Pueblos Mágicos

This historical mining town was the first municipality to be named Pueblo Mágico in the whole state of Aguascalientes and is a surprising destination rich in attractions and cultural landmarks. Initially named after two of its Spanish founders, Francisco and Diego Ibarra (the original name was “Real de los Asientos de Ibarra”), the town dates back to the 16^th century and will struck you with its fascinating out-of-time allure.   Real de Asientos’s numerous vestiges and old establishments attest to its mining past and to the important role the town played in Mexico’s economic development. Strolling through this small city’s streets you will appreciate the balanced contrast between its modern venues and the perfectly preserved remainders of the old facilities and factories.   Some of the attractions you do not want to miss while visiting this Pueblo Mágico are:

• The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Belén (Our Lady of Belen Parish), hosting a realistic representation of Jesus Christ realized with leather and human bones.

• The Guadalupe's Sanctuary, a beautiful temple built in yellow and pink quarry.

• Tunnels: under Our Lady of Belen Parish’s ground you can access three main tunnels, originally built to protect the parish from water leaks and damages.

• The Pinacoteca de Asientos where you can admire several art masterpieces dating to the colonial period.

Tecate is the only Pueblo Mágico in Baja California and the only Magical Town along the Northern border of the country. As many Mexican Pueblos Mágicos, Tecate is permeated by an almost mystical allure, which, combined with the tranquil surrounding nature and scenic landscapes, makes the town absolutely worth a visit when travelling to Mexico. Tecate is also a gateway for the famous Ruta del Vino (the Wine Route) in the Guadalupe Valley attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.   While visiting the Pueblo Mágico of Tecate make sure you check out: 

• The Palacio Municipal (the Municipal Palace), an imposing building dating back to the early 1950s.

• The Museo Regional (Regional Museum), where you can learn about Tecate’s history from its origins when was inhabited by the Kumiai population to modern times.

• The Cerro Cuchumá, the Sacred Mountain of the Kumiai people, from which you can admire amazing panoramic views of Tecate. The area is an incredibly rich ecosystem hosting several fauna and flora specimens.

• El Vallecito archaeological site, one of the most peculiar destinations in Mexico for archeotourism where you can appreciate a large variety of materials including open-air housing camps, granite rock shelters, and rock paintings.

One of the most popular Pueblos Mágicos and a prime destination in Chiapas, Palenque is a captivating town rising in the middle of the Lacandon tropical jungle. This evocative Magical Town is mainly known for its famous archeological zone, where some of the most important vestiges of the Mayan culture can be found. Although Palenque was founded in the 16th century, its archeological site (Zona Arqueológica de Palenque) was discovered only in 1740 and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.   Some of the most remarkable landmarks of the zone are: 

• The Templo del Conde (Temple of the Count), one of the most prominent buildings in the area.

• El Palacio (The Palace), the largest area featuring buildings, stairways and various architectural elements including a four-sided tower that seems to guard on the place.

• The Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of Inscriptions), a fundamental piece of the site that allowed to learn more about Palenque’s history.

  Besides its archeological value, Palenque boasts striking natural surroundings: thanks to its location, this Pueblo Magico offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding Lacandon jungle and its wonders, such as the Cascadas de Misol Ha (Misol Ha Waterfalls) and the crystal-clear waterfalls of Agua Azul.

San Cristóbal de las Casas is maybe one of the most famous Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico and one of the many treasures you will find in Chiapas. Located only one hour away from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, this alluring Magical Town will impress you with its perfectly preserved architecture and the beauty of its historical center. While wandering its colorful streets you will be amazed at the elegant neoclassical and baroque buildings, the wide patios, and many flowery balconies, feeling like stepping back in time. Although the colonial past of San Cristóbal de las Casas permeates most of its venues, the town attests to an even more ancestral heritage in its traditions and festivities, that celebrate the folklore of the Mayans’ descendants. While staying in San Cristóbal de las Casas we suggest you visit:  

• The Na Bolom Museum, originally founded as a venue dedicated to the safeguard of the Lacandon population and the indigenous communities, the museum is also a research and cultural hub serving as a residence for artists.

• The Museum of San Cristóbal de las Casas (MUSAC), an important landmark to learn about the town and state’s history. 

