Destination: Mexico

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Central Overland Route

TWO WEEKS

This 1740km trip from the US border to the Mexican capital crosses the northern deserts and passes through the fertile Bajío region with its colonial cities. With adequate time to enjoy the best stops along the way, it takes around two weeks.



Don’t rush the top half of Mexico. The journey from the US border to the nation’s capital acquaints you with the contrast and fascination of a big slice of the real Mexico: the northern deserts and the colonial silver cities. Start by crossing the Río Barvo del Norte (Rio Grande) from El Paso, Texas, to Ciudad Juárez. Head south to lively Chihuahua and small, peaceful Hidalgo del Parral, old stamping grounds of revolutionary Pancho Villa. Continue via friendly Durango to beautiful Zacatecas, the northernmost of the fabled silver cities and a surprisingly cultured town amid the arid deserts.

Continue to the fertile Bajío region and gorgeous Guanajuato where innumerable cultural attractions are piled on top of each other amid impossible topography. Divert eastward to gringo-friendly San Miguel de Allende, another oasis of culture and colonial architecture, with more galleries and bistros than you can shake a churro at.

Before plunging into the megalopolis, explore the lesser-known charms of Querétaro, where history looms large and tradition still holds sway in the cafés around its tranquil plazas. Then give way to the magnetic pull of Mexico City, the crucible of all things Mexican – a must-see or unavoidable, depending on your perspective. If you can’t stay long enough to hook into its culture, history and entertainment scene, at least hope for a smog-free stint and try not to get stuck in traffic.