Ten Pueblos Mágicos to Visit This Summer

When you stay in vibrant Mexico City , a visit to the fascinating Teotihuacán is mandatory. The Pueblo Mágico, which is officially called San Juan de Teotihuacán, is located just one hour by car from the capital and is best known for its mysterious archeological zone. The still well-preserved remains of the ancient Aztec city known as Ciudad de Los Dioses (City of the Gods) that once occupied the area are among the most visited and picturesque archeological sites in the state. The city’s vestiges include the famous Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon) and the Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and other almost entirely intact buildings such as the Templo de Quetzalcóatl and the Complejo de Quetzalpapálotl. Do not miss the chance to fly above the area on a hot-air balloon or, for an even more mystical although challenging experience, climb the pyramids to the top and admire the breathtaking panorama of the archeological site from above. Teotihuacán’s archaeological zone is also an excellent option for a day trip from nearby Pachuca. While visiting Teotihuacán make sure you check out its charming old town, featuring an elegant Kiosk and architectural jewels such as the Catedral del Divino Redentor , the Ex Convento de San Juan Bautista and the Baroque church Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación. During your stay, get acquainted with the local artisanal tradition and gastronomy. Browse the local bodegas to discover original handcrafted products in obsidian, clay, onyx, or jade and try some typical culinary specialties such as barbacoa roasted meat and pulque, a traditional drink from central Mexico.

Colorful venues, ancient legends, breathtaking nature, and immense historical heritage await you in San Cristóbal de las Casas , one of Mexico and Chiapas’s most visited Pueblos Magicos. Just one hour drive from the capital city Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the charming town of San Cristóbal boasts a beautifully preserved historic center whose baroque and neoclassical buildings attest to its colonial heritage. Enveloped by a mystical atmosphere, discover San Cristóbal’s traditions and the ancestral Mayan myths and festivities that bind the town with its ancient past. Among the attractions and activities worth trying, we recommend you the history museum MUSAC, acronymous for Museum of San Cristóbal de las Casas, the Na Bolom Museum, a cultural hub founded to safeguard the life and traditions of the Lacandon community, and El Arcotete, an extraordinary cave system whose spectacular rock formations attract sports and nature enthusiasts.

A must-see for all nature lovers and ecotourists, the Pueblo Mágico of Angangueo is renowned for being the gateway of one of Michoacán ‘s treasures, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This extensive nature preserve hosts several sanctuaries that, in winter, act as shelters for the monarch butterfly colonies migrating to Central America. Although you can see the preserve at its best between November and February, Angangueo is worth being seen all year round. The town boasts a rich colonial and mining past, as still attested by the numerous Neoclassical buildings and monuments. The emblematic Monumento al Minero (Monument to the Miner) embodies the town’s heritage and is a tribute to its historical heritage. It is on a mirador (panoramic point) from which you can appreciate a spectacular view of Angangueo and its amazing Parroquia de San Simón Apóstol (Saint Simon Apostle Parish). If you want to delve more into Angangueo’s history, we suggest you visit Casa Parker. Once the home of the English miner Bill Parker, the house is now a museum dedicated to the town’s mining past that features a wide collection of photographs depicting the life of the miners and the local population during Angangueo’s development. Before leaving Angangueo, check out its murals detailing the town’s mining activity and events, which include artworks by painters Jorge Tellez and Frida Kahlo’s pupil Arturo Estrada. Angangueo is easily reachable by car both from Morelia and Mexico City.

Blending colonial charm, extraordinary nature, and colorful modern venues, the Pueblo Mágico of Real del Monte is among the most visited destinations in Hidalgo all year round despite its cold climate. Located only two hours from the capital city Pachuca, Real del Monte - officially called Mineral del Monte- is mostly renowned for its mining heritage and rich typical gastronomy. The beauty of its picturesque venues and cobbled streets makes it a favorite setting for television and movie productions; in the central Artist’s Alley, you will find a photo gallery featuring all the movies, soap operas, and fiction filmed in the pueblo. If you want to discover more about Real del Monte’s history, venture into its mines. A visit to the Mina de la Dificultad (Difficulty's Mine) and the Acosta Mine will enlighten you about the hard-working conditions of the miners and the mineral extraction process, while in the Museo de la Medicina Laboral (Museum of Occupational Medicine), you can learn about Real del Monte’s history and culture and the medical treatments that the miners received during the colonial period. Other unmissable attractions include The Panteón Inglés de Real del Monte (British Cemetery of Real del Monte) appointed Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013 and the Museo del Paste, a museum entirely dedicated to the traditional Hidalgo pastry.

