Bright facades, cobblestone streets, multicolored lakes and mountain vistas: these are just a few of the things that make Mexico's small towns wonderfully photogenic.
The sheer variety of landscapes across Mexico means that different regions each offer their own special charms, from ghost towns in the desert and enchanting colonial settlements steeped in history to laid-back beach towns bursting with color.
The options are endless, but here are 10 of our favorite small towns to inspire your next trip.
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Bacalar (Quintana Roo)
This little town, roughly four hours from Cancun and close to the border with Belize, sits on an enormous lake often called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. The water shifts from crystal clear to deep turquoise thanks to underwater cenotes (sinkholes) and the lake's limestone bed. Surrounded by lush mangroves, with stretches of water so vast you can't see where they end, Bacalar boasts some of the most striking scenery around. Settle into a hammock swaying over the water and soak it all in.
San Sebastian Bernal (Queretaro)
Cobblestone streets, colorful facades and the backdrop of one of the tallest monoliths in the world make San Sebastian Bernal a truly picturesque little town. Founded in the 1600s by a handful of Spanish families, this town in central Mexico boasts many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Campeche (Campeche)
Officially a city and the capital of the southwestern Mexican state of the same name, Campeche has all the charm of a small town. Every facade in the historic center is painted in pastel shades, and the main pedestrian street, Calle 59, regularly hosts art exhibitions. Even though the street is fairly short, visitors often take their time strolling along it, stopping to snap photos every few meters.
Malinalco (State of Mexico)
A town rich in legend and wrapped in mystery and magic, Malinalco, about two hours southwest of Mexico City, was an important site for the Mexica, or Aztecs, who built a complex there for their military elite. Nestled among the mountains and surrounded by lush forest, the town draws visitors with its flora and fauna as well as its historic and spiritual landmarks.
Izamal (Yucatan)
This entire town, centered on a 16th-century Franciscan monastery built atop a Mesoamerican temple, is painted a cheerful canary yellow. Against the bright blue sky that usually blesses the Yucatan Peninsula, the golden facades seem to almost shimmer. Located halfway between Merida and the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, it makes an ideal stop along the way.
Real de Catorce (San Luis Potosi)
Once a thriving silver-mining town, Real de Catorce is now a ghost town in the desert of San Luis Potosi in north-central Mexico. A pilgrimage site for both the indigenous Huichol people and Catholics, it has a spiritual atmosphere that draws visitors in. And the fact that reaching the town means passing through a tunnel makes it even more enchanting.
Cuetzalan (Puebla)
Cobblestone streets and rustic buildings with red-tiled roofs are part of the charm of this little town in the mountains beyond Puebla (about four hours from Mexico City). Surrounded by lush forest full of waterfalls and caves, with an archaeological site nearby, Cuetzalan is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Patzcuaro (Michoacan)
A town and ceremonial center long before the Spanish arrived, Patzcuaro in western Mexico has a fascinating and lengthy history. Visitors can get acquainted with local crafts and learn about Mexico's rich indigenous heritage while wandering the town's beautiful streets. Each autumn on the Day of the Dead, visitors flock to Patzcuaro, which is famous for its traditional ceremonies held from October 31 to November 2.
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Taxco (Guerrero)
A small town in the mountains of Guerrero, two and a half hours southwest of Mexico City, Taxco is known as the "silver city" because of all the mines located there. Winding streets snake up the hillside and center on a lovely town square with a beautifully detailed Baroque church. For an especially gorgeous view, hop into a Volkswagen Beetle taxi and ask to be driven to the lookout point (El Mirador), which offers a bird's-eye view of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Todos Santos (Baja California Sur)
If someone asked you to picture a typical Mexican town, you'd probably imagine something a lot like Todos Santos. Colorful facades reflect the blue sky and are set off by decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag and by proud cacti lining many of the streets. Located on Mexico's Pacific coast and popular with artists and surfers, the town has a wonderfully easygoing, laid-back vibe.
