Meagan Drillinger
Mexico's Magical Towns are among its most prized attractions. This collection of historical towns and villages are given the government designation of Pueblo Magico for meeting a lengthy list of criteria, including stunning natural beauty, preserved culture or historical significance. The government of Mexico has released a list of 45 towns to be added to the Magical Towns roster for 2023.
In order for a town to receive Magical Town recognition, it must also have a population of at least 20,000 people, a location less than 124 miles from a major tourist destination, a tourism development program that has been maintained for at least three years, guaranteed health and public safety for tourists and unique symbolic or cultural attractions.
For 2023, Mexico's secretary of tourism received more than 100 nominations across 27 states. A total of 45 towns met the requirements, and their addition brings the number of Magical Towns to 177.
Among the new entries, there are a few standout recognitions. First, the state of Quintana Roo has now recognized the world-famous island of Cozumel as a Magical Town. Cozumel joins Bacalar, Isla Mujeres and Tulum in Quintana Roo.
Mexico's state of Sonora reached a milestone this year, as well. For years, Sonora had no new entries on the list, but this year two were added: San Carlos and Ures. San Carlos is known for its epic natural beauty, including the Arcos y Cuevas, or rock arches and sea caves teeming with wildlife. Its Tetakawi Hill is one of the top spots to see the sunset over the Sea of Cortez, as well. Ures is known for its historical significance, having served as the capital of the state until it was moved to Hermosillo.
Guerrero's Zihuatanejo has also finally achieved Magical Town status. This fishing village sits in the shadow of nearby resort-heavy Ixtapa. It's known for its quiet coves and bays, epic surf, toes-in-the-sand restaurants and whale-watching opportunities.
Campeche's wild and rugged Candelaria, tucked in the heart of the jungle, is known for its stunning natural beauty, ecotourism and pre-Hispanic ruins. It includes El Tigre, or Itzamkanac, the alleged site of Cuauhtemoc's murder by the conquistador Hernan Cortes. Visitors can also take in the Salto Grande waterfall, one of Mexico's largest waterfalls.
Of course, these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the new list of adventures that travelers can choose from when exploring the Magical Towns of Mexico.
The full list of Mexico's newest Magical Towns includes:
• Pabellon de Hidalgo, Aguascalientes
• Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur
• Candelaria, Campeche
• Copainala, 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
• Temacapulin, Jalisco
• Cotija, Michoacan
• Tlaltizapan de Zapata, Morelos
• Xochitepec, Morelos
• Ahuacatlan, Nayarit
• Amatlan de Canas, Nayarit
• Ixtlan del rio, Nayarit
• San Blas, Nayarit
• Puerto Balleto (Islas Marias), Nayarit
• General Teran, Nuevo Leon
• General Zaragoza, Nuevo Leon
• Huejotzingo, Puebla
• Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro
• Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Ciudad del Maiz, San Luis Potosi
• Tierra Nueva, 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