Currently, there are a total of 177 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico.
What is a Pueblo Magico? Key aspects of Mexico’s Magical Towns:
Program Goals:
The “Pueblos Mágicos” program aims to attract tourists, revitalize rural areas, and preserve cultural traditions. The Magical Town program was started in 2001 by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism. Its purpose is to bring attention to lesser-known places throughout the country and boost Mexican tourism and travel awareness to smaller towns.
Criteria for Designation:
Towns are selected for their distinct characteristics, including:
Cultural richness: Outstanding traditions, folklore, and artistic expressions.
Historical relevance: Well-preserved colonial architecture, pre-Hispanic sites, and historical events.
Natural beauty: Scenic landscapes, unique ecosystems, and natural resources.
Cuisine: Regional specialties, local ingredients, and culinary traditions.
Art and Crafts: Traditional crafts, artisan workshops, and local art forms.
Jalisco state with 12 Magical Towns, flavor, culture, art, nature, archaeology, music, and lots of partying. Discover everything Jalisco has to offer Here’s a map with some of our favorite places to visit in this spectacular state. Jalisco is one of the Mexican states with the most Magical Towns recognized by the Ministry of Tourism. The state is tied with the State of Mexico for first place!
1- Tapalpa
2- Mazamitla
3- Lagos de Moreno
4- Mascota
5- San Sebastián del Oeste
6- Talpa de Allende
7- Tequila
8- San Pedro Tlaquepaque
9- Ajijic
10- Cocula
11- Sayula
12- Temacapulín
Each of these beautiful towns is a good reason to visit Jalisco, beyond its beach Puerto Vallarta. Let yourself be won over by the magic of each of these communities, learn about their traditions, admire their colors, and enjoy the warmth of their people.
Are you looking for authentic towns in Mexico to get to know the culture and delve a little deeper? Well, these 12 Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco are the answer to your prayers.
You have heard the term small town magic; well, in Mexico, it is sanctioned. It is a recognition given by the government to small towns if they are culturally, historically, naturally, or gastronomically unique, or erm… magical.
The term Pueblos Magicos translates to Magic Towns or Magical Towns, and these are some of the best cities in Jalisco.
After living in Mexico for two years, we’ve explored a bunch of these super cute towns, and they are full of character and charm.
Where is Jalisco, Mexico?
This coastal state stretches for nearly 80,000 square kilometers, which is a little bigger than Panama! It’s bound by the Pacific Ocean to the west and has mountains as high as 4300 meters above sea level.
This map will help you visualize how close each Pueblo Magico is so you can be confident renting a car or taking day trips.
What is Jalisco, Mexico, known for?
The state of Jalisco is known for a few very iconic things:
1. Tequila and agave
2. Mariachis
3. Charros, ranches and rodeos (locally known as charrería)
4. Sombreros (iconic hats)
Ajijic
This cute town on Lake Chapala is a thriving hub for at least 10,000 expats and the first Pueblo Magico en Jalisc.
It is a very colorful town at the foot of the mountains, bathed by Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico. Its cobblestone streets are lined with murals by talented local artists.
It has a long history dating back to pre-Hispanic times.
Stroll along the Malecon, which borders Lake Chapala.
Gallery hop: There are a lot of galleries showcasing international and local artists.
You’re on Mexico’s biggest lake. Enjoy it.
Find all the murals.
Cocula
This is one of the newest Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco.
It is a cute cobblestone town with colonial architecture centered around a main square, but that’s not what got it on the list. Cocula is known as the “Cradle of Mariachi” due to its deep-rooted connection to the music that is Mexico.
Watch live mariachis until you start to grow your own curly mustache
Go to a workshop to see how the string instruments are made
Chill in the central plaza to see how life unfolds in Mariachi-ville
Visit the Mariachi Museum
Lagos de Moreno
This city is on the doorstep of the Sierra de Lobos Mountain range and is surrounded by rolling hills, lush countryside, and views for days. It is in the Altos Norte region of Jalisco.
Its buildings date back to the mid-1500s, especially in the historic center.
The famous bridge over the Lagos River, which was used to transport silver from the 16th through 19th centuries, is part of the UNESCO Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
Visit the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Watch a charreada (Mexican rodeo) at Hacienda de Cantera or Rancho Verde. It’s not like a US rodeo at all. There are dancing horses and traditionally dressed women riding side saddle. We’ve been to one, and it was such a peek into Jalisco’s heart and soul.
Horseback ride through the area.
See a play or opera in the José Rosas Moreno Theater.
Temacapulin
Also located in the Altos de Jalisco region and not far from Lagos de Moreno, Temacapulin is the hot spring capital of western Mexico. So, besides being culturally interesting with deep-rooted traditions, you’ve got hot springs to explore.
