31 Unmissable Pueblos Magicos in Mexico to Visit in 2023

If you are looking for some off-the-beaten-path charming villages to visit in Mexico and have a taste of the real Mexican culture, you have landed in the right place

In this article, you will find a thorough list of some of the most amazing and lesser-known Mexican Pueblos Magicos besides the most popular and interesting Mexico Pueblos Magicos that you can visit this year.

I have visited most of them but I have asked the help of other Mexican travelers and bloggers to share their favorite Pueblo Magico in Mexico.

I will also be adding more and more as I explore them. And the result is this massive and detailed post with everything you need to know to visit your favorite Magic Town in Mexico or decide which one to explore, in case you are undecided.

So without further ado, please find the best Mexico Pueblo Magico to visit in 2022. You can use this table of content to help you navigate through the post.

What are the Mexico Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns)?

The Pueblos Magicos (Magic Town) are part of a marketing strategy developed by the Mexican Tourist Board to help put charming towns on the map for travelers who want to discover the Mexican cultural heritage and precious natural resources.

In this post, I share, with the help of other travel bloggers, our favorite and most overlooked Pueblos Magicos in Mexico.

If you haven’t been to one of these amazing pueblos Magicos you should definitely include it in your bucket list of the best places to visit in Mexico.

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Guerrero

1. Taxco

Taxco is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful pueblos Magicos in Mexico.

The colonial homes and historical museums, the bochitos cars (VWbeatles) running around the winding narrow cobblestone roads, the main plaza surrounded by local restaurants, luxury boutique hotels, and cafes, and the surrounding mountains and natural treasures.

All this is what makes Taxco such a special place. The pretty town is mainly well known for silver mining and its talented craftsmen creating beautiful works.

Nowadays there are no more active mines, but you can still visit some old ones that are now museums available for tourists to explore.

The highlight of Taxco is silversmithing, the art of working silver, which was introduced by the American artist William Spratling when he moved to Taxco in 1920.

It becomes a real profession and source of income for many locals. And even now that the extraction of silver has stopped, the local artisans import the raw material and maintain their precious art of silversmithing alive.

On Sundays, you can enjoy the Silver Tianguis when many private buyers and retailers come from all over Mexico and abroad to purchase their silver products.

Also, you can enjoy many incredible sites in the surroundings of Taxco, such as the Pozas Azules and the spectacular Caves of Cacahuamilpa, besides other small waterfalls in the surroundings that you can easily reach by local bus on your own.

Pueblos Magicos in Mexico State

2. Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo is a cute colonial town, strategically sitting between the Avandaro Lake and hilly oak forests, it’s located only 2 hours drive from Mexico City and 1 hour 30 minutes from the Toluca Airport.

It’s been proclaimed Pueblo Magico in 2005 and it’s also been denominated the Hamptons of Mexico City by a popular Architecture magazine. If you visit Valle de Bravo you will see why.

There is indeed a lot of Magic in Valle de Bravo, from the hilly cobblestone roads, to the mountain-style homes and cafes, nicely decorated using an abundance of woods.

Even all the shops’ signs must be in wood, even the popular national convenience store Oxxo, whose sign comes normally in bright yellow and red, in Valle de Bravo is in carved wood. Such a detail!

The outdoorsy travelers will love the beautiful hikes available around the town, some of them at easy reach by solo travelers as well.

My favorite is the hike to La Peña, where I went twice to enjoy the exercise and the spectacular views over the lake.

Valle de bravo is also internationally known for the Paragliding tournament that happens every year (in non-covid times). For the rest of us, it’s possible to hike up to the tower where the paragliders take off. You can be sure spectacular views are guaranteed.

Valle de Bravo is also world-famous for being the home to the Sanctuary of the Monarch Butterfly, migrating from Canada to Valle de Bravo every year in winter.

But the activities in Valle de Bravo don’t end here.

You can paddle-boarding and kayaking or sail in the lake, chase waterfalls, or can splurge in one of the world-class hotels overlooking the water, play golf in Avandaro, meditate in the Buddhist Temple, shop, and eat 🙂

Read my compact guide to Valle de Bravo to learn more about all that you can do in this beautiful Pueblos Magicos.

3. Tepotzotlàn

A lovely little town, just outside Mexico City, which makes a popular weekend getaway from the city hustle and bustle. If you look at it on a map it looks like it belongs to the city, but it’s actually a different municipality.

In Tepotzotlàn you can visit the interesting Cathedral of San Francisco and the Museum of the Virreinato, which was closed for the pandemic when I visited. Unfortunately.

I couldn’t even enjoy the nice sculpture park Xochitla, which was also closed.

