Discover 8 Enchanting Mountain Towns in Mexico for Hiking, Artisanal Crafts, and Gourmet Cuisine

There are numerous mountain chains in Mexico, stretching from north to south and east to west. Some showcase year-round snowy landscapes, while others are inhabited by rattlesnakes and tall cacti. There are those that have daring cliffs and unique copper-colored rocks, in addition to those that have been home to indigenous communities for centuries. Some are isolated mountains, primarily dormant volcanoes, that welcome hikers eager to explore both their beauty and their legends.

Moreover, many of these majestic mountains are accompanied by charming towns, providing visitors with a unique experience to discover new traditions or crafts, sample local dishes, and explore nature through invigorating hikes or climbs.

Tepoztlán, Morelos

This town is infused with an atmosphere of magic and mysticism. Nestled in the foothills of the Tepozteco mountain, within the national park bearing the same name, many legends surround this mountain. It’s said that Pre-Hispanic cultures believed that the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl was born here. Hiking to the top reveals a pre-Hispanic pyramid constructed to honor the god of crops. The cobblestone streets radiate a bohemian energy, welcoming visitors eager to discover local artists and traditional crafts, especially on weekends when an artisanal market is held. Here, many crafts are developed in adherence to ancient traditions. You can also savor traditional dishes. Following ancient customs, the town offers multiple spas and wellness centers that provide treatments based on ancestral knowledge, such as temazcales, which are sweat lodges that follow a purifying ritual.

Notable places to explore in the town include the Former Convent of the Nativity, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, and the Carlos Pellicer Pre-Hispanic Art Museum, which showcases Mayan, Olmec, and Zapotec artifacts.

Bernal, Querétaro

Peña de Bernal is the world’s third-largest monolith, a mountain composed of a single massive stone, located within the Sierra Gorda mountain range. The mountain is visible from various points in Bernal, where outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing are top attractions. Many believe the monolith bestows positive energy upon the town, leading to numerous spas offering energizing treatments to help visitors return home rejuvenated. The main thoroughfare, Independencia Street, features colorful houses, restaurants serving traditional dishes (be sure to try barbacoa—sheep meat steam-cooked in an underground oven), craft stores, and museums, including the Museum of the Mask. Traditional crafts here prominently include wool-woven items, such as rugs and coats, with loom weaving being a centuries-old tradition. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without tasting the delicious goat’s milk chewy sweets.

Taxco, Guerrero

If you appreciate silver goods, this town is for you. Known for its dark stone streets and pink quarry architecture, Taxco was once a vital mining town, now focused on artisans and jewelry makers specializing in this precious metal. Consequently, it’s an excellent location for finding beautiful jewelry at reasonable prices, particularly at the Silver Market, open only on Saturdays. The town’s steep streets can present a challenge for walkers, but enjoying the views from the heights is worth it. You can take a cable car to the summit where you’ll discover the Monte Taxco hotel. Two must-see sites in Taxco include the Parish of Santa Prisca, featuring a dome made of talavera—a glazed pottery craft—and pink quarry towers, alongside the impressive 65-foot-tall Christ statue that oversees the city from the Atachi mountain.

Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla

As one of Mexico’s main apple producers, this town celebrates its fruit with an apple festival each summer, while cider factories invite visitors to see how this fruit is transformed into a refreshing pink drink. Zacatlán is also known for its mystique, often enshrouded in fog, with deep forests and cozy cabins that evoke legends, especially during the colder months. Exploring deeper into the mountains reveals vibrant flower beds and fresh waterfalls. Moreover, visitors can walk across a crystal bridge offering a view above the Los Jilgueros ravine. The town square features a monumental floral clock, and there’s even a dedicated Clock Museum that showcases the intricate process of creating these remarkable timepieces.

Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí

Known as a ghost town, Real de Catorce is rich with legends about its past, including stories of silver mining and banditry, alongside magical tales rooted in the Huichol culture, an indigenous community residing in the area. The town still displays unique architectural features from its mining days, including an iron kiosk in Plaza Hidalgo and remnants of the inactive mines. Located in one of San Luis Potosí’s arid zones, Real de Catorce offers a desert adventure. Exploring the desert can be done aboard a Willys vehicle, similar to a Jeep, designed for the rugged terrain.

Creel, Chihuahua

The beauty of the Copper Canyons (Barrancas del Cobre) is unparalleled. The deep copper-green color and steep arrangement of canyons, adorned with pine trees, oaks, and cacti, create the ultimate destination for adventure enthusiasts. The canyons belong to the Sierra Tarahumara, home to the indigenous Rarámuri community. Since this area is expansive, the best way to appreciate it is aboard the Chepe train that traverses the canyons, enabling visitors to witness their full beauty. For those seeking outdoor activities, the canyons welcome hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers, while a cable car connects two ravines, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The small magical town of Creel is the ideal place to stay while exploring the canyons, providing information on Rarámuri culture, including their unique art, exhibited in the Arte Sacro museum, and their traditional crafts like basket-making.

Cuetzalan, Puebla

This town derives its name from the revered quetzal bird, once sacred to many ancient cultures. Although quetzals are no longer found here, the rugged mountains are home to diverse bird species that attract avid birdwatchers. For those in search of adventure, a range of activities such as rappelling and zip-lining across the Cuichat River are available. Pre-Hispanic traditions continue to thrive in this town, exemplified by the Quetzal Dance, designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage. On weekends, a market allows people to trade local products without the use of currency, adding to the traditional charm. Cuetzalan’s Cultural Center offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s history and evolution.

Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo

What distinguishes this location are the breathtaking basaltic prisms hidden within the forests of this mountain town. Believed to have formed thousands of years ago from the interaction of lava and cold river water, these tall hexagonal formations reach heights of 131 feet due to erosion. Visitors can admire these unique structures by walking or taking a zip line over the falls. Furthermore, Huasca de Ocampo boasts a rich collection of historic haciendas that reflect the town’s past splendor when it was renowned for its silver goods. Currently, vibrant pottery and intricately carved wooden pieces are its popular crafts, retaining the town’s magical undertones and abundant folklore surrounding spirits and goblins.