The final clash between colonial Spain and Mexico, struggling for independence, occurred two centuries ago this year after 15 years of intense conflict. Mexico boasts a strong and unique identity compared to some South American nations. Despite sharing a common language, visitors would easily recognize that this expansive country has distinguished itself from Europe. The influence of Spain remains palpable, particularly in the Pueblos Mágicos – the 177 “Magical Towns” promoted by the tourist board to showcase the diversity and beauty available to visitors beyond the popular tourist spots such as Cancún, Tulum, the Mayan Riviera, Cabos in Baja California, and Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.
The Pueblos Mágicos are extraordinary destinations, ranging from large towns to quaint villages, scattered across 31 states and around Mexico City. Many feature historic convents and churches from the Spanish colonial era, often accompanied by nearby pre-Columbian archaeological sites. These towns have developed small-scale tourism industries, offering comfortable accommodations, dining options, and various amenities. Each town has its own character – some exude a Mayan ambiance, while others boast natural wonders or beautiful beaches. It’s easy to combine visits to two or three of these towns in an itinerary, either as part of a road trip or by utilizing the newly completed Tren Maya tourist train that connects places like Izamal, Palenque, and Isla Mujeres.
Most Pueblos Mágicos are located near major cities, making them ideal destinations for day trips. The following list of ten towns represents a personal selection and just scratches the surface of what lies between the Río Bravo and the two oceans. For the complete list, please refer to this link.
Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato:
Known as the birthplace of modern Mexico, this small town is situated 130 miles north of Mexico City. It was renamed Dolores Hidalgo, the “Cradle of Independence,” following the famous cry for independence delivered by the local priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo, on September 15, 1810. The town is a charming place to explore with its simple cafes, Mexican bars, and delicious ice cream flavors like shrimp, nopal cactus, and chicharrón, along with more traditional options such as mango and vanilla. A must-visit is the Museo Casa Hidalgo, the former home of Don Miguel Hidalgo, where he planned the uprising against colonial rule. Dolores Hidalgo is an essential stop for those exploring Mexico’s Silver Cities.
Closest airport: León/Bajío, also known as Guanajuato International.
Where to stay: Casa del Sole Hotel Boutique offers double rooms starting at £117, including breakfast.
Izamal, Yucatán:
Known as the “yellow city” for its striking egg yolk-colored buildings, Izamal combines pre-His
In Yucatán, some churches were built on top of Mayan temples. The charming city of Mérida and the Mayan site of Dzibilchaltún are just over an hour’s drive to the west, with Izamal serving as a good base for visiting the archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. The new Tren Maya tourist train stops here. The closest airport is Mérida International. For accommodations, consider Otoch Ixchel (otochixchel.com) with doubles starting at £108, room only.
San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas is one of the best-preserved old cities in Latin America, known for its mestizo culture. This city has become a popular destination for backpackers and tour groups, offering a mix of Mayan ruins and natural reserves. The Iglesia De Santa Lucia Church is a notable landmark in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Founded in 1528 and named after Bishop Bartolomé de las Casas, the city features a lively central plaza, bishop’s mansion, cathedral, and the church of San Nicolas. The local food market offers a wide variety of goods, including chocolate, tropical fruits, maize, fried ants, cheeses, and chilies. Nearby, in the village of San Juan Chamula, the church of San Juan Bautista is an important site where Mayan and Christian traditions blend in worship. The closest airport is Tuxtla Gutiérrez International. A recommended accommodation is Diego de Mazariegos (0052 967 678 0833, diegodemazariegos.com) with doubles starting at £70, room only.
Loreto in Baja California Sur was founded in 1679 by Jesuit padre Juan María Salvatierra, who established the Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto. The town was once the capital of the Californias until 1777 and features a historic center with topiary and cobblestone streets. Loreto is located on Carretera Numero One, the north-south highway running along Baja California. Nearby lies the beach resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, as well as the towns of Santa Rosalia, Mulejé, and Guerrero Negro. The closest airport is Loreto International. For accommodation, consider Posada de las Flores (00 52 613 135 1162, posadadelasfloresloreto.com) with doubles starting at £199, including breakfast.
Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosí is a magical township accessible via a desert road. Known as a “ghost town” in Mexico, it was named after 14 Spanish soldiers who were killed in an ambush by Chichimeca warriors. Real de Catorce was a prominent silver town in the 19th century but stood empty for decades after the decline in
The movie “The Mexican” features Gene Hackman, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt. In the Ghost Town of Real de Catorce, one can observe the vibrant market that surrounds the church on Sundays, offering a variety of items from kitschy clocks adorned with saints to indigenous crafts and corn snacks. The scene is reminiscent of old cowboys gathering in the plaza while young guns play pool in a dusty saloon.
To the east of town lies a genuine “ghost village,” with stone vats and wagons used in mining activities. The village now stands as a haunting ruin, inhabited by a few goats and skinny vultures. The closest airport to this area is San Luis Potosí, and for accommodation, Mina Real offers double rooms starting from £95.
Moving on to Cholula in Puebla, visitors can explore the town’s rich history tied to conquistador Hernán Cortés. The town boasts a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of dining options near the expansive zócalo. Cholula’s main attraction is the Great Pyramid, larger in volume than Giza’s Great Pyramid and dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, a significant figure in Aztec culture.
For those seeking a magical beach experience, Zihuatanejo in Guerrero stands out with its picturesque setting nestled amidst the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. The town was once a quiet fishing village until the tourism boom alongside Ixtapa transformed it. Zihuatanejo offers warm, calm beaches and a relaxed vibe, attracting visitors seeking an authentic Mexican coastal experience.
Across the waters lies Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, named after clay female idols found on the island. With its charming low-rise buildings, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, Isla Mujeres is a serene escape from the bustling nearby Cancun. Visitors can explore the island by various means and enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and birdwatching at Isla Contoy.
For accommodations, Casa Eva in Cholula and Aura del Mar in Zihuatanejo are recommended options, offering comfortable stays for travelers exploring these enchanting destinations.
Port: Cancun
Where to stay: Hotel Secreto (hotelsecreto.com) offers double rooms starting at £449 for a minimum stay of two nights. Room-only accommodation.
Palenque, Chiapas
Established in 1567 by a Dominican friar, Palenque is a quaint and hospitable town with a textile museum located on the plaza, along with some commendable restaurants and amenities. However, the true allure lies in the exceptional archaeological site bearing the town’s name.
The Mayan ruins in Palenque, set amidst the verdant jungle, hold a unique charm. The primary burial pyramids and ceremonial structures are crafted from limestone slabs, adorned with a delicate layer of lichen and mosses. These ancient structures stand out against the lush vegetation that thrives on the surrounding rugged hills.
Another significant Mayan site, Bonampak, rests to the southeast, approximately 100 miles or a three-hour drive away.
Closest airport: Palenque International
Where to stay: Villas Adriana (contact: 00 52 916 129 3577, villasadriana.com) provides double rooms starting at £97, including breakfast.
Tequila, Jalisco
Tequila production is exclusive to five states: all of Jalisco and specific bordering areas in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Nayarit. Beyond being a destination for indulging in spirits, the town of Tequila and its surroundings gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2006 due to their ancient practices and agave landscapes. Several artisanal distilleries welcome visitors to explore their craft.
The Tequila Volcano overlooks fields of blue agave, a sight to behold in Jalisco. The region is also renowned as the birthplace of mariachi music, ensuring visitors are serenaded while enjoying the famed libation. Additionally, both Tequila and the state capital, Guadalajara, located just 40 miles away, boast a rich culinary tradition.
Closest airport: Guadalajara
Where to stay: Matices Hotel de Barricas (contact: 00 52 374 6800, maticeshotelbarricas.com.mx) offers double rooms starting at £163, room only.
FCDO advice on travel to Mexico
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides travel advice for Mexico, highlighting regions as green (safe for travel) or orange (travel not recommended unless essential). States known for drug-related violence and crime, such as Zacatecas, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua, are predominantly marked orange. Some Pueblos Mágicos also fall under the advisory to be avoided, excluding those mentioned above.
Travelers should note that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Guerrero, except for the town of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa accessible by air. Furthermore
