The Secretariat of Tourism of the Mexican Government designated 177 towns as Pueblos Mágicos for natural beauty, preserved culture and historical significance.
Imagine strolling down narrow cobblestone lanes with a horse-drawn vendor hawking hand-tooled copper pots and pans. Now imagine visiting a mystical incense-filled stone church and seeing women kneeling with their hens to get them blessed by the priests before they slaughter them for dinner.
Or perhaps, imagine seeing a street of endless leather-working shops with artisans hand-tooling saddles, belts and shoes, as in yesteryear. This is a Mexico you may have never explored — the Pueblos Mágicos If all you know of Mexico are the coastal resorts with international hotel chains, swim-up bars and all-you-can eat buffets, you’ve missed an incredibly diverse country with astounding gastronomy, culture, tradition, architecture and history. Think about visiting the Pueblos Mágicos of Mexico — 177 towns, with at least one in each of the 31 Mexican states. The towns have earned that envied status from the Secretariat of Tourism of the Mexican Government, and are reevaluated regularly to ensure they maintain their authenticity. Many of these towns are near major tourism destinations such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, thus can be easily combined with a beach stay . These are some of the most unusual and lesser-discovered Magical Towns, easily accessible from major airports in larger Mexican cities. As always when traveling, it is advisable to stay in well-lighted areas in the evenings, refrain from intoxication and use one’s judgment when exploring off-the-beaten path areas. The Magical Towns are known and heralded for their safety and community spirit. Here is a short list of some of our favorites with the year of entry, but please check the full list at https://pueblosmagicos.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/ Ajijíc, Jalisco You may know folks who have moved here full or part time. Ajijíc is home to many expats from all over the world, and has over 11,000 residents, yet it delightfully maintains its Mexican identity. Just north of Lake Chapala, the largest in Mexico, Ajijíc is one hour by car from Guadalajara, and boasts springlike temperature all year. The lake is home to many thousands of migrating American White Pelicans during the winter months — quite a sight to see the lake turn white! This is an art-lovers oasis, with endless galleries and handicrafts, as well as weekend art walks, and the Wednesday Market, which sells a wide variety of merchandise and is a popular social event. Ajijic is also renowned for internationally recognized restaurants, even attracting Guadalajarans to make the trip. Bacalar, Quintana Roo Nature lovers flock to this lesser-known town in the southern part of Quintana Roo because of its spectacular natural attractions like the fresh-water, Caribbean-color Lagoon of Seven Colors. About 25 miles from the city of Chetumal, and 130 miles south of Tulum, Bacalar is known for its Cenote Azul, a 270-feet deep natural sinkhole/grotto which attracts scuba divers worldwide. This old town also hosts a colonial-era church, recently restored, a well-done museum and a charming town center. Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato Mexico’s first “cry of independence” took place here in 1810. Visitors can learn more at the Independence Museum and the former home of Mexican independence leader Miguel Hidalgo. Dolores Hidalgo is festive to visit on Sept. 16, Mexico’s Independence Day. There are many well-preserved colonial buildings such as the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the church where this important historic event took place. With its historical significance, colonial architecture, vibrant culture and natural beauty, as well as renowned cuisine and artisanal ice creams, Dolores Hidalgo is a perfect authentic experience. Just an hour from Guanajuato city and San Miguel de Allende, there are excellent museums, ecotourism activities, art galleries and a traditional artisan market.The closest airport is located in León, about 45 minutes by car. Jala, Nayarit Jala was the first Magical Town in the Pacific state of Nayarit, known for the beauty of its historical buildings and picturesque homes, some dating from the 18th century. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is stunning, made of pink and green stone, with a huge dome over it. Surrounded by towering hills and cliffs, including the active volcano El Ceboruco, it is especially enchanting during the rainy season of June to September, when the entire landscape turns green. This is also the best time to see the El Salto waterfall, 100 feet high, 4 miles from town. The crater of the volcano has a valley filled with trails for cycling and hiking, as well as designated sites for camping. Jala is known for its corn festival in August, when its residents celebrate with a contest for the largest corn cob in the world. Naturally, the town has many corn dishes including a type of bread called torrejas. Jala is an easy drive from the state