Pueblos Magicos

[conklinwh]

I thought the article on Parras by Dick Davis was very interesting. With all the times I've driven through Saltillo, I never knew about Parras.
I think a series on the Pueblos Magicos by people that have visited or live there would open new travel opportunities.

[Dick Davis]

Dear Bill,

Courtesy of MTB, Mexico Tourism Board, here is a partial list (23) with descriptions of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos.

Coatepec, 2006 (Veracruz): The indigenous populations named the town Coatepec, which means “Snake Hill” in the native nahuatl language, because they wished to pay homage to the goddess of fertility, which was embodied by a serpent. Coatepec’s history extends from the prehispanic to the colonial, with the town still faithfully celebrating the day of Patron Saint Jerome on Sept. 30 and the Coffee Festival in mid-April.

Although Coatepec’s buildings each have a distinct style, they are influenced by the baroque and neoclassic styles of architecture. The town’s churches, buildings and traditional homes add such historic value to the town that it was named an official Verarcruz Historical Monument Region in 1995. Among the town’s more significant buildings are the Scared Heart Temple, the Calvary Parrish and the Guadalupe Basilica.

Bernal, 2006 (Queretaro): Laying at the foot of the majestic, 371-yard high Peña de Bernal, the world’s third largest monolith, Bernal is an enchanting village of artistic wealth and cobblestone streets. Bernal, located 37 miles from Santiago de Queretaro, was welcomed into the Pueblos Magicos program in February.

Bernal’s municipal government is located in the Castle, a magnificent 19th century building with a hexagonal fortified tower. Also worth visiting in the village Church of San Sebastian Martir, completed in 1725. Snack on traditional Bernal sweets made with goat’s milk as you walk around town, or indulge in brown sugar custard and guava toffees.

Mazamitla, 2005 (Jalisco): The picturesque mountain town of Mazamitla, located in the southern region of Jalisco State approximately 75 miles Guadalajara, offers visitors delicious cuisine, average temperatures of 66 degrees, and the opportunity to experience the hospitality of its people.

Mazamitla is full of natural beauty and is adorned with pine trees and cobblestone streets. The forest of Los Cazos will delight nature lovers with its streams, El Salto waterfall and Jardin Encantado (Enchanted Garden), where a crystal-like stream runs between stone slabs. Visitors can hike and camp on El Chacal, the municipality’s tallest mountain.

Valle de Bravo, 2005 (Mexico State): Valle de Bravo is a charming mountain village adorned with cobblestone streets, white stucco colonial houses, wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs located 60 miles from Toluca and 90 miles from Mexico City.

Visitors to Valle de Bravo will enjoy many activities, from sailing and skiing in the lake formed by the Miguel Aleman dam to hang-glide off the top of Cerro de la Cruz mountain. History buffs will enjoy exploring the prehispanic ruins at La Peña, just northeast of town, while nature lovers will revel in the beauty of the El Salto and Velo de la Novia waterfalls.

Tlalpujahua, 2005 (Michoacan): Circled by pine-covered mountains, Tlalpujahua is a 90-square mile piece of paradise in eastern Michoacan State. Small white houses with red tile roofs peek from amid the lush vegetation. Tlalpujahua has evolved from its mining origins into a destination renowned for its beautiful handicrafts, such as pottery, basket weaving and feather work.

However, Tlalpujahua’s the most famous export by fair are its glass globe Christmas tree decorations. The hand-decorated globes produced by the town’s local glass factories are considered the best on the American continent and provide a great source of revenue for the town. Factory tours are available to visitors between February and November.

Cosala, 2005 (Sinaloa): One of the major mining centers of northwestern Mexico during the final decades of the 19th century, Cosala is situated approximately 100 miles from Mazatlan.

With beautiful buildings from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, there is perhaps no better city in Sinaloa to enjoy on foot than Cosala. Architectural highlights include the church honoring Santa Ursula which dates from the 18th century, the town hall, the Virgin of Guadalupe chapel and the Luis Perez Meza Passage, an exquisite colonial corner.

Alamos, 2005 (Sonora): Founded in the 17 century, visitors can enjoy the colonial architecture of its buildings, 188 of which were declared National Historic Monuments in 2000. There is no better place to learn the history of Mexico’s northernmost colonial town about its past than in the Sonora Traditions Musuem, located near the town center.

While Alamos maintains an authentic feel, visitors to this charming best-kept secret will not be roughing it: Alamos offers an impressive amount of premium boutique hotels sure to delight the discerning traveler. Visit Alamos in late January to experience the Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Music Festival, northwestern Mexico’s most important event.

Parras, 2004 (Coahuila): Literally an oasis in the middle of the desert due to the many natural springs that water the acres of walnut, fig and avocado tress and grape vines that adorn it, Parras de la Fuente was the birthplace of Francisco I. Madero, president of Mexico and instigator of the Mexican Revolution.

