If you are searching for the best Pueblos Mágicos in Puebla to visit, we’ve gathered all 10 of them in one place so you can read all about what each one has to offer.
Puebla is a Mexican state that is absolutely packed with history, amazing food, and stunning natural beauty.
Most people just take a day trip from Mexico City to see the most popular tourist spot in Puebla, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, but the state has so much for you to explore on your Mexican travels.
What is a Pueblo Mágico?
If you’re unfamiliar with the Pueblo Magicos of Mexico like I was when I first started traveling the country, don’t worry; they aren’t towns that hold actual magic—or maybe they do. (It sure feels like it sometimes.)
Pueblo Mágicos are small towns that have been designated by the Mexican government as holding some significance, whether it be historical, cultural, or even just plain natural Mexican beauty.
I wouldn’t say all of the magic towns are a must-see, but for the most part, they will give you an inside look into the Mexican culture that seems to get lost in tourist hotspots and resort towns that so many people visit.
Pueblos Mágicos offer a new way of traveling for those who want to get off the beaten path. They also highlight stunning towns across the country that otherwise you and I wouldn’t know about.
If you enjoy getting off the beaten path all over Mexico, explore our Pueblos Mágicos guides for Guanajuato, Yucatan, Chiapas, and Oaxaca.
How many Pueblos Mágicos are there in Puebla?
Tied with Estado de Mexico, Puebla has 10 magical towns.
This is the most that any one state has been awarded, and one of the beautiful things about the government-led initiative is that any town can apply for the award. They announce new ones each year.
So maybe one day, Puebla will take the number one spot for the most Pueblo Magicos.
Pueblos Mágicos in Puebla
Each magic town in Puebla offers something unique, making each destination special.
Here are the ten Pueblo Magicos of Puebla that you should think about adding to your trip.
The Danza de los Voladores are a special thing to see in this region of Mexico.
1. Cuetzalan Del Progreso
The mountain town of Cuetzalan was the first magic town in Puebla to be given the title. Since 2002, it’s been welcoming locals and foreigners to discover the traditional weekend markets.
Cuetzalan is one of the country’s most culturally rich Pueblos Mágicos as it is one of the only towns that can fully claim the origin of Danza de los Voladores, which has now been labeled as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage ceremony. It dates back to the Mesoamerican age, and you can witness the ancient ritual while visiting Cuetzalan.
The town itself is incredibly charming. You’ll immediately feel like you’ve taken a step back in time as you walk along the cobbled streets and take in the colonial architecture of the town. The town is nestled in the Sierra Norte mountains, so as soon as the roads end, gorgeous nature begins.
Head out on different day trips to discover so much natural beauty. You’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, and the ancient ruins of Yohualichan. This Pueblo Mágico in Puebla is the perfect destination for those who want a little bit of everything that makes a magic town magical.
Where to stay in Cuetzalan
The Posada El Volador is a simple stay with an excellent location. You’ll be within a five-minute walk from everything, and the hosts are extremely nice, making it a warm and lovely stay.
With big rooms and even bigger views, Posada la Plazuela is the perfect stay for a big group or family.
Chignahuapan is a very colorful Pueblo Mágico in Puebla.
2. Chignahuapan
Chingahuapan is unlike any of the others on the list. In Chignahuapan, you’ll find traditional architecture with beautifully tiled roofs, giving it a pop of color.
In the main square, you’ll see the vibrant parish church that really showcases the town’s charm. You also have to check out the Mudejar Kiosk. It’s so vibrant and colorful it almost makes you feel like you’re at an Asian temple vs a Puebla magic town.
But the town is most known for its colorful Christmas spheres and holiday decor, which are made in the factories here and shipped all throughout the country. You can visit the workshops and stores to see and purchase the decorations for yourself, or they make great gifts for the family.
After a bit of walking around and exploring, you can go for a soak in the town’s famous hot springs, which are known for their therapeutic properties. From beautiful views to festive traditions and relaxation, Chignahuapan is a must-visit Pueblo Magico in Puebla.
Where to Stay in Chignahuapan
This basic room is a great option to be close to town. The rooms are clean and spacious and are great for a night or two in town.
Hotel y Aguas Termales de Chignahuapan
Enjoy an upscale stay here. You’ll have access to multiple thermal pools and a variety of spa services. It is located a bit out of the center, but the hotel can provide transportation when you want to head into town.
Zacatlan de Manzanas is a magic town that is packed with natural beauty.
3. Zacatlan de las Manzanas
If you can’t tell from the name, Zacatlan de las Manzanas is known for its apple orchards. It’s another small town located in the Sierra Norte mountain range, and it’s the perfect big-city escape.
Every August, the town welcomes more visitors than normal for the annual apple festival. The town turns into a little fiesta flowing with apple cider, pies, and other homemade goodies. The festival also features local artisans selling their crafts, and parades take to the street in the main square.
If you’re not visiting during August, don’t worry! There are plenty of orchards that offer tours and tastings year-round.
While you’re in town, you also have to visit the oldest clock factory in Latin America. It was founded in 1918, and it’s still operating today and producing huge clocks that are used all over Mexico.
Where to Stay in Zacatlan
This is a great budget option for staying in Zacatlan de las Manzanas. The rooms are simple but have everything you need, and you’ll be within walking distance of the square.
Casa San Miguel Hotel Boutique y Spa
This boutique spa is perfect for a weekend in the mountains. The five-star hotel offers luxurious suites with stunning views of the town from your private terrace.
4. Pahuatlán del Valle
Pahuatlán is the smallest town on the list of Puebla’s magical towns and probably also the most skipped. But if you enjoy really learning about the traditional culture of a place, then it’s worth making the trip.
