Mexico’s Magic Towns You Need To See To Believe (#6 is INCREDIBLE)

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1. Tulum, Quintana Roo

Tulum pueblo magico is one of the most popular travel destinations and best beaches in Mexico.

In fact, most don’t even realize it’s a Yucatan pueblo magico, because Tulum is so popular without the designation. 

If this will be your first visit to Tulum in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’re in for a treat.

There are so many things to do in Tulum—from the beautiful beaches along the Caribbean Sea to the Instagram-worthy Tulum Beach art and hotels, gorgeous Tulum cenotes, amazing snorkeling in Tulum, and more.

However, an absolute must-do Tulum activity is to visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins.

They are located right on the beach, just 10 minutes from Tulum Town (Downtown Tulum), and considered among the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico.

2. Valladolid, Yucatan

Valladolid Pueblo Magico is a beautiful colonial city and among the best day trips from Merida, Mexico. With so many things to do in Valladolid, it’s no wonder this is becoming a Mexico must see spot.

Of the must see sites, plan on visiting the Parque Principal (Main Park), where you’ll find the Iglesia de San Servacio Church, as well as colorful, colonial buildings, shops and restaurants.

Don’t miss the picturesque Calzada de los Frailes, sometimes referred to as the Calle de los Frailes.

The street is lined with flower pots, colorful boutique shops, cafes and hotels. It is part of the reason Valladolid ranks as one of the most Instagram worthy Mexico cities, and a must see Yucatan Peninsula travel destination.

Among the best shops on this street, there’s Coqui Coqui Perfumeria, a boutique fragrance store, and Kuxtal Galería de Arte Popular Mexicano & Café, a Mexican folk art shop that’s great for souvenir shopping.

At the end of the street, check out the famous sign with the Valladolid letters, which is located in front of the 16th Century Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena.

At night, there’s a 25-minute video mapping display done on the side of the convent.

There are two showings, one in Spanish and then one in English; the English show starts at 9:25pm each night.

3. Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Bacalar pueblo magico is a quiet town in the southern part of Quintana Roo, Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula.

It became popular because of Bacalar Lake, AKA the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

The locals say you can see seven shades of blue, from indigo to turquoise, throughout this massive freshwater lagoon. Lake Bacalar is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, after Lake Chapala in Ajijic.

The best way to experience Bacalar Lagoon is on a sailboat tour where you’ll visit sites like Isla Pajaros (Bird Island) and Canal de Los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel).

You’ll also want to see the Bacalar cenotes, like Cenote Azul and Cenote Cocalitos.

After a long day of boating and swimming, there are plenty of great restaurants in Bacalar.

When you get hungry, head downtown to eat at a local restaurant, visit the historic Fort of San Felipe, and shop for souvenirs.

If you have extra time, check out Mahahual Mexico. This Costa Maya beach town, located less than 1.5 hours from Bacalar, offers relaxed vibes and world class diving.

While its popularity grows by the day, Bacalar still feels more low-key than many places in Quintana Roo, like Tulum and Cancun.

For now, however, you can still enjoy a quiet getaway and inexpensive Bacalar accommodations.

Make sure to use only eco-friendly sunscreen when swimming. Laguna Bacalar has a fragile ecosystem, and regular sunscreen can damage its stromatolites.

These are large rocks, similar to coral, believed to be some of the oldest living things on Earth.

Contributed by Daria of The Discovery Nut, who recommends Bacalar because of its incredible scenery and wonderful atmosphere. For more info, head to Bacalar Mexico: Ultimate Bacalar Lagoon Travel Guide.

4. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Isla Mujeres Pueblo Magico is one of the best Yucatan travel destinations. To get there, you’ll take the Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry, for the short 20-30 minute ride over to the island across the Bahia de Mujeres. 

Meaning Island of Women, Isla Mujeres was once a popular site with Maya women making the pilgrimage to the island to worship the Mayan goddess, Ixchel.

