UNESCO Recognizes Two New World Heritage Sites in Mexico

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized Mexico's El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca as World Heritage sites, maintaining its leading spot in the Americas for such sites and elevating it to a no. 6 ranking of all countries worldwide. Mexico now has 31 properties recognized by UNESCO and has had sites on UNESCO's list since 1987, making Mexico a leader in terms of its cultural, natural and mixed landmarks that warrant international recognition.

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (2010), also known as the Royal Inland Road or the Silver Route, is the oldest route in the Americas. Lying along an 869 miles (1400 km) section of this 1,615 mile (2600 km) route are 55 sites and five existing World Heritage sites, such as the Protective Town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco, the Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines, the Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco, the Historic Center of Zacatecas and the Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Queretaro. Starting in Mexico City and passing through Queretaro, San Miguel, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas and Durango, the route was actively used as a trade route for 300 years, from the mid-16th century to the 19th century, mainly for transporting silver extracted from the mines of Zacatecas, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi, and mercury imported from Europe. Although it is a route that was motivated and consolidated by the mining industry, it also fostered the creation of social, cultural and religious links between Spanish and Amerindian cultures, in particular.

Following a similar path to El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro is one of the newly minted routes of Mexico, A Colonial Experience, where one can learn more about Mexico's independence and their participation in the Revolution wars.

While traveling either the A Colonial Experience route or El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, there are several stops that offer an unusual and riveting travel experience. When stopped in Zacatecas, a must-see is the Quinta Real Zacatecas, an eclectic hotel built into the grandstand of the restored San Pedro bullfighting ring, built in the 19th century and witnessing its last corrida (bullfight) in 1975. Casa de Sierra Nevada is another gorgeous lodging option, offering a colonial suite where travelers can experience the rich architectural history of San Miguel. For travelers looking to kick off their shoes after exploring some of Mexico's most exciting locales, a perfect stop is Dona Urraca Hotel & Spa, a restored 18th century private home that offers complete serenity and luxury.

The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca (2010). This property lies on the northern slope of the Tlacolula valley in subtropical central Oaxaca and consists of two pre-Hispanic archaeological complexes and a series of prehistoric caves and rock shelters. Some of these shelters provide archaeological and rock-art evidence for the progress of nomadic hunter-gathers to incipient farmers. Ten thousand-year-old Cucurbitaceae seeds in one cave, Guila Naquitz, are considered to be the earliest known evidence of domesticated plants in the continent, while corn cob fragments from the same cave are said to be the earliest documented evidence for the domestication of maize. The cultural landscape of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla demonstrates the link between man and nature that gave origin to the domestication of plants in North America, thus allowing the rise of Mesoamerican civilizations.

The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca are located near another World Heritage site, the Historic Center of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Alban, a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and modern influences. Some of the many sites in Oaxaca's historical downtown include the main plaza, the government palace, the Cathedral of Oaxaca and the city market, as well as some of Mexico's most ornately decorated churches.

To fully bask in Oaxaca's cultural history, the Camino Real Oaxaca hotel, housed in a former convent, offers visitors a unique lodging experience. The hotel's Spanish Baroque architecture and authentic feel will transport you back in time to the colonial Oaxaca of 1576 when it was constructed.
Crossing both the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca is one of the new Routes of Mexico, the Thousand Flavors of Mole, where travelers can discover not only the delights of mole but other archaeological and cultural treasures in Mexico City and Oaxaca.

UNESCO's World Heritage list includes 911 properties from 151 countries that are considered by the World Heritage Committee as having outstanding universal value. Once a destination is a deemed a World Heritage site, a country may receive financial assistance and expert advice from the committee to support activities for the preservation of its sites. For more information on UNESCO and their list of World Heritage sites, please visit https://whc.unesco.org.

Other Mexican World Heritage sites include:

• Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco (2008)
• Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (2008):
• Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) (2007)
• Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila (2006)
• Islands and Protected Areas, Gulf of Baja California (2005)
• House and Studio of Mexican Architect Luis Barragan, Mexico City (2004)
• Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda, Queretaro (2003)
• Ancient Mayan City of Calakmul, Campeche (2002)
• Historic Fortified Town, Campeche (1999)
• Archaeological Monuments Zone, Xochicalco (1999)
• Historic Monuments Zone, Tlacotalpan (1998)
• Archaeological Zone of Paquime, Casas Grandes (1998)
• Hospicio Cabanas, Guadalajara (1997)
• Pre- Hispanic Town, Uxmal (1996)
• Historic Monuments Zone, Queretaro (1996)
• Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes, Popocatepetl (1994)
• Whale Sanctuary, El Vizcaino (1993)
• Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco (1993)
• Historic Center, Zacatecas (1993)
• Pre-Hispanic City of El Tajin (1992)
• Historic Center, Morelia (1991)
• Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza (1988)
• Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines (1988)
• Sian Ka'an, Riviera Maya (1987)
• Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (1987)
• Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque (1987)
• Historic Center, Puebla (1987)
• Historic Center of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Alban (1987)
• Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco (1987)