With only a short drive from posh Los Cabos you will come across the heavenly beach town of Todos Santos. One of Baja California Sur ‘s two Pueblos Mágicos, Todos Santos is a paradise for surfers and beach life enthusiasts. Enjoy evoking sunsets while admiring the amazing landscape of Punta Lobos Beach, a large nature reserve popular among professional surfers, or learn how to surf in the wonderful Los Cerritos Beach, only ten minutes away from Todos Santos. The village’s historic center boasts beautiful colonial architecture, with typical houses and buildings lining next to modern venues, shops, and restaurants. While strolling along the pueblo’s streets, pay a visit to the Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos, one of the symbols of the town, and the art gallery Galería de Arte y Gráfica La Sonrisa de la Muerte, where you will find unique textiles, lithographs, engravings, and multifunctional items by emerging Mexican and foreign artists. The bohemian atmosphere that permeates this quaint Pueblo Mágico will entice you to discover its hidden treasures: lose yourself among the unique art pieces and objects in the mysterious Bésame Mucho Bazaar, or join some of the artistic, cultural, or gastronomic festivals that take place in town. In Todos Santos, you will discover rich gastronomy and a refined variety of spirits. Try some of the best Baja California Sur’s fish-based specialties and treat yourself with a good wine while enjoying spectacular views on the Sea of Cortés.

The fascinating Pueblo Mágico of San Pedro Tlaquepaque is among Jalisco’s most popular destinations and is ideal for a one-day shopping excursion from the capital city Guadalajara, located only 15 minutes away. Tlaquepaque boasts a rich and ancient artisan tradition, as you will help but notice while strolling along the colorful venues of its center, where the numerous workshops and bodegas display a large variety of pottery, typical textiles, and bronze items. Do not miss El Parián, a quaint roofed village located in Calle Juárez, Tlaquepaque’s most representative street. Here you can browse the several stands and shops in search of unique souvenirs, enjoy live mariachi music in El Parián’s kiosk, and discover some delicacies of Jalisco’s gastronomy. Besides in El Parián, you can continue your hunt for handicrafts and learn about the pueblo’s artisan tradition at La Casa del Artesano (The Craftsman's House) and La Plaza de las Artesanías (The Crafts Square), where you will also find typical sweets and spirits- considering Tequila is only one hour from Tlaquepaque, it is no surprise that here you can taste some of the best versions of the famous liquor. Other local pottery-themed attractions include the Museo del Premio Nacional de la Cerámica Pantaléon Panduro (Panduro Pottery National Prize Museum) and the Museo Regional de la Cerámica de Tlaquepaque (Regional Museum of Ceramics of Tlaquepaque), housed in a beautiful neoclassical house at only a few steps from Hidalgo Garden.

Magic is for sure one recurring element in the alluring Pueblo Mágico of Xilitla, one of the most precious natural and artistic jewels of the state of San Luis Potosí located in the middle of the lush Huasteca Potosina. Despite its modest extension, Xilitla blends the colonial charm of its historic center with the mysterious aura of its setting, whose scenery full of rivers, waterfalls, coffee plantations, ravines, and lavish forests, is perfect for enjoying adventure and outdoor activities . Xilitla’s most visited attraction is the evoking Surrealist Garden Las Pozas, realized by the Scottish poet and artist Edward James. A unique combination of art and nature, the garden is a peculiar art project set in the middle of the jungle that features impressive surrealist statues and architectural elements emerging from the ground. The evoking natural frame of the garden, with crystal-clear lakes and rivers and unique autochthone flora and fauna species inhabiting the area, adds an extra aura of magic to the installations. The Leonora Carrington Surrealist Museum and the Edward James Museum are unmissable stops if you want to know more about Xilitla’s history. Thanks to the rain and warm climate, the Huasteca Potosina is at its most beautiful during spring and summer.