The 16 best magic towns in Mexico, according to travelers
Cholula, Puebla
Located just nine miles away from the city of Puebla, Cholula is one of the state's best known and most loved magic towns. At the heart of Cholula is Tlachihualtepetl, a pyramid that's said to have the largest base of any pyramid in the world. A breathtaking yellow church is situated right at the top — while it's a bit of a trek to reach, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city below, the nearby volcanoes, and of course, the pyramid. You can pay an entry fee to access the archaeological site, plus visit the Museo de Sitio de Cholula, which has a reproduction of the pyramid (since much of the pyramid is overgrown and covered by grass, the reproduction gives you a better sense of the pyramid's true scale). You can even walk through the pyramid's underground tunnels as well.
The nearby Museo Regional de Cholula has plenty of archaeological artifacts too, plus traditional art like talavera pottery, a pottery style that originated in Puebla, plus some more modern exhibits. Don't miss a walk through the Zocalo or the main square, and be sure to pass by another unique church, Templo de San Gabriel Arcángel. The Mercado Municipal de San Pedro Cholula is a must for those looking for shopping or affordable eateries.
San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
This awe-inspiring colonial-style city is filled with charm, from its cobblestone streets to its colorful buildings and surrounding mountains. Chiapas is home to one of the largest Indigenous populations in Mexico, so if you're looking to learn more about Indigenous culture, then San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of the best places to (respectfully) do it. Explore the town's main plaza, the yellow and red baroque-style church Catedral de San Cristóbal de las Casas, and the charming walkways, filled with restaurants and shopping. If you're up for a short climb, pay a visit to the hilltop Iglesia de San Cristobalito — if not, stop by the Iglesia de Guadalupe, which requires just 79 steps (compared to 280).
There are a number of interesting museums worth a visit, from the Amber Museum to the Mayan World Textile Center. If you're able to venture beyond the town itself, there's plenty more to see, from nearby Indigenous communities like Chamula, a self-governed Tzotzil Maya community, not to mention incredible nature like Cascadas El Chiflon, five waterfalls that flow into strikingly turquoise water.
Taxco, Guerrero
A walk through Taxco's cobblestone streets, lined with whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs really does feel magical. Despite being a small city, there's plenty to do here — for starters, walk through the main plaza and check out Santa Prisca Church, a decadent church with a gold-lined interior. Taxco also has its very own Christ the Redeemer statue, which can be reached by a two-hour hike or by opting for a taxi ride — in Taxco, your taxi ride will take place in a 1950s VW beetle. A visit here truly is a step back in time.
Explore the Cacahuamilpa National Park, the largest cave system in Mexico, and one of the largest in the world, and take a ride on the Teleférico de Taxco, a cable car stretching across the valley. A former silver mining town back in the 1700s, that legacy remains today, and there are plenty of silver stores and stalls around as well, not to mention the Museo de la Plateria, a museum where you can learn about the history of silver in Mexico. Casa Borda, a cultural center based in an 18th-century building, has a number of intriguing exhibits, as well as occasional performances. If you're seeking some nature, a visit to Pozas Azules blue spring pools is a magical experience.
Todos Santos, Baja California
This beachside desert oasis has become a haven for surfers, artists, or just anyone looking for a relaxing destination with a side of enchantment. The town itself is filled with plenty of beauty and charm, thanks to its colonial-style buildings, cobblestones, plentiful local shops and art galleries, and multi-colored papel picado. But, there's nearly endless gorgeous natural scenery as well.
Enjoy the stunning beach and Sierra de la Laguna mountain views by hiking Punta Lobos or around Playa Las Palmas, and either help release baby sea turtles into the ocean or go whale watching while here. Of course, some time at the beach is a requirement of visiting Todos Santos. Playa Pescadero and Playa Los Cerritos are both popular options, while the slightly farther away Playa La Pastora is ideal for those seeking more seclusion (and the best surfing).
Izamal, Yucatán
This magical city is another must when visiting the Yucatán. It's known as the "yellow city," so as you can imagine, this unique town is absolutely decked out in yellow. If you're wondering why, well, there's no clear answer, but one theory goes back to its colonial history. It was painted yellow in 1993 in honor of the pope visiting. Another theory points to the city's roots as a Mayan community, and that yellow is an ode to Kinich Kak Mo, the sun god.
