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Though its capital Mexico City is one of the world’s best for culture and cuisine and the sprawl of Guadalajara represents 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. And then there’s the diminutive mountain town of Tepoztlán, where the Central Valley’s vast history of Aztec mysticism comes alive. There are so many towns that prove a world of culture awaits in Mexico’s under-the-radar destinations. Wherever you go, natural wonders, intimate eateries, and boutique accommodations await—as do local guides in each destination who are there to show you how to explore their homes responsibly.
Here, we’ve rounded up the 11 most beautiful small towns in Mexico to plan your next trip around.
This article was originally published in 2022. It has been updated with new information.
