Extraordinary places that will make memories to last a lifetime.

Mexico has more than 100 designated “Pueblo Magicos”—”Magical Towns”—scattered throughout the country. All have been awarded this designation because of their striking natural beauty, historical importance or enchanting folkloric traditions.

Some are popular, well-known tourist destinations (like Tulum and Tequila); others are relatively small and unknown. While all are worth visiting, here’s a handful of truly spectacular natural wonders.

Laguna de Bacalar

Quintana Roo

With its crystalline waters that shift between different shades of turquoise, royal blue and indigo, the Laguna de Bacalar, or “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” is truly an extraordinary gift of nature.

The vibrant kaleidoscopic colors of the water are the result of seven deep cenotes or sinkholes scattered along more than 25 miles of the Bacalar Lagoon’s shoreline. The largest is the Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote), 656 feet in diameter and almost 300 feet deep, where visitors can swim, snorkel or dive, accompanied by a myriad of colorful fish.

The lagoon itself is round, and kayaks, small boats and paddleboards can be used to explore the cenotes, some of which have underground caves as well. The sunlight illuminates the crystal-clear waters reflecting off the white sandy bottom and depths of the underground caves, creating a mesmerizing optical illusion of the aquatic labyrinths.

You’ll find hotels and camping in the quaint town around the lagoon, as well as guided excursions to the cenotes and caves.

Monarch Butterfly Reserve

Michoacán

The sensation of being surrounded by millions of brilliant orange and black Monarch butterflies is mind-boggling, and only a handful of places in the world can offer this experience. Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Reserve is home to up to a billion migrating butterflies who overwinter in the forests of the area.

This breathtaking yearly phenomenon occurs between mid-November and March as the butterflies leave Canada and arrive in Michoacán. The wooded reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are open to the public and visitors can hike, bike or horseback ride to see the butterflies in their natural habitat.

Tree branches covered in the colorful Monarchs bend under their weight, and when they take off and fill the blue sky, it’s a magical sight. As the air warms in the afternoons and the butterflies take flight, the sound of millions of their fluttering wings is like a gentle rainfall.

Las Grutas Tolantongo (Tolantongo Caves)

Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo

Built into the side of towering cliffs, this series of hot-spring pools is legendary for its unique beauty and spectacular location. The waters are naturally mineral-infused and heated by the surrounding volcanic mountains; visitors can swim, soak, hike or use a zipline; there’s also a kid-friendly pool with a waterslide.

For the more adventurous, a hot-spring river (suitable for swimming) flows out of a tunnel in the cliffs, and explorable caves dot the picturesque canyon. The river cascades down the mountain in sections divided by gentle waterfalls.

Water temperatures are warm but comfortable, ranging from 75-95°F (24-35°C), depending on whether you’re in the pools, rivers or tunnels. A shuttle transports visitors up the steep rocky hillside to the pools at the very top.

If you’re brave enough, walk across a suspension bridge to take amazing photos of the river and canyon below. The best time to visit Tolantongo is on weekdays, in the morning as soon as they open, before the crowds arrive.

Palenque National Park

Chiapas

Rising out of the mist-shrouded jungle like a mirage, Palenque is one of Mexico’s most notable archaeological sites because of its size and significance. Multiple temples, sports fields, aqueducts, tombs and other intact structures—about 800 so far—show the sophistication of the Mayan civilization in A.D. 600-900. Experts say not even 2% of the ancient city has been uncovered, and that there are at least 1,000 more structures still buried by the tropical jungle.

Many of the remarkably well-preserved walls and buildings of the pyramids, palaces and tombs are covered in hieroglyphics, and you may want to allow yourself more than a day to explore. The entire 1-square mile site is open to the public.

After climbing a myriad of steep steps, the views from the top of the pyramids are especially amazing. Looking over the top of the surrounding jungle, one sees colorful birds, howler monkeys and maybe even a jaguar.

Visitors can take guided tours of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, birdwatch, follow walking trails or hike on their own.

