Mexico City Escapes: 13 Spellbinding Small Towns

Mexico City is rife with charming old neighborhoods and bustling markets — that’s what I love most about living here, after all. Whether I’m in the mood for untouched nature or cobblestone alleyways, there’s something right here in the city. That said, another favorite aspect of the metropolis is just how easily I can leave it, heading out into the unknown whenever it strikes my fancy. Everyone needs a breather from the liveliness (and yes, sometimes chaos) of the big city every now and then, even this Mexico City-obsessed gringa! For me, this often means visiting a pueblo mágico.

Especially as a car-less gringa, I’m spoiled by Mexico’s fantastic long-distance bus system. While in my native U.S., Greyhounds and the like don’t have a stellar reputation, here I can pop into the city’s enormous terminals and hitch a ride nearly anywhere in the country. If you stick with reputable companies like ADO, Futura, and ETN, you’ll typically be riding with style, cleanliness, and comfort. This top-notch system makes it easy to enjoy one of my favorite hobbies: puebleando. This very Mexican verb is a catch-all term for those of us who love exploring Mexico’s hundreds of enchanting pueblos mágicos — “magic” towns the government celebrates for their preserved heritage and beauty.

Some Mexican pueblos mágicos are far-flung and isolated, but you can reach plenty of them within a few hours of downtown. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic getaway or active day trip, here’s a guide to my favorite towns and villages surrounding Mexico City! Note that the 1-13 ranking has nothing to do with my preference of one over another — they’re organized by state.

Marvelous Pueblos Mágicos of Mexico State

1) Valle de Bravo

Mexico City’s rich and/or famous flock to this mountainous magic town for the lake views and luxurious living. That doesn’t mean, however, that Valle de Bravo can’t be an accessible, affordable destination for the rest of us. This famed pueblo mágico lies just under two hours from the capital, making it a favorite weekend retreat for many chilangos. Visit during the week, though, and the Sunday crowds give way to a peaceful small town atmosphere.

Valle de Bravo is a steep village spread around a large, attractive reservoir, making for postcard views as you walk down towards the water. The white-washed facades and cobblestone streets are idyllic. Behind the traditional image of the town lies a lot of money these days, meaning a humble basket shop might sit between a fancy boutique and an elegant hotel. But there’s still lots of small town charm in Valle de Bravo — especially once you venture off the beaten track.

Valle de Bravo Must-Dos:

• Take a boat ride (I recommend one of the larger cruisers for the seasick) across the valley reservoir. This is especially stunning at sunset.
• Trek up to the main plaza and eat lake trout at one of the lovely, simple restaurants with balconies overlooking the parish church and flowering trees.
• Stay the night in one of Valle’s many unique AirBnB rooms or cabins, where you get the chance to watch sunrise and sunset. I enjoyed this one for a birthday a few years ago!
• If you’re there between November and March, book a tour to the nearby Monarch Butterfly reserve.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

You can reach Valle de Bravo in a direct bus from the Poniente (Observatorio) bus station. Look for “Zinabus” once inside the station, they run every hour and a half. You can also buy your tickets beforehand here — just anticipate bad traffic around the terminal, which is my least-favorite bus station in the city. The ride is fine, if a little basic and not very well-ventilated. Urbvan is also running trips there now, in smaller buses.

Driving, it’s a straight shot past Toluca in Western Estado de México. Once again, just keep in mind weekend traffic can be bad.

2) Tepotzotlán

About an hour north of central Mexico City, Tepotzotlán is often overlooked by visitors. Luckily for me, my several wonderful mexiquense friends (folks from Mexico State) have showed me what I was missing! This bustling town has colorful weekend markets, celebrated museums, lively cantinas, and more on offer. Best of all, make this visit into a road trip by visiting the magnificent Arcos del Sitio outside of town.