• El Arcotete, a scenic cave system located only 4 km away from San Cristóbal de las Casas where you can admire dramatic rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Offering many opportunities for climbing, hiking, and rappelling, the area is also one excellent destination for adventure tourism in Mexico.

Casas Grandes is among the most peculiar Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico. Embedded in a desert environment, this mysterious Magical Town in the state of Chihuahua is a renowned archeotourism destination, attracting visitors interested both in its archeological vestiges of the pre-Columbian cultures and in its historical value. Some of the attractions you need to check out in Casas Grandes include:

• The Franciscan Mission of San Antonio de Padua, a beautiful parish temple built in the 17th century that dominates Casas Grandes’s historical center. 

• Paquimé Archeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an impressive and enigmatic architectural house system that reminds the structure of a labyrinth. Here you can discover more about the customs and society of the first Paquimé’s inhabitants, who were able to design an intricated hydraulic system despite being surrounded by the desert.

• El Museo de las Culturas del Norte (The Museum of Northern Cultures), a semi-subterranean museum displaying a large collection of fossils, objects, and tools recovered in Casas Grandes which connected to the Gran Chichimeca, the archeological site between Northern Mexico and the southern part of the United States. 

• The Cueva de la Olla (Cave of the Pot) is an evocative rock formation and an archeological site located 70 km away from Casas Grandes that offers easy access also to inexpert explorers.

Located right in the center of the Coahuila state, the Magical Town of Cuatro Ciénegas is a real oasis amidst the Chihuahua/Coahuila desert. This quaint Pueblo Mágico is surrounded by the homonymous Protected Natural Area, house to a wide variety of endemic flora and fauna species, and a must-see destination for ecotourists.
The town was founded in the 18th century, although it took several decades to officially conclude the process due to the resistance of the local dissident ethnic groups. The colonial character of the town is still visible in its architecture; the amazing Neoclassical parish Iglesia de San José is one of the most remarkable examples. When you travel to Cuatro Ciénegas pay a visit to:  

• The Venustiano Carranza Museum, the former house, and the birthplace of the Coahuila’s Governor of and founder of the Political Constitution of Mexico. Here you will learn about the state of Coahuila’s history and the Mexican Revolution.

• The Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve, a nature preserve whose immense value is attested by the biodiversity of its ecosystem. Besides being a research area used by scientists to understand more about the origins of life on earth, the biosphere offers countless opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities such as rappelling, mountain biking, and diving. Within the Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve and just 9 km from the Pueblo Mágico of Cuatro Ciénegas, you will find one of the area’s natural wonders. The crystal-clear pond Poza Azul (Blue Pool) is the most renowned body of water in the region and represents an incomparable source to study the evolution of our planet. Not too far from Poza Azul, you will come across the Dunas de Yeso (the Gypsum Dunes), an impressive and scenic white sand formation generated after the evaporation of the Tethys Sea waters millions of years ago. This area displays numerous fossils and geological remnants that seem to tell the story of time itself. Make sure you take a picture of “El Castillo”, the most famous dune of the Dunas de Yeso reaching a height of 12 meters.

The cozy town of Tepotzotlán is one of the ten Pueblos Mágicos in the state of Mexico City and is located just two hours away from the capital. Tepotzotlán was designated a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site and is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway if you stay in Mexico City or Querétaro. When visiting, we recommend you check out: 

• The Temple of San Francisco Javier, a majestic example of Novohispanic Baroque architecture whose gold-carved altar and interior elements reflect the sumptuous style of the 18th century.

• The National Museum of the Viceroyalty, hosting several collections of sacred art pieces and a permanent exhibition called México Virreinal that will give you more insight into the Colonial period in Mexico.

• The Sierra de Tepotzotlán State Park: located between Tepotzotlán and Huehuetoca, this protected natural area offers many entertainment opportunities and is a perfect adventure tourism destination. Among the other activities, you can enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

• The Xochitla Parque Ecológico (Xochitla Ecological Park) is a perfect spot to relax surrounded by green. The park encompasses a camping area, some elegantly decorated flowery gardens, dining facilities, extensive spaces where you can enjoy cycling and skating, and various attractions suitable for all ages.

• The iconic Arcos del Sitio, also known as the Aqueduct of Xalpa, where you can see the vestiges of the highest aqueduct in Mexico, dating back to the 18th century.

