While travel may currently be curtailed, next time you’re traveling to Mexico, there are more “magical towns” to add to your bucket list. There are now 11 new additions to the list of villages with the designation “pueblo mágico,” or magical town.
Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) is behind the initiative, choosing towns that have preserved and showcased their cultural and historical heritage. There are now 132 pueblo mágico destinations spread throughout 31 Mexican states. The advantages of being chosen include generating new jobs, integrating tourism development plans, and increasing arrivals of visitors to generate greater economic income. Here are the latest additions to the list:
Mexcaltitán, Nayarit
Mexcaltitán is an island village. Some experts believe that it is Aztlán, the ancestral homeland the Aztecs left around AD 1091, from which they began a migration to Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City. This belief is based on the similarities between the cross-like design of the village’s streets and the layout of Tenochtitlán.
Maní, Yucatán
Located 62 miles southeast of Mérida, Maní is home to a vibrant Maya culture. Noted for its architecture, including the church and convent of San Miguel Arcángel, built in the 16th century with stones from pre-Hispanic Mayan buildings. Moreover, Maní boasts a community of artisans making and embroidering traditional garments, enriched by its gastronomy. Visitors are encouraged to try poc chuc, a local pork dish prepared with citrus marinade and grilled to perfection.
Sisal, Yucatán
Sisal is a picturesque coastal town within the municipality of Hunucmá, located 30 minutes northwest of Mérida. It offers various ecotourism options, nestled between two natural reserves. Historically, it served as Yucatán’s main maritime port during the henequen production boom. Furthermore, Sisal, like Maní, showcases exceptional local cuisine.
Isla Aguada, Campeche
This large fishing town, despite its name, is not an actual island. It is best known for its historic red-and-white striped lighthouse that adds charm to the area.
Ajijic, Jalisco
Ajijic is a town on the northern shore of Lago de Chapala, popular with international retirees. It buzzes with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, while still preserving a colonial-era ambiance characterized by colorfully-painted houses.
Paracho de Verduzco, Michoacán
This village is celebrated as a hub for luthiers, renowned for high-quality stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, cellos, and the traditional Mexican guitarrón (Mexican stand-up bass).
Also added to the list were: Santa Catarina Juquila, Oaxaca; Tetela de Ocampo, Puebla; Santa Maria del Rio, San Luis Potosí; Tonatico, State of Mexico; and Zempoala, Hidalgo.
