The best of Mexico’s vibrant small towns offer visitors glorious sandy beaches, lush scenery, ancient sites, and authentic cuisine. Whether you want to bathe in the Caribbean sunshine or hike through the rainforest to reach Mayan ruins, Mexico’s towns offer the perfect vacation base or road trip stop-off. We have selected five of Mexico’s most beautiful towns and villages that stand out for their culture, cuisine, architecture and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
1. Tequila
In Tequila there is the Museo Nacional del Tequila, the story of the liquor at Museo los Abuelos and even the Tequila Volcano that towers over the town and the blue agave plants from which this alcoholic beverage is produced. You may want to stop over the night so you can sample this delicious drink straight from the source. The scenery is spectacular, the architecture is divine and to complete your vacation there is a chance to cool off by bathing underneath the stunning Cascada los Azules Tequila waterfalls.
2. Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán has a long and fascinating history, as evidenced in its diverse architecture and ancient sites, scattered around the town and in the surrounding humpback-shaped hills. We highly recommend a tour of the town to see the Museo Nacional del Virreinato dating to the 1500s. The energetic should definitely travel to the hills to visit the El Tepozteco archeological site. It is a steep hike but totally worth it to see the impressive and ancient Aztec pyramid built for the god Tepoztecatl.
3. Tulum
Rocketing in popularity in recent years, Tulum is an ancient Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula blessed with beautiful beaches. The laidback beach bar vibe and boutique hotels make for chic vacations while the Mayan ruins provide a fascinating insight into the towns important ancient status. The most spectacular site is the Tulum Ruins; a Mayan fortress perched on sea cliffs overlooking the sparkling Caribbean ocean. The coastal routes provide great scenic road trips in your rental car, you will find many smaller secluded beaches to stop off at and explore.
4. San Sebastian del Oeste
Situated in western Jalisco, San Sebastian del Oeste is an impressively well-preserved town from the colonial period. Set in a region of immense natural beauty, the town is deemed one of Mexico’s “magical towns” due to its architectural heritage and its lush, rugged setting. Check out the climb to the top of Bufa Hill for a jaw-dropping panorama of the Pacific Ocean and Banduras Bay.
5. Taxco
From its rose-colored Santa Prisca Church to the Spanish colonial townhouses, Taxco’s architecture and setting give it an irresistible charm, it is also famous for its silver jewelry production. Be sure to check out the stunning Pozas Azules where you can cool off in the waters of the clear blue pools set in beautiful rock formations. Taxco is in within reach of Mexico City, just take the México 95D and you’re there in around 2.5 hours.
