Magical Towns of Mexico

Introduction

• Magical Towns: Program by the Federal Ministry of Tourism in Mexico.
  • Highlights localities with symbolic attributes, legends, history, and magic.
  • 177 recognized destinations.
  • Cultural richness, traditions, and natural beauty.

Notable Magical Towns

1. Huasca de Ocampo

• Location: State of Hidalgo.
• Distinctions: First magical town (2001).
• Natural Attractions:
  • Basaltic prisms: Unique hexagonal formations.
  • Forests, waterfalls.
• Cultural Heritage:
  • Parish of San Juan Bautista (16th Century).
  • Hacienda of San Miguel Regla.
• Culture and Legends:
  • Museum of Elves.

2. Pátzcuaro

• Location: State of Michoacán.
• Main Attractions:
  • Lake of Pátzcuaro, Islands, Day of the Dead.
  • Historic center with colonial architecture.
• Handicrafts and Indigenous Culture:
  • Handicraft production: textiles, ceramics, carvings.
  • Rich traditions and indigenous celebrations.

3. Taxco de Alarcón

• Location: State of Guerrero.
• Known for: Silver production and jewelry.
• Architecture and History:
  • Cobblestone streets, red tile roofs.
  • Santa Prisca Church (18th Century).
• Attractions:
  • Silver workshops.
  • Views from the cable car.

4. San Cristóbal de las Casas

• Location: State of Chiapas.
• Cultural Richness:
  • Colonial architecture.
  • Indigenous communities.
• Handicrafts and Nature:
  • Colorful handicrafts.
  • Sumidero Canyon and Agua Azul Waterfalls.

5. Cholula

• Location: State of Puebla.
• History and Culture:
  • Cholula Pyramid: The largest pyramid by volume.
  • Church of Our Lady of Remedies.
• Panoramic View: Popocatépetl Volcano.

6. Bacalar

• Location: State of Quintana Roo.
• Natural Attractions:
  • Bacalar Lagoon: Known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
  • Fort San Felipe of Bacalar.
• Cenote Azul: Popular for swimming and diving.

7. Palenque

• Location: Chiapas.
• Main Attractions:
  • Palenque archaeological zone.
  • Agua Azul Waterfalls.
• Importance: Part of UNESCO World Heritage.

8. Tulum

• Location: State of Quintana Roo.
• Known for: Mayan ruins next to beaches.
• Nature and Culture:
  • Gran Cenote.
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

9. Real de Catorce

• Location: Potosí Plateau.
• Main Attraction: Ogarrio Tunnel.
• History and Culture:
  • Movie "The Mexican" filmed here.
  • Mint house.

10. Cozumel

• Location: Quintana Roo.
• Attractions:
  • Diving and coral reefs.
  • Mayan cultural history.
• Natural Wealth: Great Mayan Reef.

11. Aquismón

• Location: San Luis Potosí.
• Adventure and Nature:
  • Tamul Waterfall.
  • Cave of Swallows.

12. Mazamitla

• Location: Jalisco.
• Known for: Its natural beauty and picturesque architecture.
• Cuisine: The traditional "bote".

13. Xilitla

• Location: San Luis Potosí.
• Attractions:
  • Edward James' sculptural garden.
  • Waterfalls and caves.

14. Tequila

• Location: Jalisco.
• Famous for: Tequila production.
• History and Culture:
  • Tequila Museum.
  • Agave fields.

15. San José de Gracia

• Location: Aguascalientes.
• Main Attraction: Sanctuary of the Broken Christ.
• Nature: Sierra Fría and its dam.