12 Best Magical Villages in Mexico for Your Bucket List

When you visit the magical villages of Mexico, like San Miguel de Allende or Tulum, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a dream. These communities rival the best tourist destinations in the world in terms of history, nature, and culture.

Mexico’s ‘Pueblo Mágicos,’ or magical villages, are designated by the Mexican government for their history, nature, and culture. These protected communities offer experiences found nowhere else on Earth, from ancient pyramids and hidden waterfalls to centuries-old traditions still celebrated today.

To create this list, we combined personal experiences with traveler reviews, expert recommendations, and the criteria set by the Pueblo Mágico program itself. Each village was selected for its distinct charm, historical relevance, and the unique experiences it offers. Below are the 12 top Mexican magical villages.

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Which magical village in Mexico would you teleport to first?

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12 Best Magical Villages in Mexico Loreto. Loreto Mission church

Loreto 1/5

12 Best Magical Villages in Mexico Huasca de Ocampo, Museo de los Duendes

Huasca de Ocampo 2/5

12 Best Magical Villages in Mexico Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato

Dolores Hidalgo 3/5

24 Tropical Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Sayulita 4/5

24 Countries You Can Travel Visa-Free To As an American Mexico, North America

San Cristóbal 5/5

Results

Loreto

2 9

Huasca de Ocampo

2 9

Dolores Hidalgo

2 9

Sayulita

4 7

San Cristóbal

3 8

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Huasca de Ocampo

Huasca de Ocampo was the first magical village the Mexican government registered in 2001. It was selected because of its stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and access to untouched nature.

When you arrive, you’ll feel its magical charm. Walk through the streets and check out the small artisanal shops selling red clay pottery. See the paintings of the Iglesia de Juan el Bautista and relax in the quiet parks and cafes.

The town is popular for hiking in addition to relaxing and sightseeing. You’ll find caves, waterfalls, and the town’s famous basaltic prisms. Bring your camera because every part of this town will impress you.

Dolores Hidalgo

Dolores Hidalgo is a Pueblo Mágico in Guanajuato State. It’s famous for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, cuisine, and museums. The town is also one of the birthplaces of Mexico’s independence movement from Spain.

You’ll see iconic buildings like the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores. Then, visit its best museums like the Museo de la Independencia and the Casa Museo José Alfredo Jiménez.

Another draw for visitors is the town’s delicious and world-famous ice cream. Head to Plaza del Grande Hidalgo and stop at one of the popular ice cream parlors. You’ll find diverse flavors, from sapote to street corn.

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is a stunning city located in the mountains of Chiapas. It’s famous for its revolutionary history, Mayan culture, and unique gastronomy. It also has some of the best colonial architecture in Mexico.

You’ll see the famous Iglesia de San Cristóbalito and other churches and stone arches. Then, walk down the cobblestone streets and visit boutique stores and charming cafes. Throughout the city, visit art galleries and see live music and performances.

Nearby, check out the natural scenery and hiking areas, including El Arcotete. Here, you’ll see stunning waterfalls, caves, wildlife, and unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains.

Loreto

Loreto is a small town in Baja California that is full of captivating natural scenery and a laid-back vibe. It sits on the Gulf of California and has some of the best beaches in the country.

The town’s architecture is preserved from the Spanish colonial days. You’ll see the stunning 17th-century Mission Loreto and other centuries-old buildings.

You’ll get to enjoy freshly caught seafood at a local restaurant and sip on cocktails on the beach. Take a cruise to the Loreto National Marine Park to see whale sharks, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Take in the quiet night sky at night and slip into deep relaxation.

Sayulita

Sayulita is a spectacular coastal destination in the state of Nayarit. Its beautiful beaches, scenery, and inviting cultural activities will completely mesmerize you.

The town is ground zero for adventure sports such as surfing, scuba diving, and hiking. You can hike up Monkey Mountain and see endless expanses of ocean and forests. Or, rent a surfboard and take on the waves of the nearby coves and beaches.

In town, you can sample bottomless ceviche and grilled fish. Sip on freshly made cocktails near the beach and slip into one of the most relaxing vacations of your life.