Parras boasts the first winery in the Western Hemisphere, Casa Madero, which has been producing wine for five centuries. Another must-see in this quiet town is the 17th century Santo Madero church, which sits precariously high atop a steep hill known as El Sombreretillo. Parras is located approximately 90 miles west of Saltillo, the Coahuila State capital.

Real del Monte, 2004 (Hidalgo): The tallest inhabited rocky peak in Mexico, Real del Monte is located 7.4 miles and a world away from Mexico City. This mining town celebrates its working-class tradition and the men who looked for silver with games during a 5-day festival that starts on July 11.

Spend your time in Real del Monte exploring the town on foot through its labyrinth-like streets that are perched in the mountains. Take a moment to sample the local pasties, based on the dish originally brought by English miners in the mid-19th century.

San Cristobal de las Casas, 2003 (Chiapas): Founded in 1528, the city is a haven for history lovers. Its strong indigenousness presence is reflected in the beautiful textile, leather and ceramic handicrafts created by local artisans. A visit to the marketplace beliefs will demonstrate precisely how closely the various cultures, languages, ethnicities, and beliefs are intertwined. Visitors will also enjoy the mix of baroque and neoclassical architecture reflected in the town’s churches, museums and cafes. The town’s most important celebration takes place in April, where San Cristobal has celebrated the Spring and Peace Festival since the mid-19th century with cultural and sporting events.

Comala, 2002 (Colima): Comala is set against a beautiful natural landscape that combines the mountains of the Sierra de Manatlan and the great forests of Cerro Grande with innumerable rivers. It is against this impressive backdrop that Comala’s famous white-washed houses and buildings, built in perfectly straight streets and adorned with intricate iron fixtures, are constructed.

The town’s legacy of Olmec, Purepecha, Mexica and Spanish cultures is evident in the colorful musical festivals celebrated throughout the year. For example, Comala’s largest festival is celebrated on Dec. 12, when Comala and its surrounding villages pay tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Dolores Hidalgo, 2002 (Guanuajuato): Dolores Hidalgo became the cradle of Mexico’s independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the parish church bells and urged his parishioners to overthrow the Spanish vice regal government in the “Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores). Today the town commemorates this event with a 10-day celebration that starts on Sept. 6 and culminates with the famous Grito on Independence Day.

When visiting Dolores Hidalgo, be sure to indulge in the ice cream found in the main square. Visitors can choose from a wide array of exotic flavors, from shrimp, cheese and beer to corn, avocado and mole sauce.

San Miguel de Allende, 2002 (Guanajuato): Located in a valley surrounded by hills and forests four hours from the hustle of Mexico City, visitors welcome the tranquility of San Miguel de Allende. This charming colonial town has attracted a large community of American expatriates who enjoy the World Heritage Site’s beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and emerging cosmopolitan feel.

In September, San Miguel dresses in bouquets of flowers as it prepares for the festivities to honor its patron saint. Festivities start on Sept. 29, and include the Xuchil procession which features elaborate displays of flowers, traditional dancers and the Sanmiguelada, the town’s running of the bulls.

Taxco, 2002 (Guerrero): Renowned for its rich abundance in silver, this mining town is located 100 miles southwest from Mexico City and is easily accessible via the Cuernavaca airport. Taxco is lodged in the foot of La Bermeja mountain of the Sierra Madre Range, providing visitors with a landscape that complements the 500-year history evident in the town’s colonial Spanish architecture featuring overhanging grilled balconies and red-tiled roofs.

Visit Taxco in June to experience the National Silver Fair, an event which brings together international silversmiths, miners and dealers and includes many cultural activities. In Taxco, silver, history and culture are intertwined, and the mix is evident in the jewelry the town’s silversmiths create.

Tapalpa, 2002 (Jalisco): Jalisco State offers visitors more than its beautiful coastline – south of Lake Chapala lays a mountain zone that features the most dramatic landscapes in Jalisco. It is here, more than 6,560 feet and 83 miles from Guadalajara, that the charming town of Tapalpa is located.

Just west of Tapalpa is El Nogal dam and the Salto del Nogal waterfall, where you can fish for black bass and tilapia. Walk north to explore the Las Piedrotas and Los Frailes large boulders and geological formations that are sure to impress.

Tequila, 2002 (Jalisco): The town that gave its name to Mexico’s national liquor is located approximately 37 miles north of Guadalajara in a green valley. More than 55 percent of tequila is produced in the western Mexican state of Jalisco within 21 miles of the town of Tequila. Local cuisine pays homage to the famous drink, giving visitors a chance to sample cakes, cookies, and entrées prepared with tequila.