Tepotzotlán Must-Dos:

• Visit the beautiful Museo Nacional del Virreinato, housed in an intricately carved former Jesuit school. This museum explores the history of the Mexican Viceroyalty, New Spain, during the colonial period.
• There’s plenty of good eating in Tepotzotlán, including many garden patio restaurants popular with locals and chilangos alike. Check out Los Virreyes for a nice roof terrace, or explore the downtown’s central market and bountiful snacks.
• While they are a little out of the way, you really can’t miss Los Arcos del Sitio. This towering, ancient aqueduct stretches across a rugged, dramatic valley. You can walk across them and even explore the lovely valley below, learning about Mexico State’s long-lost history in the process. You probably need a car — or to pay a taxi driver to wait for you — in order to reach the isolated arcos.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

You can take the efficient Tren Suburbano (Suburban Train) from Mexico City’s Buenavista Station to the Cuatitlán or Lechería stops, then take an Uber/Didi (or combi labeled “Tepotzotlán Centro,” for the adventurous) to town. Just be cautious during this journey, and don’t take it at night. The train can get very crowded at peak hours. To cut out the fuss, if you’re willing to pay more you can take an Uber/Didi all the way there.

Drivers will pass Ciudad Satélite entering Mexico State, and head up straight into Tepotzotlán. There’s plenty of parking lots in the center. Bring some cash with you.

3) Metepec

My first November in Mexico, I was planning to visit a tourist-trap area for Day of the Dead (although I didn’t know it then). When I told my lovely friend Rubí this, she scoffed. “You need to come to my hometown for Día de los Muertos! It’s a pueblo mágico, you’ll love it.” As luck would have it, Rubí was a native of Metepec, a magic town famed for its Day of the Dead celebrations and artisanry. Even better, it’s only an hour and change from Mexico City.

Metepec has been around since Prehispanic times: its name means “the hill of the magueyes (agaves)” in Nahuatl. Neighboring the Valley of Toluca, the region has a rich history that you can still find in varied downtown architecture. I highly recommend visiting in October or early November, so you can enjoy its many Day of the Dead festivities. Townsfolk elaborately decorate the main church and its tall steps (located on the hill, or “tepec,” for which the town was named), hold a sweets fair, and showcase their rich artisanal heritage all over town. If you do visit the Mepetec Cemetery on November 1 or 2, please be very respectful and ask before taking any photos or videos.

Metepec Must-Dos:

• Visit during the lead-up to Día de los Muertos.
• Climb the steps and enjoy the view from the main church.
• Visit the mercado de dulces (during Day of the Dead).
• Admire spectacular clay Árboles de la Vida, trees of life, in Metepec’s artisan workshops — these detailed, painstaking works of art are renowned throughout Mexico.
• Try a garañona, a classic local drink with a unique herbal blend, at the historic Bar 2 de abril. This characterful bar dates back to 1932.
• If you’re so inclined, make a weekend of it and continue on to the Nevado de Toluca for a spectacular day hike!

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

Head down to Patio Santa Fe, in Southwestern Mexico City, and right near the Toks restaurant, you can buy tickets at a stand for the “Caminante” buses. Or go straight to the Poniente (Observatorio) Bus Station and take the same bus line, in either regular or slightly fancier “Plus.” Either way, these buses go all the way to Toluca, the capital of Mexico State. Ask the bus driver to tell you when you’re near Metepec Centro, and you can take an Uber or taxi into downtown.

Driving, head south towards Santa Fe as well, exiting Mexico City towards Toluca and following signs to Metepec Centro. Whether taking the bus or driving, I don’t recommend returning late at night.

Unforgettable Pueblos Mágicos of Morelos

4) Tepoztlán

Mexican artists and bohemian expats alike have flocked to Tepoztlán since the early 20th Century. They believe this breathtaking pueblo mágico, an hour south of Mexico City in Morelos State, is not only lovely, but a deeply spiritual place. Tepoztlán’s earliest indigenous residents would have agreed. Around 1200 AD, they began building the mystical Tepozteco on a jagged mountaintop. This small temple is dedicated to Tepoztécatl, God of Pulque (delicious sacred “beer” of the agave plant), Fermentation, and Fertility.