With its rich historical past and boasting a crucial role in the Mexican fight for independence, Dolores Hidalgo is one of the most interesting Pueblos Mágicos to visit if you want to delve into the origins of Mexico as it is nowadays. This picturesque Magical Town, whose full name is Dolores Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional (Dolores Hidalgo Cradle of National Independence), is probably the Guanajuato municipality that played the most important part in shaping the country’s autonomy. Its streets and buildings are permeated with the stories of the revolution hero Father Miguel Hidalgo, who, among other deeds, spoke the famous cry for independence known as El Grito de Dolores.   When you visit this historical destination make sure you do not miss:

• The Iglesia de Dolores (Dolores Church), a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that is deeply connected with the heroic deeds of Father Miguel Hidalgo. Hidalgo's House and Museum: the residence of the Mexican Revolution hero and Padre de la Patria (Father of the Country) was converted into a museum in 1946 and has ever since been a valued historical destination visited by many tourists all year. 

• The Museo de la Independencia, which used to be a prison until the 19th century, is another important historical landmark in Dolores Hidalgo. The museum encompasses seven separated spaces which represent the key moments of Mexico’s struggle for independence.

• The Bicentennial Museum, featuring an extensive collection of paintings, objects, photographs, weapons, and jewelry dating back to the Porfiriato period.

• The José Alfredo Jiménez Museum and grave are dedicated to one of the most famous and beloved sing-songwriter in Mexico.

Huasca de Ocampo is one of the three Pueblos Mágicos in the state of Hidalgo and is located only a few kilometers from the capital city Pachuca. Nestled in a beautiful mountain forest landscape, this cozy Magical Town still bears testimony of its mining past, which you can delve into by taking a guided tour of the San Miguel Regla and Santa María Regla Ex-haciendas or reach by boat the San Antonio Regla dam.   While visiting Huasca de Ocampo, you will enjoy unique contact with nature. Some of the most remarkable sites to see include: 

• The Bosque de las Truchas (Trout's Forest), an extensive hatchery of rainbow trout where you can navigate the placid waters of a turquoise lake, swim, or wander in the amazing surrounding forest.

• The Prismas Basálticos (Basaltic Prisms), probably the most renowned attraction in the Huasca de Ocampo. These smooth rock formations were generated from a basaltic lava runoff at the bottom of a cold-water ravine, which caused the lava to contract and create the iconic hexagonal pillars. You can reach and admire the Prismas hiking or if you are up to some adventure, zip-lining.

• The Barranca de Aguacatitla (Aguacatitla's Ravine) is part of the Reserva de la Biosfera Metztitlán (Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve) and is just a 30 minutes’ drive from Pueblo Mágico Huasca de Ocampo. The area is covered with oak, scrub, and tropical forests and is ideal to practice outdoor activities and explore the annexed canyon and caves.

Like many Pueblos Mágicos, the Jalisco town of Tapalpa preserves a mystical charm and an evocative beauty that will not fail to conquer you. Strolling along Tapalpa’s historical center you will be enthralled in a suggestive atmosphere that will bring you back in time, creating the illusion of stepping into its colonial past. Tapalpa is also a great ecotourism destination that is enjoying a rapidly growing popularity.   Both adventurous travelers and culture and history enthusiasts will not want to miss:

• The San Antonio de Padua Church, a Neoclassical masterpiece located in Tapalpa’s old town that dates back to the 18th century.

• The Templo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe), the Capilla la Purísima and the Templo de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. These three churches, built in different periods in over 300 years, are impressive examples of Baroque architecture.

• The Valle de Los Enigmas (Enigma Valley): here you can admire some of the most impressive rock formations in Jalisco which, as the name suggests, will baffle all your theories about their origins. This peculiar landscape that includes monoliths, meteorites, and soil formations is a popular destination for nature lovers and offers many chances for outdoor activities such as camping and horseback riding.

In the sizzling state of Jalisco, only one hour from Guadalajara, you will find Tequila, one of the most popular Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico. Besides being the place of origin of the iconic homonymous spirit, this peaceful town is a must-see for every traveler interested in getting to know the quintessence of Mexico. Surrounded by agave fields and liquor factories, Tequila offers many entertainment opportunities to any visitor.   While exploring this unique Pueblo Mágico, make sure you: 

• Stroll through Tequila’s Historical Center where, besides the many tequila-themed venues, you can admire some of the Pueblo’s architectural wonders such as the Templo de La Purísima and the Capilla del Calvario. 

