Tag: Mexico

Travel to Mexico is not new. Visitors have been flocking to her shores for hundreds of years. Mexico is well known for the thousands of miles of coastline, the magnificent colonial cities, the beaches of Baja, and the white sand beaches of the Yucatan.

The Mexican government works hard to promote tourism and, in addition to world-renowned hot spots such as Acapulco, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta, much money and time has been built infrastructure in a particular group of towns such as Ixtapa, Cancun, and Loreto.

Savvy travelers, however, know that the true joy and magic of “Magical Mexico” is found in the lesser-touristic Mexican towns. Over one hundred pueblo magico, Magic towns, are on many travelers radar and there are a multitude of other towns and villages that draw those in the know. Jump on a jet plane, and fly away to one of these 5 best Mexican towns you’ve probably never heard of.

 

1. Patzcuaro

Patzcuaro is near perfection. A stunning old town, founded in the 1320’s, surrounds one of many large plazas and is edged by cafes, restaurants, and one of the best markets in all of Mexico. The surrounding streets wind and weave their way along 400 year old cobblestones and gorgeous architecture, are complete with all of the color and pomp that defines this exotic land. Inexpensive food carts mesh effortlessly with 100 year old coffee shops, and the overall feel is far more European than Mexican in feel. The daily market is a treasure, offering up everything from live chickens to food stands to vegetables to booths selling baskets or offering knife sharpening. A fun day trip involves a short boat trip into the lake to climb the pilgrimage at Isla Janitzio.

 

2. Cuitzeo

Cuitzeo, another pueblo magico, takes a little bit of work to find its charm. A rather small village compared to many, Cuitzeo only needs a bit of time to embrace the magic. One of the magic Mexican towns featuring a monastery, the foot wide walls and arches lend themselves to an earlier period. Multiple delicious local restaurants are an easy meander away from the main square, and all along the way you will find yourself captivated by the fascinating glimpse into a way of life right out of the past. In addition, a variety of local artisans create offerings covering a huge range of crafts.

 

3. Tapalpa

Tapalpa is a bit of a mystery. The location is prime, within an easy days drive from Guadalajara, Morelia, and perhaps even Puerto Vallarta. But this stunning city is just far enough off the “tourist trail” that is sees very few visitors, further lending itself to create a feeling of stepping back in time. The narrow streets are pure old Mexico, lined by white washed stucco topped by red tile roofs. Windows are framed by multi-colored shutters and ancient stone streets force the visitor to mind their feet as they find one photo opportunity after another.

 

4. Zacatecas

The colorful, small city of Guanajuato is well known on the tourist trail. Lesser known, and perhaps even more magical, is the high-altitude city of Zacatecas. Like its better known sibling, Zacatecas sits in the crux of several high hills creating a narrow valley. An amazing array of colors wash the surrounding hills in a rainbow-like kaleidoscope. Not a single straight street is to be found, giving the impression that a walk through old town is more of a meandering forest path than a large urban environment. For a fascinating glimpse into the past, grab yourself a grilled tamale before heading to the former monastery, turned ceremonial mask museum, at the Rafael Coronel Museum. Sitting at 8100 feet elevation, Zacatecas is certainly not for the faint of heart, yet this fascinating city continues to enchant.

 

5. San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cris may not be a fully new name to Mexico aficionados, however with a location high in the hills of Chiapas in southern Mexico, this exotic city is far off the path of most travelers. Quite simply, it’s not easy to get to. A full day’s drive from either the Pacific coast or the Gulf of Mexico, San Cris is a mix of comfortable urban city and quaint hill tribe village. More than the others, San Cris is a blend. Pedestrian streets are lined by western-style cafes and coffee houses, while locals from a multitude of tribal ethnic groups also wander these same streets selling their local craftsmanship. A Thai restaurant can be found as easily as a local taco cart, and wine shops abound. The near-perfect juxtaposition of old and new, San Cris features color and design along with an undeniable authentic charm.

 

Visit One of These Mexican Towns

Each of these five amazing Mexican towns easily has a dozen others near them that are equally appealing. One of the joys of this large and diverse country is the capability to travel from one shore to another, from sea level to over 10,000 feet in elevation, and feel as though you are transported to another time and place all within the same land. For travelers who are only familiar with the well-traveled tourist path, it is in their best interest to venture off that well beaten trail and explore some new terrain.

For historians and artists, these colonial Mexican towns offer up rambling landscapes, architecture that is hundreds of years old, and a thriving ancient culture. Shoppers will find themselves wishing they owned two or three homes because of the number and quality of artisan crafts and gorgeous furnishings available to them. Magnificent tiles in the Spanish tradition, elaborately carved furniture, and wrought iron light fixtures are just a few of the most popular to take home.

Romantics will feel all of the magic of these colorful Mexican towns as they meander their way down winding cobblestone streets surrounded by mariachi music and taco carts.

