One of the greatest claims of Mexico is its Magical Towns, a program that includes a selection of 121 Mexican municipalities with history, cultural richness, traditions and unique architecture worthy of preserving and protecting.
Some of the criteria that have been taken into account when granting the distinction are: having a great legacy of the old Spanish colonial empire, presenting a strong indigenous influence from the past , preserving ancestral traditions or having been places of important Mexican historical events. .
- Complement the trip with the 12 most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
The 20 Magical Towns of Mexico that you cannot miss
To enjoy the visit to Mexico and discover these beautiful villages, we have made a selection of the most valued and visited towns and municipalities by tourists and their inhabitants . In it you can find both in these towns and in the rest of the states of the country. An essential guide if you plan to travel to this region.
1. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende. | pueblomexico.com.mx
It is considered one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico. This magical town is located near Mexico City , in the state of Guanajuato. In 2008 it was declared a World Heritage Site.
Highlight yourMexican colonial and baroque architecture, represented in its mansions and buildings. We cannot miss the Parroquia de Santiago Apostol, a true work of architectural art.
2. San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Located between mountains of the state of Chiapas, it is one of the most famous magical towns in Mexico. It is characterized by a colonial architecture of low houses, cobbled streets and floral patios full of bougainvillea. This village is visited every year by hundreds of visitors looking for its magic and the mystical indigenous presence.
3. Patzcuaro
Patzcuaro. | townsmexico.com.mx
Surrounded by nature and on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro, this magical town in the state of Michoacan is nestled. Its houses have white walls and tile roofs that are in tune with squares and gardens. The locals have taken advantage of the volcanic soils for the elaboration of all kinds of handicrafts .
One of the events that make this beautiful Mexican town famous is the Dia de los Muertos , which is celebrated on the night of October 31 and ends on November 2, where numerous traditional acts are carried out and make it a spectacle. unique in Mexico and in the world.
4. Taxco de Alarcon
Taxco de Alarcon. | pueblomexico.com.mx
This town is famous for housing the best silversmith craftsmen in Mexico. Thousands of tourists visit it every year to enjoy its winding alleys, its whitewashed houses scattered across the hills, and to purchase silver pieces. It is located in the mountains of Guerrero, near Mexico City. It is typical to take a traditional Volkswagen taxi and go to the viewpoint to contemplate the views .
5.
TequilaTequila. | pueblomexico.com.mx
As its name indicates, it is the cradle of the most famous spirit drink in Mexico. But this liquor does not have to be famous, since we are facing one of the best magical towns in Mexico, located in the state of Jalisco.
In it we can visit different distilleries, contemplate the extensive fields of agave cactifrom which the drink is made, get to know traditional haciendas, stroll through its cobbled streets and taste tequila in one of its canteens.
6. Lakes of Moreno
Lakes of Moreno. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Famous for the bridge over the Lagos River and for its historic center, this beautiful town in the state of Jalisco was named Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its buildings take us back to the time of the Viceroyalty. The Asuncion parish is a beautiful example of Latin American baroque . They also highlight the temple and former convent of La Capuchinas.
7. Dolores Hidalgo
Dolores Hidalgo. | pueblomexico.com.mx
It is located in the heart of Mexico, in the state of Guanajuato. In this magical town was wherethe independence of Mexico was gestured , initiated by the priest Hidalgo, who later gave the town its name. To visit it is to enjoy its history, its churches and its exotic ice creams or colored snow as they are popularly called.
8. Sherry from Garcia Salinas
Sherry from Garcia Salinas. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Beautiful town that stands out for its pink quarry constructions of various styles. Its streets brim with drum music, and it is said that in Jerez there is always a party. This magical village is located in Zacatecas, near Mexico City. The filigree gold and silver pieces, the saddlery and other handicrafts are famous.
9. Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo. | townsmexico.com.mx
It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Chiapas. It is the gateway to the Canon del Sumidero . It has a Mudejar-style fountain, called La Pila, built with red brick. Los Portales and the church of Santo Domingo de Guzman are also a must. Its Fiesta Grande is one of the most important in the country and has been declared a World Heritage Site.
