Mexico from Los Angeles Layover, best part to explore?
 

Hi!

We are passing by Los Angeles to attend the Las Vegas CES Show on January 2013. We have 4 nights to spare before heading to Las Vegas and we would like to spend time instead in Mexico or Central America-- somewhere not too far from Los Angeles as we are flying from Philippines.

1.) we are not interested in beaches. We have tons from where we come from
2.) we like to see and experience culture, city life, some ancient history
3.) we only have a maximum of 4 nights to spend in that city
4.) we are in early thirties, couple, who runs our own business. We do not like cruises (we considered the carnival cruise but it looks boring)

we are now debating if we should just stay in LA, but we have been doing this for the past 3 years and have not been to Mexico/Central/South America. We take this trip once a year for the consumer show.
Any help and suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Mexico City or Oaxaca.

From LA the city of Guadalajara, would cover what you are looking for, some very nice colonial style hotels near the historical center of town. Like Hotel Morales, Santiago De Compostela or Hotel Casa Pedro Loza.

How about Guanajuato? Maybe San Migele de Allende?

Certainly Mexico City fits your request. But I think it takes a little more planning because it's such a huge place.

I'd check first and see where you can get the best direct flights from LAX, because 3-4 days is such a short trip.

You have received 4 excellent suggestions in MC, Oaxaca, Guadalajara & favorite city Guanajuato. Fell in love with it last March so am returning for a month in January.

Do you want a gigantic city or a smaller place?

Because you want to see some ancient history, I would suggest either Mexico City or Oaxaca. Maybe Merida. The Camino Real cities of Queretaro and especially Guanajuato are great, but there are no significant archeaological sites there.

However, if you want to see Mexico's most beautiful city, go to Guanajuato.