Travel
7 off-track magical Mexico towns worth discovering
If you want an authentic Mexican experience, venture off the beaten track to discover a side of the country you never knew existed.
By Matt Cheok
Have you ever heard of Mexico’s magic towns? The "Pueblos Mágicos" (magic towns) have earned their title for their unique combination of cultural heritage, historical significance and incredible landscapes.
With 177 enchanting towns to choose from, we've handpicked seven of our favourite gems to inspire your next adventure.
1. Taxco: Beetle nostalgia reigns
Nestled in the hillside, Taxco's cobblestone streets are lined with silver shops overflowing with exquisite handcrafted jewellery. The steep, winding alleys offer a visual feast of Spanish colonial architecture, with the magnificent baroque masterpiece Santa Prisca Church as its centrepiece. We adore Taxco for a charming ambience that invites exploration, but what stands out most is the sight of white Volkswagen Beetle taxis gracefully navigating the hills, serving as the preferred mode of transport for both locals and travellers.
This picture-perfect town has fantastic cuisine, wonderful eateries like Rosa Amaranto, and breathtaking mountainside views. We highly recommend a sunrise visit to the El Cristo statue for a magnificent panorama of the entire town.
2. Mexcaltitán: one for nature lovers
Known as the "Venice of Mexico," this tranquil island community is accessible only by boat – a haven for travellers seeking a slower pace. The waterfront bustles with fresh seafood eateries and we definitely recommend the prawns and ceviche for a lunchtime feast. Birdwatchers will adore the diverse bird life inhabiting the surrounding lagoon and mangrove forests, which are home to herons, pelicans and kingfishers. Beneath the water's surface, a rich variety of marine life thrives, making Mexcaltitán a nature lover's paradise.
3. Bernal: high notes for foodies
Towering over the charming town of Bernal rests Peña de Bernal, one of the world's largest monoliths. It offers striking vistas and a bounty of leisurely hikes in the surrounding hills, catering to all levels of adventurers. You may even see climbers scaling the monolith's sheer face as you look up. For those after a more relaxed pace, the town's artisanal shops and excellent cafes beckon. Foodies can indulge in the regional specialty at El Negrito: gorditas, thick corn tortillas cooked on a hotplate – utterly delicious!
4. Xilitla: outdoor art gallery
Explore the lush jungle surroundings of Xilitla and its unique outdoor art experiences – you might even feel like you’re stepping onto a Narnia film set.
The town’s main attraction is Edward James's surrealist garden, Las Pozas, incorporating a symphony of unexpected elements: spiral staircases that vanish into thin air, winding walkways and stunning sculptures at every turn. Reality and fantasy collide in this outdoor garden masterpiece.
If time allows, we recommend a day trip to the Cave of Swallows, a deep natural pit cave that’s home to thousands of birds, primarily white-collared swifts and green parakeets. Witnessing these birds take flight in the morning or return at dusk is a truly mesmerising spectacle.
5. Cholula: ancient history
Just a few hours from Mexico City, you'll encounter the Great Pyramid of Cholula. However, you might not be able to locate it at first glance because this fascinating archaeological site is largely hidden beneath the majestic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.
Ascend the hill to the church for panoramic views of the town and distant volcanoes, then explore the tunnels beneath to uncover the pyramid's ancient origins.
Beyond this marvel, Cholula boasts numerous churches showcasing a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish colonial architecture.
6. San Luis Potosi: cultural feast
As far as visually stunning cities go, San Luis Potosí might just take the cake. It boasts remarkable architecture and an array of fantastic museums.
Our favourites include the Museo Nacional de la Máscara, featuring traditional and contemporary masks and ceremonial props. We also like the Centro de las Artes, housed in a restored 19th-century jail. Here, you'll also find the Leonora Carrington Museum, dedicated to surrealist art and some very imposing sculptures.
Beyond its cultural offerings, San Luis Potosí serves as a gateway to the Huasteca Potosina region, filled with waterfalls, lush vegetation and outdoor activities perfect for active people who enjoy nature.
7. San Blas: tranquility abounds
While many travellers flock to the Oaxacan Coast, the laid-back fishing village of San Blas offers a more tranquil alternative, boasting pristine beaches and far fewer crowds.
There’s also an 18th-century fort, La Contaduría, with great views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscape below. A stroll around the fort's well-preserved ruins with its bastions and cannons, is certainly worth your time while learning about the region’s past.
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