Move Over Mexico City! Americans Can Fly Nonstop To This Cheaper Colonial Destination

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If Cancun is the undisputed ruler when it comes to relaxing beach getaways and some good old luxury resort pampering, Mexico City (CDMX) is the country’s top attraction by a mile when it comes to cultural value.

Boasting one of Mexico’s largest historic centers, peppered with Spanish-built palaces, charming plazas and imposing churches, it is for sure a must-see destination.

Beautiful as it may be, however, the sprawling capital south of the border is not exactly Mexico’s most affordable when it comes to prices:

Is Mexico City Getting As Expensive As Some U.S. Cities?

Although you’re certain to find street tacos for under $2 in most public markets, and if you’re really on a strict budget, cheap-er accommodation, those aren’t necessarily the standard: on average, tourists spend $200-a-night in CDMX, including $41 on food daily, and $72 on hotels.

As our CEO and travel expert Kashlee Garcia, who has extensive experience living in Mexico pointed out, the cost of living in CDMX is now on a par with some major U.S. cities, like Houston and Phoenix.

So, where do you go to Mexico to soak up all that Old World charm and not break the bank whilst you’re at it? Well, we have an alternative, and one that won’t involve connecting flights to get to:

Discover Morelia, Mexico’s Charming Pink City

Often forgotten in the grand scheme of things, Morelia serves as the capital of the central Mexican state of Michoacán. It is best known for its preserved colonial architecture and pink stone-built edifices, which give the cityscape an overall ‘earth-toned’ aura.

Like many other Mexican cities founded upon the landfall of the Conquistadores, it follows a typically European urban layout:

The Historic Center of Morelia, officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revolves around a charming central zócalo, Plaza de Armas, which similarly to Mexico City, is bordered by a monumental cathedral, carrying elements of 18th-century Baroque, stately Government buildings, and café terraces.

Given the scale of its buildings alone, particularly the intricately carved church, it is easily the most-visited spot in Morelia, but Mexico’s Pink City has far more to offer:

One Of The Prettiest Colonial Centers In All Of Mexico

From the Plaza de Armas, which is fed by various narrow streets flanked by colorful colonial facades, you can visit a myriad of centuries-old attractions:

For instance, the Morelia Aqueduct, erected in the 1700s, is a prominent structure featuring 253 arches: originally built to supply water to the residents, it now makes for a scenic promenade, particularly at night, when the lights go up.

If you can’t get enough of Morelia’s religious splendor, and trust us, maybe you won’t, the Templo de San Francisco is one of the oldest churches in town, and Mexico as a whole, established in the 16th century.

Its gold-clad altars rival Europe’s in beauty, and the typically Iberian whitewashed interior, with vaulted ceilings, is a potent reminder of Spain’s enduring influence in the region.

For more fascinating history, don’t miss out on the Colegio de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, founded as early as 1540—this makes it one of the oldest colleges in the Americas—and characterized by an arcaded, inner courtyard.

Can We Talk About All That Amazing Food For A Sec?

No visit to Mexico is complete without a market tour, and there are many to choose from in the heart of the Historic Center.

Start with Mercado de Antojitos, just off Plaza de San Agustín. It is popular for its bite-size corn-based snacks, generously filled enchiladas, and Morelia’s easily recognized triangular tamales, known locally as cheapos.

Craving something sweet instead?

The well-reputed Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías is your go-to spot for satisfying the sweet fiend that lives in you, offering a vast array of traditional desserts, from morelianas with cajeta (thingoat milk) to the fruity squares known as ates.

For yet another cheap eat, we also love Carnitas Don Raúl, where you can gorge on slow-cooked pork, and a wide assortment of tacos and quesadillas for around $4, and as for a mid-range experience that still fits the budget, look no further than the renowned La Cocina Michoacana:

Expect local flavors with a contemporary twist, a more refined indoor setting, and chef-curated meals, bills totaling on average $22 per person.

How Expensive Is Morelia To Visit?

It is important to note these figures are merely estimates, gauged from sources like Numbeo and Budget Your Trip.

Fly Nonstop To Morelia From 10 U.S. Airports

Additionally, Morelia is a lot more accessible than most Americans think: 10 major U.S. airports offer direct flights, and usually at (very) competitive prices.

Take a look:

Direct Flights From The U.S. To Morelia (MLM)