• Travel on the José Cuervo Express Train connecting Guadalajara to Tequila. If you join this tour, you also have a chance to experience an exclusive tequila tasting and visit the La Rojeña distillery.

• Visit the Cascada Los Azules, a 1200-meter waterfall embedded in spectacular natural scenery. The Los Azules Waterfalls is only 10 minutes distant from Tequila. The area is a popular adventure tourism destination, where you can hike, rappel, or ride a mountain bike.

Probably the most famous of all Michoacán's Pueblos Mágicos, Pátzcuaro will make you feel like traveling to a distant past, whose traditions, folklore, and language seem to not have been touched by time. When you wander this Magical Town’s streets you will instantly be struck by the skills of Pátzcuaro’s artisans giving life to unique creations of pot, wood, iron, and silver. Pátzcuaro is located only one hour from Morelia, on the shores of the homonymous lake whose placid waters are an invitation to stop and contemplate the enchanting landscape. When you spend some time in Pátzcuaro you will have the chance to visit:

• The Museum of Popular Arts and Industries in Pátzcuaro’s Old Town where you can learn about the cultures and the history of Michoacán. 

• The Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Basilica of Our Lady of Health), the main temple in Pátzcuaro housing a sacred image of the Virgin Mary realized in the 17th century by the Purépecha indigenous people.

• The San Francisco Temple and the homonymous square that feautures an outstanding fountain, beautifully manicured gardens, and several typical shops.

Pátzcuaro is one of the many destinations in Mexico you can enjoy in every season, but if you are looking for a unique experience we suggest you visit the Pueblo Mágico between the last days of October and the beginning of November when the traditional celebration of the Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) takes place and the town pays respect to the departed with flowers, candles, dances, and performances.

A few kilometers south of Monterrey you will find the fascinating Pueblo Mágico of Villa de Santiago. Enjoying a prime location in the heart of the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Santiago is a very popular ecotourism destination and an ideal one for those who love outdoor activities and adventure sports. The town, which entered the Pueblos Mágicos program in 2006, bears testimony to its colonial past in the architecture of many of its buildings and venues. The parish church of Santiago Apóstol, built on the top of a promontory and bordering the Prietos and Santa Rosalía haciendas is one of the most charming landmarks in Santiago that you will want to pay a visit to.   Santiago is nestled in a lush green environment with varied geography and boasts enchanting waterfalls and canyons that you will never get tired to explore. When visiting this incredible Pueblo Mágico make sure you include in your must-see list: 

• The Cascada Cola de Caballo (Horsetail waterfalls), a strikingly beautiful waterfall embedded in a lush green area ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and rappelling.

• La Boca cave, also known as La Cueva de Los Murciélagos (The Cave of the Bats) is a sanctuary for this specie. The cave was originally used as a mine and is at the center of many local legends.

• The Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey’s canyons, where you can put your adventurous spirit to a test and practice several kinds of sports and activities. The best locations you might want to check out include Matacanes, Hidrofobia, El Laberinto, El Salto and Chipitín.

Probably the most popular of all Pueblos Mágicos in the state of Querétaro, the charming town of Bernal is one of the best mountain destinations in Mexico. This welcoming Magical Town is in the proximity of Mexico City and offers easy access to the mountain chain of Sierra Gorda. Thanks to its location amidst a rocky environment, Bernal is a real paradise for climbers and nature lovers. The majestic volcanic monolith Peña de Bernal dominates the town and is part of its iconic skyline.   The best way to get to know Bernal is to wander along its streets: the central Calle Independencia and Calle Juan Aldama are the best spots in town where you can browse the numerous artisan shops or savor some typical delicacies such as the gorditas de maíz quebrado (broken corn gorditas) at the many stands and dining venues. While visiting Bernal you will not want to miss: 

• The Peña de Bernal: considered the third biggest monolith in the world, the peak is house to unique, endemic flora species and is a sacred site for the Otomí-Chichimeca culture, whose ancestors used to venerate the mountain before the Spanish colonialism. The Peña de Bernal is also a great option for ecotourism  
  • Bernal’s vineyards: Querétaro is one of the main wine regions in Mexico and the territory around Bernal hosts several vineyards and haciendas that you can visit joining one of the wine tours. Some of the best wineries include Vinos San Juanito, Paso de Serra, and Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet, the most famous one in the region.
   
