Mexico's Magical Towns North of Mexico City

Pátzcuaro, Bernal, Mexcaltitán--Unique Mexican Small Towns

Feb 20, 2009

Small towns in Mexico offer an alternative travel experience unmatched by the big cities. The Pueblos Mágicos or Magical Towns program features the nation's best.

Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos or Magical Towns program launched in 2001 with the backing of the nation’s Ministry of Tourism as well as state government agencies. The project highlights small Mexican towns with great culture, historic or religious significance.

It’s not easy to become a magical town. Townspeople must initiate the long process, meet certain criteria and agree to strict architectural and visual guidelines. But places that achieve magical town status reap the benefits. Magical towns receive government funding to boost tourism-related businesses and beautify and preserve cultural sites, making the places visitor friendly.

Currently, there are 35 magical towns and the list keeps growing as more towns strive for the coveted Pueblos Mágicos status. All of the towns now have easy access from a bigger Mexican city and have high-quality lodging. For visitors wanting to trek off Mexico’s beaten path, these are some top Pueblos Mágicos north of Mexico City:

Bernal, Querétaro

Home to the world’s third largest monolith, Bernal locals claim the town has a mystical energy coming from the massive Peña de Bernal rock. Visitors are welcome to climb up the monolith, which juts out dramatically from the surrounding semi-arid land. The charming town, located 54 km from Querétaro City, has cobblestone streets and the lovely Church of San Sebastián Mártir, which dates back to 1725. Travelers here can also enjoy the holistic therapy offered around town.

Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

This truly magical and enchanting gem fills visitors with wonderment. Pátzcuaro’s strong Purépecha presence makes this a special place filled with tradition, located just 31 miles from Morelia. Its lovely plazas, beautiful Lake Pátzcuaro, and white and red adobe buildings create a scenic vista.

Pátzcuaro’s traditional furniture and top quality crafts can be found at the Casa de los Once Patios or House of the 11 Courtyards, a picturesque former convent from the 1700s. Pátzcuaro hosts elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations on the first two days of November, but visitors interested in coming to the town on those days must make reservations months in advance. Hordes of tourists visit for Day of the Dead (a festival honoring those who have died) and Pátzcuaro loses its serene quality.

Mexcaltitán, Nayarit

One of the most unique towns in Mexico, Mexcaltitán is a small island that some historians claim is the birthplace of the Aztecs because of its uncanny resemblance to Tenochitlán (present day Mexico City). People have nicknamed Mexcaltitán “The Venice of Mexico,” because during the rainy season water rushes into the town transforming the streets into canals. Locals get around on canoes, and there are no cars allowed.

Visitors must get to La Batanza docks (about 40 km outside of Santiago Ixcuintla) and catch a boat to the island. Make sure to take insect repellant. Visitors can treat themselves to ultra fresh seafood and local specialties such as breaded shrimp "meatballs" and shrimp pâté.

The copyright of the article Mexico's Magical Towns North of Mexico City in Mexican Travel is owned by Nancy Flores. Permission to republish Mexico's Magical Towns North of Mexico City in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.