Heroica Córdoba

12 Best Magical Villages in Mexico Heroica Córdoba, Cathedral of the Sagrario of the Immaculate Conception — © Aberu.Go / Shutterstock

Heroica Cordoba is one of Mexico’s most photogenicly beautiful pueblos magicos. Located in the jungles of Veracruz, this town is where Spain and Mexico signed the treaty of Mexican independence.

Experience some of the country’s best-preserved colonial architecture. Take a self-guided walking tour starting on 21 May Park. Then, visit the 17th-century Cathedral of Córdoba and the Portal de Cevallos.

After taking in the history and architecture, it’s time to eat. You’ll find a rich culinary history that blends European and indigenous cooking techniques. Take a guided food tour or enjoy a special cooking class if you can.

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Real del Monte

Real Del Monte is located high in the mountains of Hidalgo State. It was once one of Mexico’s most important mining towns and still preserves its mining culture.

Throughout its cobblestone streets, artisanal silver shops sell gorgeous handicrafts. Shop for souvenirs and walk through the town, enjoying the architecture. You’ll see former mansions converted into museums, inns, and charming restaurants.

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If you’re hungry, you can grab a Cornish Pastie, a specialty perfected by the town’s original Cornish immigrants. After eating, pop into a local cantina or cafe to try local drinks and cocktails. Although small, you’ll want to spend a few days here.

San Blas

San Blas is another beautiful magical village in the state of Nayarit. This incredibly gorgeous town boasts the ruins of Fort San Basilio and other important historical monuments.

Beyond its history, you’ll find a laid-back community full of exciting things to do and see. Head to the beach to try surfing or see the best wave riders take on the waves.

When you’re not relaxing on the beach or visiting the town’s monuments, you’ll be eating! San Blas is famous for its seafood and has dozens of renowned cantinas and restaurants specializing in fish. Load up on lobster or grilled fish and cover it with some of San Blas’ famously spicy salsas.

Cholula

Cholula is a large Pueblo Mágico in the center of Puebla State. The city is famous for having the largest pyramid in the Americas and some of the best food in the country.

You’ll climb the towering pyramid and see its ancient architecture and stonework. At the top, you’ll find the Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios church and views of the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy museums and historical buildings like the Convento de San Gabriel Arcángel in town. Shop for souvenirs and delicious street food at the San Pedro Market. Then end your day dining on the famous mole poblano to cap it all off.

Tequila

Tequila is a small Pueblo Magico known for producing Mexico’s famous spirit, tequila! This charming little town is located in the heart of Jalisco State.

When you visit, take a tour of the local distilleries and agave fields. You’ll learn how this famous beverage is made and meet artisanal producers. Don’t miss the National Museum of Tequila and the famous Casa Sauza.

The town itself has a laid-back vibe and plenty of historical architecture. It also has plenty of natural highlights, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and some of the best sunsets in the country.

Coatepec

Coatepec is a small town in Veracruz that is famous for its natural wonders and dense jungle. If you love nature and history, this town delivers. It also has Mexico’s most famous coffee.

Check out the town’s colorful architecture in the historical center. See the Parroquia de San Jerónimo church and walk through Miguel Hidalgo Park. Stop into artisanal shops to buy gourmet coffee and trinkets or spend an hour in a cafe.

You’ll see the Pico de Orizaba volcano towering in the distance, framing the town’s colorful buildings. Then, walk along the cobblestone streets some more and sample the town’s famous tacos. End your day with a glass of Torito, a local liquor, and let the moment take you away.

Ajijic

Ajijic is a lakeside town in the state of Jalisco, just an hour south of Guadalajara. It’s famous for its coastal scenery, rich cuisine, and romantic cobblestone paths along the lakefront.

You’ll fall in love with the town’s murals and art. International and local artists sell their work in galleries and cafes. There are even year-long art events with live music, art shows, and events.

Outside of its architecture, art, and cuisine is its nature. Ajijic is the gateway to the Sierra de San Juan Cosalá. This vast mountain range is full of hiking, mountain retreats, and incredible viewpoints that any photographer would love.