Located in central Mexico, Querétaro is one of the most important states in the country, it's where the independence movement  began, back in 1810. It has a population of 2 M and has 18 municipalities.

Santiago de Querétaro is the capital city, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, its architecture is characterized by being very colonial, the city is full of history and legends. The city's icon aqueduct is 28.4 meters high, with 74 arches, it was completed in 1735, and it provided water to the entire city.

Querétaro has 6 Pueblos Mágicos (cities in which you will have a magical experience): Bernal, Tequisquiapan, Cadereyta, Amealco, Jalpan and San Joaquín, each with its own charm, making it unique.

In Querétaro you will find all kinds of spaces for fun and recreation, thermal springs and spas, complemented by wine and cheese, hot air balloon rides, legends through colonial streets, diverse gastronomy, all-terrain adventures in the mountains, waterfalls, and endless places to visit.

For outdoor adventures, one of the best places to visit, is the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, which is a protected natural area, covering more than half of the territory of the state, an unmatched  natural beauty, with a great variety of flora and fauna. You can practice mountain biking, horseback riding, or take a boat ride, where you will find many endangered species, such as the jaguar and green macaws. It is the seventh largest reserve in the country.

Some places to visit in the nearby municipalities that are part of the Sierra Gorda:

• Cascada del Chuveje – Waterfall
• Puente de Dios –  Area with a variety of ecosystems and micro climates, you will find caves, canyons and waterfalls.
• Museo Historico de la Sierra Gorda – Museum where you will learn about the Sierra Gorda. 

Another great place to visit is the village of San Sebastián Bernal, house to the Peña de Bernal, the third largest monolith in the world, and which has been named one of the 13 Natural Wonders of Mexico and Protected Natural Area, has an approximate height of 350 meters and 10 million years old.

Querétaro's cuisine is rich and full of flavour. There are dishes you don't want to miss, like:

• Gorditas de migajas – thick corn dough tortillas, filled with small pieces of pork carnitas and topped with your favourite salsa.
• Enchiladas Queretanas – corn tortillas, dipped in red sauce and filled with fresh cheese and onions, accompanied by fried chicken, a mix of  fried potatoes and carrots.
• Cheese is one of the unique features of Querétaro. Between the state capital and the city of Tequisquiapan, you will find the Cheese and Wine Route, where many farms produce handmade cheeses, from fresh to aged: panela, manchego, and goat cheeses are some of the specialties.

Crafts are an icon of the state, mainly, handmade rag dolls created in the village of Amealco by indigenous women and men. The dolls have multicolored skirts and black hair, they adorn all kinds of items, like earrings, T-shirts, bags, among many others.

Exceptionally rich in cultural assets, Estado de Mexico is the kind of place where you can visit volcanoes, learn about indigenous traditions, find handcrafted wares, and savour unique dishes. It’s the most populous state in the country with 16 million residents. It has mild weather, with an average temperature of 15°C.

The state, boasts an average elevation exceeding 3,000 metres above sea level, has nine Pueblos Mágicos (cities that exude charm and uniqueness): Valle de Bravo, Aculco, El Oro, Villa del Carbón, Tepotzotlán, Ixtapan de la Sal, Metepec y Malinalco, and Teotihuacan. This last city whose name means “Place of the Gods” is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Toluca de Lerdo is the state capital. In walking its streets, you will bear witness to architectural styles that blossomed in the pre-Columbian period including the social and commercial life of the city, Los Portales. The 120 arches (or “portals”) leads you into a space where you’ll find shops serving traditional cuisine like pambazos (sandwiches filled with potatoes and chorizo), carnitas (local meats) and nopalitos (cactus in chipotle). Just thinking about this makes my mouth water!

Another Toluca must-see is the Cosmovitral. This botanical garden is renowned for its collection of more than 500 plants and flowers that are indigenous to central Mexico, South America, Africa and Asia. Equally as impressive is the 3,000 square metres of oversized stained glass panes, created by the famed Mexican artist, Leopoldo Flores. 

THREE SPECIAL SPOTS TO DISCOVER

It would be impossible for me to list all the worthy places to visit in Estado de Mexico but I’ll whet your appetite for a visit by presenting my top three recommendations. 

Teotihuacan, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sprawling across both ancient towns of San Juan Teotihuacan and San Martin de las Pirámides, Teotihuacan is one of the most important places in Mexico. Though it has thousands of residential compounds and many pyramid-temples, an area of 264 acres is open to the public. Visitors can explore and see impressive feats of architecture and design including the Ciudadela (a 17-acre sunken square at the center of the complex), the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.  

