On September 25, the Mexican Tourism Board announced the latest batch of communities to be listed as Pueblos Magicos, a distinction given to small towns and villages rich in traditions, history and natural attractions. The list included two Mexican Caribbean communities, Isla Mujeres and Tulum.
In the case of Isla Mujeres, its charms range from Playa Norte and the Mayan temple on Punta Sur, coral reefs, sea turtles and whale sharks to Caribbean-style wooden houses in the fishing village.
Tulum is equally blessed with natural and historical charms. The cliff top citadel of the ancient Maya and the ceremonies of their descendants await visitors. A chain of beaches, tiny bays and inlets stretches north to Akumal and south to Sian Ka’an. Tulum also boasts coral reefs, cenotes, the world’s longest underground rivers and jungle and wetlands rich in wildlife.
Isla Mujeres and Tulum join Bacalar as the state of Quintana Roo’s Pueblos Magicos and there are hopes that Holbox and Felipe Carrillo Puerto will be added in the years to come. The neighboring state of Yucatan also has two Pueblos Magicos, the colonial towns of Valladolid and Izamal.