  • The Chapel of Souls, or Animitas, dates back to the 17th century and hosts a small museum featuring objects, paintings, and documents belonging to Bernals’ heritage.

The quaint town of Real de Catorce is one of the four Pueblos Mágicos in the state of San Luis Potosí and is only a 30 minutes drive from the capital. It boasts a beautiful historical center bearing testimony of its mining past and offers incredible views of the surrounding desert landscape. You can access the town on foot or by car via an evocative subterranean passage, the Túnel de Ogarrio (Ogarrio Tunnel), once used by the miners and leading to the town’s entrance. Although it counts several abandoned buildings, Real de Catorce cannot be considered a real ghost town; however, the Pueblo Mágico is permeated by an aura of mysticism that contributes to its magical charm. Lose yourself in the maze of cobbled streets, visit the popular Plaza Hidalgo and relax in its placid garden, and check out the majestic historical buildings of the City Hall, the Casa de Moneda, the Real de Catorce Museum. Real de Catorce offers many attractions that you can enjoy during your stay. While in town, do not forget to:  

• Visit the Cerro del Quemado (El Quemado Huichol Ceremonial Center), a sacred place for the Wikarika or Huichol indigenous communities where mystical rituals are still performed, that you can reach on a horseback from Real de Catorce.

• Ride the Mezcal Route, starting from the nearby municipality of Venado, and taste some of the best samples of this liquor while visiting the local mezcal factories.

Probably the most mysterious and alluring of all Pueblos Mágicos in San Luis Potosí and the oldest town in the state, Xilitla is a hidden gem you cannot miss while spending your holidays in Mexico. Enclosed in the lush jungle of the amazing Huasteca Potosina, this unique Magical Town will conquer you with its surreal allure and incredible sites. Visit the Miguel Hidalgo Garden with its iconic kiosk and the Ex-Convent of San Agustin, from whose bell tower you can admire a spectacular view of Xilitla and the Cerro de la Silleta. The main sites of interest in Xilitla include: 

• The Edward James Surreal Garden, also known as Las Pozas (The Pools), is a one-of-a-kind art project realized in 1947 by the Scottish poet Edward James. The garden, set in the middle of the jungle, includes numerous sculptures and architectural elements that emerge from the ground, all surrounded by a natural landscape encompassing waterfalls, natural pools, and varied endemic fauna and flora species. “The stairway to heaven”, “The Gate of San Pablo”, The Concrete Orchids, and “The Giant's Hands” are some of the most famous sculptures featured in the garden.

• The Grottoes de Xilo, located in Edward James Garden, is a great option for adventure tourism lovers. Here you can awe at the various rock formations and even descend a 50-meter petrified waterfall.

• The Leonora Carrington Museum, an unmissable stop if love surrealistic art that features a large collection of the artist’s works.

Like many other Pueblos Mágicos and cities in Mexico, El Fuerte, in the state of Sinaloa, keeps intact its traditions, folklore, and historical heritage. Easily reachable also from the state of Chihuahua, El Fuerte boasts Neoclassical architectural creations that attest to its colonial past, like the Municipal Palace, or the beautiful pink quarry Parish of The Sacred Heart of Jesus. The central Plaza de Armas, with its kiosk and metalsmith work, is another historical place you will come across while strolling in El Fuerte.   Besides enjoying the local gastronomy at one of the many restaurants in town, while exploring this fascinating Pueblo Mágico, make sure you include in your tour:

• The Museum Mirador El Fuerte where an extensive collection of photographs and objects document the life and costumes of the Mayo and Yoreme cultures. 

• La Galera: located on the Fuerte River, this area offers many entertainment and sport opportunities including rappelling, ziplining, climbing, hiking, and mountain bike riding.

• The Cerro de la Máscara (Mask Hill), a renowned archeological site where many petroglyphs were engraved by the Mayos 2500 years ago and unique curative and sacred plants can be admired.