The temple remains to this day, and Tepoztlán has become a place of spiritual and artistic pilgrimage. Luminaries like Chavela Vargas called this pueblito home. Whether you’re seeking inner peace or simply a nice weekend trip, the town’s misty mornings, traditional architecture and rough-hewn mountains will enchant you. It’s even been voted one of the most romantic places on Earth.

Tepoztlán Must-Dos:

• Eat traditional Mexican food with a twist at El Ciruelo, a fantastic restaurant (you can reserve on Open Table) with lush mountain views.
• Watch the sunset at La Posada del Tepozteco, an iconic hotel perched high above the valley. The panoramic vista here is stunning, but the food at the hotel restaurant is just okay — have a drink here (make reservations beforehand) instead. Or for a special treat, indulge in a night’s stay, especially if you’re looking for a romantic getaway from the city.
• A total no-brainer — hike up to the Tepozteco for great views! Just don’t feed local wildlife, or even take out food, as they can be aggressive.
• Wander the cobblestone streets and check out local artisanary at many puestos (stands)
• Try the town’s famous ice cream, in many creative flavors, at the Tepoznieve shops.
• Visit the downtown monastery and church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (unfortunately, due to Covid they currently seem to be closed).
• If you don’t mind a crowd, Tepoztlán holds a famed traditional carnaval every February, with striking local traditions stemming from the Moorish/Spanish influence.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

You can take a Pullman or OCC (Cristóbal Colón) to Tepoztlán from the Taxqueña Terminal in Southern Mexico City. Like the buses to Valle de Bravo, these are okay, but not particularly wonderful. They drop you off at a gas station just outside town — take a quick taxi or trek down the winding road into downtown.

Driving is quite easy, following the 95 and 95D highways south for about an hour and a half trip. Bring change and small bills for a couple tolls along the way. I do not recommend visiting Tepoztlán on the weekends — traffic is bad and the town gets crowded, and much less pleasant to stroll around or hike the Tepozteco, especially in the Morelos heat.

5) Tlayacapan

Not too far from Tepoztlán lies a more tranquil pueblo mágico: Tlayacapan. This tiny town is nestled among rolling hills, rock formations and fields of nopal cacti. Tlayacapan has been inhabited for centuries, boasting an interesting mix of cultural influences. Here, the native Olmec culture was later invaded by the Xochimilcas from Southwestern Morelos. Since this time, the village has played an outsize role in everything from the Spanish Invasion to classic Hollywood films. With quiet, shady streets lined with stucco homes and bougainvillea, the town is a relaxing retreat just south of Mexico City.

Tlayacapan Must-Dos:

• Wander the outskirts to explore gorgeous views from the farm fields and discover hidden chapels
• Stroll the center and buy Tlayacapan’s famous pottery, including pretty plant pots (macetas).
• Visit the village’s UNESCO-recognized site, the historic 16th Century Ex Convento Agustino de San Juan Bautista.
• Like Tepoztlán, Tlayacapan is well-known for its carnaval celebrations — and here, you may find a slightly less crazy, crowded atmosphere. (Carnavales are always busy, though.) The festival occurs three days before Ash Wednesday.
• Snack on tamales de ceniza (a tamal with a dark color because of beans) and cecina, a flattened and spiced beef popular throughout Morelos.
• Hike around the Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin in the nearby hills.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

You can hop on a bus towards Oaxtepec, Morelos from the Taxqueña Bus Station in Mexico City. From there, you’ll find combis or taxis to Tlayacapan. For a simpler trip, of course you can drive directly to Tlayacapan, passing through Tepoztlán on the way down. Combine both for a fun pueblo mágico weekend! When driving back to the city, you can choose to return via Xochimilco, the canal region that’s existed since pre-Aztec times. Stop along the way for a ride in a trajinera and enjoy the unique, UNESCO-lauded scenery as well.

The Silvery Jewel of Guerrero State

6) Taxco

When the Mexican government first created the “pueblos mágicos” designation in the early 2000s, Taxco was one of the first towns to receive the honor. When you arrive here, following twisting roads up and up into the green mountains of Guerrero, it’s easy to see why. Taxco rises on the mountainside, revealing itself all at once as you crest the final hill. On a sunny day, its white buildings glimmer against the hills.