During the weekend you can also browse through the local market stalls with delicious food (Esquites especially), traditional clothing, and all sorts of arts and crafts. (that one was open)

At one hour’s drive, you can enjoy the Arcos de Sitios whose official name is Aqueduct of Xalpa, an architectural work built entirely in stone of 430mts long and considered the highest aqueduct in Latin America. You can walk on the arches and on a trail that goes around the park through swinging bridges with spectacular views of the arches.

From Mexico City, you can get there either by Uber or by the Ferrocarril subterraneo from Buena Vista station.

However, if you love exploring you should rent a car in Mexico City so that you can drive around the surroundings of Tepotzotlan where you can appreciate the churches´ architecture, the lake “prensa de la Concepciòn” and the archeological site of La Cañada de Cisneros among other sites.

Mexico Pueblos Magicos: Chihuahua

4. Creel

Chihuahua, the land of the cute little dogs, is most popular for the spectacular Copper Canyon, a complex of 5 canyons that all together outsize the Majestic Grand Canyon in the US. Imagine, that!

I had the pleasure and the fortune to spend three weeks up and down its soaring mountains and deep and barren valleys, crossing over the canyon on the famous El Chepe, the only passengers’ train in Mexico, so far.

I boarded at Los Mochis in Sinaloa and ended at Creel, the tourist town, and Pueblo Magico mostly used as a base to explore the Copper Canyon.

Although there are many other stops and interesting sights along the rail, (of which I will talk about in a detailed post) in Creel you have a whole lot of activities that you can enjoy, and daily tours to waterfalls and Tarahumara villages. If you love to do things on your own, you can rent a bike or a quod and explore the surrounding valleys.

You can take tours to Cusarare Waterfalls and Arareko Lake, or to the magic town of Batopilas in the heart of the Copper Canyon, bike through the Valles de los Hongos and Valle de las monjas.

In Creel, you can treat yourself to a luxury stay at La Mission hotel, or the fabulous The Lodge at Creel, Eco, or stay on the cheap at La Puesta del Sol, where I was staying as well. Modest, but clean and with a delicious breakfast included, where you can enjoy lovely chats with the lovely homeowner.

5. Batopilas

If Creel is so much overlooked as a Pueblo Magico, let alone Batopilas, a tiny God-forgotten town hidden in one of the deep valleys of the Copper Canyon. I went to visit instead and I loved every bit of it. I would have stayed there an entire week if I had the time.

Batopilas is an old silver mining town located at the very bottom of  Batopilas Canyon, just 500 meters above sea level.

It has a subtropical climate, with lots of humidity and heat but, on the bright side, you’ll find papaya, avocado, and banana trees, and lush vegetation along your walks.

If you love walking in nature you can reach The Lost Cathedral in the little village of Satevo, just 8kms from Batopilas.

Although the old cathedral is a great example of colonial architecture in the Sierra Madre, from the 18th century, you will also enjoy the long walks on the mountain trail along the river with spectacular views over the valley.

There are many other trails that you can walk alone or with a local guide that you can hire once you reach the town.

If you are in a group or at least two people, you can easily walk on your own, along the old Aqueduct and to the old silver mines, or reach the Hacienda San Miguel only 1 hour from the center.

The pretty tiny town is also a nice place to walk around and spend a few hours in the plaza where people gather to use the free WIFI.

You can find decent hotels at all prices and delicious food in the local restaurants.

To reach Batopilas you can take a local bus from Creel, although the departure time is uncertain. My friend and I, and another tourist we met, have been waiting for a few hours from 7 in the morning for the bus to come.

However, the wait is compensated by the spectacular views along the way (see picture above) and the driver would stop at a few lookouts to let you take some pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape.

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Queretaro

6. Bernal

Located at only 1h and 30 minutes distance from Queretaro, Bernal is the most mystical of the Pueblo Magico of Queretaro.

It’s one of the most popular places in all of Mexico for being home to the third biggest monolith in the world.

The huge pick is towering over the tiny colorful town of Bernal where you can try different local delicacies after the steep hike to the gigantic rock.

You can visit Bernal on one day trip from Queretaro, but if you have time you should stay one night and climb the monolith early morning when the heat is bearable. It will take about 1 hour to climb up and 30 minutes down.

Mind you won’t be able to get to the top as the last two third are only for experienced climbers.

Then, once you get back to town you can enjoy walking around the artisan shops and eating the local dish, the “gorditas”, a sort of thick taco made with blue corn and filled with all sorts of “guisados” with meat or vegetable to your liking.

Don’t miss the flan made with goat milk, delicious, and the pan de queso (cheese bread made with different kinds of marmalade).

If you have extra time, travel agents offer small tours to explore the surrounding areas as well.

7. Tequisquiapan

Most commonly known as Tequis, this cute town of cobblestone roads lined with blooming bougainvillea bushes climbing around the house doors. The historical center of Tequisquiapan looks like a fairy tale town with colorful houses surrounded by flowers. Tiny restaurants, bars or boutique hotels.