The only Pueblo Mágico in Tabasco state, Tapijulapa is the ideal destination if you are looking for beautiful nature and a unique jungle landscape. Enjoying warm, tropical weather, this charming Magical Town used to be inhabited by the Maya Zoques, whose presence is still visible in the many natural and architectural vestiges. Part of the charm of Tapijulapa is the perfectly balanced contrast between its lush natural surroundings and the colonial architecture that you can still see in its red-roofed white houses and cobbled streets. Although its attractions are mainly natural treasures, one of the most famous landmarks in Tapijulapa is the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol (Temple of Santiago Apostol), an imposing example of viceregal architectural style that seems to have not been touched by time passing. To reach it you will have to climb a long staircase but will be rewarded with one of the most amazing panoramic views of the town.   Adventure and ecotourism lovers cannot miss Tapijulapa’s natural wonders among which:

• Villa Luz Ecological Reserve, a wide green area central to the Zoque culture. This natural park is ideal for hiking, ziplining, or exploring the surrounding jungle and its secret caves.

• The Kolem-Jaa Ecotourism Park, right in the humid jungle of Tacotalpa municipality mountains. This area offers many chances for practicing adventurous sports and discovering unique ecosystems. 

• The Jardín de Dios (Garden of God), a beautiful botanical garden set in the Zunu ejido territory, only seven kilometers from Tapijulapa hosting over 300 species of medicinal plants.

Boasting a rich colonial past and traditions, the beautiful Pueblo Mágico of Tula was the oldest city in the state of Tamaulipas. Founded in the 17th century, this historical Magical Town is said to be the birthplace of the cuera, the typical Tamaulipas adorned leather jacket and is enclosed in a very peculiar setting. The vegetation surrounding Tula mainly consists of a large variety of rare cacti species, which contributes to creating the magical atmosphere that characterizes the town. As it is true for most Pueblos Mágicos, the best way to get to know Tula is by walking along the cobbled streets of its Historical Center. All around the main square you will admire classic examples of architecture dating back to the Porfirian period such as the kiosk and fountain or the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua, Tula’s most famous monument. Other remarkable religious buildings include the Capilla del Rosario, the Capilla de las Angustias, and the Capilla del Panteón Viejo ruins. While staying in Tula, we suggest you visit: 

• The Tammapul Archaeological Site, a great destination for archaeotourism enthusiasts where you can discover one of Mesoamerica’s most unique prehispanic constructions, The Gran Cué pyramid, or El Cuizillo. The site, whose name means “Place of Mists”, is located on the shores of the Tula Lagoon and can be easily reached from the town.

• El Contador: a very important pilgrimage center in Tamaulipas, this sanctuary houses the amazing stone-sculpted Virgin of Contadero.

Crossed by crystalline waters rivers and dominated by the imposing Citlaltépetl volcano, the Pueblo Mágico of Orizaba awaits you in the Altas Montañas de Veracruz (Veracruz's High Mountains) region. Due to its original Nahuatl name Ahuilizapan, Orizaba is nicknamed the “Ciudad de las Aguas Alegres” (City of Happy Waters) and boasts an immense cultural and historical richness that attest to the contamination of the pre-Hispanic civilization with the colonial customs. As in most Mexican Pueblo Mágicos, in Orizaba’s Old Town you will find some of the most important monuments and landmarks, including the Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace), the Teatro Ignacio de la Llave (Ignacio de la Llave’s Theater), and the Catedral de San Miguel Arcángel (San Miguel Arcángel's Cathedral).   Orizaba is not short on urban attractions and natural gems that you will be amazed at. To get a thorough experience during your stay make sure you add to your list: 

• The Palacio de Hierro (Iron Palace): located on the old Plaza de Armas this peculiar building was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and was built with forged iron mixed with wood and bricks.

• The Casa de las Leyendas (House of Legends), a wide museum including eleven stages with installations dedicated to the local legends and mysteries of oral tradition.

• Orizaba’s Paseo del Río y Reserva Animal (River Passageway and Animal Reserve). Just stroll along the banks of the river originating from the Ojo de Venado spring on the Pico de Orizaba and awe at the endemic fauna that populates the preserve: ostriches, crocodiles, hippos, and various species of apes are some of the specimens that populate the area.

• The Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba (Pico de Orizaba National Park): this wonderful natural reserve and ecotourism site hosts the highest volcano in Mexico, the Pico de Orizaba or Citlaltépetl (Cerro de la Estrella/Star’s Hill), and offers many entertainment options both if you are an expert climber or prefer to hike or mountain bike enjoying the impressive landscape.