Those Great Beauties Called Magic Towns

ONLY HALF A DOZEN ARE WORLD HERITAGE SITES, YET ALL OF THEM RANK AS SMALL TOWNS OR CITIES, SOME OF THEM COLONIAL, HISTORIC AND BOASTING EYE-POPPING BEAUTY

Until a few years ago, Mexico was mainly known for its beaches and archaeological sites, both impressive for international tourism. However, Mexicans have other options as travel destinations: small towns or cities, some colonial, historic or with eye-popping beauty, which led to the birth of the Magic Towns program, which today gathers 121 of them with a high rate of incoming tourism.

Anyway, we invite you to discover those great beauties called Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns).

Let's start with the Top 6 on the list that boast the status of World Heritage Sites:

Mexicans have other options as travel destinations: small towns or cities, some colonial, historic or with eye-popping beauty, which led to the birth of the Magic Towns program

1 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

A city sought after by a large number of U.S. retirees and pensioners, and considered by many publications as the best place to live in Mexico. Its baroque and gothic style cathedral is a wonder to feast eyes on. Ideal destination for weddings, if you visit it, do not miss out on its enchiladas mineras.

2 GUANAJUATO

Amazing city, full of alleys and tunnels, famous for its many museums. To visit it is like getting into the history of Mexico's independence.

3 CAMPECHE

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, is a walled city that endured the siege of pirates, so common between the 17th and 18th centuries, making it unique in our country. There you can't stop admiring archeological zones like Calakmul and Edzna, while its gastronomy is very particular.

4 ZACATECAS

Also called the Cradle of the Revolution. Walk down its cobblestone streets and unravel its history on every corner; enjoy a good callejonada to the rhythm of a drum while sipping mezcal; they will make you want to come back for more time and again.

5 OAXACA

A colonial city founded in the 16th century, with one of the most beautiful historical centers in Mexico. Ideal to drink a tasty coffee, eat a good mole and traipse down its streets imagining its glorious history. It also offers the colorful archaeological zone of Monte Alban.

6 PUEBLA

Also known as the City of Angels or Angelopolis, was named a Heritage City under the title "The Shrine of the Americas" back in 1987. Only a one-hour drive from Mexico City, it is also famous in the world for its chiles rellenos en nogada (nogadastuffed chilis).