Mexico truly embodies the old and the new, effortlessly combing the magic of hundreds of years of history with a modern, thriving culture. A must on anyone’s bucket list.

 

One big question that all travelers need to answer is WHERE? Where to go on holiday? Some make this determination based on time off. Perhaps others need to plan around multiple family member’s desires. Many travelers swarm to the warm beaches, while others seek adventure and culture.

Whatever comes into play for the individual, Mexico offers up the answer. This magical country offers up an amazing diversity that many are unaware of.  Here are five of the less known regions in Mexico that should be having all travelers book a flight immediately. In fact, with the close proximity to the United States, perhaps even a splurge on a private jet!

 

1. The Wide Open Beaches of Baja

Many travelers are well aware of the gorgeous white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean on Mexico’s east side. What fewer are familiar with are the miles and miles of nearly empty sand in Baja. Baja California is an entity unto itself when compared to the rest of the country. This narrow and lightly traveled peninsula features thousands of miles of coastline, featuring both the mighty waves of the Pacific, along with the much more tranquil Sea of Cortez.

Best known for the upscale party city of Cabo San Lucas, the real gems are found off the beaten path. Magic exists in the small fishing villages of San Felipe and Los Barriles. Fish tacos and beach camping line the entire coastline. And the historic city of Loreto, along with the artsy town of Todos Santos will charm those looking for culture.

 

2. Finding Magic in Pueblo Magicos

One surprise to many travelers is finding that there are currently 101 towns and villages in Mexico that are considered so special the government has deemed them Pueblo Magicos… villages of magic. These towns offer astonishing diversity, from the gorgeous and tiny village of Alamos to the large and thriving city of Patzcuaro.

What all share is a certain historical and cultural significance that the government seeks to preserve for the future. They exist in far reaching regions of the country, from beach villages to the high elevations of the colonial hill-town area.  Each pueblo magico is unique in its own right and multiple vacations could be planned with the simple premise of visiting each and every one.

 

3. Ruins Less Known

Nearly everyone has heard of the “big boys” of Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan and Monte Alban. What not everyone knows is that nearly the entire country of Mexico is overrun by Mayan ruins both large and small. Some are remote, but many are located very close to the larger and better known sites. While it is well worth it to climb the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan or explore the ball fields of Chichen Itza, it is equally rewarding to seek out the under-explored gems such as Yagul in Oaxaca state or Yaxchilán, which can only be accessed by boat creating a feeling of being a modern day Indiana Jones.

Travelers will find smaller numbers and wide open spaces as you explore every nook and cranny of Mayan monuments that are thousands of years old. Climb through the jungles vegetation at Palenque or enjoy the Yucatan region without the crowds at Ek Balam, one of the few sites still occupied when the Spanish invaded.

 

4. Another Look at Resort Towns

Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun. The resort towns of Mexico are well documented and well-traveled. You can, however, see them in a whole new way. It was once the norm to book a fancy resort or all-inclusive and rarely get out to explore the real town behind the glitz. Not anymore. The travelers of today are looking for a more enriching experience in their holidays.

The key to a more evolved vacation experience lies in getting off the main tourist strip. In nearly every case, the mere act of walking a few blocks from the malecon or waterfront and you find the “real” Mexico. Locals flock around their favorite tacos stands. Families spill out onto the sidewalks. Guitar music envelopes the scene. THIS is a Mexico you will never forget.

 

5. Colonial Charm

Far away from the beaches and hotel strips of Mexico lie some of the most astonishing cities travelers will find anywhere. The upper elevations and nearly perfect climate of the hills of Central Mexico hold untold treasures in architecture, culture and cuisine. Some, such as Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende are quite well established on the tourist’s radar.

However a multitude of fascinating stops exist for the traveler willing to step away from their comfort zone to search for a deeper experience. San Cristobal de las Casas, located deep in the jungles of the southern state of Chiapas is a perfect example of traditional Mayan culture, delightful cafes and restaurants, and colorful architecture. Further north, Zacatecas is rarely visited by tourists but is steeped in stunning architecture, delicious food, and one of the most fascinating ceremonial mask museums in the world.

 

Mexico has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent years, but for those in the know this eclectic country retains all of the charm and tradition that has drawn travelers to her shores for hundreds of years. Search out Mayan culture in unexpected places. Indulge on one of the worlds most revered cuisines. Sun yourself on the thousands of miles of beaches encompassing two oceans, a gulf and a sea.

The size of the country, alone, creates an enticing bounty of choices for the traveler. For few countries in the world can offer up the boundless diversity offering elevations from sea level to 10,000 feet. From relatively new, government created towns to several thousand year old cities. Perhaps an entire vacation could revolve around discovering the intricate differences between tequila and mescal. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Make all of your friends jealous this year by heading off to a country steeped in history, and yet fully immersed in the modern world.