Nevado de Toluca

Xinantécat, meaning “naked man”, and better known as Nevado de Toluca, is a dormant volcano located in the capital city. Underwater archeologists have discovered 52 pre-Hispanic ritual objects in one of the two lagoons found in its crater. The Nevado is the fourth-highest formation in Mexico and if you were to climb to the top, you would reach an altitude of 4,645 meters above sea level. The volcano is open to the public for exploration year round though you should be aware that it is often snow-capped during the winter months.

Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo is an adventurer's dream. It’s a lakeside community two hours from Mexico city, perched on pine-covered hills. Many visitors enjoy water skiing, motocross, and paragliding and then retreat to rest in charming cabins. On their down days, they might explore this mid-size city (population: ~60,000) and find handicrafts including textiles, forged ironworks, fine jewelry, and coffee clay pottery that is very characteristic of this region.

CUISINE

Estado de Mexico makes a very distinct culinary impression. Have you ever heard of  green chorizo or tlacoyos? Well, if you visit the Estado de Mexico you will for sure because these are the state’s two signature dishes.

Green chorizo, characteristic of Toluca, is a sausage made with pork, beef, chicken or turkey. It gains its green hue from the addition of local plants, and other green ingredients like serrano peppers, pumpkin seeds, bay leaves, celery, oregano, tomatillo and spinach. It is usually sold raw. Once cooked by pan frying or grilling, it can be enjoyed in a taco topped with cilantro, onion, a squeeze of lime and salsa, or as an ingredient in a more elaborated dish. Yum, right?

Tlacoyos are classically made with blue corn masa, stuffed with refried beans, or pork rinds in a sauce, and topped with cactus, fresh cheese and salsa. This is a delight that you can’t miss.

FESTIVITIES

Though celebrations take place in all parts of Mexico, others are exclusive to municipalities, cities or states. Here are some of the ones that are unique to Estado de Mexico. 

Acolman’s Piñata Fair (16 - 23 December)

The legend says that Acolman is the place where posadas began.  A posada, in the Catholic religion in Mexico, is a representation of Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem as they searched for a room. During fairtime, people gather in their homes to reenact this, share a meal, and at the end, break a seven pointed star piñata. At the fair, they take in dance shows, horse racing, and a contest that rewards the largest and most original piñata. Everyone in the community can participate. 

International Texcoco’s Horse Fair

This fair—held since 1943—takes place between March and April, depending on when Holy Week is observed. Though it had its origins as a celebration of horses, it now encompasses not only livestock exhibitions but also big-name acts, bullfighting, traditional foods and beer. 

 

Chamán Teotihuacan’s Festival

This one takes place on November 2nd of every year. It's a celebration of the Day of the Dead. For many Mexicans, death is celebrated and it is customary to receive it with great joy and colour on this date. The festival organizers plan activities for the whole family to enjoy including musical performances, a supersized Day of The Dead altar, and workshops like piñata making, Day of the Dead bread making, legend telling. One of the big draws is the hot air balloon rides. Can you imagine the sight of the pyramids from high above?

This month I’ll take you on a quick tour of one of Mexico’s smallest states and invite you to discover its food culture, festivities, and a few things in between.

Aguascalientes—named after the numerous hot springs scattered around the region—is located about 500 kilometres northwest of Mexico City. It has three Pueblos Mágicos, cities flagged for their charm and uniqueness: Real de Asientos, steeped in its strong mining history; Calvillo, known for its production and processing of guavas; and San Jose de Garcia, a hotspot for adventure tourism.

The state’s capital city, also named Aguascalientes, is well known for its beautiful and grand colonial buildings like the Plaza de Toros (Bull Ring), the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), and Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Cathedral Basilica of our Lady of the Assumption). 

Aguascalientes is also home to the Feria San Marcos (San Marcos Fair) one of the country’s largest events. The fairgrounds sprawls across 200 acres, hosts nearly two million events, and sees about million visitors every year.  What makes it so special? It’s a fantastical and colourful celebration of theatre, music, dance, literature and culture. The prestigious Arte Joven, a prestigious national award, is handed out here too, in the same city where Jose Guadalupe Posada was born. Posada is famous for his etchings of La Catrina. Maybe you’ve heard of this famous folkloric figure? She is a skeleton dressed in a large plumed hat and historical dress typical of the 1800s. 

You’ll also find La Catrina heavily represented at the Museo Nacional de la Muerte (the National Death Museum), Mexico’s only cultural institution dedicated to death. As you may know from my previous posts, Mexicans treat death as a natural part of the cycle of life and celebrate the occasion. The museum is not a scary place. Instead, it’s a home to colourful skeletal characters like bullfighters, lovers, children, and revolutionary heroes.

PLACES TO VISIT

Even though it is a small state with only 1.5 million residents, there are many great spots to visit. I thought I’d talk a little about two places I’ve visited myself—and explain some of the reasons why I loved them so much! 

