When we see warm colors, we often have positive feelings as these hues are closely related to joy and movement. What happens when these colors combine with the culture and folklore of Mexico? Magic, of course.
Mexican towns and cities have cultural heritages, and people, in their intense joy, can fill their paths with vibrant colors to smile and make visitors smile. This is why we are going to take a tour of 12 colorful destinations in Mexico, so that in your next trips you can give a watercolor meaning to our country:
1. Guanajuato, Guanajuato.
The colonial destination of Mexico, a World Heritage Site.
The photograph I have in my mind when I remember the first time I visited Guanajuato capital is fascinating. Being at its viewpoint and seeing the colors of its houses was like seeing a living artistic painting. This cultural destination of our country has been on the lists of the most colorful cities worldwide, and walking its streets with baroque architecture and learning about its history with the hospitality of its people makes you take home the multicolored memory of this great city.
2. Tlacotalpan, Veracruz.
“The Pearl of the Papaloapan” and its charming colors.
Tlacotalpan, also declared a World Heritage Site, is a journey through time when visiting it, but one full of colors and identity with cheerful and traditional fairs, as well as places to visit that highlight the facades of its houses, with windows and walls painted in bright or pastel colors, as well as its portals that change color every year as if its people had a taste for decorating their place. This quiet riverside town is traversed by bicycle and is the ideal destination for photography and color lovers.
3. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo.
Caribbean charm, Mayan legacies, and the colors of a fishing village.
The islanders welcome visitors with the warmth and color that characterize their island. The fishermen and founding families are inspired to keep Isla Mujeres the paradise they knew, with its Mayan legacy being its greatest treasure. With stories and legends, its beautiful beaches, gastronomy, festivals, and quiet streets with colorful houses, this Caribbean destination is considered one of the most colorful places in the world. I am proud to say that I grew up there, in my Isla Mujeres.
4. Campeche, Campeche.
The city guardian of its history.
San Francisco de Campeche, also declared a World Heritage Site, equally stands out to our sense of sight with its colors that adorn its streets in harmony with its baroque temples and bastions, being one of the best-fortified cities in America. Walks in this destination with multicolored decorations of its colonial-style mansions, along its boardwalk, and attractions that reveal the history of being a walled city, undoubtedly envelop all the senses to always remember.
5. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.
The most magical of the Magical Towns.
Considered one of the most romantic destinations, San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of the most beautiful and original cities in Mexico and Central America for its colonial and colorful image that we not only see in its architectural treasures but also in the clothing of the Tzeltal and Tzotzil people who come to the city. Its rooftops, flowers, balconies, colorful crafts, exquisite food, and popular festivals are some of the many reasons why this destination became the “Most Magical of the Magical Towns” of Mexico.
6. Izamal, Yucatán.
The Magical Yellow City.
This is a Magical Town uniformly painted in ochre yellow with white accents, a decision made by its inhabitants. According to the old residents, the first building painted this way over 50 years ago was the Convent of San Antonio de Padua. By custom, the population decided to extend these colors to their houses and streets. Others say the decision was made after the joy caused by Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1993. These colors have added even more charm and elegance to this City of Three Cultures, being the only town painted in a single color. A carriage ride is a fascinating experience, as if touring a living museum full of yellow, a panorama combined with the deep-rooted culture of its warm and peaceful people that characterize the beautiful state of Yucatán.
7. Costa Careyes, Jalisco.
A Colorful Paradise on the Mexican Pacific.
Costa Alegre is a tourist corridor of virgin beaches and colorful towns like Costa Careyes. Its nature offers coastal landscapes of jungle and mountains between coves and beaches, combined with the Mexican architecture of its houses, villas, and hotels painted in very cheerful colors on its cliffs. Besides activities to enjoy in its beautiful surroundings, such as water sports or polo, Costa Careyes is a place to meditate and relax with its multicolored atmosphere, which has even appeared in important architecture magazines. A gem, right?
8. Oaxaca, Oaxaca.
A Cultural Mosaic, World Heritage Site.
The perfectly outlined Historic Center of Oaxaca de Juárez, along with the archaeological site of Monte Albán, was declared a World Heritage Site 27 years ago. This pride is felt when visiting the city that maintains its architectural beauty and colors. Walking through its streets is discovering civil and religious buildings that decorate the scene with colonial portals and details, which, together with its crafts, typical dishes, and traditions, form the magic called Oaxaca.
9. San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur.
The Charming City Full of Art.
San José del Cabo is the head of the municipality of Los Cabos and is a more traditional, calm, and colorful tourist destination compared to Cabo San Lucas. Although they are connected by a coastal tourist corridor, San José del Cabo has so many cultural attractions that it shines on its own. The heart of the town is the church of San José, and walking through its plaza, you will see art galleries, local crafts, and a colorful, calm atmosphere like its famous Art Walk, which takes place on Thursday nights.
10. Ajijic, Jalisco.
The Cosmopolitan Community of the Chapala Shore.
This colorful town is located on the shores of Lake Chapala. Its magic captivates by representing a typical Mexican place where its streets are decorated with craft and jewelry shops, galleries, as well as traditional restaurants adorned with flowers and lush vegetation. The colorful landscape of Ajijic and its art add to its years of life, culture, and folklore, making me eager to feel its atmosphere. How about you?
11. Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit.
Waves for Surfing and the Color of Huichol Art for Culture Lovers.
This Pacific corner is a fishing village that is both cultural and cosmopolitan. Its essence full of colors relaxes the mind and invites you to enjoy walking through its cobblestone streets and discovering its art galleries, restaurants, hotels, and shops painted with fascinating colors that are unforgettable. It is a special destination for surf lovers due to its championships, as well as for bohemians and those who like to acquire the colorful creations of Huichol artisans.
12. Palizada, Campeche.
A Riverside Town of Buccaneers.
With houses featuring French tile roofs, this unique Magical Town of Campeche joins its capital in painting a rainbow panorama; it is bordered by the Palizada River, where a stroll along its boardwalk will be unforgettable due to its sculptures, such as the replica of the Statue of Liberty, and the views of nature. It is also recommended to visit the Church of San Joaquín, the patron saint of the locals. This peaceful and colorful town is full of history, as it was a refuge for pirates during the colonial era.
Colors express moods and emotions, and I hope these places have made you feel happy today and also when you visit them, which I hope will be very soon.
Source: Mexico Destinos