10. Orizaba
Orizaba. | pueblomexico.com.mx
It is located in the region of the great mountains of Veracruz and surrounded by great nature. Strolling through its streets we find stately buildings, churches, museums, palaces and old bridges . The town is the guardian of the Stone of the Giant, a monolith that encompasses numerous beliefs of pre-Hispanic roots.
11. Bravo
Valley Bravo Valley. | pueblomexico.com.mx
It is one of the most famous magical towns in Mexico . It is very frequented by the inhabitants and visitors of Mexico City, for its great diversity in adventure sports and for its history and beauty. It is located next to a large lake and has a large square and narrow streets.
12. Mazamitla
Mazamitla. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Beautiful magical mountain town in the state of Jalisco, located in the mountains that surround Lake Chapala. Its streets are cobbled and its architecture is colonial , with houses with white walls, wooden doors and tiled roofs. Thanks to its natural environment you can enjoy waterfalls, meadows and mountains.
13. Royal Fourteen
Royal Fourteen. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Located at 2,750 meters above sea level, this city was once a prosperous village dedicated to silver mining. Now it is a ghost town in the desert of San Luis Potosi. The plaza de otros, the palenque de gallos, the chapel of Guadalupe and the garden of Hidalgo are a must. This town has a spiritual essence that attracts many curious people . It is a place of pilgrimage for the Huichole Indians and for the Catholics.
14. Tequisquiapan
Tequisquiapan. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Spas, craft markets, museums and a mild climate are some of the characteristics of this beautiful magical town in Mexico. This town, located in the state of Queretaro, isfamous for its traditional gastronomy of cheese and wine . If you visit it you can enjoy wine tastings and visits to cheese factories.
15. Tepoztlan
Tepoztlan. | pueblomexico.com.mx
A few hours drive from Mexico City, in the state of Morelos, is this mystical town. It is famous for its Aztec ruins El Tepozteco, located on a hill near the municipality. It is very visited by tourists to seek positive energies . Legend has it that Quetzalcoatl, the serpent god of the Aztecs, was born in Tepoztlan.
16. Tapalpa
Tapalpa. | townsmexico.com.mx
With white facades and red tile roofs, this typical Mexican town is located in the state of Jalisco. It is surrounded by nature and natural places where you can take a nice walk, in which we will enjoy streams, pine forests, ash trees and curious rock formations . Its festival War of the flowers is famous.
17. Creel
Creel. | pueblomexico.com.mx
Surrounded by the Sierra de Tarahumara, this town located in the state of Chihuahua is considered the gateway to the Copper Canyon . It is located in an enclave of exceptional nature with lakes, waterfalls, rivers and forests. Visiting this town, we can discover the essence and traditions of the Raramuri culture.
18. Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan. | townsmexico.com.mx
One of the magical towns in the State of Mexico that receives the most tourists each year is Teotihuacan. Its archaeological zone is the most visited in all of Mexico. It is also known as the City of the Gods and is shrouded in mystery, since little is known about the Teotihuacan civilization.
19. Cuetzalan
Cuetzalan. | pueblomexico.com.mx
In the state of Puebla we find Cuetzalan, a charming town with cobbled streets, white houses and red roofs. The main square is covered with stairs and the fog is present every morning. In this small town we can taste one of the most aromatic coffees in Mexico . You will be surprised to see its inhabitants dress like their ancestors and dance the Dance of the Flyers.
- If you stay in Puebla do not miss these 14 tourist places.
20. Comala
Comala. | pueblomexico.com.mx
This magical town, located in the state of Colima, is famous for the novel by Juan Rulfo, “Pedro Paramo”. It is guarded by the Volcan de Fuego Colima and its white buildings with red roofs adorned with bougainvillea stand out. A visit where you can enjoy views, nature and quiet walks.
- If you like city tourism, discover which are the largest cities.
- Check the complete list of Magical Towns here.