Magical Towns of Jalisco

Mexico is made up of fascinating and epic historical episodes, vibrant traditions, surprising customs and delightful natural settings that, when brought together into one place, take the shape of a Pueblo Mágico, or “Magical town”, the spaces that safeguard the essence of a whole country, protected by the warmth of its people.

In these picturesque corners, tradition and culture stroll through the streets in the form of typical dishes, handicrafts, rituals, archeological sites and music, which are enjoyed with a zealously-protected everydayness. In one of these small towns or villages you can get to know first hand the architectural, cultural and artistic gems the beauty of which will help you to understand more deeply Mexican ways.

Cobbled streets, ancient churches, beautiful houses with red-tiled roofs and white walls, run-down buildings, women with embroidered skirts and shawls and men returning from their day’s work in the fields, are just some of the marvelous sights you can appreciate on your tour of one of the Pueblos that safeguard the magic of Mexico.

Practically every single state in the country boasts at least one such space in which time moves more slowly and the face of the Mexican essence remains intact, meaning you should not miss the opportunity to visit one of them and let yourself be enchanted by the soft winds and the sheltering skies.

 TEQUILA

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The history of this town is closely knit to the liquor that has the same name and that is popular throughout the entire world. Tequila, the Mexican name most foreigners are familiar with. Tequila sits on the skirt of the Tequila Volcano, at nearly 10,000 feet from sea level and enjoys a warm climate year round with rain fall during summer and fall.

The dozens of distilleries are Tequilas main attraction for one can visit them and observe the process of elaboration of this spirit. There is a small museum at the Tequila Sauza distillery that shows the history of this house. Casa Cuervo has impressive installations with guided visits every day. The Hacienda San Martin of the XVII century, is one of the most beautiful Haciendas of the state and possesses grand architectural characteristics like its portal, fountains and a most beautiful chapel cupola that are a delight to see.

From the top of the majestic Tequila Volcano one can see the Tequila and Matitlan valleys and the fractured geology of the gully and an interminable horizon of agaves.

You can go up by foot, car, horse or mountain bike, depending on your taste. The path takes you through an wonderful oak forest until the famous “tetilla” remembrance of the active volcano. The winds speed wil let you know when you have reached the pinnacle and you will be in awe with the 180° views.

Fifteen minutes from Tequila in the gully a breath of humid vegetation seduces its visitors.  Going into this huge natural throat that descends between bird songs and a great variety of plants you will find the water fall Los Azules, with its pristine water and its 98 feet fall, is nothing but a great experience.

TAPALPA

Embraced by the great Sierra Madre Occidental in the state of Jalisco, is the “Land of color” among pine and oak forests, crystal clear streams and rock formations.

Tapalpa is a popular destination for tourists looking for a taste of old Mexico. This historical town is best known for its community fountains and architectural attractions like the San Antonio Parish Church, the Purisima Chapel, the Temple of Nuestra Señora de la Merced and the Temple of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

The community fountains, known locally as pilas, are still used by the town’s inhabitants as a source of water and have retained their original names of De las Culebras (The Snakes'), Del Tecolote (The Owl's), Del Perro (The Dog's) and La Colorada (The Red One). At the center of the town you will find the San Antonio Parish Church, a neo-classical structure that was built out of brick by the Franciscans in 1650. What’s most impressive about the church I the precision and leveling achieved by the Franciscans while using brick as the primary building material.

Tapalpa is also the source of one of Jalisco’s most famous dishes, borrego al pastor, which is still especially famous in Tapalpa because it inhabitants continue to cook it in the traditional style. This regional specialty involves cooking a whole lamb in white wine, bay leaf, onion, garlic and peppers.

The Pueblos Magicos program identifies towns that reflect “the culture of Mexico” through attributes like architecture, traditions, customs, music, gastronomy, festivities and handcrafts. There are currently 52 destinations throughout Mexico that have earned the Pueblos Magicos classification.

MAZAMITLA

On the heights of the Sierra del Tigre, the fog creeping is Mazamitla. Place the fresh aroma of fruit trees and the open hospitality of the people seduces the visitor, who will find the true spirit of this people in its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with tile roofs, peaceful countryside in the middle of the forest and ideal sites for the adventure. Mazamitla magical town, located south of the state of Jalisco to 122 km from the city of Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico. This beautiful mountain town, wrapped in a huge blanket of forests and streams with a fresh annual temperature of around 21 ° C, and has all the amenities to make your visit an experience to remember.

Sheltered by beautiful forests and streams, this Magic Town of the south of Jalisco is called by many as the Mexican Switzerland.

Parrish of San Cristóbal, of eclectic style with influences of the Eastern influence s, is the architectonic emblem of this municipality.

The beautiful viewpoint el Cerro del Tigre; the fresh natural environment of Jardín Encantado (Enchanted Garden) with a waterfall of 35 meters; and the beautiful forest of the Municipal Park La Zanja, are the places charming the visitors in their tour through Mazamitla.

SAN SEBASTIAN

Tucked away in the hills of the Sierra Madre lies the historic town of San Sebastián del Oeste. Founded over 400 years ago as the mining capital of New Spain, this picturesque town is a living example of colonial México.

Its attractions such as the imposing Cerro de la Bufa, its historic buildings as the Hacienda Jalisco and La Quinta, the church of San Sebastian and consistorial portal.

Just a short distance from the busy beaches of Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián is nestled amongst the pines trees, 4600 feet up in the Sierra.

An upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Sebastián is a secluded paradise that has been preserved through the centuries.