In Tequisquiapan you can admire the beautiful church in the main plaza and the surrounding Portales where to find local products to buy.

Take a tour to the nearby vineyards and or hop on a turibus for a two-hour tour around town on a bus.

Try the locally made wine and different kinds of cheeses.

If you spend more than one day you can join a local tour to the opal caves, a lovely hike to the caves where they extract opal stones guided by one of the owners.

Getting to Tequisquiapan from Queretaro is easy although you don’t find the information online, you must take the Flecha Azul bus for a direct bus ride.

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Quintana Roo

8. Tulum

If the denomination of Pueblos Magicos was only made to promote hidden treasures in Mexico, Tulum doesn’t really seem to need it as it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

Tulum really doesn’t need any presentation.

If you are not familiar with this town, imagine an endless white sand beach lined up with high-end boutique hotels built in an eco-chic style and fancy beach clubs. Although there is nothing ecological about them, it sounds fancy, right?

What I have just described is the beachside of Tulum. At about 5 kilometers from the beach, you have a downtown, friendly known as Tulum Pueblo.

It doesn’t have the colonial feel like all the other Pueblos Magicos in the other states but it does have some magic in it.

Be it for the little restaurants and cafes offering international and local food, the organic shops and yoga places, an international community of expats and long-term tourists create a very chill and fake laid-back vibe!

Around Tulum, you can visit beautiful cenotes and the ancient Mayan cities, or what remains of them.

There are indeed so many things to do that many digital nomads use it as a base to explore the surrounding of the Yucatan Peninsula when they are not working or hitting the beach. Definitely, a place not to miss if being too touristy doesn’t bother you.

Tulum is not for everyone, you either love it or hate it.

9. Bacalar

Bacalar was one of my favorite places to go to before I learned that the lagoon was contaminated. I still love it, I just don’t feel like swimming in the lagoon anymore.

The color of the lagoon is still fascinating and you can take boat tours around the lagoon, and enjoy the cenote and the local laid-back vibes.

New hotels have been built but without spoiling the village atmosphere.

Make sure you visit Los Rapidos in Bacalar, stay in the iconic hotel Akalki or Rancho Encantado, or you can choose among all the other amazing hotels. There is a vast choice, depending on the budget.

Cenote Azul in Bacalar is a gem and close to town. There are also interesting archeological sites to visit and at a one-hour drive, you can also explore the beach town of Majahual, great for snorkeling and diving.

10. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a popular island off the Cancun coast with only 30 minutes ferry boat. It makes a great day trip that you can take on a catamaran and one of the best things to do in Cancun

However, I would suggest spending at least a couple of nights there so that you can enjoy the relaxed island vibe and most of all the spectacular sunset you can admire from Playa Norte.

The island is tiny and you can rent a golf cart and drive around enjoying the rugged ocean coast and the Ixchel statue and other interesting art on Punta Sur park, besides basking on the white sand in North Beach.

In summer you can join a whale sharks tour, an unmissable experience. And all year round you can snorkel or dive by the MUSA, the underwater museum, a great site for both experienced divers and beginners.

Enjoy the island vibes at night by strolling around town eating in one of the local restaurants and listening to some live music.

Pueblos Magicos Mexico – Veracruz

11. Xico

Home to the pre-hispanic civilization of the Totonacas, Xico, whose name is actually Xicochimalco,  is a pretty little town nestled among the hills of the Eastern Sierra Madre, with an altitude of 1270 mt (about 3700ft), with an extension of about 42 km2, and with a population of 33.000, in the Mexican state of Veracruz.

There is something magic indeed about this quirky little town, mainly because of the lush tropical vegetation on the hills surrounding it like a warm embrace.

This is one of the famous zonas cafeteras of Veracruz, where the best Mexican coffee is produced.

You can visit Xico on a day trip from Xalapa and enjoy walking around the colorful cobblestone roads, the beautiful churches, but most of all you must not miss the spectacular waterfall of Texcolo a few km from the town.

I wanted to walk there but it’s pretty far and I was recommended by the locals that it would have been safer to hire a taxi and so I did.

Then you can ask the taxi to wait a couple of hours or just let him go and grab another taxi to go back. Inside the park, there are quite a few paths where you can hike around and enjoy the views while sipping a drink or having lunch in one of the local restaurants.

It would be a shame to have a taxi waiting for you as you would feel like rushing it.

If you decide to stay for a night or two, you will also love the Hacienda San Bartolo located just out of town on the way to the waterfall.

An oasis of bliss, where you can relax in their cute rooms and hang out in their manicured garden overlooking the hilly surroundings. A real gem.

12. Orizaba

I am particularly fond of Orizaba because it was the first town I reached when I left my job and set off for my journey with no particular goals or a specific itinerary.

I just went with the flow. I am not sure why I chose Orizaba but I am glad I did.