This jaguar deity was the goddess of the moon, childbirth, medicine and midwifery.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea at Punta Sur, the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, you’ll find the Ruins of Ixchel Temple.

You’ll want to spend some time exploring the entire site, including the ruins and sculpture garden. If you get hungry, there’s an onsite restaurant.

When you’re ready to swim, head to the Playa Norte on the northern tip of the island.

With a long stretch of white sandy beach and calm waters perfect for swimming, it is considered one of the best beaches in Mexico.

One of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres is swim with the whale sharks — which are actually sharks — but a docile variety. They’re also the largest fish in the ocean, averaging 35-feet-long (10-11 m).

🐳 Read more about the whale shark tours in Isla Mujeres here.

If you visit from May-September, large groups of whale sharks pass by Isla Mujeres on the annual migration.

During this time, you can take an Isla Mujeres or Cancun whale shark tour to swim alongside these gentle giants.

5. Izamal, Yucatan

Izamal pueblo magico in the Yucatan Peninsula has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site list — though for now, it remains simply a Mexico pueblo magico.

Nicknamed “The Yellow Town,” Izamal is, well — yellow — as in, all buildings in Downtown Izamal have been painted bright yellow.

As Izamal, Mexico, is a small town and you can explore all of downtown in a few hours.

While there, don’t miss the Convent of San Antonio de Padua in the Zocalo (Main Square).

If it’s too hot to walk around, take a calesa tour (horse-drawn carriage) to see the rest of Izamal — and don’t miss the Kinich Kakmo Izamal Ruins.

When you work up an appetite after climbing the Mayan Ruins in Izamal, head to Kinich Restaurant and the Mercado Municipal De Izamal (market).

At both places, you’ll enjoy authentic Yucatan food, though the mercado is much cheaper.

At the market, sample one of the area’s most interesting dishes, dzik de venado, a local delicacy similar to salpicon, but made with shredded venison. There’s also panuchos, salbutes and sopa de lima you can try.

6. Teotihuacan, Estado de México

Teotihuacan (pronounced tay-oh-tee-wok-con) is one of the 35 Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and also one of the most important ruins in Mexico.

Located about an hour from Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), it makes for one of the best day trips from Mexico City. It’s also one of the best things to do in Mexico City, and a must see for most visitors.

🤔 Wondering, Are there any pueblos magicos Mexico City? There are no pueblos magicos in Mexico City itself, and Teotihuacan is the closest pueblo magico to Mexico City.

The origins of this mysterious site are unknown, though some scholars say the ancient Toltecs built it before the Aztecs inhabited it.

With so much history, book one of these best Teotihuacan tours so you have a knowledgeable guide to explain it all.

The site sees about two million annual visitors each year. Many head there to climb the three Teotihuacán pyramids: Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl.

These are some of the best pyramids in Mexico, in addition to being in one of the top pueblos magicos Mexico has to offer!

Though most only know about the Teotihuacan archeological site, it’s located in the within a Mexico magical town called San Juan Teotihuacan pueblo magico.

When visiting the pyramids, save some time on your Mexico City itinerary to enjoy the town, especially the La Gruta cave restaurant.

If you’re short on time, book a Teotihuacan hot-air balloon tour. You can see the pyramids and the town from above.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is the best way to see Teotihuacan and experience its massiveness. You also get great views of San Juan Teotihuacan, the coolest of all magic towns near Mexico City.

7. Cholula, Puebla

Puebla state, where the Cholula pueblo magico is located, feels like its own country!

Poblanos, as the locals are known, have their own slang, customs and foods that differ from the rest of Mexico. In fact, Puebla is considered a one of the foodie capitals of Mexico, along with Oaxaca and Merida.

If the name Cholula rings a bell, Cholula hot sauce is named in homage to this 2,500-year-old Colonial town. If that seems very old, you’re right — Cholula is the oldest city in North America.

While Cholula hot sauce isn’t a part of traditional Publano cuisine, do make sure to try some local delicacies.

These include cemitas (huge sandwiches), mole poblano (Puebla mole), tacos arabes (arabian tacos), and chile en nogada.