Enjoy the National Tequila Fair, which is celebrated during the third week of November. Festivities last almost a month because they merge with the days honoring the Virgin of the Conception and the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Tepotzotlan, 2002 (Mexico State): This town, located just 16 miles north Mexico City and easily accessible via the Queretaro Highway, was one of the first learning centers in New Spain where Jesuits were trained. Tepotzotlan is centered on the Church of San Francisco Javier, an outstanding example of churrigueresque architecture which now houses the National Viceroyalty Museum. The museum displays art and artifacts from the 300-year-long colonial period.

Tepotzotlan is known for its elaborate Day of the Dead observances, celebrated yearly on Nov. 2. During this important time, the townspeople decorate public buildings with cardboard skulls and paper maché creatures and offer deceased friends and relatives candles, bread and flowers while village prophets read short poems to the dead.

Patzcuaro, 2002 (Michoacan): Located 31 miles from Morelia, Patzcuaro is easily accessible by bus and boasts a beautiful lake with the same name. Decorated with pines, sacred fir and oaks, the fertile land enjoys a temperate climate.

Patzcuaro has a strong indigenous origin, and the language of the Purepecha people is evident in the marketplace. Visitors will find it difficult to settle on just one souvenir given that Patzcuaro’s variety of handicrafts is legendary and features objects made from corn paste, embroidered and woven goods, ceramics, silverwork and wooden furniture.

Tepoztlan, 2002 (Morelos): Tepoztlan is located northeast of Cuernavaca, just 45 miles outside Mexico City. This charming village is known for its beautiful landscape and rich history.

One of the town’s main attractions is its Franciscan ex-Convent of the Nativity, build at the end of the 16th-century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. When visiting the ex-convent, be sure to stop by the Carlos Pellicer Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art.

Cuetzalan, 2002 (Puebla): Cuetzalan is a picturesque colonial town located in the northern mountains of Puebla State, about 120 miles and three hours from Puebla City. Town highlights include the Guadalupe church, the stone-domed San Francisco church and the Municipal Palace. While in town, be sure to shop for the handicrafts native to Cuetzalan: traditional blouses, mats and clothings made with prehispanic looms.

Visitors looking for some adventure can venture to the nearby rocky pool, Las Hamacas and the La Atepatahua and El Atltepetl Falls. The region also has plenty of labyrinth-like caverns for exploring.

Izamal, 2002 (Yucatan): Only 44 miles separate the white of Merida with the yellow of Izamal. All of the town’s houses are painted yellow, a modern reminder of the ancient cult to the sun of Izamal’s native peoples. The remnants of the indigenous populations are also evident in the archeological remains on which the town is built.

On Dec. 8, the celebrations for the Virgin of Izamal begin, featuring processions, dancing, and fairs. With Merida and Cancun both having international airports, Izamal is easily accessible to North American tourists and definitely worth a visit.

Huasca de Ocampo, 2001 (Hidalgo): With its lush mountains, pastel-colored houses and winding rivers, it’s no wonder that Huasca means “place of joy.” Visit the rocky outcrops and waterfalls at Prismas Basalticos and marvel at the Piedra en el Aire, a huge boulder precariously perched and seemingly on the verge of falling.

On June 24, the town unites with its visitors to celebrate its saint, San Juan Bautista. The festival features songs, mass, horse shows, dancing, and fireworks. After enjoying the festivities, be sure to by some of the region’s famous pottery, produced by local artisans.

Mexcaltitan, 2001 (Nayarit): A truly unique destination, the small island of Mexcaltitan is located on a lake by the same name. The name means “House of the Moon” in the Nahuatl language. According to legend, this is the place from which the Aztecs departed on their pilgrimage in search of Tenochtitlan (today's Mexico City), the seat of the great Aztec empire.

Visitors can take a boat to the island, which is shaped like an oval and has a diameter of a little more than half a mile. After a visit to the local church and museum, take some time to enjoy the island’s distinct cuisine which includes doughballs filled with minced-shrimp, fresh oysters and shrimp tamales. The island’s must-have culinary delight, however, is the legendary taxtihili, a prehispanic dish of shrimp, corn dough and spices.

Real de Catorce, 2001 (San Luis Potosi): Founded after the discovery of silver in the region, Real de Catorce is situated on one of the highest plateaus in Mexico at an altitude of more than 9,000 feet. Every year on Oct. 1, pilgrims from every corner of Mexico descend on Real de Catorce to honor the patron saint Francis of Assisi at the Parish of the Immaculate and to enjoy five days of celebration.

An hour’s walk will take you to El Quemado, a sacred native Huichol site. Also worth a visit are the ruins of the old mines, mills and warehouses, situated high above the Ogarrio Tunnel.

