These Unique Places in Mexico Will Blow Your Mind (#3 Is Absolutely Unreal!)

🤔 What is a pueblo magico?

Xilitla, and the next nine unique places to go in Mexico on this list, are all what’s known as a pueblo magico, or Mexico magic town.

This is similar to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but exclusive to Mexico. There are currently about 177 pueblos magicos in Mexico.

They’re designated as such by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism as noteworthy for reasons including unique history, folkloric traditions and natural beauty.

Surrealist Garden of Edward James

Las Pozas was the vision of Edward James, a wealthy, eccentric British poet, and surrealist art collector.

He arrived to Xilitla in the late-1940s, and began construction on the home he envisioned as something straight out of a surrealist painting.

Located on a hillside in the rural Sierra Madre jungle, Edward James spent about 40 years constructing Las Pozas, before his death in 1984.

Though it was never finished, his surrealist garden and its focal point, the nine pools (Las Pozas), is a magical place you have to see to believe.

Though it’s a bit of a trek to get to, Edward James’ Surrealist Garden is worth it. Walking around it, you almost feel like you’re in a dream.

There are more than 30 fanciful concrete structures and sculptures, some more than 100 feet tall (30 m). The whole place exists somewhere between fantasy and reality.

To visit Las Pozas, you’ll want to spend at least one night in a Xilitla hotel, as it’s quite remote.

Two of the best hotels in Xilitla are Posada Inkali Xilitla and Hotel Real de Lua. From there, you’ll drive your rental car or hire a taxi for the day to Las Pozas.

2. Tulum

📍 Tulum, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Quintana Roo State in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tulum was once a sleepy backpacker’s destination with cheap hostels on the beach and food stands with street tacos.

Now, the best Tulum hotels, like Ahau Tulum Resort, Azulik Tulum and CoCo Tulum Resort, aren’t so cheap anymore.

While it’s still possible to visit Tulum on a budget, the Tulum of today is a chic place for a luxurious-yet-rustic destination on a Yucatan Peninsula trip.

🏝 Want to visit? Check out this Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide for First Timers.

There are lots of cool things to do in Tulum, including exploring the famous Tulum Ruins archeological site, swimming in Tulum cenotes and renting a bike for the day to explore Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum).

There’s also Tulum Beach, among the best beaches in Mexico, to swim in the Caribbean Sea.

SIAN KA’AN NEAR TULUM

Head a bit further south of Tulum, and you’ll be in the pristine Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve, a natural gem for nature lovers.

This protected 2,000-square-mile nature preserve has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve-World Heritage Site since 1987.

The Sian Ka’an preserve’s remote location and vast size make it nearly impossible to navigate on your own, but there are a number of sustainable tour companies that offer a memorable adventure.

One of the best Sian Ka’an tours is a Muyil River float experience, where you actually float with a  group tour through the channels in the lagoon.

BONUS: Best Tulum Cenotes

What are cenotes?

You’re probably wondering, Just what is a cenote? First off, the word is pronounced cen-no-tay, and two or more centoes are cen-no-tays.

In short, cenotes are underwater sinkholes containing clear, freshwater. They are only found in a few places on Earth, with the largest concentration of about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Throughout the years of Earth’s existence, the native limestone rock once encasing the cenote water has collapsed or eroded.

Depending on how much rock is gone, some cenotes are fully open like a swimming pool. Others are partially open, and some are in underground caves, like Cenote Suytun.

Swimming in the cenotes is high atop many Mexico travel bucket lists.

Some of the most beautiful Mexico cenotes include Calavera Cenote in Tulum, Azul Cenote near Playa del Carmen and Ik Kil Cenote near Valladolid, Mexico.

If this will be your first time visiting cenotes, check out this Cenote FAQ.

You’ll find out what to bring, how much cenotes cost to enter, and how to visit cenotes with respect to responsible tourism in Mexico.

Best Tulum Cenotes

There are cenotes throughout Yucatan, but some of the best cenotes in Mexico are not far from Tulum. 💧 The best way to see them all? On one of these Tulum cenote tours.