Once you’re in town, Taxco is just as charming. Be prepared for a workout, as the narrow colonial streets rival San Francisco for steepness. The main plaza is home to a beautifully carved church, and the real joy of Taxco is simply ambling around, discovering its shops, restaurants and hidden corners.

Taxco Must-Dos:

• Climb (or take a taxi) up to the Cristo statue, a towering Christ above the city. From here, you’ll have jaw-dropping views of Taxco and the undulating mountains. If you do decide to walk from the city center, keep in mind it’s quite a hike and goes through some less touristy areas, as well as being a pretty confusing route up a dirt path at the end. I don’t recommend bringing valuables with you on the climb.
• Poke around the town’s many silver workshops, which make everything from jewelry to home decor. While they’ve been mining silver in Taxco’s mountains for centuries, the modern artisanry tradition dates back to a collaboration between taxqueños and U.S. artist William Spratling in the 1920s.
• Visit the nearby Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, a unique national park containing a cave system that runs through northern Guerrero state. You’ll find tours here throughout the historical center of Taxco.
• Sample Guerrero’s fantastic food at Rosa Mexicano Restaurant, where you’ll take in unbelievable town views on the terrace. Don’t leave Taxco without trying the region’s famous pozole verde stew as well!

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

You can take a comfy first class bus from Taxqueña Terminal on either Costaline or ADO, for a 2.5 hour trip.

If you’re driving, this is a fun stop-off point on the way to Acapulco — another of my favorite weekend spots in Mexico. Take the toll roads for higher quality, well-maintained highways, and only drive during the day. Bring several hundred pesos in cash, as tolls can get pricey in Morelos and Guerrero.

Puebla’s Accessible Stunners

7) Cholula

Puebla, two hours east of Mexico City, is brimming with small mountain towns and diverse landscapes. If you visit the state capital, Puebla City, you have no excuse to miss Cholula, a pueblo mágico that’s become a suburb of the city! It’s likely you’ve already seen images of Cholula. Its famous yellow church on a hill, Popocatepetl volcano looming in the background, has become an iconic view of Mexico worldwide. But Cholula holds much, much more beneath the surface…quite literally. The town is well-known as the home to many churches — Hernan Cortés wanted to build 365 — but beneath this European religious influence, a deep indigenous undercurrent still flows.

Cholula Must-Dos:

• Explore the world’s largest pyramid. Yep, you heard me right: below that photo-friendly yellow church, Cholula’s famous “hill” is actually a huge pyramid that long predates the Aztecs. It’s covered in vegetation now, but follow signs to the “Zona Arqueológica” to enter its narrow corridors and walk through the center of the hill. On the other side, you’ll discover an excavated portion of the pyramid. It’s the closest I’ve gotten to feeling like Indiana Jones.
• Admire views of Puebla’s iconic volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. Once you’ve seen the archaeological site, climb the steps to the Spanish church at the top, and enjoy some of the region’s best panoramas.
• Grab a bite to eat at the center’s many rooftop restaurants. Look for “terraza” signs and choose ones with a great view of town — especially fun at sunset.
• Have a drink in Container City. Cholula’s a university city with great nightlife, and this spot’s the center of it all. Take your pick of bars and clubs, built from old metal storage containers in this creative place that pulsates with life on the weekends.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

There are constant buses of all price levels between Mexico City and Puebla, running day and night. You can take them from the airport bus station, TAPO, Taxqueña, and more. I recommend ADO for a safe and comfortable ride to Puebla City’s Central Terminal. From there, you can take buses, Uber, or — more fun! — the light rail to downtown Cholula.

8) Atlixco

Just a half hour from Puebla, Atlixco sits perched on a mountain with views of the neighboring volcanoes on a clear day. This village is beloved among poblanos (Puebla natives) for its balmy climate and brilliant, multicolored buildings. As you trek through the steep stone streets, don’t forget to look back down. Often, the best vistas are found when you least expect them — pay attention to the many lovely details in Atlixco. While I’ve include some “must-dos” and wrote an entire guide to Atlixco a few years ago, don’t hew to a strict plan here. Indulge in your wanderlust and enjoy Atlixco’s many pleasures, include vibrant churches built by the region’s indigenous people, who added their own artistic flourishes to Catholic buildings during the colonial period.

