The ancient people of Mexico shared a common view of the world and life that was expressed through their gods, their foundational myths, their ideas about human beings, their rituals… all of these aspects of pre-Hispanic thought and religion that presented such a challenge to the ideas brought by colonizers. It is mainly thanks to oral tradition that the traits and traditions drawn from their ideas of their surroundings and the universe have been preserved, and it is in the great small towns where the sense of community beats as if from one common heart

 

In this edition, the passion for discovering and experiencing authentic Mexico leads us through these towns along Five Magical Trails, five ways of experiencing their worldviews, their songs, their dances, their cuisine, and their arts and crafts. Along the sea, mountains, rainforest, or mangroves, we connect with their gods and their most primordial elements—in the South, water, the center of life, immense and beautiful; in the North, the wind that rouses our spirit of adventure, blowing powerfully across sky and water; to the East, the land that centers us, grounding us, reminding us of our roots, while at the same time offering spectacular scenery; to the West, the fire that soothes spirits in fireplaces, campfires, and temascal saunas, and invites us to restore ourselves again and again.

 

According to the linguists with the Royal Spanish Academy, a town is a small settlement. However, we all know that this does not mean that it is less interesting, nor does it lack cultural, natural, or architectural riches, preserved by its people. And so, we can assert that a Magical Town is Mexico’s most personal heritage. They are miniature marvels, corners that possess the allure of a splendid past and a connection to nature that make them one of a kind. They are part of our tangible and intangible heritage, and the best way to travel through time, to embark on new adventures in their splendid settings, to relax into their peacefulness, or to reclaim the flavors of their time-honored cuisines.

We created the Five Magical Trails for 132 resplendent destinations, showing that happiness can also come in small packages.

Magical History

Magical Towns is a tourism program developed by Mexico’s Tourism Department (SECTUR) and several government agencies. They grant this title to those towns that stand out for their work protecting and preserving their exceptional culture.

The program was created on October 5, 2001, and that same year, Huasca de Ocampo, in Hidalgo, was the first place to be named a Magical Town. Mexcaltitán, Tepoztlán, and Real de Catorce were also admitted as Magical Towns that year.

 

Officially, as of December 2020, there is a total of 132 Magical Towns all throughout Mexico.
 

It is important to note the criteria for joining the program. The towns must have a population of at least 20,000 people, and they need to be located no farther than 124 miles (200 km) or two hours by land from a tourist destination. Municipal and state authorities must apply for membership with the Tourism Department (SECTUR), so the authorities can visit to evaluate and inspect the place’s potential.