10 of the Most Magical Towns in Mexico

Situated at the heart of Mexico’s renowned tequila-producing region, the pueblo of Tequila is a 2-hour drive from the state capital of Guadalajara. Here, wander through agave fields and learn about the complex fermentation process involved in producing the region’s iconic spirit. The Juan Beckmann Gallardo Cultural Center, which hosts exhibitions exploring the history of the region, is worth a visit but the real highlight are the many tequila distilleries dotted around town—including the world-famous José Cuervo. If you travel on a Sunday, consider taking the luxury Jose Cuervo Express train; on other days, you can take a convenient bus tour.

Stroll through colorful, colonial-era neighborhoods and relax in a pretty plaza in this Yucatecan city, located just a couple of hours’ drive from Cancun. Home to the Casa de los Venados, a private museum with an impressive collection of Mexican folk art; and Cenote Zaci, situated just a 5-minute walk from the city center, Valladolid is easily combined with a visit to Chichén Itzá. Alternatively, you can head to the smaller site of Ek Balam, also located nearby, to see how the Mayans imagined the underworld.

Once a booming silver-mining town, Real de Catorce is today known for its spiritual significance and desert landscapes and is easily explored from nearby San Luis Postosí or Saltillo, both a roughly 3.5-hour drive away. The mining boom here lasted from the 1770s to the early 1900s, but the town’s roots as a sacred place go back much further: The Parish of Immaculate Conception church is a Catholic pilgrimage site, while the nearby Cerro Quemado (or “Burned Peak,” an active volcano) is sacred to the Wixárika Indigenous people who leave religious offerings and collect peyote in the area annually. (Note: It's illegal for non-Wixárika people to gather or possess the cactus.)

Although the Yucatán Peninsula is most known for its beaches and cenotes, the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar is quickly becoming an essential addition to any itinerary there. Located five hours south of Cancun, the lagoon is surrounded by boutique hotels and resorts, which offer picture-perfect waterfront views. In the town itself, the biggest attraction is the Fort of San Felipe, which was built in the 1700s to defend against pirates. But the main draw here is the water—and associated water sports. Whether you prefer snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy while you while away a couple of days lagoon-side.

Gorgeous Mazunte is more than a hippie magnet—it’s also full of beaches to visit, forest trails to hike, and turtles to see (especially at the Mexican Turtle Center). At sunset, the Punta Cometa lookout has impressive views, and if you visit in January or February, you might even catch some migrating whales. This beach town is no longer a hidden outpost like it used to be, but it retains a dreamy, escapist feel.

Insider tip: To visit, fly into one of the two nearby airports, in Puerto Escondido or Huatulco.

The colonial-era town of San Cristóbal de las Casas is tucked into the misty mountain peaks of Chiapas, southern Mexico. The town is known for the Tianguis Agroecológico y Artesanal, a food and craft market that is one of the country’s central exchanges of handmade textiles and amber jewelry. In addition to its picturesque charms, San Cristóbal is also a center of Indigenous activism, particularly the Zapatista movement—Zapatistas occupied the city in 1994. Aside from shopping options and political intrigue, San Cristóbal also makes an ideal base for visiting historic and natural attractions such as the Sumidero Canyon, the Mayan ruins of Palenque, and the Agua Azul waterfalls.

If you’re looking for an escape from the controlled chaos of Mexico City, head to Teotihuacán and lose yourself in a different kind of metropolis entirely. Ancient Teotihuacán was once the largest city in Mesoamerica, as evidenced by the towering pyramids and sprawling city ruins at this archaeological site. It's considered the first advanced civilization on the continent, and had a population estimated to have been 125,000 or more at its peak. Nowadays, Teotihuacán is easy to visit as a day trip (you would even have time to make a stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe), but an overnight stay in the nearby town gives you time to soak up the local food and culture.

In this creative enclave surrounded by the deserts of southern Baja California Sur, cobblestone streets lead to surf breaks, art galleries, and artists workshops. The location is also stunning; the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range towers over the town, and San Pedrito and Los Cerritos beaches sprawl to the south. Come for the laid-back beach town atmosphere, then explore the wider area by hiking, horseback riding or taking an e-bike tour. And make sure to check out the Profesor Néstor Agúndez Martínez Cultural Center for some local history.

Coatepec is located four hours east of Mexico City, just outside the state capital of Xalapa, in the region where the Spanish planted the first coffee plants in the country. The district is still known for its exceptional coffee beans today, and some of the cafés here, including the popular Tueste, even offer barista courses. The town’s thriving café culture is complemented by impressive colonial-era churches and a public square surrounded by lush greenery. If you’re pressed for time, a day trip to see both Coatepec and Xico (another pueblo mágico) together is a great option.

Editor's note: Travel to Michoacán is not recommended due to serious safety risks in this area. Please follow your government's guidance and travel advisories.

Once the capital of the Purépecha Empire, Pátzcuaro offers plenty of attractions for those interested in Mexico’s arts and culture. The House of the Eleven Patios hosts a range of local artisans and their wares, while the town’s main plaza acts as a stage for Michoacán’s famous Baile de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men). The nearby island of Janitzio and the town of Tzintzuntzan are also some of the most popular places to experience the Day of the Dead traditions, so if you plan to visit in early November, make sure to book ahead. Located an hour outside the state capital of Morelia, Pátzcuaro can easily be visited on a day trip.

Related: Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico