13 of the most beautiful villages and small towns in Mexico
Most visitors associate Mexico with beach destinations like Cancun, or budding foodie capitals like CDMX. But the massive country is home to 31 different states featuring endless destinations beyond just its most well-known haunts. Discover white-sand beaches, towering mountains, jungles, waterfalls, deserts and of course, plenty of colonial villages perfect for exploring the country's hidden nooks and crannies.
While some villages are famous and others more off-the-beaten-path, checking out some of Mexico's tinier towns will give you insight you likely won't find at that high-rise hotel in Cozumel. In fact, you'll discover things like handmade artisan crafts, local cuisine and customs and traditions you might not stumble upon elsewhere.
While there are hundreds of magical villages in Mexico (yes, the country's tourism board even deems many of its villages "pueblos mágicos,"), here are some of the top TPG favorites to add a little colorful culture onto your next Mexico trip.
1. Izamal, Yucatan
Apt for visitors wanting to explore beyond the Riviera Maya's most typical tourist spots, Izamal, "the yellow town," is a literal highlight. Wander around admiring the many bold yellow buildings and iconic monastery, painted the vibrant color to reflect the Mayan sun god. This village is ideal for those wanting to brighten up their day (or their Instagram feed).
2. Bernal, Queretaro
The village of Bernal sits in the shadow of the towering Peña de Bernal monolith (one of the largest in the world). Hike up to the top for epic views of the village, or stay down below and immerse yourself in the Museo de la Mascara, which showcases both regional and international masks. If you're feeling peckish, check out the Museum of Mexican Sweets.
3. Tequila, Jalisco
Fans of this beloved liquor should head to the town of Tequila. Once you've explored the village and thrown back as much of the local spirit as you can handle, head to the outskirts to check out the Agave fields and distilleries. There's even a massive volcano looming over the village ideal for treks, walks and bike rides.
4. Alamos, Sonora
Founded in the 17th century, this town is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, putting on festivals and events throughout the year. The colorful village is even more charming to walk through when paired with these art exhibits, musical acts, parades and craft fairs that occur frequently. Don't miss admiring the Palacio Municipal, the brick city hall building adorned with Mexican flags and grandeur.
5. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Although this town is more populated than some of the others on this list, it still gives off a village feel. Popular among both tourists and ex-pats, San Miguel de Allende is filled with color, starting with the gothic pink spires of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, which hover over bright buildings and delicately manicured bushes in the town's most famous square, El Jardin.
6. Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
This UNESCO World Heritage site sits on the banks of the Papaloapan River. Besides enjoying the vivid colonial architecture, visitors can check out specialty museums dedicated to landscape artist Salvador Ferrando or composer Agustín Lara. Make sure to sample some of the revered river seafood in this village.
7. Mazamitla, Jalisco
Often called the "Mexican Switzerland" by locals, Mazamitla has a unique location sandwiched between forests, waterfalls and hilly pastures. The town itself has quaint whitewashed architecture and cobblestone streets, and you can hike or bike to the El Salto waterfall on the outskirts of town. In true Swiss fashion, you can even experience cultural activities like cheese-making workshops.
8. Tepoztlán, Morelos
This charming Aztec village sits at the foot of the El Tepozteco National Park. After a morning hike through the cloud-covered mountains or a visit to the nearby Tepozteco Aztec pyramid, stroll the streets of this village and admire how the sun and shadows of the hills fall upon the colonial buildings. Weekends boost the local food and artisan markets -- don't forget to pick a traditional souvenir, a hand-carved Casita de Pochete.
9. Cosalá, Sinaloa
Cosalá is surrounded by greenery and nature, making it a prime spot to tour not just the village itself, but the nearby Reserva Ecológica de Nuestra Señora's hills, waterfalls and zip lines year-round. Back in the village, you can't miss the majestic Parroquia de Santa Úrsula, a whitewashed church that dates back to 1730. The local Museo De Minería showcases some of the village's long mining history.
10. Cholula, Puebla
More of a town than a village, Cholula, which is separated into two municipalities (San Pedro Cholula and San Andrés Cholula), has some truly monumental architecture, including the massive San Gabriel convent and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, set upon the Tlachihualtepetl pyramid. Once you've explored the more ancient haunts, head to the modern Container City, a small area make of recycled shipping containers where you can dine on local cuisine and shop.
11. Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
Chiapa de Corzo's claim to fame is its Moorish fountain, dating back to the 16th century -- and the fact that the town was one of the first colonized in Mexico by the Spanish. Other sites to see are the Lacquer Museum and the Centro Cultural, which was formerly a Dominican Convent. Plan to sip on the local drink of choice, Pozol, which is made of cocoa, water, corn and more.
12. Taxco, Guerrero
Shopping addicts should beeline for Taxco, known as Mexico's silver town. With shops and markets selling silver throughout the entire town center, this is the spot to get your jewelry fix or even visit the Silver Museum. Make sure anything you buy is marked with a 925, ensuring it's real silver. For a bird's eye view of it all, take a ride in the cable car, the teleférico.
13. Comala, Colima
Famous for its appearance in the novel "Pedro Páramo" by Juan Rulfo, the village is also known as the 'pueblo blanco' for some of its white architecture. Highlights include the main church, Parroquía de San Miguel Arcángel, and you can often spot the nearby Colima Volcano in the distance. Comala is also known for its bread, which has a sweet, sugary flavor.
Bottom line
Add a little culture into your next visit to Mexico by visiting one of these beautiful villages or towns. There's something special about wandering cobblestone colonial streets, tasting local food and drinks and simply soaking in all the color and tranquillity.
For more village inspiration, see TPG's favorite villages around the world:
- 15 of the most beautiful villages in Europe
- 13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal
- 15 of the most beautiful villages in Spain
- 19 of the most beautiful villages in Italy
- 19 of the most beautiful villages in France
- 13 of the most beautiful villages in Greece
(Featured image courtesy of Marco Bottigelli/Getty)
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.