Is Mexico a country you have wanted to visit or moved to for a while now?
You should know that you are considering an exciting and culturally rich destination that continues to be a favorite for travelers and expats.
Among the less popular but terrific places in the North American nation are what is known as Pueblos Mágicos or Mexico’s Magical Towns.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Mexico has ranked as the fourth largest exporter of IT services across the globe. Over the past decade, the IT sector has been booming, growing at an average annual rate of 11.2%, which is even faster than the overall national economy. This surge is mainly thanks to the increase in exports, with an impressive average annual growth rate of 42.8% during this period.
From 2006 to 2011, investments in the IT sector, supported by the Prosoft Fund (Program for the Development of the Software Industry and Innovation), saw a jump from 78 million dollars to almost 115 million dollars.
Employment in the IT sector is significant, providing jobs for nearly 600,000 people. And the sector has been experiencing steady growth, with an average annual employment increase of 11% between 2002 and 2011.
As of 2023, the Mexican government estimates that the information technology services market has exceeded 2.15 billion dollars, marking an 18.4% growth compared to 2022. Looking ahead to 2024, they predict this figure to soar to over 8.85 billion dollars.
What Are Magical Towns in Mexico?
These are towns and villages that have been awarded the special status of a ‘magic town’ by the federal government due to their cultural and historical significance.
The preservation of culture, architecture, and history are among the qualities of Mexico’s magical towns.
In addition, the towns must meet specific criteria like proximity to a major tourist attraction, an active tourism program, unique attractions, and safety measures for tourists.
Pueblos Mágicos are very tourist-friendly and make for some of the safest places to live in Mexico. As of 2023, the number of magical towns in Mexico has risen to 177.
Let’s explore some of these charming towns that will steal your heart.
1. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
Nestled in the highland state of Chiapas is a magical town you can’t afford to miss, the San Cristóbal de las Casas.
The town has a rich and well-preserved history and culture that has long since meshed to create a unique setting.
You will notice the colonial architecture, with buildings such as the Catedral de San Cristóbal de las Casas and the Santo Domingo Dominican convent offering a look into the town’s history.
Aside from the buildings and cobblestone streets, practices like ceramics, wood carving, jewelry, and festivities capture the culture of the town’s indigenous population.
2. Santa Rosa de Múzquiz, Coahuila
Also known as Melchor Múzquiz, the city lies north of Mexico in Coahuila. The city is one of the hidden gems of Mexico. It boasts a stunning landscape with many natural attractions and historical preservation sites like Museo Historico De Muzquiz, Museo Julio Galán, and Museo de Ganadería.
3. Candelaria, Campeche
In southern Mexico’s state of Campeche, you will find the municipality of Candelaria, one of the most picturesque Pueblo Magicos.
The town boasts abundant natural areas, with a backdrop of tropical vegetation and the Río Candelaria, which has become popular for water sports like rafting.
Candelaria is also one of the locations with historical significance owing to El Tigre, a well-preserved Mayan archeological site.
4. Sayula, Jalisco
Sayula is a town in the state of Jalisco that thrives in the region’s history and traditions. The beautiful cathedral and chapels with the hills and Laguna de Sayula in the background make this magical town unforgettable.
If the natural scenery and the centuries-old buildings don’t reel you in, you may yet fall for traditional aspects like the Cajeta (caramel) and the local festivities that frequently animate the town square.
5. Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico
Most of Mexico’s magic towns are not exactly popular tourist destinations but instead, treasures tucked away off-the-beaten-path. However, the town of Valle de Bravo in the State of Mexico is an exception.
The shores of Lake Avándaro and a dramatic mountain backdrop are simply the beginning of what makes the old town a tourist magnet. From there, you won’t find a shortage of charming attractions, from colonial structures and cobblestone lanes to a vibrant market and stunning lake vistas.
6. Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita is a magical town that’s as cute as its name. It’s a stunning beach town in the coastal state of Nayarit that should not be confused with Sayula, which lies around 325 miles to the east.
The tourist town, with its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant streets, and sprawling landscape, is a perfect example of a magical town that truly feels enchanting. From a colorful plaza to palm-lined streets filled with artifacts, there isn’t a place that doesn’t give off the vibes of an endless summer.
If you’re fascinated with Italy’s sun-kissed Mediterranean coast and similar places, you will be mesmerized by Sayulita.
Final Takeaway
There are countless magical places around the world, and that includes Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos. These are not just towns and villages designated as magical for promotional purposes. They do fit the bill.
But there’s only one way to find out: exploring these destinations. With 177 entries and counting, you are sure to find towns that will steal your heart.