Pahuatlán del Valle is famous for its bark papermaking. All over the pueblo, you’ll find locals selling their intricately designed and brightly colored paper creations. And while there isn’t much to do in the town, you take the time to chat with the locals and learn about the process.
The town is also surrounded by the Sierra Norte mountain range. It is a beautiful place to enjoy small-town living.
Where to stay in Pahuatlan
Unfortunately, finding a place to stay online is not easy, but there are hotels! Give them a call, or just show up. It’s very unlikely that they wouldn’t have space for you. These are two that are centrally located.
Seeing the whole process of coffee making is so eye opening – there are so many steps from plant to cup!
5. Xicotepec
As soon as you enter this Pueblo Mágico in Puebla, you will immediately be hit with the flavorful aroma of coffee. Xicotepec is one of the most important coffee producers in the entire country. With its altitude and climate, it produces some of the best coffee beans in Mexico.
You can spend a day touring the coffee plantations and learning about the process from bean to cup. And, of course, you can’t leave without trying a cup (or two) of their delicious coffee.
Xicotepec is also home to one of the most unique shrines in Mexico, the Virgen de Guadalupe. The statue is 65 ft tall and peers out over the city.
Where to Stay in Xicotepec
Stay right in the center of town at Hotel Plaza San Carlos. The rooms are simple and clean, and you’ll be within walking distance of all of the best coffee spots.
Atlixco is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the entire state of Puebla.
6. Atlixco
Take a day trip from Puebla to the charming town of Atlixco. Known as the “City of Flowers,” this colorful town is filled with beautiful gardens, parks, and plazas. It’s only about an hour away, and you can see everything within a few hours.
The weather in the Pueblo Mágico really feels like magic and is known for having one of the best climates in the country. It’s why the town is always blooming with beautiful, vibrant plants and flowers.
Spend the day strolling through the colorful town, and check out one of my favorite murals in all of Mexico on the La Escalera Ancha. It’s one of the main focal points in the town so you can’t miss it. Then, head to one of the flower nurseries to pick up some plants or flowers to bring back home.
If you don’t have a car to check out the town, you can take this private tour from Puebla City.
Cholula is one of the most visited Pueblos Mágicos in Puebla.
7. Cholula
Cholula is definitely the most visited of all of the Pueblos Mágicos in Puebla. It’s located just outside of Puebla City, making it an easy day trip for anyone in the area.
The town is famous for the Great Pyramid of Cholula. It’s the largest pyramid in volume in the whole world, which is actually insane to think about. It’s four times bigger than the pyramids of Giza, but it’s massively overgrown, and halfway up the pyramid, it turns into mounds of dirt and grass.
You can wander the labyrinth of tunnels that are inside the pyramid. It is quite small and the ceilings are very low, so it’s not recommended if you feel claustrophobic.
The pyramid now has a famously photographed church built on top of it. You can hike up the pyramid and enter the church. You’ll have some incredible views up there of the city of Cholula and then two different volcanoes in the background.
The church was built by the Spanish who at the time had no idea what lay beneath the hill.
Aside from the pyramid, Cholula has loads of historical buildings, charming streets, and delicious food to discover. It’s a great place to spend the day learning about Mexico’s rich history.
I recommend combining a trip to Cholula with a trip to Puebla; they’re both small, and you can see everything in two to three days. Take this tram for a fun way to see the city if you don’t have a car or simply hop in an Uber.
8. Huauchinango
The Pueblo Mágico of Huauchinango is located just 13 miles from Xicotepec, so you can visit both Puebla magic towns on the same day. The small town is perfect for travelers who want to get outside and discover the natural beauty of rural Mexico.
On the outskirts of the town, you’ll find an abundance of rivers and waterfalls.
But if you’re not big into nature, you can find the magic charm in the town’s colonial center. It’s one of the most colorful plazas in the Puebla region, and it’s the perfect place to wander around and get lost in the little alleyways.
But the most famous event in town is the annual Tenango Flower Fair. Each year, the festival fills the streets with the town’s orchids and azaleas. People from all over come to join the parades and take part in all of the flower-filled events.
There are several lakes and walking trails to explore just on the outskirts of Huauchinango that you can easily reach by car.
9. Tlatlauquitepec
Fall in love with the warm people of Tlatlauquitepec. This town is filled with small details that make it special and unique. The magic of the town is found in every corner, from the colorful houses to the beautiful landscapes.
The main attraction in Tlatlauquitepec is the Cerro Cabezón, a big hill that is known for changing colors throughout the day. You can hike the hour-and-a-half hill and get some of the most beautiful views of the town.
In the town, the colorful streets are filled with small shops selling handmade crafts, and you’ll find all kinds of delicious homemade food and charming cafes where you can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the magical atmosphere.
Where to stay in Tlatlauquitepec
The friendly staff and stunning mountain views make this hotel in Tlatlauquitepec feel like you’re somewhere special.
10. Tetela de Ocampo
In 2020, Tetela de Ocampo became the newest magic town in Puebla. The town (kind of) played an important role in history as two of the three generals who fought in the famous battle of Pueblo were born here.
Juan and Juan.
The generals led the Mexican army to victory against French forces on May 5th, 1862. Today, you can visit a monument dedicated to these generals and learn more about their role in Mexican history.
Aside from its historical significance, Tetela de Ocampo is also known for its beautiful scenery. The mountain town offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Where to stay in Tetela
This cabin in Tetala is a gorgeous mountain stay with a beautiful interior and fabulous hosts that will make you feel extremely welcome.