Quick guide to Mexico City’s many Pueblos Mágicos

Published April 30, 2023

by Leigh Thelmadatter

Over 30 of Mexico’s 132 Pueblos Mágicos are within three hours driving distance of the sprawling urban monster that is Mexico City.

It’s a contradiction born of history and economics. Most of Mexico’s development has been  centered in this high mountain plateau. The Pueblos Mágicos program has been spectacularly successful in showcasing their wonderful charms, enticing people to spend holidays in places beyond the beaches.

Mexico City is, by far, the largest domestic source of potential tourists, not only because of affluence, but also because capitalinos look to escape the capital’s noise and infamous smog, says Fernando Mendoza, an independent consultant and former president of the National Coordination of Pueblos Mágicos Committees.

These 30 pueblos near Mexico City demonstrate the wide variety of natural and cultural environments in and around the Valley of Mexico. They’re also a testament to the resilience of local cultures in the face of Mexico City’s often overbearing presence.

Most articles about Pueblos Mágicos in the Mexico City area list certain towns time and again. Although by no means the only pueblos worth visiting, they should be on your shortlist if you have limited time.

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