12 Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco: Discovering their Magic

Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia

Are you looking for authentic towns in Mexico to get to know the culture and delve a little deeper? Well, these 12 Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco are the answer to your prayers.  

You’ve heard the term small town magic; well, in Mexico, it’s sanctioned. It’s a recognition given by the government to small towns if they are culturally, historically, naturally, or gastronomically unique, or erm… magical.

The term Pueblos Magicos translates to Magic Towns or Magical Towns, and these are some of the best cities in Jalisco.

After living in Mexico for two years, we’ve explored a bunch of these super cute towns, and they are full of character and charm.

In this guide, I’m going to make it extra easy for you to visit these magical towns. It’s a complete guide with what to do and see in each town, as well as how to get there and where to stay.

Get ready. Make a Paloma and settle in; it’s going to be good (if I don’t say so myself).  

But first, a few details to get out of the way…

Where is Jalisco, Mexico?

I live in Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco. It’s on the west coast of Mexico, and its capital is Guadalajara.

This coastal state stretches for nearly 80,000 square kilometers, which is a little bigger than Panama! It’s bound by the Pacific Ocean to the west and has mountains as high as 4300 meters above sea level.

Pueblos Mágicos in Jalisco map

This map will help you visualize how close each Pueblo Magico is so you can be confident renting a car or taking day trips.

What is Jalisco, Mexico, known for?

The state of Jalisco is known for a few very iconic things:

• 1.    Tequila and agave
• 2.    Mariachis
• 3.    Cowboys, ranches and rodeos (locally known as charrería)
• 4.    Sombreros

What is a Pueblo Magico?

The Magical Town program was started in 2001 by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism. Its purpose is to bring attention to lesser-known places throughout the country and boost Mexican tourism and travel awareness to smaller towns.

In order to be awarded the Pueblo Magico status, each spot must offer something significant to the culture of Mexico.

Think authentic culture, history, food, and architecture in small town Mexico. It could even be unique festivals, local art, or distinct traditions.

Currently, there are 177 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico, and twelve of them are Jalisco towns.

The 12 Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco, Mexico:

• 1. Ajijic
• 2. Cocula         
• 3. Lagos de Moreno
• 4. Temacapulin
• 5. Mazamitla
• 6. Sayula
• 7. Tapalpa
• 8. Tequila
• 9. Tlaquepaque
• 10. San Sebastián Del Oeste
• 11. Mascota
• 12. Talpa De Allende

I am separating these small towns in Jalisco into two groups:

It will make transportation options and tours easier for you.

Ready? Let’s start exploring the 12 magic towns in Jalisco to visit.

Pueblos magico close to Guadalajara

Ajijic

Pronounced “Ah-hee-heek”

This cute town on Lake Chapala is a thriving hub for at least 10,000 expats and the first Pueblo Magico en Jalisco we went to. Our friends Ed and Sally live there when they aren’t traveling the world, house-sitting, and living my best life. If you think I sound jealous, you’re right. I am. But I love them anyway.

Anyway, I digress.

What makes it so magical?

It’s a very colorful town at the foot of the mountains, bathed by Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico. Its cobblestone streets are lined with murals by talented local artists.

The colonial architecture and religious festivities, like the Sayacas carnival, helped put it on the Pueblo Magico map. Additionally, it has a long history dating back to pre-Hispanic times.

Things to do in Ajijic:

• Stroll along the Malecon, which borders Lake Chapala.
• Gallery hop: There are a lot of galleries showcasing international and local artists.
• You’re on Mexico’s biggest lake. Enjoy it.
• Find all the murals.

How to get to Ajijic:

We hopped on a bus from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara and drove through fields and fields of blue agave as far as the eyes could see. From the highway all the way to the mountains in the distance, that is all we saw for four hours.

But if you’re in Guadalajara, it’s an easy 45-minute to one-hour drive, depending on the traffic.

You can rent a car, which is an excellent idea if you plan to hop from one magic town in Jalisco to the next. Nine of the 12 towns are within 1-3 hours of each other and from the capital. So, you could rent a car and spend some time exploring the interior of Mexico.

But if that’s not your speed, you can hire a driver from the airport in Guadalajara to Ajijic or take an Uber or public bus. You’ve got options.

