12 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Mexico, Undoubtedly, Mexico’s quaint villages are deserving of praise. Whether nestled along the coastline or nestled inland, these towns are a must-visit. The coastal towns boast picturesque views and offer a plethora of water activities, making them sought-after winter getaways for tourists escaping colder climates.
However, you might be taken aback to discover that these popular destinations are often crowded with tourists and dominated by chain restaurants. To truly immerse yourself in the authentic Mexican culture, it is advisable to venture away from the crowds and explore the enchanting small towns that showcase the country’s true beauty.
Huasca de Ocampo[SEE MAP]
Huasca de Ocampo, a small town in central Mexico’s Hidalgo state, boasts of several old haciendas that are worth visiting. Apart from these, tourists flock to this town to marvel at the colonial stone buildings, streets, and bridges. Additionally, visitors can explore the unique basaltic rock formations that feature stunning waterfalls, go zip lining at Pena del Aire, or experience a spine-chilling adventure at the Museum of Goblins, which showcases exhibits based on real-life stories.
Yelapa[SEE MAP]
Without the lush green trees and sandy beaches that separate them, distinguishing between the blue bay waters and the blue sky would be a challenge. Yelapa is situated on the Bahia de Banderas, one of the world’s largest bays. If lounging on beautiful sandy beaches isn’t your thing, you can try your hand at deep sea fishing, snorkeling, or paragliding. Alternatively, you might prefer a horseback ride to the serene Yelapa Fall, where you can wade in the pool.
This quaint Mexican village is connected to Puerto Vallarta by a road, but the easiest way to get there is by water taxi. Although plenty of tours operate to Yelapa, the town empties out in the afternoon once all the water taxis have departed.
Tepoztlan[SEE MAP]
Tepoztlan, a renowned day trip destination from Mexico City, attracts numerous visitors for various reasons. One of these reasons is the opportunity to explore the ancient pyramid ruins situated atop a steep hill. Additionally, Tepoztlan is famous for its delectable ice cream, offering a staggering selection of approximately 200 flavors at any given time.
Characterized as lively and unconventional, Tepoztlan is an ideal place to discover and acquire indigenous arts and crafts at the artisanal market. Visitors can also explore a colonial convent and national palace, adding to the town’s charm.
With its compact size, the entire town is easily navigable on foot, making it convenient for travelers to take a bus from Mexico City. For the more adventurous individuals, embarking on a challenging 2.5-mile hike up the surrounding cliffs is an option. This exhilarating trek begins at the trailhead known as Pirámide de Tepozteco.
Malinalco[SEE MAP]
Malinalco has long been linked to enigma and magic. According to legend, it was the dwelling place of the goddess Malinalxóchil, and it is also the site where a Black Christ manifested in a nearby cave. This destination holds the distinction of being the second most popular pilgrimage site in Mexico.
In the past, Malinalco served as the residence of the Aztecs, and remnants of their civilization can be observed in the Cuauhtinchan Archeological Zone located to the west of the town. Additionally, a visit to the 16th century Augustine monastery, which is devoted to the Divino Salvador (Divine Savior), offers a captivating experience.
Mazunte[SEE MAP]
The reason why tourists flock to Mazunte, a quaint town situated on the southwestern coast of Mexico, is not because of colonial relics but because of the sea turtles. In the past, Mazunte was known for hunting sea turtles for their meat and eggs. However, due to their dwindling population, the turtles were prohibited as a food source and instead became a major attraction for tourists.
If you want to know more about these fascinating creatures, you can visit the Mexican National Tourist Center. While in Mazunte, you can also enjoy its beautiful beaches, but be prepared to share them with the turtles who come to lay their eggs. The town itself has a laid-back, hippie vibe, and you can even find locals offering yoga or meditation classes, massages, or tattoos.
Todos Santos[SEE MAP]
Todos Santos, known as the town of “All Saints,” is an aptly named destination. This charming town has been gaining immense popularity due to its distinctive charm and diverse community. In the relaxed bars of Todos Santos, you will encounter a fascinating blend of new-age spiritualists, surfers, ex-pats, and local fishermen enjoying each other’s company.
