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While the capital, Mexico City, is one of the world’s leading cities in terms of culture and cuisine, and the vast region of Guadalajara is home to some of Mexico’s richest art and architectural treasures, Mexico’s true charm is best experienced in its small towns. Visit the golden city of Izamal, a Mayan fortress hidden in the dense jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and covered by Spanish monasteries. And there’s Tepotztlan, a small mountain town steeped in a long history of Aztec mysticism in the Central Valley. Mexico’s lesser-known destinations are full of towns that prove a world of culture awaits. Wherever you go, natural wonders, intimate eateries, and boutique hotels await, and each destination also has a local guide who will teach you how to explore the land responsibly.
Here we have compiled a list of Mexico’s 11 most beautiful small towns to help you plan your next trip.
This article was originally published in 2022. It has been updated with new information.
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