Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos

While attending Tianguis 2008 in Acapulco, I came across a beautifully illustrated English-language special guidebook to Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos that has been published by México Desconocido. The 175-page guide entitled Mexico's Magical Towns describes 35 towns found in every region of the country and supplies maps along with information about sightseeing, local handicrafts, food, and transportation. These communities have been given special tourism status because of their exceptional cultural or historical value. Some of them are located close to main highways and can be easily reached by public bus. Others are well off the beaten path and require considerably more effort to visit.

The latest town to be added to the "Magical Towns" list is Capulalpam de Mendez situated in a thickly forested area 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the city of Oaxaca. This isolated community is known for its 17th-century Dominican Church of Saint Matthew, which has 15 baroque altarpieces. So far, I've made it to more than a dozen Pueblos Mágicos and, with the help of the new México Desconocido guide, I hope to add at least another dozen to my collection.