8 Magical Towns less than 5 hours from CDMX that will surprise you

The Magic Towns Program developed by the Federal Tourism Secretariat recognizes destinations that preserve their history, architecture, traditions, in addition to being sustainable and that tourism activity benefits their society.

Did you know…? From April 22 to 24, 2022, the First International Tianguis de los Pueblos Mágicos will be held in Barcelona, ​​Spain. The event will have a worldwide scope for the promotion and commercialization of the tourist offer of the Magical Towns of Mexico.

Mexico state

Distance: 2:10 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $185 pesos

The Cerro de los Ídolos awaits the archaeological zone of Malinalco, one of the most beautiful in the State of Mexico and where you can see a panoramic view of the beauty of the town. You must climb around 400 steps, through a thick forest, to see the main attraction of Malinalco.

Being at the top you will see that all the effort will have been worth it because you will be in front of the extraordinary ceremonial center that was carved into a rock, which makes it unique in its kind. It is thought that here they carried out the initiation ceremonies of the Tiger and Eagle warriorsthe most important orders in the Aztec military hierarchy.

The Magical Town is immersed in a beautiful valley of exuberant vegetation at the foot of the mountains, its beautiful cobblestone streets and multicolored houses surrounded by flowers that sprout from the walls of its colonial mansions and small temples from the 11th, 17th and 17th centuries.

Location: The route indicates the Mexico-Marquesa/Mexico 15D Highway, continue along the Lerma-Tenango del Valle Highway towards MEX 6 in the State of Mexico. Take the road to Tenancingo -Chalma in Santa María Malinalco.

attractions

• Cuauhtinchán Archaeological Zone

• Living Museum The Bugs of Malinalco

• Parish and former convent of the Divine Savior

• Malikualli Ecotourism Complex

Michoacan

Distance: 2:30 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $309 pesos

In Tlalpujahua is the López Rayón National Park, which served during the war of independence as a field of operations. The place has an area of ​​25 hectares and its coniferous forest is home to 98 species of birds, it is ideal for ecotourism activities and camping.

Visiting the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, built in the 16th century on top of a hill, offers a very beautiful view of the town. The facade of this church is baroque style, in the foreground you can see sculptures of mermaids.

Another place to discover is the Dos Estrellas Mine, which had its greatest boom as a gold producer between 1908 and 1913, it was one of the most prosperous in the country, it even survived the Mexican Revolution. Today you can take a tour of its facilities and visit the museum.

Location: Take Circuito Exterior Mexiquense/México 57D, connect with the México-Querétaro highway, join the Arco Norte towards Atlacomulco and select highway 15D to Tlalpujahua.

attractions

• Sanctuary of Sierra Chincua (monarch butterflies)

• Convent of San Francisco and Chapel

• Presa Brockman

• Craft workshops

Queretaro

Distance: 2:50 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $297 pesos

Bernal is the gateway to the Sierra Gorda. In this destination is the Bernal Rockthe third largest monolith (a rock formation 300 meters high) in the world, after the Rock of Gibraltar in Spain and the Sugar Loaf in Brazil.

Close to the Peña, the spaces predominate to do a shamanic cleanse or detoxify yourself with a sacred bath of temazcal.

Its gastronomy, culture and mysticism, the perfect combination to create an unforgettable experience for tourists. You can enjoy the tranquility of its streets and try delicious dishes of the local cuisine, among which the gorditas de mashed corn and the custard stand out.

Location: Bernal is located in the municipality of Ezequiel Montes. It can be reached by highway 57D towards Querétaro-México/Tuxpan-México and QRO 100 towards Buenavista de Bernal.

attractions

• The Castle

• Peña de Bernal and Cave of the Skull

• Museum of the Mask

• Old Bernal Station

Queretaro

Distance: 3:00 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $297 pesos

On Cadereyta de Montes There is a small community, Maconí, which is surrounded by forest and mountains through which a stream runs. One of its natural attractions is the Velo de Novia waterfall that forms at the end of said stream; In this site you can practice hiking and camping. In the limits of Cadereyta and Zimapán (Hidalgo) there is a route of cave paintings along the Moctezuma River.

In Cadereyta, two of the most important botanical nurseries in Latin America stand out, where thousands of species of cacti and succulents from all over the region and the world are researched, protected and reproduced. There are beautiful wine fields.

