• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-950528333816
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "mexico/northern-central-highlands",
      "destination": "Northern-Central-Highlands",
      "title": "northern-central-highlands",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Americas",
      "country": "Mexico",
      "continent": "North-America",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Northern Central Highlands

From cobbled lanes and shaded plazas to vast deserts and cloud forest, Mexico's northern central highlands is a region as varied as its history, cuisine and cultures. It was here that enormous mineral wealth created rich colonial cities before revolutionary activity left ghost towns in its wake. Known as the Cuna de la Independencia (Cradle of Independence), the territory is renowned for its part in the country's fight for autonomy, spurred on by the famous Grito de Dolores, which called the Mexican people to arms against the Spanish.

A man in a cowboy had walks by brightly painted buildings on a narrow cobblestone street. A church dome is seen in the distance.

©Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

Book
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Holafly advertisement
Trusted Partner

Stay connected in Northern Central Highlands

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Take your Mexico trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Mexico

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Top places to visit in Northern Central Highlands

Discover the best attractions in Northern Central Highlands from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-770974461491
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "mexico/northern-central-highlands",
      "destination": "Northern-Central-Highlands",
      "title": "northern-central-highlands",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Americas",
      "country": "Mexico",
      "continent": "North-America",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Northern Central Highlands

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Northern Central Highlands and beyond

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-181710254662
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "mexico/northern-central-highlands",
      "destination": "Northern-Central-Highlands",
      "title": "northern-central-highlands",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Americas",
      "country": "Mexico",
      "continent": "North-America",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }