockstructures formed from water dripping from the ceilingfine hotels and dining are also part of taxcos inviting attractions

and don't miss the views on thisunforgettable village at night when the sparkling city lightsemulate the dazzling silver core the region in taxco you will revel in vista after vista your eyes and heart will tell you they have been worth the trip welcome tobeautiful oaxaca the city will warm you not only with itsa resistor hall colonial charm but also

with the party and friendly people step back in the past with us as we visit the splendor of oaxaca just southeast a mexico city lies themagical city of oaxaca founded in 1529 this city represents acombination of traits that bring veteran visitors back again and again the incredible blend ofits rich provincial atmosphere and its unpretentious relaxed pace willgreet you like no other city. bright colors andhappy faces abound in the streets of oxaca astroll along

any of the city's immaculate streets is a sightseeing event within itself enjoy the year round spring-like climateas you visit the famous zocalo full of relaxing tourists, cheerfulresidences colorful plants and unique charm dottedaround the zocal are several inviting cafes were friends couples and families spendcountless hours in enjoining the intriguing sitesand delicious cuisine you'll also find that the art and crafttraditions oaxaca is unsurpassed in mexico

nearby artisans in several markets andworkshops proudly display their world renowned handicrafts including intricately designed rugs colorful dolls, native paintings and traditional clothing all reflectingthe rich cultural heritage of native oxacans reminders of the extraordinary past decorate oaxaca through it's baroque colonial architecture see how the 16th century thrives in thewondrous cathedrals and churches

and relive the past in the luring museumsand missions there are also found throughout the cityfor those of you who prefer to see the past in a different light several well known archaeological sitesawait your exploration just 25 miles outside of oaxaca city perhaps one of the most festive ways toenjoy oaxaca is to participate in one of its biggest celebration la guelaguetza to visit qxaca is experiencetrue hospitality

a diverse past and a flavorful culture. this is theoldest colonial city in all of mexico in fact twice it was the nation'scapital during crucial times it's also a beach resort with some greatsurprises and some of the most vivacious peoplein this country this is veracruz located on the gulf of mexico about 250miles east of mexico city is mexico's oldestcolonial city and one of the most vital ports veracruz.

where hernan cortes landed on goodfriday in 1519 old colonial-style buildings line thepalm prints streets see the past in the zocalo which issurrounded by morse municipal palace and in eighteenth century church you'llalso see amazing fortresses that were erected around the city toprotect the port from pirates and other foreign invaders for veracruz the constant contact withpeople from foreign lands has resulted in the mix up lively peoplewith the european fair. as you'll see while sipping your cafe con leche at one of the quint

sidewalk cafes although the colonial setting up of veracruz harkens back to the days of early spain. its personality is quitedifferent from other more secluded colonial cities just go to one of the nearby beaches and get lost in a tropical world of purerelaxation here in the sultry gold coast ]music] now once you've headed toward the waterbe ready to dive by some of the most scenic reefs in mexico

it is said jacques cousteau frequented veracruz for it's incredible diving and don't forget the fishing spend theentire day out at sea reeling them in. it should be noted thatthe caribbean has also influenced veracruz especially in music and dance it actuallythe place that invented the popular la bamba carnival time here is an uninhibitedoutburst of color. and celebration. send your days in veracruz

visiting the past in museums andhistorical sites plunging into adventure on the beachwe're experiencing the unmatched ecotourism that veracruz has to offer the core of veracruz activity is its main plazawhich is also where you find an incredible selection of cafes andrestaurants to dine in. not far away is the malecon awaterfront boulevard well restaurant specializes in seafooddelicacy evenings too people congregate inthe sidewalk cafes to listen to the

enchanting sounds in the tropical music others opt to meet in zocalo tosocialize veracruz has a deserved fame asthe liveliest of mexican cities come feel the atmosphere there isreminiscent of the past i'm proud of the present. this is merida that mexico's gorgeouscolonial where you can literally step back centuries and the time inexperience the mayan culture and history and that's not all that merida olfers sidetrips have spectacular ecological reserves abeautiful beaches

full of activities so join us as weexplore this jewell of the yucatan peninsula merida lays 20 miles inland from the western yucatan coast it is known as the white city for the neatness on the streets it'salso the capital yucatan state i was founded in 1542 by francisco de motejo it isa place where you can enjoy the slow pace of colonial iife the advantages of modern-days

perhaps noword better describes this charming city than diversity. no where else will you findthis surprising blended unique colonial history preserved archeological sites, meticulouslycrafted architecture a quint tropical beach and beautifuleco-tourism location the enchanting flavor this friendly cityis pleasantly bosted in every nook and cranny and itsinception merida emerged on a major ceremonialcenter and is now a proud witness a too great epics of it's history thegreatness of the mayan culture

and spanish colonial times each streetand wall talks of the past a past which left several witnesses andevident from the city's flirtation with the european cultureespecially france. merida's obvious magical encounter with the past is evident from its many surroundingarchaeological sites which demonstrate the magic of the mayan culture.a highly advanced civilization with amazingly knowledgeable craftsman testimony's of this rich

past interestingly transcend uniquearchitecture of merida. as many of the hacienda and catherals were constructed primarily from materials scavenged from the mayan structures. the exquisite detail of architecture geniuscan be appreciated by strolling along the paseo de montejo full of elegant old mansion beach loverswill be happy to know that merida is only 20 minutes away form the tranquil tropical waters puerto progreso

as you enjoy thenatural splendor of the area it's obvious that merida has amajestic personality and unmistakable identity visible fromthe many eco-tourism sites nearby see the flamingos the aristocrat for thecoasts and swamps. and many other species ofbirds that reaffirm their beauty in the splendid landscape of the yucatan coast you'll also see other natural phenomenasuch as breathtaking underground caves and cenotes mystical underground water sources

utilized by the mayan civilization while outdoors don't miss browsingthrough the ample variety of markets stocked with hammocks, handicrafts and other treasures that will remind you to stay here in merida be sure to visit one ofthe city's many enduring parkes full of character and personality and romanticism then indulge in merida's cuisine it'sespecially attractive due to it's variety and diversity of regionaldishes

merida is a historical legacy worth getting to know delite in this eclectic city that exudescolonial character every year more visitors enjoyed thevaried treasure of mexico's ccolonial cities to walk these historic streets is toretrace the steps in the birth of a nation we have seen only a glimpse at mexico's long and colorful past there are over 51designated colonial cities to explore

so choose your own path back intime enjoyed the visual beast in mexico'sgorgeous colonial city

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