Atlixco Must-Dos:

• Take a snapshot at La Escalera Ancha, the famous mural-staircase. Go just up from the center to climb these colorful steps which depict a traditional Atlixco couple. Talented local muralist Juan Manuel Martínez Caltenco painted the steps in the early months of the pandemic.
• Eat pozole, mole, and whatever else your heart desires at the Atlixco market. Just ask around for the mercado, right downtown, and enjoy the best food for an unbeatable price.
• Check out the local viveros (plant nurseries). Atlixco is famous for its agreeable climate, which makes it perfect for cultivating plants year-round. Before Christmas, you’ll find many dedicated to nochebuenas — poinsettias. This time of year, the nurseries glow with thousands of red and white flowers.
• Visit during the popular Christmas lights festival from mid-December until January 6. Be prepared for big crowds, though. (I find it’s best to go towards the end, in early January.)
• Try traditional poblano sweets from the many carts on the main plaza. My favorites are tortitas de Santa Clara (delicious cookies made with pumpkin seed cream by nuns) and camotes (candied sweet potato taffy).

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

Combine Atlixco with a visit to Puebla and Cholula if you like. Take a bus to Puebla (as described in the previous pueblo mágico’s section), then get a direct bus on Autobuses Oro to Atlixco for $35 pesos. These run every 40 minutes and will take you to right near the village center.

Quaint Querétaro State

9) Tequisquiapan

I knew “Tequis,” as many call it, would be pretty — but I underestimated just how lovely it is! This classic Querétaro town features street after street of charming restaurants and cafes, interspersed with dozens of high quality artisan shops selling the best of the region’s talented craftspeople. Just outside town lie many wineries, popular with locals and visitors alike for their tours and tastings. Tequisquiapan is less than a three hour ride from Mexico City, but instantly transports you to small town life. It may well be one of my favorite pueblos mágicos so far!

Tequisquiapan Must-Dos:

• Wander the picture-perfect town center, paying special attention to the highly detailed Parroquia Santa María de la Asunción, a gorgeous 19th Century pink church in the main square.
• Shop for top-notch Tequis artisanry, including cane & wicker baskets and wool products, at the Mercado de Artesanías, downtown Centro de Artesanías, weekend Parador Artesanal by the bus station, and whichever little shop catches your eye.
• Taste Querétaro sweets, cheeses and meats at the many tienditas around town. My favorite was a tres leches cheese made from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk.
• Learn about the region’s viniculture at beautiful local wineries — I recommend the excellent tour at Viñedos La Redonda, which also offers picnics and wine tastings outdoors.
• Try typical queretana food and seasonal specialties at K’puchinos Restaurant alongside the parish church. (FYI, their guacamole is also great.)

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

Luckily for all of us, it’s surprisingly easy to reach Tequis from the capital. Pop over to the bustling CDMX Terminal del Norte to get a luxury ETN bus straight to this magic town. Flecha Roja also offers buses from here, but they’re only slightly cheaper, and ETN has incredibly comfy seats, a quiet atmosphere, decent wifi, and even seatback screens with popular movies (dubbed in Spanish) that make the trip pass infinitely faster. Once at the Tequis station, grab a taxi into downtown for about $40 pesos.

Driving, take the 57D Highway into Querétaro, then follow the 120 the rest of the way. Avoid rush hours — especially on the way back into town — and stop for barbacoa (delectable roast mutton) and its consommé along the way in Mexico State. I loved visiting Tequisquiapan during the week, rather than the weekend, for a chiller vibe.

10) Peña de Bernal

This teeny-tiny village of cobblestone streets makes a wonderful day trip if you’re visiting Tequisquiapan or the gorgeous state capital, Querétaro. (I need to do a guide on Querétaro City itself!) Peña de Bernal is named for its striking monolith, the “peña.” The enormous rock is one of the world’s largest, second only to the Rock of Gibraltar and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. You can see it from every street in downtown, making for postcard views around every corner in this photogenic pueblo mágico.

