Ex Convento del Desierto de los Leones
Start early to catch the morning mist rising through the towering pines of this national park. Walk the cold stone corridors of the 17th-century monastery before grabbing a warm, freshly pressed blue-corn quesadilla from the local stalls nearby.
Parroquia del Divino Salvador
Drop the car and explore this bohemian enclave on foot. The cobblestone streets are lined with bougainvillea, leading to a 16th-century convent famous for its frescoes painted by indigenous artists depicting native flora and fauna.
Mestizo
This is your detour-worthy lunch. Dine in a stylish, shaded garden on contemporary Mexican dishes that make brilliant use of local ingredients, like trout cooked with wild herbs and incredibly complex house-made moles.
Hotel El Copal
Perched high on the hillside, this eco-boutique hotel offers the best vantage point in the valley. Sip a local mezcal or a double espresso on the open-air terrace while looking out over the dramatic sandstone cliffs before the drive back to the city.