Organized tours in Ajijic:

A few full-day tours will pick you up from Guadalajara and spin you around the area, hitting all the highlights and keeping your day stress-free. Check these out:

·      Tour to Lake Chapala and the Magic Town of Ajijic from Guadalajara

·      Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara

Where to stay in Ajijic:

There are loads of options, but Casa del Sol is lovely and has an authentic Mexican charm.

Cocula

This is one of the newest Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco. It was added in 2023.

It’s a cute cobblestone town with colonial architecture centered around a main square, but that’s not what got it on the list. Cocula is known as the “Cradle of Mariachi” due to its deep-rooted connection to the music that IS Mexico.  

Things to do in Cocula:

• Watch live mariachis until you start to grow your own curly mustache
• Go to a workshop to see how the string instruments are made
• Chill in the central plaza to see how life unfolds in Mariachi-ville
• Visit the Mariachi Museum

How to get to Cocula:

Renting a car is def the easiest way to get there. It’s about a 1-1.5 hour drive on your own.

If you want to take a bus, check out these bus operators.   

Or you could take an Uber.

Where to stay in Cocula:

Cocula is a small town, which means accommodation options are sparse. Check this lovely little hotel out.

Lagos de Moreno

This city is on the doorstep of the Sierra de Lobos Mountain range and is surrounded by rolling hills, lush countryside, and views for days. It’s in the Altos Norte region of Jalisco.

Its buildings date back to the mid-1500s, especially in the historic center.

The famous bridge over the Lagos River, which was used to transport silver from the 16^th through 19th centuries, is part of the UNESCO Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

Things to do in Lagos de Moreno:

• Visit the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption.
• Watch a charreada (Mexican rodeo) at Hacienda de Cantera or Rancho Verde. It’s not like a US rodeo at all. There are dancing horses and traditionally dressed women riding side saddle. We’ve been to one, and it was such a peek into Jalisco’s heart and soul.
• Horseback ride through the area.
• See a play or opera in the José Rosas Moreno Theater.

How to get to Lagos de Moreno:

There is a bus from Guadalajara to Lagos de Moreno. It takes about 2.5 hours and runs five times a day.

On a side note, the buses in Mexico are fabulous. Clean. On time. Comfortable and overall, very impressive.

But if you still aren’t convinced, renting a car is also super easy.

Where to stay in Lagos de Moreno:

Budget: Hotel Posada Real
Mid-Range: Casa Damiana
Luxury: Hacienda Sepúlveda Hotel & Spa

Temacapulin

Also located in the Altos de Jalisco region and not far from Lagos de Moreno, Temacapulin is the hot spring capital of western Mexico. So, besides being culturally interesting with deep-rooted traditions, you’ve got hot springs to explore.

After sufficiently pruning yourself in the healing waters, wander the beautiful colonial estates or the maze of streets near the town center.

Who couldn’t use a little wellness-infused nature with a side of the cobblestone streets of yesteryear?

Things to do in Temacapulin:

• Soak in a hot spring or all the hot springs.
• Spend the day at the waterparks.
• Go kayaking in the Verde River.
• Explore the ruins of the old pantheon to get a breathtaking view of the town and the natural beauty surrounding it.
• Visit the 18th-century Basilica de los Remedios (Virgin of the Remedies).
• Marvel at Casas Reales, a colonial estate.

How to get to Temacapulin:

Temacapulin is about halfway between Guadalajara and Lagos de Moreno, so make a trip out of it and see them both. ­­

It’s about two hours to get to Temacapulin and another 1.5 hours to Lagos de Moreno.

I would rent a car so you can visit both Pueblos Mágicos at your leisure.

Mazamitla

Mazamitla, on the south side of Lake Chapala, isn’t far from Ajijic. But it’s very different. It’s all about reconnecting with nature. It’s known as the Mexican Switzerland because of its alpine scenery and outdoor activities.

It’s hugged by mountains and covered in more than 6,000 hectares of lush forest, making it a playground for adventure sports enthusiasts, like riding ATVs and ziplining at Adventure World.

There are hundreds of cabins you can rent just to get away from it all. By day, you’ll be hiking the trails and looking for waterfalls, and by night, you’ll be cozying up by a fireplace inside your cabin.

When we were there, we were short on time, so we did none of those things, but we did spend an afternoon wandering around aimlessly, getting a feel for its small-town magic.

I would def go back for a few days to escape Puerto Vallarta’s summer heat.

