The 11 Magic Towns of Jalisco

Ajijic

On the shores of Lake Chapala, Ajijic is distinguished by its temperate climate and colorful streets full of murals. It is known for its expatriate community, mainly retirees from the United States and Canada, who have made the place their residence and contribute to its multicultural atmosphere. Its boardwalk, art galleries, festivals, and lakeside cafes make it a relaxed destination full of artistic life.

Cocula

Declared a Magical Town in 2023, it is known as the "Cradle of Mariachi".

Cocula celebrates Mexican music par excellence, because this is where the musical style that was consolidated throughout the country was born, and an example of this is that the Mariachi museum shows its evolution and tradition. In addition, the town offers typical food and a cheerful atmosphere that honors the identity of Jalisco.

Lagos de Moreno

Declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010, thanks to its preserved historic center and its Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. The parish temple, the stone bridge, the José Rosas Moreno theater, and the nearby haciendas stand out in the place. Its artistic wealth and its history as a key point on the Royal Road of Tierra Adentro make Lagos de Moreno a destination full of elegance and tradition.

Mascota

Known as the “Emerald of the Mountain” due to its green and fertile surroundings, Mascota combines history, faith, and nature. Among its main attractions are the Juanacatlán Lagoon and the Unfinished Temple of the Precious Blood, which is an architectural gem. Its mountainous landscapes, quiet streets, and hospitality make it a perfect place to rest and admire the beauty of the Sierra Madre del Sur.

Mazamitla

Called the “Mexican Switzerland” due to its wooded landscape and wooden cabins, Mazamitla is the ideal place for ecotourism. Its central square, the parish of San Cristóbal, and the El Salto waterfall are its main attractions. It offers activities such as hiking, zip lines, ATVs, and forest walks, and its cold climate makes it ideal for romantic getaways or nature. In addition, it has a delicious traditional cuisine, which includes ponche, birria, and milk sweets.

San Sebastián del Oeste

Located in the Sierra Madre Occidental, this ancient mining town preserves its 17th-century colonial architecture and a period atmosphere with its cobblestone streets, tile roofs, and white houses. Its fresh air, coffee plantations, mine tours, and viewpoints such as La Bufa make it a refuge of tranquility and nostalgia, ideal for those seeking a connection with nature and the past.

Sayula

Sayula smells like candy and sounds like history. It is a town of elegant architecture and cobblestone streets, Sayula is known for its artisanal sweets, such as cajetas de leche and borrachitos. It is also the cradle of religious traditions, fairs and patronal festivals, as well as artisanal production of textiles and leather. Its tranquil atmosphere and history make it a destination full of flavor and tradition.

Talpa de Allende

Important religious and cultural center, Talpa is famous for its Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa, one of the most visited sanctuaries in the country. Every Holy Week, thousands of pilgrims travel kilometers to pay tribute to the Virgin. The town also stands out for its maple forests and crafts made with chilte, a natural amber-colored resin used to create religious figures and souvenirs.

Tapalpa

First Jalisco site to be named a Magical Town, Tapalpa is a mountain destination surrounded by pines and oaks; where the Valley of Enigmas or Las Piedrotas stand out: enormous rock formations with ancestral legends, and the Nogal Waterfall, one of the highest in the state. Its adobe and tile architecture, along with its rural atmosphere, invites adventure, rest and contact with nature.

Temacapulín

Affectionately known as 'Temaca', this small but charming town of colonial origin is located in the canyon of the Verde River, surrounded by mountains and hot springs. Its name comes from Nahuatl and means 'place of stone walls'. Among its main attractions are the Temple of Our Lady of Remedies, in the Baroque style of the 18th century, the natural hot springs where visitors can relax, and the viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the valley. Temacapulín preserves ancient traditions, such as its patron saint festivals in September and its local gastronomy with homemade bread, birria and typical sweets.

Tequila

Cradle of Mexico's most emblematic drink, Tequila is a World Heritage Site for its agave landscape and old industrial facilities. In its distilleries you can learn about the entire process from blue agave to tequila. An unforgettable experience is the José Cuervo Express Train that travels from Guadalajara and offers tastings, mariachi music and impressive panoramic views. Its main square, museums and viewpoints complete a tour that combines history, flavor and culture.