Located only about 30 minutes by car from the capital, Puebla City, Cholula is one of the most colorful towns in Mexico.

Its iconic yellow, and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Church of Our Lady of Remedies) is just one of the brightly colored things to see in Cholula.

The largest pyramid on Earth by volume is right under the church, which sits atop a cliff.

The Great Pyramid of Cholula (Tlachihualtepetl in the Aztec language) is located in the Cholula Archeological Zone, and you can walk through its many underground passageways and tunnels.

8. Tepoztlán, Morelos

The Tepoztlan Mexico pueblo magico is located in Morelos state, only about one hour from Mexico City. This adorable little town deserves a place on your Mexico City itinerary for several reasons.

Among the best things to do in Tepoztlan, Mexico, is visit the City Market, the main Mercado (market) in town.

There, you can buy traditional handicrafts and sample prehispanic foods like alache, a dark green veggie, itacates, fried corn cakes and tlaltequeadas, veggie pancakes. If you eat meat, try the cecina, a local delicacy.

This dried steak meat is served throughout Central Mexico, but from Morelos state. Tepoztlan is also known for its pulque (pronounced pull-kay).

This ancient adult beverage is made from fermented agave — the same plant used for tequila and mezcal.

⛰️ Climb the Tepozteco pyramid in Tepoztlan

Located atop a mountain overlooking town, you can climb up to the Tepozteco pyramid in Tepoztlan.

This Aztec pyramid is dedicated to Tepoztēcatl, the ancient god of pulque (pronounced pull-kay), a perhispanic adult beverage you can sample in town.

It is an intense 30-60-minute climb to the Tepozteco Ruins, depending on your fitness level, because you’ll be climbing about 100 flights of stairs!

However, once you reach the top, the views are spectacular and you can see all the way to the neighboring town of Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Tepoztlan makes a great day trip from Mexico City, and you can drive your rental car, use Uber or a taxi, or take a bus from Mexico City.

Once there, getting around on foot will allow for the best experience in this walkable city.

Contributed by Juli from Letters From A Traveling Girl, who recommends Tepoztlán because of its charm, history, and amazing food.

9. Taxco, Guerrero

Taxco pueblo magico is a delightful hillside town in Guerrero, Mexico. This picturesque city is actually the only Guerrero pueblo magico — and also among the most popular Mexico City day tours.

Taxco de Alarcón (usually just called Taxco) has narrow, cobblestone streets and winding alleyways lined with gorgeous colonial buildings.

It’s Parroquia de Santa Prisca, or Santa Prisca Church, is among the most beautiful churches in Mexico.

Taxco is known as one of the top silver mining towns in Mexico. In town, you can sometimes see artisans hard at work in their tiny talliers (workshops), and you can buy silver directly from them.

Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week leading up to Easter, is a special time to visit Taxco, Mexico. It is one of the most important Mexican holidays, but Taxco has one of the country’s most elaborate celebrations.

Activities during Semana Santa in Taxco range from nightly processions with lines of penitents carrying heavy crosses on their backs through town, to Biblical reenactments during the day.

If that’s not your cup of tea, head to Taxco during the other 51 weeks of the year! It is truly one of the most beautiful places in Mexico — and it’s the only pueblos magicos Guerrero state has.

The easiest way to visit is on one of these Mexico City to Taxco Tours. To get there on your own, you can drive your rental car or take a bus from Mexico City’s South Central Bus Terminal. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.

Contributed by James of Travel Collecting, who recommends Taxco because of the silver artisans and unique Semana Santa festivities.

10. Valle de Bravo, Estado de México

Valle de Bravo pueblo magico is a lake town about 1.5 hours west of Mexico City. It is an affluent town on Lake Avandaro and is sometimes called the “Hamptons of Mexico City.”

The beautiful lake makes yacht tours and water sports very popular.

For the adventurous, book this Valle de Bravo hang gliding experience and jump off one of the town’s mountains or cliffs and soar like a bird over the lake.

