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Municipality and town in Jalisco, Mexico
Photo: Adolfobs93, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mazamitla is a 1,000-year-old small town in the mountains of Jalisco, Mexico. With its abundant forests and rugged terrain, it is a popular weekend destination for active outdoorsmen and for young couples looking for a romantic small town getaway. The town has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.
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St Christopher Church
Strikingly unique church that looks historic but was actually built in the 20th century. It is known for its Chinese look and feel with large, wide bell towers and central clock tower with flared rooflines that resemble a pagoda.
Zocalo
The town's main square is a lively central plaza with manicured trees and shrubbery, a bandstand, iron benches along paved walkways, and lined with shops and historic buildings including the Palacio Municipal and the big colorful letters spelling out the town's name, just waiting for you to snap the selfie and post to Instagram.
Scenic 50-meter-high waterfall that involves a brisk hike along cobblestone roads going past woodland cabins in the Los Cazos area, then the trail continues along the river to get to the falls. If you don't want to hike, you can rent a horse for M$250, though you may still need to do some walking. There are pools near the falls where you can swim.
Nearby village with a dam and lake where you can ride trajineras (flat wooden boats like those used in Xochimilco).
Traditional regional cuisine in a comfortable courtyard style restaurant. If you're adventurous, try the guacamole con chapulines (made with dried grasshoppers). If you're a bit less bold, the moles are delicious and completely bug-free.
Regional Mexican cuisine in an open second-floor dining room looking over the zocalo. Great people watching over breakfast or dinner.
Popular restaurant in a colonial era building near the zocalo. Traditional Mexican cuisine. The cafe de olla and chilaquiles are good for breakfast.
Individual mountain cabins, some small, romantic and perfect for two, with others having up to 3 bedrooms and more suited to families. Cabins include fireplaces and WiFi but are generally rustic (no TV, no AC), evenings can get cold.
Moderate traditional hotel in the central downtown area, 1 block walk to the zocalo. Rooms are clean and spacious. Parking available at extra cost.
Rustic elegance in mountain lodge and individual cabins. Wood-burning fireplaces in all rooms. Alpine restaurant on-site.
Rustic traditional hotel with clean rooms and attractive gardens.
Busy main marketplace with lots of fruit, vegetable, meat and other food vendors. Vendors selling prepared foods sell some of the most authentic regional cuisine you can buy. Great place for an early, affordable breakfast or some browsing at any time.
Indoor shopping plaza with small spaces for independent vendors selling authentic hand-made artesanias such as pottery, blankets, jewelry and wood carvings. Good opportunity to practice your haggling skills.
By bus
Mazamitla has frequent bus service to and from Guadalajara through Autotransportes Mazamitla. It is a second-class bus line with a mix of older buses and very modern buses.
Most people get around by driving their own (or rental) cars. Be aware though that all the streets in Mazamitla are very rough cobblestone, dotted with holes and topes.
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Guadalajara · International · GDL
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