Whenever we think about tourism in Mexico, only cities like Cancun ou Mexico City.
On the other hand, Mexico is a country that offers so much culture and so many beautiful cities that it would be a waste to only think about the cities mentioned.
Mexico currently has 111 “Pueblos Mágicos” or magical towns. For your reference, this title is only given to towns that have preserved their historical legacy and traditions.
Obviously, on a trip to Mexico it would not be possible to visit so many cities, however, close to Mexico City you can find 10 options less than 3 hours away by car.
If you have a free day, it's definitely worth renting a car and heading out to see something you'll never forget, as we're talking about one of the incredible places in Mexico.
10 Magical Pueblos for tourism in Mexico
1 – Tepotzotlán, State of Mexico
This Magical City is located just over 80 km from Mexico City, or approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Here you can visit tourist sites such as the old Francisco Javier Convent, take a look back into the past at the National Museum, visit one of its emblematic parishes or take beautiful photos at the city's old aqueduct.
In the Plaza de la Cruz you will find a stone cross carved with images of the passion of Christ. In addition, Tepotzotlán will surprise you with its unique gastronomy.
2 – Malinalco, State of Mexico
Its name means “Where Malinalxóchitl is worshiped, the Flower of Malinalli” and it is located 2 hours and 10 minutes from Mexico City, in the south of the State of Mexico.
In addition to visiting the Cuauhtinchán Archaeological Zone, or its various parishes, in Malinalco you can take part in ecotourism activities such as motorbike riding, zip-lining, rock climbing or visiting a temazcal (a type of sauna that purifies the soul) during Holy Week.
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3 – Huamantla, Tlaxcala
Huamantla, Tlaxcala, is located 2 hours and 10 minutes from Mexico City. Its name is of Nahuatl origin and means “Place of the trees together”.
Among the most visited tourist attractions in this magical city are: the Parish of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the National Puppet Museum, several pulque farms and the La Malinche National Park.
If you go between July and August, you will be able to witness the Huamantla Fair, the greatest celebration in honor of the Virgin of Charity.
During the last days of July, there are floral carpets, serenades, a festival of handmade balloons, a donkey race and other activities.
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4 – Taxco, Guerrero
Just 2 hours and 40 minutes south of Mexico City, Taxco is a magical town whose name means “place where you play ball.”
The city is known for its silver work and you can't miss attractions such as the Zócalo, the craft market or the monumental statue of Christ on the Atachi mountain, from where you will have an incomparable view of Taxco in its entirety.
You can also visit several chapels and parishes, visit the Cacahuamilpa caves or buy handicrafts at the silver fair.
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5 – Bernal, Queretaro
This is one of my favorites. Bernal is a magical town in Querétaro, approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Mexico City.
Its main feature is having the third largest monolith in the world, whose formation dates back 65 million years.
In addition to visiting Peña de Bernal, where you can try your hand at climbing, you should also visit the Chapel of Souls and the Mask Museum.
If you want to tell everyone that you've been to Mexico, this is one of the cities you need to visit.
6 – Ixtapan de la Sal, State of Mexico
Ixtapan de la Sal is located in the State of Mexico, 1 hour and 50 minutes from Mexico City.
Ixtapan's main tourist attraction is its hot springs, as well as massage and physiotherapy services.
In Ixtapan de la Sal it is also possible to visit Laguna Verde and the city of Malinaltenango.
At the Arturo San Román Museum you can relive the past, while in the main square you can visit the Church of the Assumption of Mary and the City Hall.
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7 – Tecozautla, Hidalgo
It is 2 hours and 50 minutes between Mexico City and Tecozautla, a magical town in Hidalgo. Its name means “place where yellow earth is abundant”.
In Tecozaulta you can visit archaeological sites, such as Pañhu, and natural beauties such as springs and Cerro del Astillero.
The most popular place in the city is a natural geyser, unique in Mexico.
8 – Tlayacapan, Morelos
It is located in the northeastern part of Morelos, 1 hour and 50 minutes from Mexico City. Tlayacapan means “place at the tip of the earth”.
It was previously inhabited by the Olmecs and Xochimilcas. It is attractive not only for its architecture and chapels, but also for the climate and natural beauty of the hills surrounding this Magic City, where religious festivals full of tradition are also held.
In Tlayacapan you can also visit museums during Holy Week or take a stroll through the archaeological corridor.
It is certainly one of the good tourism options in Mexico.
9 – Huauchinango, Puebla
Huauchinango is 2 hours and 15 minutes from Mexico City.
Its name means “wall of trees” and it is famous for its variety of flowers, which are a fundamental part of the local economy: jasmine, azaleas, magnolias, tulips, begonias, dahlias and camellias.
You can't miss Cerro de Zempoala, where you can go rappelling. Also, don't miss the Tenango Dam, the Tizoc Tree and the Necaxa Dam.
10 – Tepoztlan, Morelos
Last but not least is Tepoztlán. Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Mexico City, Tepoztlán is ideal for a weekend trip.
Its name means “place of the copper axe” and offers a natural experience and a glimpse into Mexico’s colonial past.
Among its main attractions are the Tepozteco Pyramid, the Temple of the Nativity, the Carlos Pellicer Museum and the El Tepozteco National Park, which offers stunning views of the city.
Don't forget to visit one of its temazcales. It is certainly a city that attracts a lot of attention for those who travel to Mexico.
Due to its proximity to Mexico City, there is no excuse not to visit one or more of these magical cities at any opportunity that arises. You won’t regret it!
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