Head for the Hills! Mexico's Coolest Mountain Towns This Summer

Don’t fight the heat on holiday in Mexico this summer – escape it altogether! While Mexico’s coastal hotspots heat up for the summer, savvy travelers are moving up — literally — to uncover the breezy mountain escapes of the Pacific state of Nayarit. 

Away from the beach crowds and humid shorelines, these mountainous Magical Towns ("Pueblo Magico"), plus one volcanic lagoon, offer fresh air, cool climates, and immersive cultural experiences that make for the perfect summer hideout.

With average temperatures in the comfortable low 70s, these highland havens offer a natural alternative to crowded beaches and sticky heat. Each town is rich with local culture, surrounded by impressive landscapes, and filled with welcoming residents eager to share their traditions, from hand-pressed tortillas and heritage crafts to sacred petroglyphs and ancient architecture.

Jala: The Original Magic in the Mountains

Perched at the foot of the mystical active volcano El Ceboruco, Jala (pictured above) was the first town in Nayarit to earn the “Pueblo Magico” title. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and enormous cliffs, Jala comes alive in the rainy season when the surrounding hills burst into lush shades of green. Visitors flock to hike the volcano’s slopes, wander historic neighborhoods, and sample traditional dishes like corn cookies, torrejas, and tostadas with pork leg.

The town’s deep connection to maize is everywhere. Not only does it produce some of the world’s largest corn cobs (some clocking in at 17 inches), but it also honors this legacy with the Elote Fair in August. 

Spanish heritage lives on in landmarks like the Basilica, a pink-stoned former Convent featuring a Virgin Mary with indigenous features and attire, a rare blending of Catholic and native iconography. Beneath the convent, tunnels and crypts hold centuries of stories, from friars to plague victims. The nearby Museum of Sacred Art is the first of its kind in Nayarit.

Accommodations range from cozy hostels to sophisticated stays like Nukari Quinta Boutique, a lovingly restored 18th-century mansion offering gourmet dining, spa rituals, and panoramic rooftop views of the volcano. Nature lovers can also venture out to Salto de Jomulco or bike and camp along the volcanic valley. 

Compostela: A Colonial City with Cool Forests and Hot Springs

Founded in 1530, Compostela (pictured above)  is one of the oldest colonial towns in the region and an ideal summer retreat thanks to its blend of coastal breeze and mountainous cool. Spend a day exploring centuries-old landmarks like the Parish of Santiago Apóstol, soaking in natural hot springs, or sampling local chicken and fish dishes like “pollo al Ixtlan” and pescado zarandeado at the local market.

Nature lovers will find bliss in the nearby forested areas, perfect for camping and cycling. The Alta Vista archaeological site showcases mysterious petroglyphs. 

Amatlan de Canas: A Hidden Jewel of Rivers, Spas, and Chocolate

Just a winding mountain road away lies one of Nayarit’s newest Magical Towns and a sanctuary for wellness seekers and adventure travelers. This quiet village (pictured also, top) is known for its rugged beauty, ancient temples, and artisanal chocolate workshops. Its crown jewel is El Manto, a natural spa with crystal-clear waterfalls enclosed by towering rock walls.

The area offers a rare blend of relaxation and excitement. Visitors can tour abandoned mining towns, embark on hiking and biking trails, or dip into one of many local hot springs. Traditional dishes like tomato-braised tongue and birria are comfort foods on cool nights, all accessible from nearby resorts.

Santa Maria del Oro: Where Stillness Meets the Sky

Centered around a mesmerizing lagoon nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, this destination is where heat and hustle disappear, replaced by ever-changing hues of turquoise and cobalt across the water.

Boutique hotels blend into the volcanic landscape, while waterfront restaurants serve specialties like fish chicharron and marinated seafood platters. Activities on the lagoon include paddleboarding, kayaking, and slow boat rides to hidden alcoves. For thrill-seekers, Arcadia Park Adventure nearby offers zip-lining and rappelling among pines and waterfalls. But the real magic is in the silence, a rare and restorative gift in a busy world.

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Images courtesy of Visit Nayarit

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