This pretty town is unfairly overlooked by tourists but in reality, it offers so many interesting attractions, and an amazing cultural heritage to discover and it’s surrounded by incredible natural sites, waterfalls, rivers, and hiking trails.

You can organize guided tours with the tourist board located in the Palacio de Hierro, also home to a museum, check out the Cathedral San Miguel de Archangel and the nearby park.

Climb to the Cerro del Borrego, or if you don’t feel like exercising you can take the Cable Car and enjoy spectacular views over the city.

Walk along the river and admire the colorful murals. Enjoy the Art Museum and the museum of the Poliforum where you can also have a local meal in one of the restaurants.

Enjoy the food at Mercado San Juan de los Cerritos.

If you love adventure, contact my friend Katie from 360º Descubre Mexico for amazing personalized tours around Orizaba, kayaking, paddleboarding, rappelling, and much more.

And of course, if you love hiking, you can organize a hike to the Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s tallest volcano.

13. Coscomatepec

A cute little town at the foot of the Pico de Orizaba Volcano, Coscomatepec could be a great starting point for those who would love to get to the peak.

For the less adventurous there is also plenty to see in this tiny Pueblo Magico and you will love observing the village life and exploring its surroundings.

As soon as I arrived, I visited the Tourism office seeking information on what to do and they kindly offered me a guide to take me to a waterfall.

The following morning I met with my guide who was a young student, very happy to show me around, and also interested in learning from my experience. We took a local taxi and reached the Alpatlahua waterfall.

You can enjoy a walk around town, starting from the Governmental building, a beautiful building in neoclassic style facing the Church of San Juan Bautista, built in XIX century.

Stroll around the paved roads, stop by the panaderia la Fama, or in a coffee shop. Visit the Museum Tetlapan where you can find archeological pieces found in Coscomatepec by its citizens. 

Eat in the local stands under the portico by the plaza, delicious gorditas, and other local specialties. The triangles have only frijoles and are vegan-friendly although not very healthy it’s a local specialty that you should try.

You can reach Coscomatepec by bus either from Orizaba or from Xalapa.

14. Coatepec

Coatepec is a small and charming coffee town just 20 minutes outside of Xalapa, Veracruz. Nestled at the base of the mountains, Coatepec boasts incredible views of the surrounding greenery.

The streets of Coatepec are lined with brightly painted buildings housing bakeries, boutiques, and, of course, coffee shops.

The most popular activity to participate in on a trip to Coatepec is coffee tasting. 
You can bounce from cafe to cafe sipping the local brews or opt to take a coffee tasting tour: the choice is yours.

You can even visit the Museo de Cafe (Coffee Museum) and learn all about the history and culture of coffee in Mexico.

Because of its proximity to Xalapa, many city dwellers flock there on the weekends to soak up the lovely cafe culture.

Sunday is the busiest day in Coatepec.

The town zocalo fills with vendors selling food, artisanías, and toys for kids. Usually one of the restaurants around the square will have a live band, making for a lively and enjoyable dining experience.

While it’s easy to see Coatepec’s highlights in just one day, there are some lovely hacienda-style hotels that might entice you to stay longer. 

by Janine @ Janine in the world

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Campeche

15. Isla Aguada – Campeche

A remote little town located on the north coast of Campeche between the Laguna de Termino and Champoton, but right on the Lagoon.

To be honest this small town doesn’t have much charm except for a lovely two hours boat tour on the lagoon where you can spot dolphins and many different bird species hanging out on an island in the middle of the sea.

You will spend there some time when you can walk around or swim in crystal clear water.

It’s definitely not a place where I would go on purpose, but if you happen to pass through, it’s a nice stop, instead of the ugly and not very safe Ciudad del Carmen.

Pueblos Magicos in Mexico – Chiapas

17. Palenque

Palenque is mainly known for the homonymous Mayan Archeological site, which is one of the most spectacular and definitely worth a stop.

The town of Palenque doesn’t really have a lot to offer. However, its surroundings are packed with spectacular natural gems that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Starting from the more popular Agua Azul, you need to make sure not to visit in the rainy season otherwise you will see brown water instead of “Azul” water.

Misol-ha is another spectacular and very touristy waterfall but it will definitely make a great day trip.

Roberto Barrios is a more secluded magical spot, where waterfalls create some pool formations where to swim and chill or take pictures as I did. It’s a spectacular day trip that you can book from your hotel in Palenque.

You can include Palenque in a Mexican Itinerary in Chiapas, where you can base in Palenque first, then Ocosingo from where to visit the amazing archeological site of Tonina’ and then to San Cristobal de las Casas, another Pueblo Magico in Chiapas, probably the most popular, from where you can explore spectacular natural sites.

From Palenque, you can take local busses to the Palenque archeological sites and there you can rent local guides, while for the waterfalls it’s much more convenient to join local tours, as the local busses are not very frequent.