Huasteca Potosina & Jardín Surrealista

Xilitla, San Luis Potosí

This Pueblo Magico is a labyrinth of breathtaking waterfalls spread through the mountainous forests of the area, connected by crystal clear rivers and hiking trails. Guided excursions take visitors in colorful canoe-like boats or along steep walkways and laddering staircases to play, and swim in the river pools and cascading waterfalls.

There are seven major waterfalls, and early morning is the best time to go. The nearby town has many small hotels, cabins and campgrounds, and a few days is needed to experience everything.

Cascadas de Tamasopo is one of the most beautiful, with three 60-foot waterfalls cascading into deep pools, surrounded by dense forest. There are rope swings and platforms for jumping into the chilly mountain water to swim.

Cascadas Pago Pago Micos offers a milder experience with its many mid-size waterfalls offering easier jumps into sparkling pools. Tucked at the base of a steep, narrow canyon, La Cascada Tamul will take your breath away with its natural beauty, flowing waterfall and deep pools below.

Besides the spectacular waterfall adventures, you’ll want to see the incredible Cave of Swallows, a deep, dark hole in the ground where thousands of swallows return just before sunset each day. Also worth visiting is the Jardín Surrealista, an unconventional sculpture garden created by the eccentric English artist Edward James.

AUTHOR

Janet Blaser

Janet Blaser is a writer who has lived in Mazatlán, Mexico since 2006. A former journalist in California, her work now focuses on expat living. Janet’s first book, “Why We Left: An Anthology of American Women Expats” is an Amazon bestseller. Follow Janet on Instagram and Facebook. Source: CNBC. Extracted from: https://www.cnbc.com/janet-blaser/

History, tradition and unrivalled natural beauty mix with tech innovation, business development and sophisticated amenities to create the lifestyle you’re longing for.

Guadalajara

From mariachi to tequila, colonial plazas to world-renowned works of art, Guadalajara is home to many of Mexico’s most iconic symbols. Two dozen museums, more than 150 art exhibition spaces (including the Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing works by José Clemente Orozco), libraries, theaters and historical buildings dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth century fill the sprawling city with fascinating cultural experiences.

Don’t miss landmarks like Teatro Degollado (Mexico’s oldest opera house), the Cathedral and the 230-acre El Bosque los Colomos, with gardens, ponds, and jogging trails.

The year-round mild climate helps make it the third most populous city in the country, and neighborhoods in the city center are some of the wealthiest in western Mexico. Guadalajara, the Jalisco state capital, is also one of the top 100 most productive cities in the world and a tech and financial hub.

The city is known for hosting big events, including the annual Festival of Mariachi and Charreria, the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the International Gastronomy Fair. And of course, the championship soccer team Chivas is based here.

Be sure to try traditional birria, pit-roasted pork, goat or beef, and a torta ahogada, a rich pork sandwich smothered in spicy sauce.

Monterrey

Set in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madres, Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo Leon, is a city of contrasts. Towering skyscrapers, modern universities, the stupendous Puente de la Unidad, and several huge sport and event stadiums sit side-by-side with colonial-era cathedrals, stately government buildings, cobblestone streets and the charming Barrio Antiguo, as well as numerous monuments, museums and plazas.

Nature and adventure lovers revel in the breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls and hiking of the nearby mountains. Of note are Cumbres National Park, home to the 82-foot-high Horse Tail Waterfall, Parque Chipinque, an ecological reserve and base for the towering Cerro de la Silla and La Boca Dam, with its boat excursions. A favorite for rock climbers are the towering cliffs of La Huasteca.

Everywhere you look, nature, tradition and sophistication collaborate to create a city known for constant development and growth. Some of the biggest corporations in the world have headquarters here, and breathtaking modern skyscrapers dot the city. Superhighways and the Metrorrey rail system may traverse the city, but the Paseo San Lucia, a man-made river, winds

peacefully through the city center and is a lovely way to explore, by walking along charming pathways or aboard lazy riverboats.

Not to be missed is the Macroplaza, the biggest city square in Mexico, anchored by the 230-foot- tall Commerce Lighthouse, with its fabled evening lightshows.