Calvillo

This Pueblo Mágico, about 20 minutes from Aguascalientes City, is famous for two things. First, its endless guava orchards. The fruit is processed into a range of products including delicious traditional marmalades, preserves, jellies and sweets. The fruit is also used in bread and fruit punch. Trust me when I tell you that I taste-tested many guava products during my visit! Second is the city’s Openwork, an elegant handicraft inherited from Spanish settlers. Walking around town, I saw women embroidering natural elements like birds, flowers, or fruit while sitting in their doorways.

I really loved Calvillo’s Plaza Principal (main square). The central gazebo was a lovely spot where I could observe the hub of daily life and business of the town. I would also include the Templo del Senor del Salitre on any must-see list. The church is designated as one of Mexico’s National Historical Monuments and its enormous octagonal dome is said to be the second largest of its kind in Latin America. There are beautiful al fresco paintings on each section of the dome.

Parque Ecológico El Sabinal

I found this park to be an extraordinary place with stunning vegetation. It’s mainly populated  with 400-year-old, wide-trunked red cedars. I was so impressed by their enormity especially because I had the chance to walk into the trunk of one of them! It’s important to stay alert here because you might find raccoons, armadillos, opossums, and water birds running wild! This mix of wildlife and giant cedars offers a unique and truly charming landscape. If you ever have the chance to visit, I’d highly recommend spending some quality time here either camping, walking, or just spending time in nature.

CUISINE

As every state, Aguascalientes has its own and unique cuisine. Here some of my favourites.

Aguascalientes-style-pozole 

Pozole, a rich brothy soup, is typical of the region and a must-have dish when in the region. It’s made with hearty hominy corn kernels, pork meat and broth, and a spicy sauce. To add texture and freshness, it’s served with radishes, lettuce, onions, and oregano. Pozole will deliver endless flavours that will have your mouth wanting more!

Chaskas

Chaskas are the most popular snacks made of sweet corn grains that are boiled or roasted. Known as esquites in other parts of Mexico, you’ll find chaska stands all over the state, serving this snack with many distinctive variations sometimes with sliced chili peppers, and/or mushrooms, and/or bacon.

Lechón

Lechón is a traditional dish made from suckling pig, seasoned with different spices and peppers, as well as lime and onions. The whole is then cooked in special ovens. Traditionally served with corn tortillas, guacamole and pickled peppers, lechón is a delicious dish found at food stands from morning to night. If you are out and about late at night, you will for sure find a lechonería to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Rollo de guayaba 

Rollo de guayaba, or the guava roll, is another popular sweet treat in Mexico. It starts with a scrumptious guava paste that is rolled and stuffed with a variety of fillings like cajeta (caramel style sauce), piñónes (pine nuts), or simply sprinkled with sugar. 

Colonche

Colonche is an alcoholic beverage obtained from the fermentation of red prickly pear juices. It is traditionally served on ice—perfect for cooling off on those very hot days!

FESTIVITIES

Fiesta de la Vendimia

The Fiesta de la Vendimia (Wine Festival) typically takes place every year in August in the towns of Jesús María y Pabellón de Arteaga. The region’s main wine producers participate in the event and invite visitors to taste wines, participate in grape-stomping, and enjoy food-and-wine pairing events. 

Feria de la Guayaba

The Feria de la Guayaba (Guava Festival) takes place in Calvillo in December. It is a great opportunity for local producers to showcase and sell their crafts.  This festival has been around for 50 years and every year attracts people from all over Mexico who come for the bullfights, folk dancing, sporting events, and cultural exhibits. Though you’ll find many guava products favoured by the locals, you’ll also discover specialty items that are only sold during this event.

This exceptionally rich agricultural state is also a relatively small one—it takes up a narrow strip of land along the Pacific Ocean and only makes up less than 3% of the entire country. Thanks to its location in the Northwest part of the country, between the Gulf of California and the Sierra Madre Occidental Range, it has everything from magical coastline with beautiful beaches to challenging hiking trails to a strong mining industry. A little more than 3.2 million people live here.

FUN FACTS

• The state has four Pueblos Mágicos, cities flagged for their charm and uniqueness: Cosalá, El Fuerte, El Rosario, and Mocorito.
• Sinaloa has 640 kilometres of coastline. As a result, seafood is abundant (and well-enjoyed)!
• The state is home to one of the continuously played sports— a game played with a rubber ball—in the world. Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s called Ulama and is experiencing a revival in Sinaloa. 
• The Culiacán Botanical Garden not only houses great collections of flora from northwestern Mexico. It is also a showcase for the works of 35 of the most contemporary artists from around the world!