If you have your own car rental, it’s even better. However keep in mind that besides finding winding roads and steep clifs, you will be likely to find road blocks by local community in search for a tip or for protests.

Don’t let that intimidate you. Just keep calm, pay a few pesos if asked and wait patiently util they let you go.

18. San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is one of the favorite Pueblo Magico by the Digital Nomad community and it’s also considered the most magical of the Pueblos Magicos, and indeed is one of my favorites too.

The cute town is full of culture and history that emerges from the colonial architecture and ancient churches.

Its cobblestone roads and pedestrian lanes are lined with cute cafes and restaurants, nice boutique hotels, and clothing shops showcasing local artifacts and spectacular colorful textiles.

Many tourists come for a couple of days and decide to stay for months while exploring the surroundings. In fact, it’s a great base and, especially if you work online, you will find co-working spaces and cafes from where to work with great wifi (surprisingly).

The food is great as well, especially if you love bakeries. 🙂

In the surrounding, do not miss, the Arcotete, the Sumidero Canyon, the waterfall el Chiflon and the Lagunas de Montebello.

Also from there you can take tours to Palenque, and explore off-the-beaten path places such as Las Nubes. So many things to do in San Cristobal and Chiapas.

Pueblos Magicos Mexico – Puebla

19. Cholula

Cholula is a beautiful town located only 10 kilometers from the central city of Puebla. In fact, it is so close that visiting on a day trip is often considered one of the best things to do in Puebla.

But in all honesty, if you have time to spare, spend a couple of nights in Cholula – you won’t be disappointed! 

Cholula is a small town that is known to be full of young people. The university here brings the young party crowd from Mexico City (only a 2.5-hour drive away) and on practically any night of the week, you’ll find good nightlife.  

But besides that, Cholula is famous for the great pyramid of Cholula, formally known as Tlachihualtepetl.

This pyramid and surrounding ruins make up the largest (by volume) archeological site in the world.

The main pyramid is still covered by dirt and grass, oh, and a church! That’s right, a beautiful church was constructed over the top of the pyramid and it still remains today.

You can hike up to the church for a stunning view as well as choose to explore the pyramid from the inside using the intricated tunnel system.

After the tunnels, you can enjoy various other ruins which have been uncovered.  

By Bailey @ Destinationless Travel 

Pueblos Magicos Mexico – Morelos

20. Tepoztlan

Looking for non-touristy things to do in Mexico City? Look no further than a day trip to Tepoztlan, located just one hour away in the neighboring state of Morelos, Mexico.

Tepoztlan is one of Mexico’s 130 or so Pueblos Magicos (magic towns), and also considered one of the most spiritual cities in Mexico.

This city attracts artists, healers, yogis, and wellness practitioners who enjoy a slower pace in life in a beautiful Mexican pueblo.

A Mexico City to Tepoztlan day trip, or even a weekend trip, is very popular, and there are buses regularly going back and forth all day long.

While many choose to participate in healing rituals, like a temazcal (sweat lodge/purification ceremony), others simply relax in one of the more traditional spa resorts.

For those wanting to take in the beautiful views in this mountain town, no visit to Tepoztlan is complete without climbing the Tepozteco pyramid.

This mysterious Aztec pyramid is located way above the town, but after a strenuous climb, you’ll have some amazing views.

The ancient Tepozteco pyramid in Tepoztlan is dedicated to the Aztec god of pulque (pronounced pull-kay). This is a prehispanic alcoholic drink that’s made from the agave plant, the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal.

Though pulque is a tangy, acquired taste, do try some during your visit to Tepoztlan from a streetside vendor or at the City Market of Tepoztlan.

Besides pulque, this lively Mercado (market) has vendors selling interesting prehispanic foods, like itacates(fried corn cakes), alaches and quelites (two different dark green veggies).

by Shelley @ Travel Mexico Solo

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Yucatan

21. Izamal

Located in the heat of Yucatan at an hou distance from Merida and from Valladolid, Izamal is a place that you cannot miss if you are driving around the Yucatan Peninsula.

The pretty town is also called the yellow city because all the buildings of the historical center are painted in Yellow, which is the main attraction of this town, together with the monastery of San Antonio de Padua.

Situated right in the center of the town, between Calle 30 and 31, and accessible from 3 sides, (north, east, and west), its arched cloister includes an atrium of 8000m², seemingly the largest of its kind in Latin America.

The main entrance is on the east side and its stairs lead you up to the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is, unsurprisingly, one of the most photographed angles.

Please avoid using the horse rides around town as they seem to be ill-treating those poor animals and I don’t really want to promote that practice.

Make sure you participate to the night show where the history of the region is narrated by animated videos projected over the walls around town. Even if you don’t understand Spanish it’s a fun thing to see and sometimes it’s also performed in other languages.

