Mazamitla
A Cool Mountain Pueblo Magico Of Timber Houses And Tile Roofs Known For Its Cabins, Forest Walks, Waterfalls And Its Quince And Blackberry Sweets, A Holiday Weekend Getaway For Guadalajara. Cheaper And Quieter Than The Lakeside Towns, With Horse Rides And Cabins In The Pine Forest · Mazamitla, Jalisco
Mazamitla is a Pueblo Magico of timber balconies, red tile roofs and cobbled lanes in the Sierra del Tigre of south-east Jalisco, about two hours from Guadalajara by road. People call it the little Switzerland of Mexico because of its pine forests, its cool damp air and its rows of wooden cabins. The plaza has a parish church, craft shops and stalls selling quince and blackberry sweets, jams and fruit wines. Nearby, the Cascadas de Verduzco fall through a wooded ravine, and horse rides and forest tracks leave from the edge of town. Lake Chapala lies a short drive away but is a separate day. It suits couples, families and anyone from Guadalajara who wants a cabin and a fireplace on a cold weekend. It is worth the detour for one or two nights, ideally midweek. It is not worth a rushed visit on a holiday weekend, when the lanes are packed and parking is a struggle, or for anyone wanting serious hiking or big sights. Winters are cold, so pack a coat and warm socks.
Mazamitla, a Pueblo Magico of timber and tile houses in the Sierra del Tigre about 120 km south-east of Guadalajara and 15 km from Lake Chapala's southern shore; coordinates approximate, Mazamitla, Jalisco, Mexico
The plaza, church and cobbled streets are open all day and are FREE to walk at any hour. Most shops, sweet stalls and craft stores open from late morning and close in the early evening, with longer hours at weekends and on holidays. The Cascadas de Verduzco and some forest or horse-ride operators set their own prices and times, so confirm fees and access before you go, and expect some places to close on quiet weekdays in low season. Restaurants are busiest at lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Private ranch and forest land around the town is CLOSED to anyone without permission, so stay on public roads and marked tracks.