Situated just an hour north of Los Cabos and connected by a highway, this town has been Baja Sur’s well-kept secret for many years. While prices may be slightly higher compared to other tourist towns on the Baja Peninsula, the unique combination of natural beauty and offbeat culture makes it well worth the investment. A word of advice – make your way here soon, as the rest of the world is catching on to this hidden gem.
Tlacotalpan[SEE MAP]
Tlacotalpan, located in the heart of the Gulf Coast’s big bend, boasts well-preserved colonial architecture from the early 19th Century. The only indication that you are not strolling through the city’s streets in the 1800s is the occasional presence of traffic. The sun setting over the Río Papaloapan further enhances the magnificence of the remarkably intact buildings.
The refraction of light adds a charming touch of pastel colors to some of the houses. Despite its former glory as a bustling river port, Tlacotalpan has remained unchanged since its heyday in the 1820s, making it a must-visit destination. Don’t forget to seek out the high water mark in town, which serves as a reminder of a devastating flood that occurred in the early 2000s.
Tulum[SEE MAP]
Tulum, located approximately 132 km (82 miles) south of Cancun, is home to the impressive Mayan ruins. Upon arrival, visitors may find themselves slightly disoriented as the tourist town is situated inland from the ruins and the beach along the highway.
Although many people initially come to Tulum to bask in the beauty of its sandy beaches and mesmerizing jade green waters, they often find themselves captivated by the ancient Mayan ruins perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. There is truly nothing quite like swimming in the warm jade green waters while being surrounded by such magnificent remnants of the past.
During the evening, Tulum town, located on the narrow jungle highway, offers remarkably affordable options for dining and accommodation.
San Sebastian Bernal[SEE MAP]
San Sebastián Bernal, a Pueblo Magico in Mexico, is renowned for its enchanting tales, rich heritage, vibrant buildings, and mystical emblems. Situated just a 2-1/2-hour drive away from Mexico City, San Sebastián Bernal is celebrated for its remarkable natural wonder, the Pena de Bernal, which stands as the third tallest monolith on the planet. This colossal rock formation is visible from the village itself. Established in 1642 by the Spanish, the village proudly showcases El Castillo, a significant historical site adorned with a German-crafted clock, adding to its cultural legacy.
Tequila[SEE MAP]
Tequila, the birthplace of the famous margaritas, offers an unparalleled experience. The indigenous people had been crafting a delightful beverage from the blue agave cactus for centuries. However, it was the Spanish conquerors who refined the process through distillation, shaping the course of history.
Situated in the Jalisco state, approximately 65 km (40 miles) away from Guadalajara, Tequila attracts numerous tourists seeking to explore its renowned distilleries. These distilleries, some housed within 18th-century haciendas, serve as captivating attractions. Additionally, the town boasts several colonial churches that are certainly worth a visit.
Barra de Potosi[SEE MAP]
Barra de Potosi, a quaint fishing village, is home to less than 400 residents. The town consists of three main streets intersected by two smaller residential streets. Visitors flock to Barra de Potosi for its remarkable ecosystem that envelops the area. The locals are enthusiastic about sharing their freshly caught seafood at the numerous waterfront restaurants. They also offer lagoon and kayak tours, fishing expeditions, and humpback whale watching excursions.
The highlight of this charming village is the Laguna de Potosí. Stretching over four miles, this lagoon is teeming with magnificent wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, cormorants, and pelicans. Unlike chain resorts, Barra de Potosi provides an authentic Mexican experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a genuine cultural immersion.
Sayulita is one of the 12 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Mexico
Sayulita, the prized gem of the Riviera Nayarit, was formerly a tranquil fishing village. Although the locals still refer to it as such, Sayulita has experienced an influx of tourists since the late-1990s.
The tourist facilities in Sayulita are well-developed, boasting delightful hotels, charming B&Bs, enticing restaurants, and laid-back bars. However, you may notice that the beach has become slightly crowded. Nevertheless, the town remains a delightful destination, particularly during peak season when the waves beckon hipster-surfers from around the globe.