If you are not driving you can reach Izamal by bus either from Merida or Valladolid.

22. Valladolid

Valladolid is considered the getaway to the Colonial Yucatan, the first town you reach when you get out of the touristy Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

This pretty town will conquer you with its pretty colorful houses and its colonial feel, exquisite hotels, delicious restaurants, art museums, and local artwork.

Walk around the main plaza and sit in the love chairs admiring local vendors in their traditional clothes and purchasing some of their products to support the local economy.

Try a marquesita (rolled nutella crepe) to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In Valladolid, you can also find a cenote right in the heart of town, Cenote Zaci only 2 blocks from the center.

Besides you can rent a bike and visit other spectacular cenotes in the surrounding town, like the famous Suytun or the Ik kill, near Chichen-Itza.

You can also visit the most popular archeological site of Chichen-itzà, one of the seventh wonders. Just make sure you get on a bus early in the morning, before 8 to avoid the crowd.

Valladolid really offers a lot to do and see and you can easily stay a whole week (as I did) and never have a boring moment.

If you miss the beach, keep in mind that you are at 2 hours from El Cuyo, the beautiful off-the-beaten-path beach town where you can enjoy a tranquil day on a deserted beach.

23. Sisal

Located along the northwestern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula, Sisal is one of Mexico’s newest Pueblos Magicos that was designated in December 2020. 

While Sisal is just a short drive away from Merida (about 30-40 minutes by car), the capital of Yucatán state, it has been flying under the tourist radar for years.

After all, only a fraction of tourists that land at Cancun International Airport makes their way to this part of the region. 

And that’s exactly what Mexican authorities hope to change: Sisal’s designation of Pueblo Magico could boost the town’s tourism and bring additional revenue to this remote corner of Yucatán Peninsula. 

A quiet town that’s mostly known for its beaches and fishing, Sisal is located between two natural reserves. One of the most incredible places in the area is the Pink Flamingo Sanctuary which offers guided eco-trips.

Here you can find incredible biodiversity amid the lush mangroves and Crystal clear waters and even cool off in a cenote. 

While this destination is mostly about nature and the beach, don’t forget to visit Downtown Sisal with its beautiful pier, the historic Santiago Fort, and several stores and restaurants.

by Daria @ The Discovery Nut 

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Jalisco

24. Mascota

Mascota is a small town in the mountains of the Sierra Madre, located between the seaside tourist spots Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara.

It owes its title of magic town due to its historical significance and the beauty of the mountains nestled upon it.

This town is full of legends and stories, amazing colorful architecture, and traces of the Aztec civilization. The name itself doesn’t arrive from Spanish (which would mean „pet“), but from the ancient Teco language and would be translated as the place of deers and snakes.

As it’s only 1,5 h from Puerto Vallarta, it’s easy to get there by bus but if you’re coming from Guadalajara it should be a 3h ride. 

Mascota is a place where you can experience real Mexico, far away from the touristic focus.

The beautiful central Plaza is the place where we can see traditional Mexican churches. Special ancient magic is found at the unfinished temple of Preciosa Sangre.

The charming facade of the Rock museum with rocks of all shapes, colors, and sizes cannot be skipped. The archeological museum is another source of treasure.

Not only Mascota, but surrounding places deserve attention- some of them also magic towns like Talpa de Allende or Navidad.

The state of Jalisco is home to the largest number of magic towns in Mexico. 

By Gaby @ Under Flowery Sky

Pueblos Magicos Mexico – Hidalgo

25. Huasca de Ocampo 

If you find yourself stuck for ideas when looking for Pueblos Magicos in Mexico that is not overrun by tourists or want to visit one of the lesser-known Pueblos Magicos, try Huasca de Campo.

Snuggly situated in the Hidalgo state of Mexico you can find yourself in this magic town which offers attractions such as one of Mexico’s first-ever haciendas, market stalls, and traditional houses along with nearby canyons and waterfalls.

You can take one of the many day trips or even drive from Mexico City in around 2 hours.

One attraction that is very popular, especially with weekend visitors from Mexico City, is the Basaltic Prism.

The landmark has links to Mexico’s mining history and is noted in most travel guides as a must-see attraction.

There you’ll find a canyon full of lava rocks which along with the river form various natural waterfalls.

Whether you decide to visit as part of a small group tour or do it self-guided, you’ll quickly realize that the small entry fee you pay is worth its weight in gold.  

All in all, the magic town of Huasca de Ocampo and the Basaltic Prisms make a memorable day out when you want to learn more about the history of Mexico and its distinct communities that live outside the major cities.

by Daniel James @ Layerculture.com

► Read more about my complete guide to Hidalgo Mexico

26. Mineral del Chico

Located right at the border with the incredible Mineral del Chico national park, the homonymous Pueblos Magicos is a pretty mountain town surrounded by green rolling mountains, waterfalls, and peaks to explore.