Puerto Vallarta

A perfect storm of elements draws millions of tourists to Puerto Vallarta each year. Set on the beautiful Bay of Banderas, the town boasts beautiful beaches ringed by lush tropical jungle, a vibrant art and music scene and is a world-renowned foodie destination.

The picturesque Zona Romantica, a charming neighborhood of colonial buildings filled with restaurants, art galleries and chic boutiques, ends at the oceanfront malecon, where magnificent sunsets are the stuff of legend. When the sun goes down the fun continues, with bars and clubs serving the many flavors of the city’s nightlife.

Noteworthy excursions include whale watching (November to March), boat and snorkeling trips to Islas Marietas and Los Arcos, nature walks, birdwatching and ziplining in the nearby jungle, and on Thursday evenings, the marina’s weekly open-air market full of local artisans selling clothing, foods, jewelry and more.

Just outside the city are the Botanical Gardens, with acres of beautiful local flora and fauna. A bit further, north and south of the city, are a host of small towns and pueblos, including Sayulita and San Pancho, affording the visitor a view of a more bohemian lifestyle.

Mexico City

Steeped in history yet firmly in the modern day, Mexico City offers a myriad of experiences for every taste. Built over the ruins of the original Aztec city of Tenochtitlan by Spanish conquistadors, the city’s diverse cultural heritage is celebrated in its architecture, artworks, festivals and celebrations and of course, its food.

Seemingly innumerable museums, galleries, parks and archaeological sites are spread throughout the city. The gigantic Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo, houses the Palacio Nacional, decorated with murals by Diego Riviera, the gorgeous baroque Metropolitan Cathedral and the 13th- century Aztec Templo Mayor.

Every Sunday, in the elegant Art Deco Palacio de Belles Artes, Ballet Folklorico presents exuberant dance performances. Don’t miss Chapultepec Park, with 1,600 acres of museums, botanical gardens, historical sites, and a zoo, or the floating gardens at Xochimilco, known for its colorful painted boats carrying sightseers as well as musicians and food vendors.

Foodies delight in Mexico City, and regional dishes from all over the country are served up in street carts, restaurants and cafes. The seemingly unlimited variety of tacos has been documented on a myriad of TV specials, as well as a bustling nightlife powered by mezcal, pulque and tequila. Chic, artsy neighborhoods like La Condessa and La Roma add to the mystique of Mexico City as a destination for vacation or living.

Festivals include a colossal Day of the Dead celebration—with huge floats, costumed catrinas and thousands of spectators—the Parade of Monumental Alejibres and Escénica, with dance, circus and theater performances in 20+ venues throughout the city.

Riviera Maya

It’s no wonder the Riviera Maya is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Cities like Cancún, Tulum, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are filled with upscale hotels and resorts, in the midst of lush tropical jungle and the fabled postcard-perfect, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

At its heart are an extraordinary array of unparalleled natural attractions. This 100-mile stretch of coastline along the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula is full of important archaeological sites, ancient cenotes and Mayan ruins.

Perhaps the most well-known is Tulum, a Mayan walled city atop 40-foot cliffs, with remarkably preserved ruins. Also notable are Xcaret and the 23-acre Ek Balam, with 45 pyramids, palaces and ruins that include detailed wall paintings that provide a look at Mayan life.

Many exotic plant, animal, bird and insect species are found here that exist nowhere else in the world, and ecological preserves like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offer glimpses of these natural treasures. Its 2,500 square miles of unspoiled beauty are crossed by numerous freshwater canals and lagoons; guided excursions are available. Xel-Há Park, set in a natural inlet where the ocean meets a freshwater lagoon, is filled with marine life and unique for snorkeling or to explore while floating along in an inner tube.

Divers enjoy the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a 700-mile stretch along the coasts of four countries—Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras— home to more than 65 species of coral, 350 species of mollusk and more than 500 species of fish. Many endangered species are protected here, including four kinds of sea turtles and whale sharks.

AUTHOR

Janet Blaser

Janet Blaser is a writer who has lived in Mazatlán, Mexico since 2006. A former journalist in California, her work now focuses on expat living. Janet’s first book, “Why We Left: An Anthology of American Women Expats” is an Amazon bestseller. Follow Janet on Instagram and Facebook. Source: CNBC. Extracted from: https://www.cnbc.com/janet-blaser/

Abundance of postcard-perfect beaches? Check!