After sufficiently pruning yourself in the healing waters, wander the beautiful colonial estates or the maze of streets near the town center. Who could not use a little wellness-infused nature with a side of the cobblestone streets of yesteryear?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/47370+Temacapul%C3%ADn,+Jal./@21.1884864,-102.7091817,15.71z/data
Soak in a hot spring or all the hot springs.
Spend the day at the waterparks.
Go kayaking in the Verde River.
Explore the ruins of the old pantheon to get a breathtaking view of the town and the natural beauty surrounding it.
Visit the 18th-century Basilica de los Remedios (Virgin of the Remedies).
Marvel at Casas Reales, a colonial estate.
Mazamitla
Mazamitla, on the south side of Lake Chapala, isn’t far from Ajijic. But it’s very different. It’s all about reconnecting with nature. It’s known as the Mexican Switzerland because of its alpine scenery and outdoor activities.
It’s hugged by mountains and covered in more than 6,000 hectares of lush forest, making it a playground for adventure sports enthusiasts, like riding ATVs and ziplining at Adventure World.
There are hundreds of cabins you can rent just to get away from it all. By day, you’ll be hiking the trails and looking for waterfalls, and by night, you’ll be cozying up by a fireplace inside your cabin.
Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/49500+Mazamitla,+Jal./@19.9180633,-103.0303479,15z/data
Tour the Sierra del Tigre mountains on a safari truck.
Go see the Parish of San Cristóbal and wander the town.
Swim in the pools of the 115-foot Cascada El Salto waterfall.
Go shopping at the Handicrafts Market, and while you’re there, stay for the unique Museo Mazamitla.
Sayula
Sayula is another addition to the Jalisco Pueblos Magicos.
It is the town where the famous Mexican author Juan Rulfo was born and spent his early years.
Take a trip back in time to find the roots of Jalisco by walking through Sayula’s cobbled streets and gawking at its colorful facades and colonial churches.
Visit the Juan Rulfo House of Culture (Casa de Cultura).
Take a step back in time in the plaza principal.
Check out the Museum of Sacred Art and see the religious art.
Taste authentic cajeta, a sweet Mexican sauce similar to dulce de leche.
Tapalpa
Tapalpa town with red flowers and red and white buildings
This tiny town was the first Pueblo Magico in Jalisco, and it is easy to see why. It has plenty of nature to explore, adventures to be had, and architecture to admire all in one small town. In ancient Nahuatl, the name means Land of Colors for its bright green landscape and red-roofed buildings.
Check out the ruins of the first paper mill in Latin America.
Go horseback riding through the woods.
Go paragliding over the Valley de los Enigmas.
Search for petroglyphs from pre-Hispanic tribes on the enormous monoliths called Las Piedrotas.
Get your adrenaline pumping at the La Ceja Adventure Park.
Tequila
Oh, Tequila. The spirit and the Pueblo Mágico. This is one of the best magic towns in Jalisco.
The blue agave fields and old industrial facilities of Tequila are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and those same qualities make it a magical town. Agave farming is part of Mexico’s identity and has been around for nearly 2000 years. Some of the distilleries date back to the 18th century, and little has changed.
We spent one night in Tequila, but there is enough to do and taste for a whole weekend.
Take a tour of the distilleries and do a tasting.
Go to the agave fields.
Hang out in the plaza principal and watch the buzzed-up people dance to mariachis; better yet, join in.
Get a bantanga in its birthplace bar, La Capilla. A Batanga is a drink made with tequila blanco, lime, salt and coke. It makes no sense. It doesn’t even sound good. But everyone we’ve ever made one for has fallen in love with it. It’s a must in Tequila.
The Jose Cuervo Train looks like one of the coolest tequila experiences out there. It starts and ends in Guadalajara and it’s 11 hours of tequila. I don’t suggest this if you just kind of like tequila; it’s def for the tequila amor-er.
What is Tequila and Visit the City of Tequila, Jalisco. https://promovisionpv.com/what-is-tequila-and-visit-the-city-of-tequila-jalisco/
Tequila or Mezcal or Raicilla Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/tequila-or-mezcal-or-raicilla-puerto-vallarta/
Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is all about art. And more art. And… oh, you get the point.
You will find art of all sorts at every turn: sculptures, pottery, glass, paintings. The streets are alive with it, and it pours out of the galleries. Even the trendy restaurants have cool interiors. Wander around gleefully, popping in and out of galleries.
There are loads of high-end galleries, and it is home to one of the most incredible galleries, to The Sergio Bustamante Gallery. It is more like an art experience than a gallery. There is a garden out back with sculptures straight out of Cirque du Soleil. His art is mind-bending in a way that only Salvador Dali could understand.