Culiacán Rosales is the capital of the state and is dubbed the “Garden City”. Despite it being located in the middle of an urban region, it is blessed with a natural landscape where three rivers converge. To add to the beauty, the city’s coastline is on the Cortéz Sea. That means there are many beaches, islands, bays, lagoons to explore. Just thinking about it has me dreaming of adventures in water skiing, sailing, surfing and scuba diving!

Culiacán’s most famous landmark is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, perched high atop a hill. From there, you can take in views of the church’s incredible stained glass windows and also get the best vantage point overlooking the city. 

THREE CITIES TO DISCOVER

Sinaloa possesses so many places to visit —aside from the beautiful state capitol, of course—that it’s hard to choose a few. But here are my top three picks. 

MAZATLÁN

Mazatlán, one of Sinaloa’s coastal cities, has the largest fleet of shrimp boats in the country. No wonder it’s called the “Shrimp Capital” of Mexico! It is a popular tourist destination for those who like to enjoy the sun, beautiful beaches, and long walks on the 21-kilometre malecón (boardwalk). But it’s also a perfect city for people looking for a true cultural experience. Mazatlán’s is a multifaceted gem, with a historic downtown, many eye-popping gardens, colourful vendor kiosks,  art galleries, and farmer’s markets teeming with handicrafts from all over the state. 

COSALÁ

With its colonial architecture from the XVII century, it seems that time stopped in Cosalá, one of the country’s Pueblo Mágicos. It’s not uncommon to hear the legends of the area’s miners and their yet-to-be-discovered buried treasures. 

Every year for the past 300 years, the Fiesta de las Velas (Festival of Lights) takes place on the eve of December 11 to welcome the Our Lady of Guadalupe. As per tradition, the streets and windows in Cosalá are illuminated with thousands of candles as people enjoy this grand celebration with a lively procession through the streets to the atrium of the main church. The night culminates in a feast of dishes including tamales (steamed corn dough with stuffing wrapped in corn or banana leaves).

EL FUERTE

This city, also one of Sinaloa’s Pueblo Magicos, is located in the northern part of the state, It has preserved the culture of the Mayo (or Yoreme), the indigenous people of the area, and their seven ceremonial centres. Take a stroll through town and visit the Museo Fuerte Mirador. Built in 2001 to replicate the original old fort that was built by Spanish conquistadors, it's a lovely place to discover Mayo handicrafts, read about the first people's traditions, and access the vast library. 

CUISINE

Sinaloa is known for its agriculture and fishery, combining earth and sea to create a rich culinary culture. Here are some of the most renowned dishes in the state.

AGUACHILE DE CAMARÓN SINALOENSE 

When I think of Sinaloa’s cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is aguachile. Forgive me if my mouth is watering.  Aguachile, one of the most significant dishes of the region, is a delicious mix of cured camarones (shrimp or small prawns), marinated in a blend of peppers, lime juice and cilantro, add avocados, cucumber and purple onions served in a molcajete (volcanic rock mortar) and eaten with tostadas (fried corn tortillas).  Sounds delicious, right? 

TAMALES BARBONES

This is a traditional dish from Escuinapa, a city in southern Sinaloa.  The tamales barbones (roughly translated as “bearded” tamales) are stuffed with shrimp in an adobo sauce, wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. This dish gets its name because the “whiskers” (or antennae) of the shrimp stick out of the tamal.

CHILORIO

This dish originated in Culiacán and it is arguably the most popular dish in the state. Chilorio is made up of shredded pork, seasoned with spices, garlic, pasilla peppers, and salt. It’s dolloped onto flour tortillas and topped with guacamole (avocado salad) and salsa.

FESTIVITIES

Throughout the year, Sinaloan municipalities hold festivals and cultural events to honour patron saints, to celebrate the agricultural harvest, and to honour the abundance of seafood and fish from the waters inland and coastal waters.

CARNAVAL DE MAZATLÁN

This is the festival—celebrated since 1898—that is most representative of Mexico. It claims to be the third largest carnival in the world with more than one million revelers attending every year.  

In the five days preceding Ash Wednesday, Mazatlán turns into a party city. Year after year, people from all over the world gather on seaside avenue to enjoy colourful parades, fireworks, and of course, the tamboras (traditional brass brands).

From sunset to sunrise, the streets along the malecón (boardwalk) are transformed into a celebration zone. During carnival, daytime is for rest, and nights are for drinking, eating, dancing, and socializing. 

NAVY DAY

June 1 is Día de la Marina (Navy Day) in Mexico and it is commemorated in many ways. In Topolombo, Sinaloa,  students, community members, government authorities, and naval officers lead a raucous parade. Once the procession comes to an end, everyone gathers at the dockyard for a ceremony that salutes and remembers those who died on duty. Many ships come to shore to take part in the celebration.