The town in itself is very tiny and doesn’t have many attractions, but you will love walking around the main square and sitting in one of the cute colorful cafes facing the manicured garden of the plaza with the old colonial church as a backdrop.

The town makes it a great base for amazing hikes and walks with spectacular views.

On the way from Pachuca to Mineral del Chico town, you will find the Mineral del Chico Park information center where you can get information on all the available hikes and points of interest in the park.

I took to amazing hikes myself. One was all the way to the lookout point Pena del Cuervo. It was just a 30 minutes hike that I did on my own and felt very safe. The parking lot is very well marked by road signs. Read more on how to get there.

The other one I did was at El Contadero, a small group of giant rocks of many different shapes and forms just outside the park on the outskirts of town. You need to get there with a guide otherwise you won’t find it.

I met Benito a young local guide that is usually on the plaza to offer his tours. He’s very professional and offers many different tours.

This is his phone number +52 1 771 162 0311. He doesn’t speak English but I am sure you will manage to communicate somehow.

How to get to Mineral del Chico

The best way to get to Mineral del Chico is by car rental, because you will have the freedom to move around at your own pace and follow your own schedule. The road to the town is just spectacular, a well-paved winding road among pines and oak trees.

If you don’t feel like renting a car in Mexico, you can get the combi ( mini-van) from Pachuca. It’s only 30 minutes drive.

Where to stay in Mineral del Chico

👉Hotel Bello Amanecer – A lovely rustic hotel in the outskirts of Mineral del Chico immerse in nature with amazing views BOOK HERE

👉Hotel el Paraiso – one of the most upscale hotels in Mineral del Chico for a blissful rest and pampering after a day hiking – BOOK IT HERE

27. Real del Monte

Did you know that Real del Monte is where Mexican soccer started? It was infact brought by a group of English miners that came here to work in the mines of the area bought by a British Company in 1824.

Unfortunately their investment didn’t go well and left relatively soon but while walking on the streets of Real del Monte you can find some of their heritage, in the town architecture, and the delicious local pastes which is the Mexican version of the original Corn Pastry that you can eat in UK.

Real del Monte is a pretty town where you can visit a couple of mines open now as museums, the museum of Paste and the Patheon Ingles.

There is also the Museum de medicina Laboral which is the exact replica of the original Hospital built by the US company who bought the mines from the Brits.

Keep in mind that in all these museums there is no English speaking guide, so if you don’t know any spanish and you wish to learn about the local history you will be better off with taking a day tour from Mexico City which usually come with an English speaking guide.

Where to stay in Real Del Monte

👉 Alondra boutique hotel – luxury hotel – this is where I was staying and loved it. The stylish rooms are furnished with world-class linen and amenities with attention to every little detail. The bed was extra comfortable! BOOK IT HERE

👉 Real Del Monte hotel – I went to visit this hotel and I was impressed by the lovely rooms with wooden floors and elegant layout, despite the cheap price. It also has a very good location right by the cathedral. If you are on a budget but love to stay comfortable this is the best choice. BOOK IT HERE

28. Zimapan

Zimapan is the name of the town but also the largest municipality in Hidalgo which encompasses incredible natural attractions such as a monolith, a hydroelectric dam and the El Infiernillo canyon.

The pretty town of Zimapan is located close to the border with the Queretaro state where the Sierra Gorda Hidalguense and of Queretaro meet.

The road from Zimapán to La Encarnación an interesting hacienda and ghost town follows a winding line flanked by oaks, junipers, pines and incredible rock formations.

The imposing mountain landscape is the preamble to arriving at a small but incredible town that reveals, through its architecture, its lavish mining past.

Walking around the tiny center of Zimapan is a revelation of its interesting history full of legend and mystery. Make sure you hire a guide to tell you all about it.

But Zimapan is also famous for being the home to the second biggest tree in Mexico (the first one being in Oaxaca) and for the natural wonders surrounding it.

Luckily, in Zimapan I found an amazing guide that was available last minute and took me around the most amazing spots close to Zimapan.

His name is Elmer ad you can find it on Facebook or Instagram. He doesn’t speak English (yet) but he can provide a translator if necessary. He will organize your tours around the most spectacular places in Zimapan. Here is a list below.

Things to do in Zimapan

✔️ Visit Zimapan Dam

✔️ Walk on Las Dunas Rojas (Red Dunes)

✔️ Take a walking tour of the town and visit the second biggest tree in Mexico, the colorful murals, the interesting church

✔️ walk along a river and visit the Xajha Cave

✔️ visit the ancient ruins and ghost town of La Encarnacion

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Nuevo Leon

29. Santiago

Santiago is one of the Pueblo Magico of the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon. Santiago is filled with local crafts and stores to purchase your heart full.

The Parroquia Santiago Apostol Church within the town presents beautiful architecture with a small park.