Wander the galleries
Go to El Parian. It began in 1878 as an open-air market for the indigenous to sell their wares, and today, it is a modern version. And a perfect place to buy some handicrafts.
Visit the Parroquia de San Pedro Tlaquepaque, the city’s namesake.
Check out the Regional Ceramic Museum
Tour de Artisans goes to Tonala and Tlaquepaque with an art expert. You will visit the workshops of several artisans, learn about the pre-Hispanic traditions, delve deeper into the towns, and, of course, end with an ancestral fermented agave drink called pulque.
But if art is your focus, stay in Tlaquepaque for a few days. It is got a very cool vibe. Then, you can go on day trips into the city.
San Sebastian del Oeste
San Sebastian is an old mining town founded in the 17th century. It’s only about 1.5 hours from Puerto Vallarta, so it’s a popular weekend getaway for people who want to escape the heat of summer here.
San Sebastian del Oeste Jalisco https://promovisionpv.com/san-sebastian-del-oeste-jalisco/
It’s in the Sierra Occidental Mountains so outdoorsy types can hike, ride ATV’s and horses in the cool mountain air. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and really reconnect with nature. And disconnect from your phone.
It is a tiny town of only about 5000 people and has a very small-town vibe — it hasn’t really been touched by mass tourism… yet. Which is why you should go now. Enjoy exploring it on foot. Its slow pace urges you to wander, and being there feels like stepping back in time.
Taste different tequilas and raicillas, and then we had an impromptu tortilla-making lesson—which, by the way, is harder than it looks.
Rent an ATV or something rugged and drive up to the La Bufa viewpoint.
Wander the historic center and get a glimpse of local small-town life in Mexico.
Sip something in the main plaza and watch the world go by.
Visit a coffee farm or finca.
Go on a tour of the silver mines.
Take a day trips from Puerto Vallarta to San Sebastian. How to get to San Sebastian from Puerto Vallarta. To get to San Sebastian easily you either need to drive or take a tour. It’s only about a 1.5 hour drive, so it’s easily done as a day trip. There is a bus, but it only takes you to La Estancia, and then you will need to catch a cab for the last 15 minutes.
Mascota
An hour south of San Sebastian is Mascota, another mining town known as the “La Esmeralda de la Sierra” (The Emerald of the Sierra) for the lush green valley it sits in.
It is a rural agricultural hub that grows tons of corn, oats, sorghum, and coffee. Delicious coffee. And really good raicilla.
Raicilla is the unknown cousin of tequila or mezcal, and is only made in Jalisco state. It acquired its designation of origin in 2019 so it is having a bit of a resurgence right now.
What is Raicilla? Jalisco Denomination of Origin Drink. Travel Video Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/what-is-raicilla-jalisco-denomination-of-origin-drink-travel-video-puerto-vallarta/
Mascota is an ecotourism haven with a side of booze because it’s a big raicilla town.
Things to do in Mascota:
Go on a bike ride or take a hike in the lush valley or mountains.
Check out the Templo Inconcluso de la Preciosa Sangre (Unfinished Temple of Precious Blood).
Try jocoque, a yogurt-like dip, and panela cheese, which is a bit similar to halloumi.
Go museum hopping at the Museo El Pedregal, Museo de Arqueologia, and the Museo de la Raicilla.
Buy authentic huarache sandals from the Huichol people.
Taste raicilla.
Talpa de Allende
Talpa is another historic mining town in the mountains, just 40 minutes south of Mascota. But this one has a religious aspect.
It’s best known for the Virgin de Talpa at the Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). Every year, particularly around Easter, more than three million pilgrims walk for miles and miles (some for hundreds of miles) to visit the Virgin of Talpa.
Talpa is also known for its maple forests. Yes, maple trees. Like the ones in Vermont, except in Mexico.
See the Virgen de Talpa at the Our Lady of Rosary Basilica and Museum.
Walk along the Calzada de las Reinas (Queen’s Causway). It’s the pilgrim’s path, lined with sculptures of Marian devotions, there to honor the queens of Catholic Mexico.
Go shopping at the small shops for locally made coffee, guava candies, jellies, and chilte handicrafts.
Hike to the Capilla de la Cruz de Romero to check out the mountainous valley and town below.
Wander through the maple forest.
Jalisco is a very safe state. Of course you need to take precautions everywhere you travel.
Each pueblo has its own flavor, from the fiery vibes of Tequila to the laid-back charm of Mascota. No two are the same, which means you should visit them all. Whether you are hiking in the mountains, meeting artisans at local markets, or just sitting in the plaza with a tequila in hand, these towns are the real Mexico. The magical Mexico that so few explore.
MORE: https://promovisionpv.com/jalisco-has-9-magical-towns/
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