We were a group of 4 couples driving in 2 cars on a private expedition to the interior of Mexico to the city of Guanajuato (northwest of Mexico City). Mike and Mavis traveled with us in our car, while Jan and Dale traveled in Walter and Carol's car. The total distance of our entire trip was 1530 km. The temperatures were cool for us. Due to the elevation of the Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende (over 6000 ft), the average day time temp was 20C with overnight temps of 4C. It was the first time we had to wear long pants and sweaters since November! In Lo de Marcos we are used to daytime temperatures of 30C and overnight temps of 18C. We started out on Thurs Jan 16th, returning on Thurs Jan 23rd. From sea level to 8400 feet and back to sea level.
Day 1: Lo de Marcos to Tequila
We traveled Hwy 200 to Compostella then across Hwy 68D (toll) to Hwy 15 Libre heading towards Tequila.
Our first stop was at the lava fields of El Ceboruco Volcano as Mike had never traveled this route. We have seen this a couple of times previously but are still in awe of the might of Mother Nature.
We stopped briefly in Ahuacatlan to view an abandoned train station on
the major rail line to Nogales. Below is a photo of a cactus growing in
the tile roof of the old train station.
Next we stopped in Ixtlan del Rio for breakfast and then we proceeded to the east side of town to view the archeological site of Los Toriles.
This site is part of the Aztlan tradition that flourished in the area starting in 300BC. It is the only comprehensive site of Mesoamerican ruins in the northwest region of Mexico. At it's peak there were 85 buildings but only 15 structures can be viewed today.
Note: When visiting ruins or museums, we asked for seniors rates (adult mayor). As long as we showed our passports to prove our age, we often got in free or for half price.
The first area was free for all to view glass cases containing relics from the ruins. The majority of the relics excavated are on display at the Regional Museum in Tepic.
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| statue of a singing musician |
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| relics from a shaft tomb at the site |
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| a warrior of Nayarit |
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| Chinese style ceramic sculpture found in traditional tombs |
This little statue is very interesting. Where did this Chinese influence come from?
Normally there was a charge to enter the area of the actual ruins but as seniors, we were given free admission:
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| the rectangular structures have columns that defined the living spaces |
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This rectangular structure connected with the temple of Quetzalcoatl (seen below) by a walkway of stone slabs. |
The following photos are of the round temple of Quetzalcoatl with cross shaped openings in the wall:
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| Viewing Mike through the cross-shaped opening |
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| viewing other buildings from the altar within the temple |
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| the altar within the temple |
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| stepping down from the temple |
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| the base of another building on the site |
While touring the ruins, we noticed colonies of leaf cutter ants. They were just about everywhere. Fascinating to watch as they trek across their trails carrying pieces of plants many times their size and weight.
Our next stop was Magdelena, known for the mining of opals. There were many opal shops around the town square and down the side alleys. 3 of the 4 gals on the trip purchased silver rings with opals. The price depended on the clarity of the stone and weight.
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| Vic tries out a beautifully carved wooden chair in one of the opal shops |
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| the ring that Bev purchased |
We stayed overnight at Casa Dulce Maria in Tequila (cost $580 pesos = $48 CAD). We had stayed here last year while trekking with John & Pat. Tequila is at an elevation of 3,870 ft with a population of about 40,000 people.
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| one of the statues in the Tequila town square |
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| Mavis and Mike at the statue of the Jimadors in Tequila (jimadors are the farmers who harvest agave) |
Next stop...the beautiful city of Guanjuato
Posada
Santa Fe Hotel is located in the Historic Center of Guanajuato, in
front of the famous Jardin de la Union. At a short distance you’ll find
attractions as the Alhondiga de Granaditas, the Juarez Theater, the
Monument to Pipila and the main museums of the city. - See more at:
http://www.posadasantafe.mx/english/location#sthash.bKO91FpV.dpuf
