What Is Mazamitla Mexico, Known For? (Directions, Things To Do, Accommodations, And More)
BY Sibashree Sep 15, 2025
The Pueblos Magicos Program of the Mexican Government has identified 132 Magical Towns of Mexico. This program supports these magical towns for the preservation and enhancement of their natural beauty and cultural and architectural heritage. Mazamitla is one of these magical towns, and I came across it on my last trip to Guadalajara. In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will share a brief account of my last trip to Mazamitla Mexico. What Is Mazamitla Mexico Famous For? Mazamitla is just 80 km from Guadalajara, and it is in the state of Jalisco. Nestled in the Sierra del Tigre mountain range, Mazamitla also has the nickname of “The Switzerland of Mexico.” As I talked to the locals, a senior said, “People come to Mazamitla to relax. Also, the weather here is so good that you can come here during any part of the year.” Mazamitla is also 400 km away from Puerto Vallarta, a more popular and luxurious tourist destination in Jalisco. It has chalet-like cabins and verdant hills. Further, the surrounding villages here make it a quaint little place, like an oasis in the heart of Mexico, and at an elevation of 2500 meters.. There is also a fascinating story behind how Mazamitla got its name. The name comes from the Nahuatl language. Nahuati is a Uto-Aztecan language, and today at least 1 million people speak this language. Nevertheless, in Nahuatl, Mazamitla means a place where arrows are made for hunting deer. It is a combination of three phrases. Mazatl or Deer Mitl or Arrow Tlan or Place Along with Nahuatl, the people of Mazamitla speak many other dialects. How To Reach Mazamitla Mexico? I took the Autotransportes Mazamitla bus service from the Nueva Central Camionera stop in Guadalajara. Buses depart every one hour. However, travel time and bus timings can vary. Also, if you want a non-stop journey and to pace the travel more conveniently, you can rent a car. By car, you will reach Mazamitla in less than 2 hours. However, the bus services do not have any express option, and there will be frequent stops. So, even if the bus promises to take you to Mazamitla within 3 hours, it took close to 4 hours for me. After Reaching Mazamitla Mexico The bus dropped us at Mazamitla station. I tried booking an Uber or a taxi. Uber does not work here, and taxis are very few. It’s great that Mazamitla is walkable. So, I started walking through the hills. Yes, it was like morning workouts for me. Still, I didn’t mind, and I reached the main square. The main square has cobblestone streets, exuding the perfect dark academia vibe. I did not have any prior hotel booking, and it was a conscious decision, considering Mazamitla allows you to be a little carefree. Nevertheless, after around 15 minutes of walking, I found a decent and modest accommodation as the locals helped me. The place I stayed was called the Monteverde Hotel. I loved the fireplace in my room, and the living area was warm and relaxing. However, remember that they are going to charge you extra money for the daily delivery of kindling and charcoal. La Estela and Huerta Real are two other popular hotels in Mazamitla Mexico. What Are The Things To See In Mazamitla? What Are The Things To Do? Mazamitla is the place where you need to move slowly and indulge in the vibe the magical town has to offer. I spent some time with the locals here, and it was great fun. However, if you want to wander alone, you will enjoy the sight of white-washed buildings along the streets. Here are the places I visited during my trip to Mazamitla. 1. The Parroquia De San Cristobal The Parroquia de San Cristobal, or the Saint Christopher's Parish here, is a main cultural and religious attraction. This Parish, with its distinct architecture, shows a significant Chinese influence. It has tower spires and a wooden structure. Additionally, the church takes on a distinct visual character thanks to its scenic backdrop. Now, that was quite interesting, considering the history of the town goes back to 1165, and the Aztecs built it. However, the locals could not tell much about how the Chinese elements came here. Later, I studied the Chinese encounters with Mexico, which date back to the 16th century, and this began with Spanish colonization. 2. The Local Market The local market in Mazamitla is an extension of how the town is. It’s bustling with energy, but now the usual kind you will notice in a regular market. Everyone knows each other, and there is a strong sense of community. From the local market, you can collect handicrafts made of dried pine branches. Also, you will get fresh produce and colorful silk textiles. Moreover, if you want to try local food, you must explore the upper section of the market. This section has food vendors, and I loved Atole here. It was a hot corn barrage, which was comforting and ideal for the chill in the air. Bote is another delicacy I found that many locals are having. This rich soup has vegetables, pork, and beef. 3. Sierra Del Tigre Mountains View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Varela (@varelabere) Yes, now, here is the main thing. The reason why Mazamitla is so special! Many local companies here offer rugged safari truck drives to the beautiful hills in groups. The road to the hills is through the wilderness. Also, as the truck moved through the wilderness, the panoramic views of the surroundings made the journey worthwhile. Further, before reaching the mountains, we stopped at Valle de Juarez. I loved the ride in a small trajinera boat in the dam here. These small boats were very colorful. While taking the boat rides, we enjoyed a lovely view of the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City. After the boat ride, the truck stopped at Panaderia Don Vicente. It’s a bakery where we had the refreshments with cookies and bread. And once we all were full, we resumed our safari to the mountains. Mazamitla Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Mazamitla Mexico. 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Mazamitla Mexico? November to February is the best time to visit Mexico. These months are cooler and drier. So, you can enjoy the beauty of the town and the mountains. Furthermore, the average temperature during the autumn and winter seasons in Mazamitla hovers around 69 degrees F. 2. What Language Do They Speak In Mazamitla? People in Mazamitla mostly speak Spanish. However, many inhabitants here speak Nahuatl and other indigenous languages. 3. Is Mazamitla Safe? Mazamitla is safe, and as a woman solo traveler, I did not face many challenges during my 2-day stay here. However, there are reports of petty crimes, and at night, there is not much mobility across the town. Read Also: What Is Villa Lala Puerto Vallarta Known For? 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