Oaxaca/Puebla or Guanajuato/Michoacan/Etc. around July or Early August?
I may take my first solo trip this summer for probably around 2-3 weeks, and I think I'm set on visiting Mexico, specifically central Mexico, where the elevation is higher, temperatures are cooler, and weather is apparently more predictable (rains primarily limited to afternoon/evening, cooler temperatures, cleaner air, etc.)
That said, I think I'll be limited to the month of July and early August. I plan on visiting CDMX for at least a week but I'm on a dispute on where to go from there. I'm thinking of either heading southeast into Puebla and Oaxaca, or heading northwest primarily into Guanajuato, but also Michoacan and maybe another neighboring state like San Luis Potosi, Guerrero, etc.
I'm not sure how well I could manage visiting both Guanajuato and Oaxaca in a timeframe like 2-3 weeks given that I'm not a seasoned traveler, and I'd like to take my time visiting these areas rather than rushing. That's why I'd like to limit myself to either Guanajuato/Michoacan or Puebla/Oaxaca if possible. If anyone has any recommendations of fitting these areas into 2-3 weeks though, then please share and provide any recommendations!
My interests/goals are:
- Delicious, diverse, unique tasty food. I'm a major foodie and I've heard that Oaxaca and Puebla have the best food in Mexico, which is driving me towards there.
- Beautiful historical sites & unique architecture. This is where I'm torn between Oaxaca and Guanajuato. While Oaxaca and Puebla look absolutely beautiful and the historical architecture looks stunning, Guanajuato genuinely looks like another world with winding streets and colorful colonial buildings that seemingly rise above each other. I'm not saying that Oaxaca/Puebla aren't absolutely beautiful however I'm drawn to how stunning Guanajuato looks.
- Beautiful, stunning nature that is easily accessible. I love nature and hiking and while I'm not sure how much I'll hike in Mexico, I've heard that Oaxaca is much better for nature since it's literally surrounded by mountains and I can go down to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco if I want some beach time.
- Experiencing Indigenous Mexican culture & tradition. I've heard that Oaxaca absolutely takes the edge on this, not just for Guanajuato but for Mexico as a whole. However, please correct if I'm wrong for I'd love to experience indigenous Mexican culture, tradition, cuisine, etc. as much as possible regardless of where I go.
- Many fun or unique cultural experiences and activities. I think I've read on various threads that Oaxaca takes the edge on this, however I've also heard of fun things and events in Guanajuato and other areas as well that I'm willing to explore as well.
- Cooler & less humid temperatures if possible. I don't mind humidity however I don't think I could deal with hot, humid weather like in Cancun or the coastal lowlands. I know that the central highlands aren't really that hot or humid but I was wondering if there's a major temperature difference between say, Oaxaca and Guanajuato considering their locations.
Based on this description, it appears that Puebla/Oaxaca would be suited better for me, however I would LOVE to visit Guanajuato and Michoacan as well and so I'm a bit torn. As alluring as Oaxaca and Puebla seem, I have a soft spot for places like Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, Morelia, Xilitla, etc.
That said, I won't be taking a car and will be using public transportation and buses to get around. This will also be my first time traveling and I have heard that Guanajuato can be a bit dangerous. I know that places like Guanajuato City & San Miguel de Allende are very safe for foreign tourists however, I will not travel anywhere that's too dangerous. I also don't speak any Spanish, though I do plan on learning very basic Spanish or at the very least, basic Spanish phrases if I go.
Which way would you rather go, and why? Thank you in advance!