MAGIC TOWNS
This small city, about four hours from Cancun and very close to the border with Belize, has a huge lake known as the Lake of the Seven Colors. The tones of the water range from crystalline to deep turquoise, due to the cenotes and the calcareous stone. Surrounded by exuberant mangroves, it offers incredible panoramic views.
With its cobbled streets and colorful facades, San Sebastian Bernal is a truly picturesque city. In addition, it has one of the highest monoliths in the world. Founded in the 17th century by Spanish families, it boasts many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Officially it is a city and the capital of the state of the same name, Campeche, but it has the character of a picturesque town. All of its facades in the historic center are painted in pastel colors and its main pedestrian street, Calle 59, has temporary art exhibitions.
Rich in legends and full of mystery and magic, the city of Malinalco, about two hours southwest of Mexico City, was a very important place for the Mexica, or Aztecs, who built a complex there for their military elite. It is surrounded by mountains and lush forests, and attracts visitors for its fauna and flora, as well as its historical and spiritual offering.
This town, whose center is around a 16th century Franciscan monastery built on top of a Mesoamerican temple, is painted in a cheerful canary yellow color. Its backdrop is the brilliant blue skies that normally bless the Yucatan Peninsula. It is halfway between Mérida and the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, and that is why it is perfect for a stop along the way.
Real de Catorce was once a thriving silver mining town and is now a ghost town in the desert of San Luis Potosí, in central Mexico. A pilgrimage site for the Huichol Indians and also for Catholics, this town has a spiritual character that attracts many visitors. And the fact that you have to go through a tunnel to get there, makes everything much more charming.
The cobblestone streets and rustic red-tile buildings are part of the charm of this town located in the mountains, just outside of Puebla (and about 4 hours away from Mexico City). Surrounded by a lush forest, full of waterfalls and caves and with an archaeological site very close, Cuetzalan is an ideal place for lovers of outdoor adventure.
Located in western Mexico, it was a ceremonial center before the arrival of the Spanish and has a long and interesting history. As you wander the pretty streets of this town, you can discover local crafts and learn about the rich indigenous history of Mexico. It is especially visited on the Day of the Dead, for the traditional ceremonies that take place between October 31 and November 2.
This small town in the mountains of Guerrero, two and a half hours southwest of Mexico City, Taxco is known for being “the city of silver” due to all the mines it has. Its winding streets wind around the hill and reach the center, where there is a pretty square with a baroque church. For an even more beautiful view, grab a typical Volskwagen taxi and ask him to take you to El Mirador.
Colorful facades are reflected in blue skies and are complemented by multi-colored decorations of Mexican flags and proud cacti, which line many streets. Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, it is very popular with artists and surfers, and has a relaxed and calm atmosphere.