While here, enjoy exploring Izamal's downtown, and check out the shops, galleries, and markets. The Convento de San Antonio de Padua, constructed in 1561 over the ruins of a Mayan temple, is one of the oldest Catholic monasteries in the Americas, and is well worth a stop. The Izamal Cultural Center, a museum filled with traditional Yucatán materials, is also a great place to visit. Izamal is also home to a number of Maya pyramids and archeological sites, including Kinich Kakmó Pyramid, which is free to visit, along with Pyramid Izamatul.
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
Chiapa de Corzo is one of Mexico's oldest settlements that's still inhabited, so you can be sure that this city is rich with culture and history. With a 16th-century Moorish-style fountain, and the red and white Templo de San Jacinto, the architecture here is a highlight. If looking to learn more about the town's culture, stop by the Marimba Museum, all about an instrument known as Chiapa's ancestral voice, and the Lacquer Museum, which features hundreds of lacquered pieces, an artistic style unique to Chiapas. As an important site for the Zoque, an Indigenous group, if you visit during certain times of year, you may even be able to see traditional Parachicos dancers, which is a truly special experience to witness.
The surrounding nature is also unparalleled, especially thanks to Sumidero Canyon. This gorgeous ecotourism destination is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking. The surrounding jungle scenery doesn't hurt, either.
Tequila, Jalisco
In order for a spirit to be considered tequila, it has to come from one of five states in Mexico: Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, or Jalisco. The majority comes from Jalisco, where you can find Tequila, a small town where there's an abundance of agave fields and distilleries. The oldest distillery in the world, La Rojeña, is here, which produces one of the most well-known types of tequila — Jose Cuervo, but there are plenty to choose from.
Apart from tequila tasting, visit the Museo de los Abuelos, Museo Nacional De Tequila, and Museo La Cofradía, and once you've tired of tequila-related activities, enjoy walking around the town. The town itself is quaint and picturesque, with a cute main plaza and markets. Outdoorsy travelers should certainly trek to the Blue Waterfalls (or Los Azules), the La Toma Canyon, or the nearby volcano, for some spectacular nature.
Papantla, Veracruz
Papantla is rich in Totonac traditions, and one of its most iconic examples is with the "Danza de los Voladores" or "Dance of the Flyers" ritual. As flute and drum music plays, dancers swing from the top of a large pole cut from the forest. Meant to show respect and harmony for nature, while expressing the community's worldview and inviting prosperity, the ritual is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
One of Papantla's other most notable experiences include a trip to the nearby El Tajin, one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites for Maya ruins. This series of ancient pyramids date back to the 10th and 11th centuries B.C.E., and is a must when visiting the area. If you're looking to venture further to a relaxed beach town, you can even go to Tecolutla, or Tuxpam.
Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí
If you're looking for a truly unique destination steeped in history, Real de Catorce is certainly a top contender. This former silver mining site is considered a ghost town — although around a thousand people do live here — because its population dropped dramatically when the price of silver declined. It's also an important spiritual site for the Huicho, some of whom will embark on an annual pilgrimage to some of the area's numerous sacred sites.
Unlike many other pueblos mágicos that employ vibrant colors for their buildings, Real de Catorce appears more faded, seemingly matching its architecture to the surrounding desert landscape. Spend time wandering around the town and exploring. While here, visitors should hike up Cerro El Quemado, a sacred spot for the Huichols, visit the Casa de Moneda museum and former mint, and see ruins from the town's heyday in the mid-1800s. There's also an impressive church, the Templo de la Purísima Concepción.
Peña de Bernal, Querétaro
This magic mountain town is known as the home of Indigenous Otomí-Chichimecas people, and as spiritual sanctuary for Indigenous communities and as a pilgrimage site. But perhaps its most famous claim to fame is its massive mountain, Peña de Bernal. It's one of the world's largest monoliths, and is an eight-million-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site — you'll need rock-climbing equipment to get to the very top, but it's worth getting as high as you can for surreal views below.
Within the town, there are plenty of beautiful streets to wander through, particularly Calle Hidalgo, which is home to a number of colorful buildings while offering a picturesque view of the mountain. You'll also want to stop at the Museo de La Máscara, which has 300 masks primarily created by a local artist and made with wood or cactus. Just a few miles away, you can find Ruta de Vino y Queso, Mexico's best destination for wine and cheese.
