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Mexico is a tourist hotspot, and in recent years the number of visitors to this large and diverse country has simply skyrocketed, despite travel advisories due to some localized issues.
While areas like the Yucatan Peninsula remain the mega hubs for most visitors, the reality is that you can find places worth visiting pretty much all over the country of Mexico.
A popular way to see some of Mexico’s lesser-known and authentic sights is by visiting its Pueblos Mágicos, or Magic Towns, as they are affectionately called by the locals.
With the recent addition of 45 new Magic Townsthe number of places in all of Mexico considered Pueblo Mágicos increased from 132 to 177. To qualify for this prestigious label, pueblos must apply and meet certain criteria.
The new additions are spread across 25 states and aim to help spread the tourism the country is experiencing beyond traditional beach and city destinations.
Are here 6 Of The Best New Magical Towns In Mexico To Visit This Year:
Cordoba, Veracruz
Named after Córdoba of Spain, this new Mexican Pueblo Mágico located in the center of Veracruz is definitely worth a visit. Tucked away in the lush tropical jungle and on the edge of the eastern Sierra Madre range, the area is full of natural beauty.
This melting pot city is fascinating and, being famous for its coffee, a visit to the coffee museum is a must.
Known as the City of 30 Caballeros, the main plaza is where you should head to get acquainted with the area’s impressive architecture, including buildings like the City Hall and Portal de Zevallos. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is of course not to be missed, then you can walk around and enjoy the history of this important city.
The closest major airport to Córdoba is about an hour and a half drive from the coastal city of Veracruz (VER), which can connect you to other Mexican cities as well as the US.
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Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa (often referred to simply as Coita) is a recently considered Magical Town located in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico.
The town is famous for its Carnival of Coita, which is based on native Zoque traditions, whose roots go back to pre-Hispanic times. As one of the oldest carnivals in the country, it is a great draw for tourists from both Mexico and abroad.
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa is a town of a town that is made up of the Zoque culture and can be reached in about an hour and a half by car from modern San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
San Blas, Nayarit
San Blas’ main claim to fame is its importance to bird watchers, as it is one of the best places in the Western Hemisphere to watch bird migrations. But if observing the more than 300 species of birds that live here isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more to do.
Enjoy the four miles of powdery sand beaches, hit the Pacific for some epic waves, or take in the views of the seaside cliffs.
The small beach town revolves around fishing, tourism, surfing, and agriculture. An old fort dominates the city and offers a great view, and you can explore the ruins of the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
The closest airport is Tepic International Airport (TPQ), though Puerto Vallarta’s larger airport is also just three hours away.
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Maybe you have heard of Zihuatanejo but you don’t know where; the Mexican coastal town caught the attention of many people thanks to Andy telling Red about it in Shawshank Redemption.
Zihuatanejo (often shortened to Zihua) is a favorite for many for its local culture and authentic beach town atmosphere. The fish market, shacks, a new pier, cobblestone alleys and small town feel provide a great escape from the many much more commercialized nearby beaches.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is nearby and offers many daily flights to other Mexican cities.
Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro
In the state of Querétaro, in central Mexico, is the small town of Pinal de Amoles, nestled in the Sierra Gorda region. This underrated gem provides visitors with some opportunities for adventure, with a healthy dose of history, culture, and epic views of natural landscapes.
Must-see sights include El Chuveje waterfall, Heaven’s Gate Road and, of course, the impressive Cuatro Palos viewpoint.
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You can also get your heart rate up and enjoy the rivers from Puente de Dios and rappel down the Infiernillo Canyon.
Pinal de Amoles can be reached by a four and a half hour bus ride from Mexico City, or the nearest airport is Querétaro International Airport (QRO).
San Carlos, Sonora
The state of Sonora has not had a Magical Town for 11 years, and this year they have not one but two to call their own. The coastal city of San Carlos (or Nuevo Guaymas, as it is also known) is now one of the main tourist areas of the state, and the caves and arches in the sea are a main attraction.
Watch some epic sunsets over the Sea of Cortez at the Tetakawu Hill Lookout, and if you’re lucky, catch some whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
The closest regional airport to San Carlos is the General José María Yáñez International Airport, but the main airport with international flights is Hermosillo. Or you can always drive here from the American Southwest, but keep in mind that border delays can be long, not to mention that security can also be an issue at times.
Here are all the new Magical Towns of Mexico:
• Hidalgo Pavilion, Aguascalientes
• Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur
• Candelaria, Campeche
• Copainalá, Chiapas
• Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas
• Guachochi, Chihuahua
• Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua
• General de Cepeda, Coahuila
• Jilotepec, State of Mexico
• Otumba, State of Mexico
• Ixcateopan de Cuauhtemoc, Guerrero
• Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
• Acaxochitlan, Hidalgo
• Meztitlan, Hidalgo
• Cocula, Jalisco
• Temacapulín, Jalisco
• Cotija, Michoacan
• Tlaltizapan de Zapata, Morelos
• Xochitepec, Morelos
• Ahuacatlan, Nayarit
• Amatlan de Canas, Nayarit
• Ixtlan del Rio, Nayarit
• San Blas, Nayarit
• Puerto Balleto (Marías Islands), Nayarit
• General Teran, Nuevo Leon
• General Zaragoza, Nuevo Leon
• Huejotzingo, Puebla
• Pinal de Amoles, Querétaro
• Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Corn City, San Luis Potosi
• New Earth, San Luis Potosi
• San Ignacio, Sinaloa
• San Carlos, Sonora
• Ures, Sonora
• Frontera, Tabasco
• Teapa, Tabasco
• Ixtenco, Tlaxcala
• Cordoba, Veracruz
• Naolinco de Victoria, Veracruz
• Espita, YucatanMotul, YucatanTekax, Yucatan
• Villa Nueva, Zacatecas
• Sayula, Jalisco
• Teziutlan, Puebla
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