Peña de Bernal Must-Dos:

• Climb the peña itself for panoramic views (and a good workout).
• Sample Bernal’s many delicious cheese and sweet shops with regional specialties.
• Grab a table at Tierracielo restaurant for Querétaro-style enchiladas, great views, and live Spanish guitar music.
• Munch on the town’s famous snacks: blue corn gorditas and pan de queso, a sweet cheese bread sold on every street.
• Check out the Museo de la Máscara (Mask Museum) for hundreds of fascinating — sometimes even disturbing! — masks, many made by locals in Bernal.
• Discover Bernal’s most famous artisan products: exquisite wool tapestries, rugs, blankets, and clothing.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

Driving, getting to Bernal is quite easy. Just follow Waze directions and avoid leaving the city at busy times, like Friday afternoon. Busing… is a bit more complicated. You can take buses from the Mexico City Terminal del Norte to nearby town Ezequiel Montes on the Coordinados or Flecha Roja line. From here, it’s easy to get a taxi (or rickety bus) to Bernal. However, it’s harder to get a taxi back, and you may find more success taking a bus. They’re shaky, but reliable for just 17 pesos, and leave from Calle Independencia. (Use this spot as a reference for the bus’s departure.)

I recommend that as Bernal’s so small, you combine this trip with a visit to Tequisquiapan or Querétaro. You can get buses to either Ezequiel Montes or Tequis, then follow the above instructions to get to Bernal. You’ll also find Tequisquiapan tour providers who offer visits to Peña de Bernal along with several local vineyards.

Mountainous Gems of Hidalgo

11) Real del Monte

Hidalgo, a mountainous state north of Mexico City, is one of the most underrated regions in the country. While tourists flock to the coasts and well-known spots like Guadalajara, Hidalgo’s stunning pueblos mágicos and natural wonders fly under the radar. Rising and falling along a peak, Real del Monte is one of the state’s most accessible magic towns. This village of fresh, thin air and blue skies is just a short drive from the state capital, Pachuca, but feels as if little has changed in a century.

Real del Monte Must-Dos:

• Taste Hidalgo’s famous pastes, savory and sweet empanadas served warm from the oven. These aren’t just yummy. Pastes reflect Real del Monte’s heritage, dating back over a century to the arrival of British miners! A “Spanishization” of the British pasties, miners from regions like Cornwall developed this hand pie to eat deep in the mines. It’s the perfect food for miners with dirty hands and no silverware. As a result, it adapted perfectly to Hidalgo’s 19th Century mines. Over time, Mexicans added their own unique flavors to make a tasty hybrid.
• Trek up Real del Monte’s steep streets, enjoying views of the picturesque valley below.
• If you’re not afraid of small spaces, check out the historic Mina de Acosta, where you can descend 400 meters (feet) into a 17th Century mine.
• Delve into Real del Monte’s British past at the misty, mysterious Panteón Inglés. This cemetery holds the souls of many Brit miners who once toiled in Hidalgo mines in search of a better life — and the promising glint of gold and silver.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

Both driving and busing are fairly easy, straightforward options due to Real del Monte’s proximity to Pachuca, the state capital. You can take one of the plentiful buses to Pachuca from Mexico City’s Terminal del Norte. These are available from Futura Select (luxurious), ADO (comfy), or Ovnibus (normal, budget ride). From the station, take a taxi/Uber the rest of the way, about a half hour into town. On the way back, fortunately there’s quite a few taxis in Real del Monte to take you back to the Pachuca bus terminal.

Driving, take the 85D north, passing through Pachuca and then steadily climbing to the pueblo mágico. Real del Monte is also known as Mineral del Monte, so don’t get confused if you see this on maps. Bring cash for tolls, and extra cash for purchases in town.