You can also go on your own if you’re renting a car. Among the best Tulum cenotes, don’t miss Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote and Cenote Zacil-Ha.

Closer to Playa del Carmen, but still not far from Tulum, Cenote Azul is also one of the best Yucatan cenotes.

Best Valladolid Cenotes near Tulum

Not far from Tulum, the pueblo magico Valladolid, one of Mexico’s magic towns, is another area with Instagram-worthy cenotes.

Some of the best cenotes near Valladolid include Cenote Zaci, Cenote Suytun, Cenote Oxman, and Cenote Ik Kil, one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan.

3. Taxco

📍 Taxco, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Guerrero State.

Although Taxco pueblo magico is not on the main tourist trail, it is well worth visiting — especially if you’re traveling to Mexico City.

A famous silver town in the mountains, many silversmiths still ply their trade today. In fact, you can see them creating silver jewelry and art pieces in their workshops, and buy directly from them.

Wandering the steep, narrow cobblestone streets is enjoyable, but there are also dozens of ornate churches, including the Baroque Church of Santa Prisca.

Located not far away, Taxco is one of the best places to visit near Mexico City. You can drive your rental car, take a bus or join this group tour from Mexico City to Taxco.

Taxco is one of the most popular Mexico City day trips at about three hours south.

4. Teotihuacan Pyramids

📍 Teotihuacan is a historic site in the pueblo magico of San Juan Teotihuacan, in Estado de Mexico (Mexico State), just outside of Mexico City.

Teotihuacan is a spectacular archaeological complex, and a must-visit on any Mexico City itinerary.

Since it’s easily accessible, Teotihuacan is one of the best day trips from Mexico City at any time of year.

Teotihuacan is one of the best preserved pre-Columbian cities in the world, originally constructed prior to the Aztec arrival in Mexico, and many of its structures are still standing today.

It is one of the top places to visit Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shrouded in mystery and mysticism, Teotihuacan is also one of the best places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico.

You’ll be absolutely awestruck by the Teotihuacan pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun. This is the biggest pyramid at Teotihuacan.

Unlike the Chichen Itza Mexico pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula, you can climb the pyramids at Teotihuacan. They rival their Egyptian counterparts.

Spend some time exploring the Avenue of the Dead and artifacts in the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture.

Don’t miss the various temples and ruins, such as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, a temple dedicated to the most important Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl (pronounced ketz-al-coe-uh), the Feathered Serpent.

The site is located in the pueblo magico (magic town) of San Juan Teotihuacan. This small town is located 1-2 hours from Mexico City, depending on traffic.

You can visit on a Teotihuacan tour, by Uber or bus; for a detailed guide, head to this article to find out how to get from Mexico City to Teotihuican.

5. Izamal: The Yellow City

📍 Izamal, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Yucatan State, in the Yucatan Peninsula.

A hidden gem in the Yucatan, the “Yellow City” of Izamal, Mexico, is one of the 175 or so Mexican pueblos magicos (magic towns).

What makes Izamal worth a visit is its bright yellow color, with all buildings in Downtown Izamal painted yellow — so don’t forget to grab your camera for travel photos when you visit.

Izamal also has an interesting history since the Spaniards built it on top of the Mayan settlement.

No one knows for sure why the entire town was painted yellow.

However, several theories exist about it, including that the Mayans painted it yellow in honor of their sun god, Kinich Kakmo.

The most prominent landmark of Izamal is Convento de San Antonio de Padua.

It was built in 1561 on top of the ancient Mayan pyramid Pop-Hol-Chac to introduce Mayans to the Catholic religion.

The town still has several Mayan pyramids, including Kinich Kakmo Pyramid, located just outside downtown.

Wandering the streets of Izamal is a lot of fun, however there’s very little shade so don’t forget your eco-friendly sunscreen and this Water-To-Go Reusable Bottle.

As with the entire Yucatan Peninsula, the best time to visit Izamal is in the fall or winter, when the weather is cool and the humidity’s at bay.

As one of the best Merida day trips, you can easily travel to Izamal, Mexico by driving your rental car or taking a bus from Merida.