capital of Tepic on the new Tepic-Guadalajara highway. Loreto, Baja California Sur Loreto, with some 20,000 inhabitants, was founded in 1697, as the capital of the Province of the Californias until 1777. Loreto was the first Spanish colonial city on the Baja Peninsula, where many Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries settled. Unlike some other tourist-laden Baja destinations, Loreto delights with original cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial architecture, and a beautiful plaza where the Mission Loreto church stands, since the late 1600s. Whale watching for blues, humpbacks, greys and orcas is a huge draw, as well as hiking in the surrounding desert and mountains, or a visit to the historic San Javier Mission, about 45 minutes drive away. Nearby, La Pinguica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient cave paintings have been well-preserved. UNESCO: San Antonio Missions are a World Heritage Site Whale-watching season is the most popular time to go, but there are several autumn festivals worth checking out. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán This historic town on the banks of Lake Patzcuaro, is famed as one of the best places in Mexico to witness traditional Day of the Dead and Semana Santa celebrations. On the night of Nov. 1, a candlelit procession leads from Pátzcuaro to the nearby island of Janitzio, where colorful canoes and decorated small boats create a mesmerizing sight on the lake. Pátzcuaro is arguably one of Mexico’s prettiest magical towns, and has attracted many tourists and expats who are now residents. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, its rich indigenous culture, intricate and sophisticated handicrafts, unique gastronomy and natural beauty are all big draws. Pátzcuaro means “the door to heaven” in the local indigenous language, Purépecha. The nearest airport to Pátzcuaro is the Morelia International Airport, 36 miles away. Morelia, while not a Magical Town, is a gorgeous, historical and beloved city, well worth a visit of a few days if possible. Its City Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO S.A.: Creative City of Gastronomy chef ambassadors named San Sebastian, Jalisco Dating from 1605, the beautiful mountain old mining village of San Sebastián del Oeste is just 42 miles from Puerto Vallarta. For coffee lovers, the visit to the coffee farm is one of the experiences you should not miss, as is the Ruta de Minas . There are old silver and gold mines which offer tours there. During hot weather, San Sebastián is known for its cooler temperatures, and many expats own summer homes there. Climbing the overlook at Cerro de la Bufa is a must here, on clear days the coast of Puerto Vallarta is visible. Part of the charm of this town is the opportunity to taste the raicilla, a delicious drink from agave that even has its own tourist route, which includes the magical towns of Talpa de Allende and Mascota. There are also several distinctive dishes to try in San Sebastián — be adventurous! Tequila, Jalisco Yes, this is the birthplace of that world-renowned Mexican beverage. One of the most famous Pueblos Mágicos, Tequila is also named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s distilleries, including Mundo Cuervo, Herradura and Casa Sauza, offer tours and overnight barrel-shaped cabins are available at the Matices Hotel de Barricas. Besides the tequila sampling, visitors can hike and camp at the Tequila Volcano, just outside of town. It is fascinating to see the tequila process, from cutting of the huge agaves in the countryside to the aging barrels. An astounding more than 200,000 liters of tequila are exported each year worldwide. Visit the National Tequila Museum to learn everything you ever wanted to know, and more! From the Guadalajara International Airport, travelers can take the all-inclusive Tequila Express train. Or, take a day trip from Guadalajara, just one hour away.
Secretariat Of Tourism Mexican Government Our Lady Of The Assumption Jesuit Creative City Of Gastronomy Casa Sauza San Antonio Missions La Pinguica Miguel Hidalgo Jala Nayarit Dolores Hidalgo Guadalajarans El Ceboruco Cenote Azul Mascota Herradura Mundo Cuervo Mexico Magical Towns Mission Loreto UNESCO World Heritage Site Https://Pueblosmagicos.Mexicodesconocido.Com.Mx/ Pátzcuaro Quintana Roo Bacalar Parroquia De Nuestra Señora De Los Dolores Morelia International Airport Baja Peninsula Nayarit Puerto Vallarta Guadalajara Jalisco Tequila Jalisco Magical Town San Sebastian Guanajuato Janitzio Cancun Lake Chapala Independence Museum Tepic San Miguel De Allende Californias City Center León Pacific Caribbean Tulum Chetumal El Salto Baja California Sur Spanish Ruta De Minas National Tequila Museum Mine Route Cerro De La Bufa Guadalajara International Airport Matices Hotel De Barricas Tequila Volcano Talpa De Allende Semana Santa Lake Patzcuaro Michoacán Independence Day San Javier Mission Day Of The Dead Purépecha American White Pelicans Franciscan Tequila Express World Heritage Site Whale Tequila
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