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Mexico may be everyone’s favorite destination for beautiful Caribbean beaches and world-class resorts, but like anyone who dares to venture deeper to the interior of the country will be able to testify, the WHERE cultural wealth is located somewhere different, away from the glitz and glamor of the coast.
In addition to sugar-white sands and turquoise seas, America’s southern neighbor is dotted with ancient cities, founded by the Spanish at the time of their arrival in the New World, and which have largely been preserved ever since.
Luckily for the culture-hungry American, they are as easily accessible as Cancun, Tulum and the like, with 4 cultural gems of the kind that organizes non-stop flights this winter:
San Luis Potosí
Located in central Mexico, thousands of miles away from the tourist-filled Yucatán Peninsula, San Luis Potosí, is one relaxed historic city best known for its colonial-era center, which consists of a beautiful one Plaza de Armas (Spanish style), a towering cathedral and colorful flea markets.
Other notable sights in the city include the baroque Temple of San Francisco and the expansive Tangamanga Park, perfect for shelter during the city’s rush hour traffic. It includes a green botanical garden and a zoo.
If you’re here for the local history, delicious food and postcards, we recommend booking this city tour of the center of San Luis Potosíincluding stops at all the most popular photo spots and valuable tips from your local guide on where to find the best street tacos in the city, for just $20.56.
Direct flights available from:
Every day 2 flights per day with United Airlines
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
1 flight per day every day with American Airlines
Veracruz
Who said that to experience authentic Mexican culture, you have to give up that much-needed beach vacation?
Veracruz offers bothwhich has served as a thriving trading center along the Gulf of Mexico since the 16th century, with enormous architectural wealth to back it up:
It is one of the few coastal cities in the New World to retain their European fortifications––Fortaleza de San Juan de Ulúanow a museum offering a breathtaking panorama of the harbor – and one virtually unchanged Zocalo (Main Square), dominated by a whitewashed cathedral.
Ready for some relaxation on the beach?
Take one kayaking and snorkeling tour to Sacrificios Island, where pristine beaches and the teal waters of the Gulf await you, as well as pre-Columbian ruins, to the tune of a total of $53.
Direct flights available from:
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
1 flight per day every day with American Airlines
1 flight per day every day
Puebla
Home to one of the most monumental historical centers in Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Furthermore, Puebla is one of the top destinations for tourists to immerse themselves in the country’s rich colonial past:
From the Renaissance-inspired Cathedral of Puebla to an elegant one Municipal Palacebuilt at the height of the Spanish era, it still houses the city government and every ornate chapel signorial country house in between, that’s how it feels essentially frozen in time––in the best possible way.
Aside from its man-made wonders, Puebla is often remembered for its cuisine: one of Mexico’s most iconic brews originated here, namely chili en nogadagrated, meat-filled peppers, topped with a walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate.
Direct flights available from:
1 flight per day every day with American Airlines
Oaxaca City
The capital and largest city of the state of the same name, Oaxaca, is Spain-coded through and through: imagine pedestrian-friendly streets with timeless facades, squares bordered by souvenir shops and traditional restaurants, and a prominent stone cathedral.
With its gilded altar and impressive religious art, Puebla Cathedral is one of the oldest in continental America.
The seminal event took place in 1575; the English would not find their first colony in what is now the United States until thirty years later!
Although not colonial, it predates the arrival of the Europeans at least more than 2000 yearsMonte Albán is also not to be missed during a visit to Puebla: this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 10 kilometers outside the city and features temples, a large step pyramid and an intact ball field.
Direct flights available from:
1 flight per day every day with United Airlines
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
1 flight per day every day with American Airlines
- Los Angeles, California (LAX)
1 flight per day every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Volaris
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