It is also a popular day trip from Valladolid, another one of the best pueblos magicos in Yucatan, about 1.5 hours away.

6. San Sebastian del Oeste

📍 San Sebastian del Oeste, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Jalisco State.

As you make your way up the route to San Sebastian del Oeste, the hot, dry weather of Puerto Vallarta is replaced with cool jungle weather.

The hustle and bustle of town is offset by a charming, historic village, which makes everything much calmer. 

A truly bucket list destination in Mexico, San Sebastian is only 67 miles away from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (though best done with a truck or SUV).

If you aren’t renting a car in Puerto Vallarta, you can always take a group tour to San Sebastian. This makes for one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta.

The pueblo magico of San Sebastian del Oeste is one of those places to see in Mexico that feels like you’re stepping back in time.

It was founded in 1605, and the haciendas and centuries-old homes bring you back to an earlier time in history, when this was a booming silver mining town. 

Among the best things to do in San Sebastian del Oeste, visit the beautiful colonial haciendas like La Galera, La Hacienda San and La Hacienda Jalisco.

There’s also the Iglesia de San Sebastian, a small church dedicated to San Sebastian Martir, and built by Franciscan friars at the end of the 18th Century.

If you are up for an additional drive, and you have a 4X4, head up the Cerro de la Bufa (La Bufa Hill).

This hillside trail is located 45 minutes away, and offers views all the way to Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific Ocean.

7. Cholula

📍 Cholula, Mexico is a pueblo magico located in Puebla State.

When looking for unique places to visit in Mexico, Cholula is one of those off the beaten path Mexico destinations you can’t afford to miss.

One fun fact about Cholula is that the largest pyramid on Earth (by volume), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, is located in this colorful pueblo magico.

The pyramid is in the Cholula Archaeological Zone, along with the or iconic yellow Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios church, one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico.

Located atop a cliff, the church offers beautiful views of this colorful and well-preserved colonial town below.

Located less than three hours away, Cholula makes a great addition to your Mexico City itinerary.

One of the best Mexico City day trips, take a guided tour to Cholula and return back to the city on the same day.

However you choose to visit, on your own or Cholula tours, this is one of those Mexico beautiful places far too few people see.

8. Tequila

📍 Tequila, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Jalisco state, which is in Central Mexico.

Tequila is one of the most unique places in Mexico.

The entire surrounding area in the agave landscapes and fields of Tequila, Mexico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thanks to the drink, tequila is a well-known word. Many visitors are often amazed to find out there really is a town called Tequila—and that the drink is named after this town, not the other way around.

For centuries, tequila has been made here.

In fact, the drink tequila can only be called tequila if it’s produced in this town, in the state of Jalisco, and in very few other certified places in Mexico.

All other distilled beverages made from the agave plant, including tequila, must be labeled as distilled agave beverages.

🥃 Tequila Fun Fact: Much like how champagne is just sparkling wine that’s made in the city of Champagne, France, tequila is a mezcal that’s made in the city of Tequila, Mexico.

To learn firsthand how tequila is made, visit one of the many distilleries in town, which usually offer some form of a tour and a tasting.

You can choose from smaller, craft tequila producers like Fortaleza, or the more recognizable brands like Sauza, and the producer of the oldest tequila in the world, Jose Cuervo.

On some of these Tequila tours, you’ll even visit one of the many blue agave fields that surround the city of Tequila.

The iconic landscapes with these beautiful agave fields have even been designated one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

Just 35 miles from Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, Tequila makes a great day trip by bus or rental car.

For a unique experience, book this Jose Cuervo Tequila Express Train. It’s an all-day Guadalajara to Tequila train tour that includes mariachi music, snacks and of course, plenty of tequila.

9. Valladolid

📍 Valladolid, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Yucatan state, in the Yucatan Peninsula.

One of the prettiest places in Mexico, Valladolid is a charming colonial town and one of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The best time to visit Valladolid is between October and May, as these months have sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and almost no rain.

Located about two hours by rental car or bus from both Merida and Cancun, and just one hour from Tulum, the town’s proximity to these top destinations has made it increasingly popular in recent years.