It also has a distinguished architectural beauty that comes to life in its haciendas, temples, chapels and colonial mansions.

Location: It is located in the central part of Querétaro. Take Mexico 57D towards Carretera Querétaro – México/Polotitlán de la Enlightenment-San Juan del Río/Tuxpan – México.

attractions

• Zimapán’s Fang

• Botanical Gardens

• Tzibanzá Island

• Ixtle craft workshops

Veracruz

Distance: 3:45 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $342 pesos

Papantla is known as the Magical Town of Vanilla, is located in the Totonaca Region, also called “Land of the Three Hearts”. In essence, this town intertwines the mythical of the original cultures with traditions and contemporary history that can be seen in dances, gastronomy, painting, among many other manifestations.

It is recommended to visit El Tajín, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its imposing beauty and historical and cultural importance. After exploring the archaeological remains, you can go to the Papanteco Historic Center to visit the Teodoro Cano Museum, the Mural Homage to the Totonac Culture, the monument to the Papantla Flyer and the markets to buy the best vanilla in the world, the chiltepin or some of its handicrafts. Visiting the ecological parks are great experiences, there are tours that include a brief talk about the sowing, cultivation and benefit of vanilla as well as the explanation of the natural ecosystem.

Location Papantla: take the Mexico-Pachuca 85D highway, continue on the 132D towards Hidalgo, direction El Tajín/Mexico 132D

attractions

• The dance of the flyers

• The Ecological Reserve “Talhpan”

• The cascades of Socialist Insurgents

• The Kiwikgolo and Xanath ecological parks

San Luis Potosi

Distance: 4:50 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $346 pesos

Santa María del Río has been a Magical Town for one year, an appointment it achieved thanks to its beauty, and architectural, cultural and artisan richness. This destination is one of the municipalities with the greatest tradition in the state due to the elaboration of artisan shawls, work that has earned them recognition as “The Cradle of the Rebozo”.

The municipality is surrounded by beautiful old buildings and colonial mansions, you can taste traditional quince sweets, muéganos and prickly pear cheese; and visit the kiosk, the clock tower, the Plaza Martín Bautista and the Jardín Hidalgo.

Location: Take the Circuito Exterior Mexiquense/México 57D towards 57N towards Primo Feliciano Velázquez Rodríguez in Loma Bonita, Santa María del Río.

attractions

• Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption

• House of the Rebozo

• Hill The Original

• Potosi farms

Guanajuato

Distance: 3:30 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $427 pesos

Yuriria It is one of the best kept secrets in Guanajuato. There is the La Joya Crater Park, an ecological park with more than 15 volcanic craters, where you can enjoy the natural biosphere with the beautiful sounds of birds and other fauna such as lizards and opossums. There are trails and a bike path for lovers of ecotourism and in the Lake you can practice kayaking and fishing.

One of its attractions is the large number of temples, parishes and convents with facades and doorways of very picturesque buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Location: Yuridia communicates, to the north, with Irapuato, Salamanca and Celaya, using highways number 45, 43 and 51; with Salvatierra and Acámbaro.

attractions

• Temple and former Augustinian Convent of San Pablo

• Laguna de Yuriria

• Convent of San Pedro and San Pablo

• Gastro Artesanal Center

Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato

Distance: 3:40 a.m.

One-way toll cost: $346 pesos

Dolores Hidalgo is known as the Cradle of Mexican Independencethe place where the priest Don Miguel Hidalgo gave the Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810. It is a magical town famous for its colorful streets, the artisans who make pottery, its vineyards.

You can visit the José Alfredo Jiménez Tourist Parador, Abasolo House, the Bicentennial Museum, Hidalgo House Museum, Nuestra Señora de Dolores Parish, Asunción Parish, Main Square and the Cuna de Tierra Vineyard and Winery, Santísima Trinidad Vineyard. Don’t forget to try their famous ice cream with such exotic flavors as beer, pork rinds, avocado and much more.

Location: From Mexico City arriving by highway 57, take highway 111 to San Miguel de Allende after 41 km is Dolores Hidalgo.

attractions

• Wine Museum

• José Alfredo Jiménez Mausoleum

• House of Hidalgo Museum

• Parish of Our Lady of Dolores