Top 6 Beautiful Colonial Towns in Mexico & Central America

Mexico and Central America are home to some beautifully preserved Spanish colonial towns with cobbled streets, tranquil plazas and old brightly painted houses with terracotta roof tiles. Oozing charm, you can usually stay in private pensions and hotels and hostels in authentic buildings and while away the hours in pavement cafes, visiting old churches and cathedrals and exploring the surrounding countryside. Check out the ETG list of our top 6 favourite colonial towns in Mexico & Central America.

ETG Tip: Guatemala is home to a number of beautiful colonial towns, with great access to small rural communities and indigenous Mayan culture. Nicaragua is a great alternative to Costa Rica, with the jewel of Granada providing easy access to the coast.
Top 6 Beautiful Colonial Towns in Mexico & Central America

 Mexico & Central America - Lonely Planet (PDF) >

1. Oaxaca - Mexico (Chapter) Lonely Planet

 The state of Oaxaca has a special magic felt by Mexicans and foreigners alike. A redoubt of indigenous culture, it’s home to the country’s most vibrant crafts and art scene, some outstandingly colorful festivities, a uniquely savory cuisine and varied natural riches.

 2. Antigua - Guatemala - The Highlands

 Guatemala’s most dramatic region - Los Altos - stretches from Antigua to the Mexican border. This is where indigenous tradition blends most tantalizingly with Spanish, and it is common to see Maya rituals taking place in front of and inside colonial churches.

 3. León - Nicaragua - Leon & Northwestern Nicaragua

 León is beloved for its grand cathedral, breathtaking art museum, hopping nightlife and spirited revolutionary air. Just out of the city, more than a dozen volcanic peaks wait to be climbed (or surfed). And the virgin wetlands of the Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado are not to be missed.

 4. Granada - Nicaragua - (Chapter) Lonely Planet

 Granada drips with photogenic elegance, a picture postcard at every turn. It’s no wonder many travelers use the city as a base, spending at least a day bopping along cobblestone roads from church to church in the city center, then venturing out into the countryside.

 5. Guatemala - El Peten (PDF Chapter)

 Coverage includes: Sayaxche, Finca Ixobel, Flores, Santa Elena, El Remante, Tikal, Uaxactun, Yaxha, Nakum, El Mirador.

 6. Guadalajara - Mexico - Western Central Highlands

 Coverage includes: Guadalajara, Around Guadalajara, Lago De Chapala, Zona De Montaña, Inland Colima State, Colima, Around Colima, Inland Michoacán, Morelia, Reserva Mariposa Monarca, Angangueo, Zitácuaro, Pátzcuaro, Around Pátzcuaro, Uruapan, Around Uruapan, Volcán Paricutín and Angahuan.


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