After the fall of the Aztec empire, the Spanish conquerors marched north and discovered silver, gold, iron, lead, zinc and tin. The area became Mexico’s richest, brimming with opulent Spanish-style palaces, churches, and convents.
The so-called Colonial Cities – many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites – include Querataro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Guadalajara and Morelia.
The colonial route can be done by car from Mexico City.