However, Valladolid remains a unique, authentic and budget-friendly Mexico destination.

The must-see Valladolid site is the beautiful Iglesia de San Servacio Church in the Zocalo (Main Square).

Next, take the tour at Casa de los Venados Museum, which is actually housed in a private home.

From there, head to the colorful Calzada de los Frailes street, and then the Mercado Municipal (Valladolid market) to buy some fresh fruits and veggies.

Additionally, there’s many stunning Valladolid cenotes like Cenote Zaci.

This is a beautiful open air cenote next to downtown Valladolid, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day.

Other cenotes worth visiting are Cenote Xkeken, Cenote Samula, Cenote Oxman and Cenote Suytun.

These are all located underground in caves filled with magical rock formations.

Also, it is less than an hour from Valladolid, so head to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins. This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of Mexico’s top places to visit.

The ruins are next to another of the best cenotes in Yucatan, Cenote Ik Kil.

As one of the most well-known Mexico travel destinations in Chiapas, San Cristobal is worth a visit in itself.

This beautiful colonial city and pueblo magico is truly charming, with its cobblestone streets and a mix of traditional shops, hipster cafes, and boutiques.

Much of its population is indigenous and retains traditions and customs from a far past, so visiting this city is like stepping back in time.

The top San Cristobal, Mexico places to see and best day trips include the village of San Juan Chamula, Sumidero Canyon, and Palenque Mayan Ruins.

11. Islas Marietas: Hidden Beach

📍 The Marietas Islands are located in the Bay of Banderas, about two hours by boat from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Those traveling to Sayulita, San Pancho, or Puerto Vallarta, have the opportunity to cross the Islas Marietas (Marietas Islands) off their Mexico bucket list.

On one of the islands, you’ll find the famous hidden beach in Mexico, the Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) that you have to swim under a rocky wall to access.

As this Mexico hidden gem has become famous via YouTube, Instagram and social media, the Mexican government has had to limit the number of visitors to preserve this natural treasure.

Now, only about 125 visitors per day are allowed on the island — so tours sell out fast and well in advance.

While a quick Google search might turn up many results for Islas Marietas tours, know that there are two very different tours offered.

The first one, the least expensive of the two, involves a boat ride near the island with the hidden beach in Mexico. On this trip, you can swim and snorkel in the waters surrounding it.

12. Las Grutas Tolantongo: Caves & Hot Springs

📍 Tolantongo Grutas is located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.

Though located about four hours away, Las Grutas de Tolantongo is considered one of the best places to visit near Mexico City.

Really though, these natural hot springs are one of the most beautiful and Instagram worthy Mexico travel destinations in the whole country.

If you’re wondering, What is Tolantongo? The short answer is that it’s one of the most unique places in Mexico.

The longer answer is that Tolantongo is a natural water park. It is located high up in the mountains, in a canyon surrounded by hot springs and underwater thermal pools that heat the waters all year long.

In fact, the word tolantongo comes from the Aztec word tonaltonko, meaning “where it feels warm.”

The word gruta means cave (or grotto), and there just so happens to be one at Tolantongo.

In fact, this large site consists of four distinct natural areas: the river, the pools, the tunnel, and of course, the cave.

There’s also an onsite zipline, suspension bridge, regular swimming pools, hotels, campsites, about 10 restaurants, convenience stores, lockers, medical facilities, and more — Yes, this is a big place.

When visiting, plan to spend the entire day as there are many things to do at Tolantongo.

While it’s possible to visit Tolantongo on a day trip from Mexico City or Queretero, it will definitely be a long day.

As Tolantongo, Mexico, is quite remote, there are overnight options, such as staying in a Tolantongo resort hotel room or even camping there.

The easiest way to go is on these Mexico City to Grutas Tolantongo tours. However you choose go, a visit to Tolantongo is worth it.

As far as beautiful places, Mexico has a ton.

However, Tolantongo’s warm waters year-round make it very appealing no matter the time of year you visit Mexico.

