11 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Mexico to Explore

Though its capital, Mexico City, is renowned for its culture and cuisine, and Guadalajara showcases some of the country’s richest arts and architectural offerings, Mexico’s true charm is best experienced within its small towns. Visit the golden town of Izamal, a tucked-away Maya fortress covered by a Spanish monastery and hidden within the Yucatán Peninsula’s dense jungle canopy. Additionally, the diminutive mountain town of Tepoztlán comes alive with the Central Valley’s vast history of Aztec mysticism. There are numerous towns that reveal a world of culture waiting to be explored in Mexico’s lesser-known destinations. Wherever you go, you’ll find natural wonders, intimate eateries, and boutique accommodations. Local guides in each destination are ready to show you how to explore their homes responsibly.

Beautiful Small Towns to Discover

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• Izamal

  Often overlooked in favor of nearby towns like Coba and Valladolid, Izamal – with its brilliant yellow architecture – stands out as one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most picturesque pueblos. Once a significant Mayan city, Izamal is believed to be as revered as the famed Chichen Itza. The golden St. Antony’s Monastery, built in 1561 atop Mayan ruins, resides at the town’s center. Not to miss is a nearby pyramid dedicated to Kinich Kak Moo, the sun god of the Maya. Hidden behind one of the town’s unassuming façades is the oasis of Coqui Coqui Casa de Los Santos, an apothecary and perfumery with a private terrace and plunge pool.

• Pátzcuaro

  Pátzcuaro, a lake town, is home to the Indigenous Purépecha people who celebrate centuries-old traditions. This town features some of the finest Días de los Muertos festivities in the country. Its cobbled streets showcase Spanish-colonial influences with 16th- and 17th-century churches and mansions. Design shops and contemporary villas, like Casa Lloreda, are located behind unassuming façades. Adventurous visitors can take a hike up the majestic Paricutín, a dormant volcano, or explore the lava-covered Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro.

• Campeche

  The picturesque port town of Campeche in the Yucatán Peninsula is reminiscent of Mérida. Within its fortressed downtown center, built to fend off pirate attacks, find boutique stays and hidden restaurants tucked behind colorful, pastel-hued façades. Enthusiasts can stroll along the tranquil waterfront malecón or visit the Museo Arqueológico de Campeche, home to some of the world’s best-preserved Mayan artifacts. Furthermore, Campeche serves as a gateway to ancient sites of the Maya, including Calakmul, a ruin thousands of years older than the more popular Chichen Itza.