Back on land, there’s even more things to do in Valle de Bravo.

Spend some time strolling the beautiful cobblestone streets around Plaza de la Independencia to see the 17th Century Parroquia de San Francisco de Asis church.

There’s also a great hiking trail to the Mirador La Pena overlook, and a short hike to the Cascadas Velo de Novia Waterfalls.

Don’t miss the Mercado de Artesanías (Artisan Market) for some souvenir shopping.

🦋 Mexico Butterfly Migration in Valle de Bravo

The Santuario Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Reserve, a habitat for millions (maybe even billions) of migratory butterflies, is located just north of Valle de Bravo.

This sanctuary is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Property Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico.

Each year, millions (or billions) of monarch butterflies fly from Canada to Mexico, ending up in the same forest.

If you visit during the Mexico butterfly season, you can visit Valle de Bravo to see them.

Mexico butterfly season runs from mid-November to April, though the best time to see butterflies in Mexico is from January to mid-March.

It is a truly special site to stand in the forest as millions of butterflies fly by. 🦋 Want to visit? Head here to reserve your Mexico butterfly tours.

11. Ixtapan de la Sal, Estado de México

Located about two hours from Mexico City, Ixtapan de la Sal pueblo magico is known as a healing and relaxing destination in Central Mexico.

There is the large Parque Acuático Ixtapan (Ixtapan Water Park), which is fed from thermal waters coming from underground springs. The water here is warm year-round, and said to have healing properties.

Some chilangos (Mexico City locals) have homes in Ixtapan de la Sal, as it’s popular for weekend trips. It is also among the most popular day trips from Mexico City, if you can only for the day.

To say overnight, you can rent one of these amazing yet affordable Ixtapan de la Sal hotels. Known as a spa town, many of the hotels do have spa facilities.

If you hadn’t guessed already, Ixtapan de la Sal is a place to relax, enjoy the slower pace of life and be surrounded by nature.

Not far from the Ixtapan Water Park, jump in your rental car and head to the Grutas La Estrella (Cave of Stars).

Downtown Ixtapan de la Sal has a charming vibe, with beautiful colonial architecture and an authentic local feel.

Ixtapan is popular with national tourism, though an off-the-beaten-path Mexico destination for international visitors. If you visit Ixtapan, you’ll see “real Mexico” and authentic Mexican culture.

12. Real de Monte, Hidalgo

The charming Real de Monte pueblo magico is located about an hour from the Basaltic Prisms of Huasca de Ocampo in Hidalgo state.

Real de Monte is often overshadowed by other places in Hidalgo, like the picturesque Grutas de Tolantongo caves and hot springs, but it is a charming small town in its own right.

Sometimes called Mineral del Monte, this was once among the biggest Mexico mining towns, and you can still see the Acosta Mine today.

Head to the Plaza Principal (Town Square) to see the beautiful Spanish colonial buildings and old churches, and to sample a local delicacy called paste (pronounced past-tay) from a Paste Shop.

These hand pies are similar to the Cornish pasty from Cornwall, England. In fact, Real de Monte is known as “Little Cornwall,” as many residents trace their lineage back to Cornwall.

Want to check out other places to see and things to do in Hidalgo, Mexico?

Don’t miss the colorful, historic capital city of Pachuca de Soto, and the Toltec Ruins (sometimes called Tollan Ruins) in the city of Tula de Allende.

There’s also the Huasca de Ocampo basalt prisms and the Tolantongo Grutas hot springs and caves.

13. Atlixco, Puebla

Atlixco pueblo magico is just one of the 12 pueblos magicos Puebla state has. In fact, Puebla has the most pueblos magicos of any state in Mexico!

Of them all, Cholula is the most popular, though Atlixco is right behind it as the second most visited popular pueblo magico in Puebla.

Atlixco makes for a popular day trip from Puebla City. The best time to visit is during the annual Festival de la Flor (Flower Festival), which takes place the last two weeks of March.

