Beautiful Small Towns In Mexico To Visit

The real beauty of Mexico lies in its quaint small towns. There is the small mountain village of Tepoztlán, where the rich history of Aztec mysticism in the Central Valley is brought to life. Many towns in Mexico's hidden destinations showcase a wealth of culture waiting to be discovered.

Wherever you travel, you will find natural marvels, cozy restaurants, and unique places to stay – along with local experts ready to help you discover their community in a sustainable way. We have gathered the most enchanting small towns in Mexico to help you plan your next vacation. 

Sayulita 

While Sayulita is now a popular destination, it still maintains its friendly seaside charm in the Riviera Nayarit. Despite the Pacific Coast of the region being developed by luxury resort brands, this town still retains its laid-back charm and is frequently sought after for its surf break, which is perfect for novice surfers.

Manyana Sayulita is a beloved destination for leisurely walks, offering various boutique cafés and shops where visitors can purchase ethically-made cotton and linen clothing from the brand's nearby workshop. Just a quick walk away is the recently unveiled NICO, a small-scale hospitality idea providing five unique suites that can be reserved individually or as a group for a group of friends. 

Izamal

Frequently ignored in favor of neighboring towns such as Coba and Valladolid, Izamal stands out as one of the most charming villages on the Yucatán Peninsula with its stunning yellow buildings. Just like the surrounding cities, Izamal was a strong Mayan city in the past and it was thought to be as respected as Chichen Itza. Constructed in 1561 above ancient Mayan remains, the golden St. Antony's Monastery can be found in the heart of the town.

Even though the town is filled with many Mayan structures, one must-see site is conveniently located near the Catholic building: a pyramid honoring Kinich Kak Moo, the Mayan sun deity. Hidden behind a modest exterior in town is the serene Coqui Coqui Casa de Los Santos, a shop selling medicinal products and fragrances, featuring a heavenly suite perfect for two people, complete with a personal outdoor space and a small swimming pool. 

Pátzcuaro

Hidden behind modest exteriors are boutique stores and modern homes such as Casa Lloreda. Close-day trips include a visit to Santa Clara del Cobre, where skilled artisans create handmade products out of copper in Mexico. For those seeking adventure, trek up the impressive Parícutin volcano, which was once active and formed the unique attraction of the Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro buried in lava. 

Campeche 

This charming coastal town in the Yucatán Peninsula gives the impression it could become the next Mérida. In its protected downtown area designed to deter the historical pirate raids on the town,  charming accommodations such as Refugio Bajo Las Hojas and secretive eateries are nestled behind the vibrant, soft-colored exteriors of its cobblestone lanes.

Take a leisurely walk along the peaceful waterfront malecón of the town, or explore the Museo Arqueológico de Campeche, showcasing some of the most well-preserved Mayan artifacts in the world. Campeche also serves as the entrance to discovering ancient Maya sites, such as Calakmul, a ruin that existed before the well-known Chichen Itza ruins for approximately 1,000 years. 

Bacalar 

The tranquil lagoon of Bacalar competes with neighboring beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula, particularly due to its variety of boutique accommodations such as Casa Hormiga in the city center and Habitas Bacalar overlooking the lagoon. Situated around half an hour away from Chetumal, Bacalar's famous 26-mile lagoon is renowned for its system of ancient underwater stromatolites, limestone structures dating back approximately 3.5 billion years, which are at risk of perishing upon contact with human skin.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Located in a high valley enclosed by the peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur, past expansive fields of thriving maguey and cacti, lies the quaint town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla. Located roughly an hour away from Oaxaca City, this place is famous for being the location of one of the most important religious sites for the Zapotec people, featuring a ruin named after it.

This ruin was once inhabited by high-ranking priests and consists of five main areas to discover, consisting of historic buildings with rectangular courtyards, intricate mosaics, and twisting corridors. Other nearby attractions from Mitla include el árbol del tule, a massive tree thought to be approximately 2,000 years old, and Casa Silencio, a boutique hotel and mezcal distillery where guests can learn about the traditional production of this significant spirit. 

Tlaquepaque

Similar to an arts colony, this brightly-colored town located approximately 30 minutes east of downtown Guadalajara is the perfect place to explore handmade items created by the area's top artisans. Although some art galleries and shops may be discreet and hidden, others, such as Hacha, a design venture initiated by ceramicist Santiago Padilla, are more accessible and provide modern kitchenware essentials.

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Thriving with bustling markets, the city center centers around a main square boasting a famous landmark: a Baroque cathedral in soft colors, adorned with gold leaf decor inside and paintings by Oaxacan artist Miguel Cabrera from the 18th century. The town also serves as a starting point for visiting the ancient cities of Palenque and Yaxchilán, which were part of the Maya civilization. 

Todos Santos

Just a 90-minute drive north of Los Cabos is where you'll find this small desert town, with boutique hotels like the modern Paradero and beachfront Hotel San Cristobal. Todos Santos is strategically located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra La Laguna mountain range, serving as a wonderful entrance to a variety of ecosystems.

This includes tropical palm oases near quiet beaches, as well as vast cactus-filled deserts that extend to high ocean cliffs for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. However, a major attraction for visitors is the surf, particularly the opportunity to catch a sunrise surfing session at Playa Cerritos, known for its exceptional right-handed point break.