13. Las Coloradas: Pink Lakes

📍 Las Coloradas is located in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, close to the town of Rio Lagartos.

Located on the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find a remote place straight out of your Instagrammable Mexico dreams — the pink lakes of Las Coloradas — and yes, the water is real!

Las Coloradas is the more famous of the two pink lakes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

The other is Xtampu Laguna Rosada (Pink Lagoon) near Telchac Puerto, a Yucatan beach town on the Gulf of Mexico and not far from the colonial city of Merida.

Las Coloradas, the more famous of the two, is a popular Merida day trip, at about 3.5 hours away. Merida is the closest proper city to Las Coloradas.

You can access Las Coloradas’s pink lakes from other Yucatan cities, but there’s not much else around it, so public transportation can take some time.

As it’s quite remote, and just one large pink lake, the trip to Las Coloradas is usually combined with a boat tour to see flamingos and other wildlife in the nearby Ria Lagartos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Ria Lagartos is a river and wetland area in Rio Lagartos, Mexico, the closest town to Las Coloradas.

The easiest way to get to Las Coloradas is via tour or rental car. If not, it’s a long trip and you’ll want to spend at least one night in the Hotel Rio Lagartos.

The first step is to take a bus to the city of Tizimin, then catch a connecting bus to the town of Rio Lagartos, and finally, a short taxi ride the rest of the way.

14. Huasteca Potosina

📍 La Huasteca is a region that spans seven states in Mexico. The area’s most visited places are in La Huasteca Potosina, which is in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The Huasteca Potosina is one of those natural and authentic off the beaten path places that all nature lovers must visit.

The easiest and best way to visit the Huasteca Potosina is on this three-day Huasteca Potosina tour.

Located in the state of San Luis Potosi, northeast of Mexico City, the Huasteca Potosina is part of the large Huastecas region. It is named after the pre-hispanic civilization settled there, the Huastecan.

It’s a spectacular area, with a great diversity of landscapes.

Here, you’ll find everything from flatlands and hills made of calcified sand, to waterfalls, canyons, natural pools, and caves.

Visiting all the waterfalls, or cascadas, are among the best things to do in Huasteca Potosina.

Tamul, Micos, Tamasopo, El Salto and Puente de Dios are some of the best waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina.

However, don’t miss out on seeing places like the Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows) and Xilitla Surrealist Garden of Edward James either.

From there, you’ll either get around by rental car, or hiring a taxi for the day.

A private car is great for creating your own custom Huasteca Potosina itinerary and for the freedom to move around each day. 

Taxis are a safe, inexpensive option. The driver will know the area very well, so you can choose a different waterfall each day.

Do note that this is usually more expensive than a rental car though.

15. Hierve el Agua

📍 Hierve el Agua is located in Oaxaca, Mexico, a state in Central Mexico.

Located more than 5,000 feet above sea level (1,525 m) in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains, Hierve el Agua is an infinity pool surrounded by verdant valleys.

Below the pools is a petrified waterfall — one of only two worldwide! It formed over thousands of years from by mineral-rich water flowing down the cliff face.

Hierve el agua means boiling water, and its pools are warmed by the sun, so you’ll want to visit on a sunny day.

As one of the most popular places in Mexico and one of the best things to do in Oaxaca City, try to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Before jumping in the pools, take your time to explore the entire site. You can hike down for better views of the petrified waterfall before cooling off in the water.

The hike is moderately challenging to get down, but it’s an uphill climb back up, so don’t forget your Water-To-Go Reusable Bottle.

It is easy to visit Hierve el Agua on your own, via public transport, in your rental car, or on a group tour.

For those visiting during Oaxaca Day of the Dead in late October and early November, remember to schedule a day before or after the event to visit Hierve el Agua.

To go on public transportation, take a bus or colectivo (shared van) about one hour east of Oaxaca City to the pueblo magico of Mitla, which is also worth exploring.

Then, look for the white pickup trucks that depart every 45 minutes or so, and make your way through the curvy mountain roads to Hierve el Agua.

Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:

Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.

Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.

• The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
• Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
• 20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
• Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
• Best Waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico
• The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

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