Things to do in Mazamitla:

• Tour the Sierra del Tigre mountains on a safari truck.
• Go see the Parish of San Cristóbal and wander the town.
• Swim in the pools of the 115-foot Cascada El Salto waterfall.
• Go shopping at the Handicrafts Market, and while you’re there, stay for the unique Museo Mazamitla.

Day Trips to Mazamitla

Take a day trip from your hotel in Guadalajara to Mazamitla with this Full-Day Trip to Mazamitla Pueblo Magico.

You’ll learn about the history of the town and what makes it so special. Then you’ll have a traditional lunch before heading to Sierra Tours to choose an adventure (ATVs, motorcycles, visit the waterfall) before having a classic Mazamitlan drink called a vampiro. Then you’ll head back to your hotel in Guadalajara.

How to get to Mazamitla:

Like many of these, your best bet is to rent a car.

Suppose you want the convenience of a car but don’t want to drive yourself. In that case, this company will pick you up at the Guadalajara airport and drop you off at your hotel in town.

Where to stay in Mazamitla

The cabins at Monteverde Hotel de Cabañas are the way to go. They have fireplaces, and some have hot tubs for those chilly nights under the stars.

Sayula

Sayula is another 2023 addition to the Jalisco Pueblos Magicos.

It’s the town where the famous Mexican author Juan Rulfo was born and spent his early years.

Take a trip back in time to find the roots of Jalisco by walking through Sayula’s cobbled streets and gawking at its colorful facades and colonial churches.

Things to do in Sayula:

• Visit the Juan Rulfo House of Culture (Casa de Cultura).
• Take a step back in time in the plaza principal.
• Check out the Museum of Sacred Art and see the religious art.
• Taste authentic cajeta, a sweet Mexican sauce similar to dulce de leche.

How to get from Guadalajara to Sayula:

The cheapest way is via a bus for about 2.5-3 hours. You’ll shave off at least an hour by driving. Whether you choose to Uber, hire a private driver, or rent a car, check the prices because they might not be that different.

Where to stay in Sayula:

For an elegant colonial stay, check out La Casa de Los Patios Hotel and Spa.

Tapalpa

This tiny town was the first Pueblo Magico in Jalisco, and it’s easy to see why.

It has plenty of nature to explore, adventures to be had, and architecture to admire all in one small town. In ancient Nahuatl, the name means Land of Colors for its bright green landscape and red-roofed buildings.

Things to do in Tapalpa:

• Check out the ruins of the first paper mill in Latin America.
• Go horseback riding through the woods.
• Go paragliding over the Valley de los Enigmas.
• Search for petroglyphs from pre-Hispanic tribes on the enormous monoliths called Las Piedrotas.
• Get your adrenaline pumping at the La Ceja Adventure Park.

Day tours from Guadalajara to Tapalpa

Take this private full day tour of Tapalpa and surrounds and you’ll dive deep into what makes this town so magical.

How to get to Tapalpa from Guadalajara

A bus from Guadalajara to Tapalpa takes four hours. But if you drive or hire a driver, it takes only two hours. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you always pay for convenience.

Where to stay in Tapalpa

Head to La Toscania Tapalpa Resort & Agroturismo for a cozy stone lodge with mountain views and fireplaces. Or the boho-chic Hotel Kali for a spot in the center of town.

Tequila

Oh, Tequila. How I love thee. The spirit and the Pueblo Mágico. This is one of the best magic towns in Jalisco.

The blue agave fields and old industrial facilities of Tequila are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and those same qualities make it a magical town.

Agave farming is part of Mexico’s identity and has been around for nearly 2000 years. Some of the distilleries date back to the 18th century, and little has changed.

We spent one night in Tequila, but there is enough to do and taste for a whole weekend.

We went to Cuervo (La Rojena), the oldest and largest of them all. Then, we spent the rest of the time shopping around and getting lost in the agave fields. But there are so many more distilleries to discover — we barely uncovered 1% of them.

Things to do in Tequila:

• Take a tour of the distilleries and do a tasting.
• Go to the agave fields.
• Hang out in the plaza principal and watch the buzzed-up people dance to mariachis; better yet, join in.
• Get a bantanga in its birthplace bar, La Capilla. A Batanga is a drink made with tequila blanco, lime, salt and coke. It makes no sense. It doesn’t even sound good. But everyone we’ve ever made one for has fallen in love with it. It’s a must in Tequila.

