Central Mexico is the country's historic core.

States

Region map

• Mexico State — the state that surrounds the Federal District and Mexico City on three sides is the most populous in the country
• Veracruz — although the beaches are mostly overlooked by tourists, this state is a favorite of many Mexican travelers
• Tlaxcala — the smallest state in the country offers lesser-known archeological sites and colonial towns
• Puebla — full of historic buildings, pottery workshops, and churches
• Morelos — visit the Xochicalco archaeological site, and the 16th-century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl
• Hidalgo — a great place to explore archaeological sites, practice extreme sports, and enjoy nature

Cities

• 1 Cuernavaca — a comfortable year-round climate, beautiful parks and gardens, and many Spanish-language schools for foreigners
• 2 Mexico City — one of the three largest cities in the world, and a sophisticated urban hub with a 700-year history
• 3 Puebla — a UNESCO World Heritage surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped mountains
• 4 Toluca — known for its botanical gardens and many museums
• 5 Veracruz — a rowdy city in the south famous for its nightlife, with a strong Cuban influence

Other destinations

• 1 El Tajin — this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the ruins of one of the largest and most important cities of the Classic era of Mesoamerica