[astevens]

For many of these, there's a story on this website:

• Bernal: The Peña of Berna
• Alamos: Pleasure and Treasure: Alamos, Mexico
• Parras: Parras: Mexico's Magic Carpet
• San Miguel de Allende: Day of the Dead: An Inside View of San Miguel de Allende, and Walking in San Miguel de Allende
• Patzcuaro: Tzintzuntzan, Hummingbirds in the Stones
• Mexcaltitan: Mexcaltitan: Home of the Aztec people
• Real de Catorce: Real de Catorce

That's seven visited and fifteen from Dick's list to go. I believe the total is up to 33, so the number to go is actually 25.

[conklinwh]

The list and brief write of Pueblos Magicos is great. Also good that 7 have more extended articles.
Expect the list will keep growing for Dick as I found this list of 32 and now 33.

Magic in México

The Mexican Board of Tourism is promoting the idea that there are magical towns in the country. Judging by the presence of myths and age-old traditions, customs and costumes, that seems to be true.

Some say that living in México gives you the opportunity to regenerate yourself, get in touch with your long-hidden passions. Now, that’s magic, too.

In the last few days, México celebrated the Second National Meeting of Magic Towns, in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. The purpose of this was to promote Mexican touristic destinations and, by those means, create employment and basic services to residents.

Currently, there are 32 areas considered in the Pueblos Mágicos Program:


Real de Asientos, Aguascalientes; Pátzcuaro, Tlalpujahua y Cuitzeo, Michoacán; Álamos, Sonora; Cosalá, Sinaloa; Tequila, Tapalpa y Mazamitla, Jalisco; Valle de Bravo y Tepotzotlán, Estado de México; Huasca de Ocampo y Real del Monte, Hidalgo; Dolores Hidalgo y San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato; Comala, Colima; Izamal en Yucatán and Santiago, Nuevo León.

Taxco, Guerrero; Tepoztlán, Morelos; Mexcaltitlán, Nayarit; Cuetzalan, Puebla; Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí; San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas: Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila; Bernal, Querétaro; Coatepec y Papantla, Veracruz; Todos Santos, Baja California Sur; Bacalar, Quintana Roo; Huamantla, Tlaxcala, and Jerez, Zacatecas.

[larpman]

I wonder how a location qualifies to be considered for the list. Since large cities aren't listed, what is the maximum size? The most obvious town that isn't listed that should be is Guanajuato.

Another place well worth including is Tlacotalpan http://www.pbase.com/larpman/tlacotalpan

I've been to 11 of the those on the list. Considering some of those not listed, some of those that are on the list surprise me. Like the World Heritage Sites, there are places that are more deserving than those on the list. Maybe a town has to officially apply to SECTUR and present their case for inclusion.

My gallery of Bernal http://www.pbase.com/larpman/bernal

[conklinwh]

Expect there is a size piece as called Pueblos Magicos and not Ciudades Magicos. In any case of those I know, Patzcuaro, Dolores and San Miguel would seem to be straining the definition in my mind of pueblos.I did think photos of Tlacotalpan were great. The more links to city write ups and picture galleries, the more useful this site.
Although we built in Pozos, we plan to use that as our "in country" travel base and this set of postings has given us a very good set of ideas to follow.

[mexico-fg]

The list and brief write of Pueblos Magicos is great. Also good that 7 have more extended articles.
Expect the list will keep growing for Dick as I found this list of 32 and now 33.

Magic in México

The Mexican Board of Tourism is promoting the idea that there are magical towns in the country. Judging by the presence of myths and age-old traditions, customs and costumes, that seems to be true.

Some say that living in México gives you the opportunity to regenerate yourself, get in touch with your long-hidden passions. Now, that’s magic, too.

In the last few days, México celebrated the Second National Meeting of Magic Towns, in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. The purpose of this was to promote Mexican touristic destinations and, by those means, create employment and basic services to residents.

Currently, there are 32 areas considered in the Pueblos Mágicos Program:


Real de Asientos, Aguascalientes; Pátzcuaro, Tlalpujahua y Cuitzeo, Michoacán; Álamos, Sonora; Cosalá, Sinaloa; Tequila, Tapalpa y Mazamitla, Jalisco; Valle de Bravo y Tepotzotlán, Estado de México; Huasca de Ocampo y Real del Monte, Hidalgo; Dolores Hidalgo y San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato; Comala, Colima; Izamal en Yucatán and Santiago, Nuevo León.

Taxco, Guerrero; Tepoztlán, Morelos; Mexcaltitlán, Nayarit; Cuetzalan, Puebla; Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí; San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas: Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila; Bernal, Querétaro; Coatepec y Papantla, Veracruz; Todos Santos, Baja California Sur; Bacalar, Quintana Roo; Huamantla, Tlaxcala, and Jerez, Zacatecas.

There are too many areas included in the program as you've said. Thanks for the info anyway!