Pachuca

Credited as the birthplace of Mexican football — the sport introduced by Cornish miners who arrived in the 19th century — Pachuca is the highland capital of Hidalgo state, a short drive north of Mexico City. Those same Cornish immigrants also left behind the paste, a filled pastry that remains a local staple. The well-preserved colonial centre offers a walkable café scene, and the wider region holds several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Population256,584
• Nearest water0.9 km
• Nearest mountain1.1 km
• UNESCO within 50 km2