Legendary sunsets on a serene, beautiful bay? Yup.

Year-round lush tropical climate? Uh-huh.

World-renowned gastronomic, arts and entertainment scenes, with fun on every corner? Yes!

All the conveniences of modern life, yet steeped in the culture and traditions of colonial Mexico? You got it!

Is it any wonder why Puerto Vallarta has been winning the hearts of generations of travelers and expats from all over the world?

With one of the largest expat communities in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers an enchanting mix of a casual beach lifestyle with a big-city atmosphere. You’ll find open-air markets and small mom-and-pop tiendas, modern shopping malls and big box stores with a smorgasbord of imported products, family-run restaurants and upscale dining establishments.

The beachfront malecon, or boardwalk, is lined with art galleries, bars, shops and restaurants of every kind, as well as unique sculptures and street performers and of course, those breathtaking sunsets every night. PV is also famous as a foodie paradise, and you can eat and drink to your heart’s content.

The city has kept up with its phenomenal growth by keeping a watchful eye on the basics with a solid vision toward the future, maintaining and modernizing its infrastructure and services while also protecting its abundant natural resources and historical center. Dozens of internet providers keep the city connected, including ultra-high-speed fiber-optic broadband in many areas.

The area’s natural beauty has provided the perfect backdrop for contemporary and classic films, including “The Night of the Iguana” which ignited the torrid love affair between its stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Both loved Puerto Vallarta so much they ended up buying several homes, one of which is now a boutique hotel, Casa Kimberly.

In between the lush Sierra Madre mountains and the beautiful Bay of Banderas one can find everything needed to live a comfortable, fun, happy life, including stellar health care and services. PV is known for its smorgasbord of doctors, specialists, dentists and medical services— the majority of them English-speaking. State-of-the-art facilities, services and equipment are the norm, fueled in part by a growing medical tourism industry.

And you’ll find everything in close proximity—no need for a car. An efficient city bus system, abundance of taxis and ride-shares are all at your fingertips. A myriad of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, make up the city, and the year-round perfect weather makes exploring by foot a breeze.

Perhaps the most well-known is the Zona Romantica, the city’s charming historic center, home to a myriad of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and the fabled malecon, or boardwalk, winding along the coast, a lovely place for strolling day or night. Easy day trips offer birdwatching and hiking, visits to small towns nearby like Sayulita and Bucerias, or Yelapa, a more remote getaway accessible only by boat.

A bit north of PV is Nuevo Vallarta, a planned residential resort community near the Marina. Luxury estates, condos and homes front a beautiful five-mile-long beach that’s perfect for walking; and a network of trails and paths traverse the city for biking, jogging or walking. Nuevo Vallarta is more spread out than PV, with wide palm-lined streets and engaging nightlife and gastronomic scenes.

Nearby is Marina Vallarta, an exclusive combination development designed for boat owners and as a luxury residential area. This is also where the cruise ships dock and home to a world-famous golf course overlooking the glittering Pacific. One of the most sought-after destinations in the Vallarta area, the Marina boasts breathtaking high-end condos and a tremendous real estate market.

Home to one of the biggest expat populations in Mexico, the area’s lively, dynamic vibe reflects the ever-changing panoply of visitors that pass through its modern international airport. Whichever area you choose—Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or Marina Vallarta—all are great places to live or invest. With a multitude of housing options at a fraction of what they would cost in the U.S. or Canada, laughingly affordable property taxes and every convenience you could want, Puerto Vallarta makes it easy to live the life you’ve always dreamed about!

AUTHOR

Janet Blaser

Janet Blaser is a writer who has lived in Mazatlán, Mexico since 2006. A former journalist in California, her work now focuses on expat living. Janet’s first book, “Why We Left: An Anthology of American Women Expats” is an Amazon bestseller. Follow Janet on Instagram and Facebook. Source: CNBC. Extracted from: https://www.cnbc.com/janet-blaser/