12) Mineral del Chico

Since the colonial era, Hidalgo state has served as a center for Mexican mining. Rich in precious metals like gold and silver, the Spanish first seized on the area’s wealth, followed by miners from Britain, Canada, and elsewhere. While mining is no longer the cash cow it once was, the industry has a long and lasting heritage around the state. This is perhaps most present in Mineral del Chico, a town founded amidst the mining boom in 1565. Today, the rush is long over, but the legacy of beautiful historic buildings and rugged mountains remains. “El Chico,” as many call it, is nestled in a Mexican National Park. This makes for fantastic hiking and adventure sports throughout the area.

Mineral del Chico Must-Dos:

• Sip a warm hidalguense coffee while cozying up in a café, watching the fog slowly lift during Mineral del Chico’s misty mornings.
• Stay the night in one of the area’s rustic cabins in the mountains, like these.
• Hike into “El Chico” National Park, following trails up to panoramic peaks. If you’re (much) more adventurous than me, hop onto one of the challenging rappel/rock climbing courses to reach the summit. This provider is well-regarded, but still gave me the chills!
• Walk through the village’s winding, stone-paved streets, enjoying the clean air and smell of native pine, oak, and oyamel fir.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

A car is very helpful if you plan on visiting Mineral del Chico — especially if you’re interested in hiking in the surrounding natural areas. The drive is only two hours from Mexico City, and renting a car will be the most direct way to arrive — just make sure you or your driver is comfortable with windy mountain roads. Bring cash for the tolls along the way: you’ll be taking the 85D highway almost the entire route. Bring dramamine (ask for dramamina in the pharmacy) with you, as the roads are exceptionally twisty.

If driving isn’t an option, you can take a bus from the Terminal del Norte to Pachuca, then take a taxi the next 30-40 minutes to Mineral del Chico. Keep in mind, however, that getting a taxi back might be much harder. Get your taxista‘s business card, and see if you can arrange for them to pick you up on your return date/time.

13) Huasca de Ocampo

Just a little farther into Hidalgo, you’ll stumble upon a region traversed by ghosts, peculiar landscapes and rich history. Huasca de Ocampo is home to some of Mexico’s most unique attractions, including the famous Prismas Basálticos. The colorful small town is well-worth an overnight stay, giving you time to enjoy Huasca itself and explore the area’s gorgeous haciendas and nature. It’s no wonder that the government selected Huasca de Ocampo as the very first pueblo mágico back in 2001, when they first introduced the program!

Huasca de Ocampo Must-Dos:

• Take a volcanic walk through the one-of-a-kind Prismas Basálticos (Basaltic Prisms). As you stare down into this canyon, thousands of towering volcanic rock columns rise up towards you. You can descend into the canyon and walk amongst the columns, enjoying the strange sight as several waterfalls cascade over the dark basalt. Don’t miss it!

• Trek through dramatic valleys and drink in the views from jaw-dropping cliffs. Within the regional biosphere reserve, visit two spectacular ravines: the Barrancas of Metztitlán and Aguacatitla. Nearby, visit the equally impressive Peña del Aire rock formation.
• Channel Zorro at the cinematic Hacienda Santa María Regla, where they filmed the iconic Antonio Banderas movie. Take a tour of this atmospheric, slightly creepy old hacienda to see the dungeons and more.
• Live out your childhood treehouse fantasies in a Pinochueco cabin. Suspended in the forest canopy outside town, these well-equipped cabins give you a peaceful, green escape from the city.
• Seek out colonial phantoms and memories while wandering the Hacienda San Miguel Regla. This sprawling colonial property has been well restored. Today, it features a pleasant hotel and gorgeous grounds, including several small lakes and ruins. Step back in time as you wander its willow-lined waterways and peer at 17th Century stoneworks.

How to Get to this Pueblo Mágico from Mexico City:

If you’re driving, be sure to enjoy a delicious barbacoa on the way once in Hidalgo! Take the México-Pachuca highway (the same as the 85D) north to Pachuca, then follow the Corredor de la Montaña. If arriving by transit, take one of the many buses from the Terminal del Norte to Pachuca. From there, you can get a taxi to Huasca.