The festival celebrates Atlixco’s main economic activity, growing flowers. During the festival, you’ll see giant “carpets” of flowers lining the streets and large flower sculptures all over town.

Though this is the biggest, most colorful festival, there are others throughout the year.

The Desfile de Calaveras (Skull Parade) takes place November 2, during Day of the Dead. Though the Oaxaca City Dia de Muertos celebration is the country’s largest, Atlixco’s is also amazing.

14. Xilitla, San Luis Potosi 

Xilitla (pronounced she-leet-la or he-leet-la) dates back to the 16th Century, and is the oldest town in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Limestone cliffs surround this small town and has a more lush feel than the rest of the Bajío.

The Bajío (pronounced bah-hee-yo) is a lowland region of Central Mexico. It is home to cities such as Guanajuato City, Guadalajara, and Xilitla, and has a temperate year-round climate.

Xilitla town is not the easiest place to reach, as it is on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.

However, many make this part of the country its own trip by traveling to Xilitla, the Sierra Gorda and the Huasteca Potosina.

The main draw in Xilitla is the Surrealist Gardens of Edward James (AKA Los Pozas, which means The Wells or The Pools).

Inspired by his love of surrealist art, eccentric Englishman Edward James began building his dream home, though passed away before completion.

The small town of Xilitla doesn’t have much else in the way of attractions, but is among the most relaxing Mexico travel destinations.

When visiting, book one of these Xilitla hotels, all located not far from the Edward James Surrealist Gardens.

Xilitla, Mexico, is located about 165 miles from Queretaro City, and 50 miles from Jalpan de Serra. It is about an eight hour drive from Mexico City via rental car.

You can take a bus to Xilitla pueblo magico from each of the cities just listed. Keep in mind that it’s a longer journey no matter where you’re coming from, and you’ll be on mountain roads twisting through the Sierra Gorda.

Contributed by Nat of Natpacker, who recommends the pueblo magico Xilitla because it’s a true Mexico bucket list site, with surreal gardens and a dramatic feel.

15. Bernal, Queretaro

San Sebastian Bernal, better known as simply Bernal pueblo magico, is famous for the Peña de Bernal — the third tallest monolith in the world at 1420-feet-tall (433 m).

🪨 Wondering, What is a monolith!? In short, it’s a freestanding, single upright rock. (For the record, I had to Google that!)

Though a pretty tough hike, there are many places to stop off along the climb to the top of Peña de Bernal (Bernal Stone).

Even if you have no interest in hiking, you can always just admire the Peña while enjoying a meal at El Mirador Restaurant & Bar.

Aside from the Peña, there’s some cool things to do in Bernal, like the iconic yellow Templo de San Sebastian.

For a small town, it has several amazing museums, like the Museo de la Mascara (Mask Museum), with beautiful cultural masks. 

This Queretaro, Mexico city is considered a holistic healing center, as some say there’s an energy vortex in Bernal

Though a popular year-round Mexico City day trip destination, many head there during the Spring Equinox for alternative medicine rituals.

16. Ajijic, Jalisco

One of the newest pueblos magicos Jalisco State has, Ajijic (pronounced ah-hee-heek) was added to the list in December 2020.

Located just 35 miles south of Guadalajara on Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Mexico offers an escape from crowds.

Part of the Chapala Riviera, Ajijic is famous for its tropical weather, lush vegetation and natural beauty.

Ajijic pueblo magico has charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful bougainvillea, with plenty of enticing restaurants and cafes.

It is a popular place for Mexico expats and is considered one of the best places to live in Mexico.

Nights here are silent, broken in the morning by a cacophony of birdsong at sunrise and the pealing of church bells.

Those who are particularly fortunate, will be tucked away in one of these best Ajijic hotels during one of the town’s spectacular thunderstorms.

Contributed by Carole Terwilliger Meyers, who recommends Ajijic because it’s low-key, lush, and a rewarding place to explore on foot.

17. Tequila, Jalisco

The beautiful blue agave plant fields in and around the Tequila pueblo magico were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Agave is the plant used to make the popular drink that bears the town’s name. That’s right, tequila the drink was first made in Tequila, Mexico centuries ago.

