Changes in Latitude

Especially if you are new to Mexico, tune into this program as you explore this dynamic and beautiful country. Not for the program itself; it is true… there are magical villages in Mexico. This travel journal presents the highlights of this program and its best destinations.

This program has resulted in substantial investment in most of its 34 designated gems since its inception in 2001, mainly in the areas of restoration and preservation. The most magical pueblos had already been inducted by 2006 when representatives from the earlier pueblos began to complain that the program was becoming less magical. By 2008 the program ended. The 14 pueblos selected in the last three years are not included here.

The first 20 Pueblos Mágicos are introduced below, presented in order of admission into the program. Travelers will notice an evolution from early inclusion based mainly on historical importance to pueblos with more contemporary social and cultural attributes.

Pueblos Mágicos

Mexcaltitán is a tiny island off the coast of Nayarit, rumored to be the birthplace of the Aztecs. The island is man-made, not tourist friendly, but important for cultural anthropologists.

Huasca de Ocampo is a beautiful village near one of Mexico’s highest cities, Pachuca, Hidalgo. It has more natural beauty than it has tourists, which is a plus in my book. It is a stunning visual feast due to a picturesque lake and biosphere reserve.

Real de Catorce is magical in more ways than one. This former silver mining town in San Luis Potosi is sublime. It attracts pilgrims from all over the world due to its architectural integrity and its history with rite-of-passage rituals involving peyote.

Tepoztlán is a mystical center and home to fabulous artisan markets. The setting in the mountains of Morelos makes it a popular destination. The town is as charming and it’s a great escape from Mexico City.

Taxco is Mexico’s famous source for silver jewelry. It’s perched on a Guerrero mountainside with cobblestone streets, magnificent colonial architecture, history, art, and very good tourist services.

Tepotzotlán is not the same pueblo as Tepoztlán above. This was a Jesuit center with an elaborate system of aqueducts. If you enjoy Christian history such as old convents and temples, you will enjoy this pleasant city in the state of Mexico.

Tapalpa is one of four Pueblos Mágicos in the state of Jalisco. It is a beautiful and peaceful rural sanctuary. The natural landscape surrounding this unspoiled alpine puebla features forest streams, and lakes resting in the shadows of volcanoes.

Comala is in Colima. Like Tapalpa, it has red tile roofs and stone streets. It is unusual in two respects. Most every building is whitewashed, and its cantinas feature substantial food, complements of the house. Fine craftsmen live here, and they are well fed.

Pátzcuaro is a stone city high in the mountains in Michoacan. It is bordered by pines and a beautiful lake. It is home to fisherman and craftsmen. Visit the island of Janitzio and watch the old men dance in the plaza.

Dolores Hidalgo is home to the Talavera ceramics famous throughout Mexico (and much of the world) and to more ice cream flavors than any place in Mexico. This town is the cradle of Mexican independence.

San Miguel de Allende is a favorite pueblo for expats including 10,000 from the USA alone. It all started with WWII vets attending art school on the GI Bill. Beautiful architecture and hot springs continue to inspire artists and retirees.

Cuetzalán in Puebla has a unique feel to it. It is isolated and rustic with red tile roofs, cobblestone streets and a glorious hillside setting. There is a waterfall and pyramids in the jungle outside town. This is a quintessential Mexican village with two fine hotels.

Izamal is a tiny yellow town in Yucatán state. Mayan buildings include a pyramid to a Sun God that is 2 acres at its base. This large Mayan city introduced unique architectural features such as carved stone blocks with rounded corners and projected moldings, built 750BC – 750AD.

Tequila is a delightful pueblo fueled by the drink of the same name. Dozens of distilleries operate tasting rooms, the central plaza is alive with music and revelers, and excellent food and lodging abounds. Its home, Jalisco, has more Pueblos Mágicos than any other state.

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a large city at 7000’ in Chiapas surrounded by wetlands and neighbor to the Mayan jewel Palenque. It is surrounded by lagoons, lakes, and canyons and Mayan villages. Its architectural styles are rich and varied colonial, baroque, & neoclassical.

Real del Monte is a mining boom town in Hidalgo where gold and silver were discovered before the Spanish Conquest. Cornish miners greatly influenced building styles and introduced futbol/soccer to Mexico. Charmingly narrow streets and stairways are well preserved.

Parras de la Fuente is two hours from Coahuila’s capital, Saltillo. It is home to the America’s first vineyard (1593) and many others. There are orchards of walnut, pecan, avocado, and fig. Spring-fed pools provide feed several resorts. The climate is ideal for agriculture.

Valle de Bravo is on Lake Avandaro where artists and cafes line the boardwalk. Visitors hire boats from the dock, paraglide, golf, or take horseback rides. Valle de Bravo is home to an amazing Day of the Dead celebration, the Festival of Souls.

Mazamitla is a 12th century village in Jalisco near the mountainous border with Michoacan. Here travelers find cabins in the woods, a Norwegian center, excellent restaurants, a quaint town center, Japanese gardens with waterfalls, and many other pleasant surprises.

Alamos is Sonora’s silver boom town and one-time capital. It is home to an impeccable town surrounding one the best town centers in Mexico, cobblestone streets, excellent dining and lodging. There is an ecological reserve outside of town. Alamos is popular with birders.