There are also many outdoor activities to partake in. The waterfalls of Cola de Caballo and Cascada del Chipitin are also worth a visit. For me, this would’ve been enough but there is even the Matacanes Canyon where many Regios (people from Monterrey) love to go on weekends.

All this activity isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you’re not up for the adventure, there’s still something for you. How about a quiet, relaxing time at the Presa Rodrigo Gómez lake?

There is a spot called Playa del Sol where you can park up and rent a hut for $50 pesos per person. Overall, it’s a simple drive to get to Santiago as there is a three-lane highway with signs to get straight there.

As with anywhere in Monterrey, it can get pretty hot so be sure to take sunblock.

Next time you’re in Mexico, be sure to see some magic in the Pueblos Magicos.

Venaugh @ Venaugh.com

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Nayarit

30. Sayulita

Sayulita is a beach town in the so-called Riviera Nayarit which become popular among party lovers and surfers, for the number of party places, and hostels and for being blessed by some of the best surfing spots in Mexico all along the coast, for any level.

Nowadays, Sayulita has become the favorite spot for anyone, family, solo travelers, yogis and style-conscious travelers.

The spectacular hotels and homes located in Sayulita and surrounding offer wellness retreats in beachfront accommodation surrounded by soothing tropical vegetation.

Families find amazing beaches in and around Sayulita where to spend precious beach time. In fact, not all the beaches in Sayulita are only suitable for surfing.

Hiking trails in the surrounding mountains of the Sierra Madre offer great outdoor activities and lookouts for spectacular views over the bay. From Sayulita, you can also take a day trip to the popular Puerto Vallarta.

The nearby San Pancho, instead, offers a more quiet and laidback vibe if you prefer a less crowded town.

Mexico Pueblos Magicos – Baja California Sur

31. Todos Santos

Todos Santos is one of my favorite towns in Baja California. Here you can find the perfect balance between the charm of a colonial town with its beautiful architecture, and the laidback vibes of a beach town, with its surfing community.

Also, Todos Santos is renowned for spectacular sunsets on the Pacific Ocean, world-class restaurants offering genuine organic food created with local produce.

In fact, despite the cercanity to the desert, Todos Santos is in an oasis that has maintained the prosperity of fruit crops (especially mango, papaya and avocado) and that allows the proliferation of palm trees and other vegetation different from the surrounding vegetation.

Among the top beaches in the nearby areas, San Pedrito, Los Cerritos, Los Esteros, Punta Lobos, La Poza, and Batequitos are the most popular for surfing, due to their strong waves.

The spectacular rocky mountains in the town backyard offer amazing areas for hiking and biking and most of all, amazing lookout points for dramatic views of the ocean.

👉 Book your hiking tour in Todos Santos on Airbnb Experiences

Where to stay in Todos Santos

► Hotel Casa Tota – great mid-range hotel in downtown Todos Santos Mexico. The rooms are decorated in a clean minimalist style that is both simple and comfortable. The swimming pool area is stunning, featuring tropical plants and deep-cushioned lounge chairs.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

► Villas La Mar, luxury vacation rental – Magnificent ocean views and incredible amenities await at this luxurious vacation rental property. Stay in your own studio villa on a hillside near a lagoon and a grove of towering palm trees.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

32. Loreto

Loreto is one of my favorite towns in Baja California Sur.

Not only it is a pretty colonial town but it’s also a paradise for nature lovers, with so many things to do and places to explore!

Flanked with the Sierra de Las Gigantas and the spectacular bahia de Loreto, home to the blue whales and a rich marine life, Loreto offers some of the best Mexico natural wonders, without all the fuss caused by overdevelopment.

Another reason Loreto is such a sublime destination is its coastline by the Sea of Cortez. You can’t find a better place to explore The Aquarium of the World (so it was named by Jacques Cousteau) than this!

Simply put, Loreto has tons of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to offer, including seeing the largest species of whales, the blue whale, and exploring one of the best national parks in the world.

Where to stay in Loreto

Posada de Las Flores – Posada de las Flores is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Loreto with the perfect location right by the main square. It’s a renovated Colonial building featuring authentic Mexican art in all its indoor spaces.

Book Hotel Posada de Las Flores now on Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hotel La Mision de Loreto – La Mision de Loreto is an oceanfront luxury hotel and one of the most upscale lodgings and amenities in town. The hotel features modern facilities inside a Colonial-style building.

You can book elegant 1- and 2-room suites with terraces overlooking the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range here.

Book La Mision hotel in Loreto now on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Mexico Pueblos Magicos: final thoughts

I hope this list of the most charming Mexican Pueblos Magicos will be useful to help your next trip and include some of them in your Mexican Itinerary. I will keep adding more as I visit them, so I would suggest you save this post and check it out every now and then for more Pueblos Magicos suggestions in Mexico.