Day trips from Guadalajara to Tequila

The Jose Cuervo Train looks like one of the coolest tequila experiences out there. It starts and ends in Guadalajara and it’s 11 hours of tequila. I don’t suggest this if you just kind of like tequila; it’s def for the tequila amor-er.

If that’s altogether too much tequila, check out this day tour to Tequila or this VIP tour.

How to get to Tequila from Guadalajara

There is a 2-2.5 hour bus ride, which is the cheapest. But if you want a little luxury, you can hire a private transfer to Tequila, which takes about 1.5 hours.  

Where to stay in Tequila

I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get better than a luxury stay inside a massive tequila barrel at a distillery. Check out Matices Hotel de Barricas.

If you are in Puerto Vallarta and want to go to Tequila or do a tasting there, check out my post on the best tequila tastings in Puerto Vallarta. If tequila isn’t your thing, these are the best bars in town.

Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque is all about art. And more art. And… oh, you get the point.

You’ll find art of all sorts at every turn: sculptures, pottery, glass, paintings. You name it. It’s there. The streets are alive with it, and it pours out of the galleries. Even the trendy restaurants have cool interiors. When we were there, I wandered around gleefully, popping in and out of galleries.  

There are loads of high-end galleries, and it’s home to one of the most incredible galleries I’ve ever been to The Sergio Bustamante Gallery. It is more like an art experience than a gallery. There is a garden out back with sculptures straight out of Cirque du Soleil. His art is mind-bending in a way that only Salvador Dali could understand.

He does have a gallery in Puerto Vallarta, but it pales in comparison to the one in Tlaquepaque.

Things to do in Tlaquepaque

• Wander the galleries
• Go to El Parian. It began in 1878 as an open-air market for the indigenous to sell their wares, and today, it’s a modern version. And a perfect place to buy some handicrafts.  
• Visit the Parroquia de San Pedro Tlaquepaque, the city’s namesake.
• Check out the Regional Ceramic Museum

Day trips to Tlaquepaque

Since it’s so close, it’s def an easy day trip. This Tour de Artisans goes to Tonala and Tlaquepaque with an art expert. You’ll visit the workshops of several artisans, learn about the pre-Hispanic traditions, delve deeper into the towns, and, of course, end with an ancestral fermented agave drink called pulque.

This tour is my jam!

How to get from Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque

Originally, I thought Tlaquepaque was a neighborhood in Guadalajara because it’s only a few minutes from the centro historico. However, it’s a booming town and a great addition to your Guadalajara itinerary.

If you are staying in Guadalajara, Uber or a guided tour is your best bet.

Otherwise, you can get picked up from the Guadalajara airport and driven right to Tlaquepaque.

Where to stay in Tlaquepaque

Most people stay in Guadalajara and visit the artsy magic town for the day.

But if art is your focus, stay in Tlaquepaque for a few days. It’s got a very cool vibe. Then, you can go on day trips into the city.

Jalisco Pueblos Magicos closer to Puerto Vallarta

The next three Pueblos Magicos can all be done on the same trip—not on the same day—but as day trips from Puerto Vallarta.

You need to pass both San Sebastian del Oeste and Mascota to get to Talpa de Allende. However, there is enough to do in all three towns that you really can’t combine them into one day. You’d be exhausted.

I suggest spending one night in each town to really delve into what makes Jalisco, Jalisco.

If you are short on time, combining Mascota and Talpa isn’t a bad idea because they are only 40 minutes apart. More on that below…

San Sebastian del Oeste

San Sebastian is an old mining town founded in the 17th century. It’s only about 1.5 hours from Puerto Vallarta, so it’s a popular weekend getaway for people who want to escape the heat of summer here.

It’s in the Sierra Occidental Mountains so outdoorsy types can hike, ride ATV’s and horses in the cool mountain air. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and really reconnect with nature. And disconnect from your phone.

It’s a tiny town of only about 5000 people and has a very small-town vibe — it hasn’t really been touched by mass tourism… yet. Which is why you should go now.

We went on a day trip and really enjoyed exploring it on foot. Its slow pace urges you to wander, and being there feels like stepping back in time.

We ate at Las Catrina de los Arrayanes, and it was such a lovely experience. We were the only people in the place because it was around 3 p.m., but they treated us like gold. They gave us tastings of different tequilas and raicillas, and then we had an impromptu tortilla-making lesson—which, by the way, is harder than it looks.