Bottles can only be labeled as tequila if the drink comes from here, and a few surrounding areas in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas states.

It can’t legally be called tequila if not from one of these places.

Nowadays, Tequila is a fun, colorful town, with cool street art and murals in the Plaza Principal (Town Square).

There’s also museums and distilleries to learn more about the area’s history and tequila, where you can also buy tequila from artisanal producers.

18. Sayulita, Nayarit

Sayulita pueblo magico, located on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, is so deserving of its designation as a Mexico magical town. It has some of the nicest beaches in Mexico, relaxed bohemian vibes, and friendly locals.

🏖 Traveling to Sayulita for the first time? Check out this article for travel and safety tips, Is Sayulita Safe? Best Sayulita Mexico Travel Tips.

Sayulita definitely keeps with the government’s requirement pueblos magicos have a “unique cultural identity.” It stands apart from other small towns with its close-knit artist community and surfing culture.

With an idyllic seaside location south of the bustling tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, this once-sleepy fishing village is gaining popularity. It also helps that Sayulita has some of the best local food and seafood.

However, surfers and surfskaters have been coming for decades, as Sayulita is one of the best places to surf in Mexico. These old schoolers are part of what makes Sayulita special.

Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita day trips are popular, though you’ll want to spend at least 1-2 nights at one of these best Sayulita hotels. If you can’t, you can book one of these Sayulita tours and go for the day.

Getting to Sayulita is easy — it’s less than an hour by rental car, Uber, bus or taxi from the Puerto Vallarta Airport.

The easiest way to get to Sayulita is via this private shuttle from PVR Airport.

Contributed by Lori of Travlinmad, who recommends Sayulita because it’s the perfect Mexico Pacific Coast destination for beach-goers and surfers.

19. San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco

Among the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, head up into the Sierra Madre Mountains to San Sebastian del Oeste.

You need a 4X4 to drive there, so if you aren’t renting a car, you can always take this group tour to San Sebastian.

One of the most unique places in Mexico, San Sebastian is just 67 miles (108 km) from the hustle and bustle of popular Puerto Vallarta. Founded in 1605, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time!

San Sebastian is a well-preserved town, complete with historic haciendas, centuries-old homes and cobblestone streets.

While there, visit the beautiful colonial haciendas like Hacienda Jalisco, Hacienda La Galera and Hacienda Caudillos.

Rounding out the list of best things to do in San Sebástian del Oeste, don’t miss the Iglesia de San Sebastian. This 18th-century church is dedicated to San Sebastian Martir, an early Christian saint and martyr.

If you rented a 4X4, you can drive up to picturesque Cerro de la Bufa (La Bufa Hill).

This hillside trail is about 45 minutes away from Downtown San Sebastian del Oeste and offers views to the Pacific Ocean.

20. Tequisquiapan, Querétaro

Located not far from Bernal, another one of the pueblos magicos in Queretaro state, many also visit the Tequisquiapan pueblo magico (pronounced tess-keys-key-opp-pan).

This small town is the starting point for Central Mexico’s Wine and Cheese Route. 🍷 Didn’t know Mexico even had vineyards and wineries? You’re not alone!

The biggest Mexico wine region is Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California state on the west coast, but the second biggest is around Tequisquiapan.

Here, you’ll find several vineyards and cheese caves.

Foodies and wine lovers traveling to Mexico City will enjoy the Cheese and Wine in Tequisquiapan from Mexico City day trip.

Among the stops, the Finca Sala Vive by Freixenet vineyard and Cava de Queseos Bocanegra cheese cave are standouts.

Freixenet is one of the largest wine brands produced in Mexico.

Though one of the smaller states in Mexico, there are so many places to visit and things to do in Queretaro.

Besides Bernal and Tequisquiapan, both on this list, there’s the capital, Santiago de Queretaro (AKA Queretaro City).

Slightly off the beaten path, there’s the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, one of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites.