| I even bought a travel journal with a scratch map so I could keep track of the towns I visit. There is something very satisfying about scratching another destination off the map after a trip. Of course, not every adventure in Mexico has to involve a Magic Town. But they certainly make it easy to find somewhere fascinating to go. It helps that getting around Mexico can be very affordable. Depending on where you’re headed, you can drive, take a bus, ride the rails, or hop on a domestic flight. One trip might have you standing among the golden-yellow buildings of Izamal in Yucatán. Another could have you swimming in the calm blue waters of Bacalar’s famous Lagoon of Seven Colors in Quintana Roo. A bus ticket between destinations can cost around $40. When travel is that accessible, it’s easy to start thinking, “Where should I go next?” One of my favorite discoveries has been San Sebastián Bernal, often simply called Bernal, in the central highlands of Querétaro state. I may have eaten my weight in local treats there. One was pan de queso, a delicious bread with zarzamora—blackberry—and cream cheese swirled inside. Stopping at one piece proved nearly impossible. Then there were the famous dulces de leche, rich goat’s-milk caramels that turned a simple sweet into something I still dream about. Food isn’t the town’s only attraction. Bernal is also known for beautiful textiles made on traditional hand-operated looms. Artisans create colorful fabrics, clothing, blankets, rugs, runners, and other household pieces. Naturally, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I bought a pashmina for about $5, perfect for keeping warm in the cool mountain air. And yes, more caramels came home with me too. Wine, Cheese, and the Best Figs of My Life While I was in Querétaro, there was another Magic Town high on my list: Tequisquiapan. Try saying that three times fast. Thankfully, everyone calls it Tequis—pronounced “tech-ees.” Tequis is famous for wine and cheese, which is already enough to make me happy. Small family-owned wine shops sit around the central park, while larger stores offer shelves filled with sparkling wines. Even little neighborhood shops can have impressive cases displaying regional cheeses. For me, this is about as close to heaven as you can get. It was also in Tequis that I bought a bag of perfectly ripe figs from a street vendor. They were, hands down, the best figs of my life. I ate them in the car on the way to visit a couple of local wineries. We all need a palate cleanser, right? Riding the Rails to Palenque This is how Mexico’s Magic Towns have fueled my desire to travel. I began with my own state, moved into neighboring states, and then started exploring farther across southern Mexico. The Maya Train has opened even more possibilities, connecting destinations across five southeastern states. And since I love riding the rails, I didn’t need much convincing to climb aboard. The train is comfortable, smooth, and affordable. On one journey, we traveled across the Yucatán Peninsula to Palenque in Chiapas, another Magic Town and a place famous for its Maya heritage and natural beauty. Palenque feels completely different from the Caribbean Mexico I know at home. Rainforest surrounds ancient Maya pyramids. Long sprays of red and yellow tropical flowers hang beside pathways, while huge trees covered in bromeliads provide shade. Birds call from the forest, and monkeys chatter somewhere among the branches. Standing there, surrounded by jungle and history, feels a world away from everyday life. And that is what I love about exploring Mexico. No two trips feel the same. In one town, I can watch artisans working at old wooden looms, creating beautiful textiles by hand. In another, I can wander through rainforest beside ancient Maya ruins. Somewhere else, I can slip into warm water famous for its extraordinary shades of blue. Each place offers another piece of Mexico’s story. That variety is why living here can feel like a permanent vacation. Travel can be affordable and surprisingly comfortable, which gives my adventurous side plenty of freedom to roam. And I’m nowhere near finished. Next on my list is San Bartolo Coyotepec, about 20 minutes south of Oaxaca City. It isn’t a Magic Town, but it is famous for barro negro, the beautiful black clay pottery made there. I’ve wanted to see the artisans at work ever since I first read about the pottery. Which proves something I’m quickly learning: you don’t need a Pueblo Mágico sign to find magic in Mexico. It seems to be everywhere. And when another adventure can be so close—and so affordable—why not take a trip every month? |
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