The Top Reasons to Go

Courtesy of Fodors (a website I have been positively stalking since we started planning) here are the top reasons to visit San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, and what is lovingly called the Colonial Heartland of Mexico. Direct from the source:

"Also referred to as the Bajío, this area (parts of the Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Michoacán states) really is the heartland of Mexico—geographically and historically. This is where men fought and died to create the United States of Mexico and where a 60-foot-high statue of Christ the King (Cristo Rey) keeps watch from atop the highest mountain in Guanajuato. The main attraction of the region is a collection of colonial cities, many former silver- and gold-mining centers. Beyond city life, the mountains beckon intrepid bike riders and natural hot springs invite all to relax.

Experiencing modern life amid colonial grandeur: The Heartland's cities preserve the best of colonial Mexico, but they're not stuck in the past. Each city has its own personality, restaurant scene, nightlife, and classic zócalo, usually anchored by a grand colonial church.

Enjoying the outdoors: The region's farmland, lofty volcanoes, lakes, and river valleys afford many opportunities for day hikes, riding, and mountain biking.

A calendar full of festivals: From jazz in San Miguel de Allende to Pátzcuaro's elaborate Day of the Dead celebration, they're always partying somewhere.

Staying in a hacienda: Colonial mansions with gracious courtyards are ubiquitous in the Heartland's cities, and many have been restored into gorgeous hotels, where you can fall asleep to the strumming of guitars in a nearby plaza.

The chance to see millions of butterflies: Monarchs migrate to the Santuario de Mariposas el Rosario, 115 km (71 mi) east of Morelia, between November and March. The pine forest, layered with orange-and-black butterflies, looks as if it's on fire."

I know we'll be able to enjoy at least the first four items they highlight. After all, we chose our wedding date so we'd be able to experience an authentic Dia de los Muertos festival, and we just happen to fall in the range of the fifth- the Monarch butterfly migration (which just has to be gorgeous!). This would make it possible for a pilgrimage to the Sanctuario del Mariposa Monarca el Rosario, although the Sanctuary is quite far afield from the area of our festivities. It's about a four hour and 30 minute drive, but Morelia's airport is supposed to be a convenient distance away. For anyone hoping to extend their trip an activity like this would also take them closer to Morelia and the beautiful lake town of Pátzcuaro. Pátzcuaro does indeed have the most "elaborate" Mexican Dia de los Muertos festival, but it is also the least authentic and most tourist-laden. We will happily be staying closer to the hacienda for our festivities!