Too thick and it’s gummy, too thin and it tears, just right and I still burned my fingerprints off trying to flip it. It’s def an art that I have no skills in (which isn’t saying much).

Things to do in San Sebastian:

• Rent an ATV or something rugged and drive up to the La Bufa viewpoint.
• Wander the historic center and get a glimpse of local small-town life in Mexico.
• Sip something in the main plaza and watch the world go by.
• Visit a coffee farm or finca.
• Go on a tour of the silver mines.

Best day trips from Puerto Vallarta to San Sebastian

This San Sebastian tour is super comprehensive, so you can see all the sites in a day. It’s a long day, seven hours long, but it’s worth it.

How to get to San Sebastian from Puerto Vallarta

To get to San Sebastian easily you either need to drive or take a tour. It’s only about a 1.5 hour drive, so it’s easily done as a day trip.

There is a bus, but it only takes you to La Estancia, and then you’ll need to catch a cab for the last 15 minutes.

Where to stay in San Sebastian del Oeste

The Hacienda Caudillos Boutique Hotel is the way to go here. It’s a magnificent hacienda-turned-hotel near the center of town that feels like a bygone era.

Mascota

An hour south of San Sebastian is Mascota, another mining town known as the “La Esmeralda de la Sierra” (The Emerald of the Sierra) for the lush green valley it sits in.

It’s a rural agricultural hub that grows tons of corn, oats, sorghum, and coffee. Delicious coffee. And really good raicilla.

Raicilla is the unknown cousin of tequila or mezcal, and is only made in Jalisco state. It acquired its designation of origin in 2019 so it’s having a bit of a resurgence right now. 

Mascota is an ecotourism haven with a side of booze because it’s a big raicilla town.

Things to do in Mascota:

• Go on a bike ride or take a hike in the lush valley or mountains.
• Check out the Templo Inconcluso de la Preciosa Sangre (Unfinished Temple of Precious Blood).
• Try jocoque, a yogurt-like dip, and panela cheese, which is a bit similar to halloumi.
• Go museum hopping at the Museo El Pedregal, Museo de Arqueologia, and the Museo de la Raicilla. 
• Buy authentic huarache sandals from the Huichol people.
• Taste raicilla.

Day trip to Mascota

This tour combines Mascota and Talpa (see below) in one full-day tour from Puerto Vallarta.

How to get to Mascota

It’s only 59 miles away, and the drive takes about two hours.

Besides renting a car or taking a Mascota tour, you’re kind of out of luck.

Where to stay in Mascota:

Built around a courtyard full of flowering trees and archways, the stunning Encanto de la Sierra Hotel is like staying in a hacienda from Mexico past.

Talpa de Allende

Talpa is another historic mining town in the mountains, just 40 minutes south of Mascota. But this one has a religious aspect.

It’s best known for the Virgin de Talpa at the Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). Every year, particularly around Easter, more than three million pilgrims walk for miles and miles (some for hundreds of miles) to visit the Virgin of Talpa.

Talpa is also known for its maple forests. Yes, maple trees. Like the ones in Vermont, except in Mexico.

Things to do in Talpa:

• See the Virgen de Talpa at the Our Lady of Rosary Basilica and Museum.
• Walk along the Calzada de las Reinas (Queen’s Causway). It’s the pilgrim’s path, lined with sculptures of Marian devotions, there to honor the queens of Catholic Mexico. 
• Go shopping at the small shops for locally made coffee, guava candies, jellies, and chilte handicrafts.
• Hike to the Capilla de la Cruz de Romero to check out the mountainous valley and town below.
• Wander through the maple forest.

How to get to Talpa from Puerto Vallarta

Like Mascota and San Sebastian, you have two choices… renting a car or going on an organized tour.

FAQ

Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco: The wrap up

Well, there you have it. The 12 vibiest Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco. Exploring them unveils culture, history, and natural beauty that captivates the soul.

Each pueblo has its own flavor, from the fiery vibes of Tequila to the laid-back charm of Mascota. No two are the same, which means you should visit them all. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, meeting artisans at local markets, or just sitting in the plaza with a tequila in hand, these towns are the real Mexico. The magical Mexico that so few explore.  

Which magical town is on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments below.

XO,
K❣️