Pueblos Mágicos: A Traveler's Guide to Mexico's Hidden Treasures

by

Chuck Burton

Fascinating mix of travelogue and memoir of the author's exploration of Mexico's hidden gems for off-the-beaten-path tourists.

Pueblos Mágicos by Chuck Burton is a fascinating mix of travel guide, travelogue, and memoir of the author's free-spirited exploration of the hidden jewels of Mexico's genius tourist industry promotion – the Pueblos Mágicos program. With an easy-to-read style and a wealth of useful information, Burton's work is not only a valuable travel "Idea Book" but also a genuine inspiration to live your best life. 

The book begins with an overview of why potential travelers should consider Mexico's interior as a destination and how to have an amazing trip while avoiding the crowds at well-known, overhyped tourist traps and eschewing the same-old, same-old. Having run across the mention of the Mexican government's program, Burton, a part-time expat snowbird living in Mazatlán, has done the research for readers and lays out the history of the promotion, launched in 2001, which includes a growing list of 177-plus small-town destinations. He understands the reticence many foreign travelers have toward vacationing in the country, with its current reputation for corruption and the rampant crime of drug cartels, attributing the hype to the blatant repetition of misinformation and sensationalism on the part of the mainstream media. 

From there, Burton highlights his favorite small-town destinations designated as Pueblos Mágicos, discussing why he enjoyed his visit, transportation options, the accommodations he personally used, and the not-to-be-overlooked experiences in the area. Frankly, the variety he presents is astounding, and the many, mostly unknown, sights, experiences, and travel opportunities sound like treasures just waiting to delight. 

Burton, a shoestring traveler from the 70s, still journeys in much the same way as he did in his post-university youth, slowly, purposefully, and with an eye to sampling all the local flavors of each new location. He does so by engaging with locals, walking a lot, and achieving fluency in Spanish that few casual visitors will be prepared to attain. However, while encouraging potential foreign travelers to at least try to learn some Spanish courtesies and useful phrases, he assures readers that English has seeped into even the most remote towns and is confident that, with a little effort, you can get by well enough. My only complaint about the book is that there are too few photographs of the wonders described. 

I recommend PUEBLOS MÁGICOS: A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO MEXICO'S HIDDEN TREASURES to readers of travel books, especially those interested in learning more about our southern neighbor. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blogs, Boys' Mom Reads! and Guatemala Paula Loves to Read.