Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico
Slide Nr 1Urban metropolises are well and good, but there’s much to be discovered by venturing outside their frenetic borders – things like unique natural landscapes, distinctive local cultures and the kind of personal experience that can only be had in a more intimate setting. But where to find such a place? In Mexico, it’s quite simple: head to one of the country’s 132 official Pueblos Mágicos (“Magical Towns”), recognised for their history, architecture and exceptional natural beauty. We’ve narrowed the list down to 15 spectacular towns that deserve to be on your radar.
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 2Huasca de Ocampo – This tiny but charming town in Hidalgo state, about two hours northeast of Mexico City, was the first place to receive the magical town designation, and it’s no wonder! Colourful houses, modest hotels and restaurants line the cobblestone streets, but one of Huasca de Ocampo’s main attractions are its basaltic prisms – curious rock formations resulting from the slow cooling of lava flows about 2.5 million years ago. Take the opportunity to appreciate the views from Peña del Aire, and snap pictures from the suspension bridge – the views are breathtaking. [Photo: Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 3Tepoztlán – Just an hour and a half drive south from Mexico City, in the state of Morelos, is this magical town famous for its pyramid located at the top of the Tepozteco hill, as well as for the healing nature of its surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors will find a wide offer of yoga classes, natural therapies and sessions of the ancient pre-Hispanic temazcal ritual. Try a sweet local specialty at the famous Tepoznieves, boasting more than 300 creative, exotic and downright adventurous flavours of ice cream such as corn, dulce de leche, fig with mezcal, rose petals, hibiscus, tuna, black sapote and jicama with chili powder. [Photo: Anthony Surace/Flickr]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 4Uncover A Unique Hacienda-Style Hotel In Xochitepec
Just 15 minutes from the centre of Cuernavaca, in the village of Xochitepec, lies the Fiesta Americana Hacienda San Antonio El Puente Cuernavaca – a secret hideaway where charming colonial architecture, majestic gardens and modern amenities combine, creating the perfect space for celebrating the present while keeping the past alive. Discover more and book your stay here.
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 5Bacalar – In the southern part of Quintana Roo state, this small, secluded gem is best known for its lagoon, Laguna Bacalar, whose blue and turquoise water tones have earned it the nickname “Lagoon of the Seven Colours”. This paradise is home to a natural treasure found in only a few places on the planet: stromatolites, microbial reefs that are believed to be one of the oldest organisms in the world. It is very important not to confuse them with stones, or step on or touch them, as their conservation and the wellbeing of the lagoon depend on their preservation. Go paddle boarding at sunrise, and take a sunset ride on a sailboat – it is truly a magical moment! [Photo: Lara Danielle/Flickr]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 6San Cristóbal de Las Casas – Get lost in the colonial streets of this magical town in the southern state of Chiapas, characterised by a well-preserved historic centre with cobblestone streets, low houses with tile roofs and wide pedestrian streets. It’s also an ideal launching pad for explorations of the local natural and historical attractions, including Sumidero Canyon, the Agua Azul Waterfalls, the archaeological site of Tonina, the Montebello Lakes national park, and the towns of Chamula and Zinacantan. Located in the Chiapas highlands, it’s usually chilly at night, and particularly cold during the winter. Be sure to try tascalate, a traditional pre-Hispanic drink of the region prepared with corn, cocoa, achiote, sugar and cinnamon. [Photo: Ronald Woan/Flickr]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 7Pátzcuaro – Located in Michoacán state, about 59 kilometres from Morelia, Pátzcuaro is one of the best places in Mexico to experience a traditional Day of the Dead celebration in early November. The rest of the year, enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone streets of this 500-year-old town, delighting in the local handicrafts. Be sure to climb to the highest part of town to appreciate the panoramic views at sunset, and visit Janitzio – one of the islands of Lake Patzcuaro, popular for the impressive ornamentation of its cemetery on the Day of the Dead. [Photo: Lucy Nieto/Flickr]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 8Izamal – This town in Yucatán state stands out for its colour palette: all of the houses’ façades are painted in yellow with white details. It is a unique blend of Mayan traditions and colonial-style architecture. Among the must-see attractions are the Convent of San Antonio de Padua and the Kinich Kakmó Pyramid. Don’t forget your camera! During the golden hour around sunrise and sunset, the town’s warm tones appear even more magical.
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 9Taxco de Alarcón – Located less than three hours by car from Mexico City, the former mining town of Taxco de Alarcón is nestled in the mountains of Guerrero state, with its steep, winding cobblestone streets and red-roofed houses. Take the opportunity to visit the Blue Pools of Atzala (an hour’s drive away); its waterfalls and natural turquoise-blue pools make it a beautiful place to spend a day immersed in nature.
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 10Valladolid – Located in the heart of Yucatán state, Valladolid is an excellent place to enjoy a few days of tranquility, take a dip in impressive cenotes and visit marvellous Mayan archaeological sites such as Ek Balam and the wonder of the world Chichen Itza. In the main square, you’ll find a curious icon of the town: quaint white chairs facing each other, where you can enjoy some relaxed people-watching while you savour a marquesita (crepe-like sweet) from one of the nearby street stalls. [Photo: Michael McCullough/Flickr]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 11Discover Your Perfect Base For Exploring Mérida
An icon of the “White City,” Fiesta Americana Mérida is a majestic hotel situated at the intersection of the two most prestigious avenues in the Yucatán capital: Paseo Montejo and Avenue Colon. Guests are greeted by grand Porfirian-style architecture framing sophisticated interiors, yet it’s not all style and no substance; the beautiful atmosphere is complemented by personalized service, state-of-the-art technology and modern luxury. Without a doubt one of the finest stays in Mérida – and all of Mexico. Find out more and book your stay here.
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 14Real de Catorce – Located in the state of San Luis Potosi, this former mining town has become something of a ghost town, with many abandoned buildings (though recent efforts to rejuvenate the town have seen them converted into restaurants and bars). The scene of several Hollywood movies, Real de Catorce promises to transport you back in time… and does not disappoint. To get here, you’ll need to traverse a 2,300-metre-long tunnel (cross it either on foot or by car). When you emerge on the other side, you’ll find an unreal setting with stone houses backed by cacti. You can tour the surrounding desert area in a Willys jeep, but the road is only suitable for the adventurous.
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 15Mazunte – A quiet beach town on the Pacific coast in Oaxaca state, Mazunte is known for its protection of the local sea turtles (such as olive ridley, black, leatherback and hawksbill) as well as its important national and international environmental education campaigns. Nature lovers and water fans can go scuba diving and snorkelling in the bays. The town is also famous for its jazz festival, which takes place each year at the end of November. [Photo: Dan Nevill/Flickr]
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Secrets Of Mexico
Totally Charmed: The Most Magical Towns In Mexico.
Slide Nr 16Bernal – Santiago de Bernal is situated at the foot of what is considered the third largest stone monolith in the world: Peña de Bernal. It forms a jaw-dropping backdrop for this oasis of peace and quiet just 59 kilometres from the city of Queretaro, an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle. Try the blue corn gorditas, they are delicious!
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