Mazamitla, Mexico, is tucked away in the Sierra del Tigre mountain range of Jalisco. One of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, Mazamitla, is one of my favorite places to visit when I’m in Jalisco. 

I love the look and feel of Mazamitla. It’s a cozy mountain town surrounded by forest. The rustic white buildings with red tile roofs and cobblestone streets make Mazamitla a picture-book-like setting. It’s an outdoor lover’s playground! You can explore the forested mountain range on horseback, four-wheelers, or on foot. Plus, Mazamitla makes a great day-trip from Guadalajara, or you can spend the night in a cozy rental cabin.

I have been to Mazamitla multiple times during various times of the year, and it’s a great year-round destination. During Christmas time, the town is beautifully decorated. I highly recommend it as a December/Holiday destination.

This post shares my list of the best things to do in Mazamitla, Mexico. 

How Far Is Mazamitla from Guadalajara

I come to Mazamitla from Guadalajara by car with my family, and it’s a drive of a little over two hours. Its proximity to the city makes Mazamitla a great day trip from Guadalajara. If you’re in Guadalajara, give yourself time to visit Mazamitla. It’s a great getaway from the busy city life in Guadalajara. I love it as a remote, mountain getaway where I can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

However, if you plan on making a Mazamitla day trip, I recommend getting an early start so you can make the most of the day and start your drive back to Guadalajara before sunset. Since Mazamitla is up in the mountains, the winding road that leads in and out of town can be hard to navigate in the dark.

Mazamitla is one of my favorite destinations near Guadalajara.

Is Mazamitla Mexico safe?

Yes, Mazamitla, Mexico, is safe. Both Guadalajara locals and foreign tourists visit Mazamitla, and the town is accommodating to all visitors. The town’s vibe is welcoming, serene, and slow-paced.

While violence against visitors is uncommon, I’ll give you the tea on this town. Organized groups do operate in the mountain range, and I heard stories of shootings in Mazamitla in 2018 and 2022. I visited Mazamitla months after a shooting event and saw federal troops patrolling the town.

There is always some sense of risk in Mexico due to organized crime, but take your basic precautions. Follow this guide for tourist-friendly activities in Mazamitla.

Mazamitla Mexico weather

The weather in Mazamitla Mexico is cool due to the high altitude. I take a sweater and a light jacket when I go. During the day, the sun warms you up, but a cool chill is felt in the evenings and early mornings. I recommend wearing layers so you can easily adjust for comfort throughout the day.

Things to do In Mazamitla Mexico

Explore the town square

Start exploring Mazamitla by visiting the town square/plaza. The town is charming with its white buildings, red tile roofs, and cobblestone streets. Often, a dreamy layer of clouds covers the sky. I love to take it all in by finding a seat at a local business, the town plaza, or walking around the town square. I personally enjoy the laid-back, relaxing environment of Mazamitla.

Shop for beautiful artisanal products

I love exploring the shops and local businesses in Mazamitla. You’ll find beautiful, unique items, such as the embroidered purses shown below. Candy shops, convenience stores, and other shops selling souvenirs, such as ponchos, are located near the town square.

Eat and drink at the local businesses

Restaurants and food options surround the town square. Leo’s Cafeteria is located across the street from the church’s front doors. My family and I often pick this restaurant to grab a light bite, like a crepe, a sandwich, coffee, or shakes. You’ll have your choice of sit-down restaurants like this one.

Don’t be afraid to try a walk-up food stand, like Taqueria Aranda, pictured below. This taco stand sells tacos de pastor from a trompo, which is the meat skewer you see in the picture. You should not miss out on eating tacos de trompo in Mexico. They are a Mexican cuisine staple.

Visit the Church

San Cristobal Parish is the main character of Mazamitla’s town square. Regardless of whether you’re religious or not, catholic or not, I recommend you step inside to appreciate its beauty. The church stands tall at the center of the town, so it’s impossible to miss. The Virgin Mary, La Virgen de Guadalupe, is honored in a portrait at the front and center of the church. I also love the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

Voladores de Papantla en Mazamitla

Los voladores de Papantla en Mazamitla, Jalisco are a group of men who climb a wooden pole and, before descending, are tied by a rope and facedown, like birds taking flight. You can catch the showcase in front of San Cristobal Parish, located on the town square.

Voladores de Papantla is a ritual originating from the state of Veracruz and the indigenous communities of Mexico. I’ve seen this ritual performed in Mazamitla, the town of Tajin in Veracruz, and in Mexico City.

The voladores de Papantla are truly a sight to see, especially if you’re seeing it for the first time. The flyers wear traditional outfits that are red and adorned with ribbons and vibrant colors. I really love that Mazamitla is one of those towns where you can witness this cultural ritual.

Horseback Riding in Mazamitla Mexico

Horseback riding is something I do every time I am in Mazamitla. Horse rentals are available at the entry point of the forested area that leads to Cascada El Salto. You can either walk to the waterfall or get there on horseback. I’ve done and recommend both routes.

It’s impossible to have a bad time exploring this beautiful forested area with tall trees, cobblestone streets, and fresh mountain air. Horseback rides are available for a reasonable fee. A local tour guide will walk with you through the forest, helping to manage the horses, and guide you to the waterfall safely. Although when I ride the horses, it’s very clear to me that they know their way and are well-trained on their tour path.

Mazamitla Magical Forest

Whether on horseback or on foot, exploring the forest trails is one of my favorite things to do in Mazamitla. It’s such a peaceful activity surrounded by tall trees and fresh air. As you can see from the picture below of my sister and me posing on a bench, there is signage to guide you to the waterfall, and forest trails are clearly marked. However, bring comfy shoes since it’s a cobblestone trail.

 

CHISA TIP: Also, note in this picture: I am carrying a red drink in a plastic bag. This drink is called a Vampiro, Vampire, for its red coloring. My pro-tip to you is to keep your eyes open for street-side stands on the road leading into Mazamitla that sell Vampiros and Cantaritos. If you’re a hiker/explorer who likes to have an alcoholic beverage to set the mood, then this pit stop right before entering town is a must.

I also love gazing at the picturesque cabins nestled in the forest, visible from the walking trail. These cabins make the Mazamitla forest enchanting.

ATV Tour in Mazamitla

ATV tours are a popular activity in Mazamitla, Jalisco.

My family rents them from a friend of my aunt’s, who has his Mazamitla ATV tour and rental business. The ATVs pictured here are representative of the equipment he provides: Four-wheelers for 1 or two riders and helmets. I had a lot of fun riding ATVs through the Mazamitla forest and town streets. These ATV rentals are guided tours, so a representative from the rental company guides you to a safe trail and ensures you have an enjoyable experience.

Our family’s go-to ATV rental business is located at the intersection of Calle Jacinto Chavarria and Calle Loma Bonita, in front of Monteverde Hotel, and right next to Vinos y Licores La Glorieta.

Visit a Waterfall

Visiting Cascada el Salto is one of the best things to do in Mazamitla, Jalisco. This waterfall is tucked away deep in the forest, making it a fun adventure to get there. Two ways to get to the waterfall: hike or get there on horseback.

There is an entry fee to enter the forest trail that leads to the waterfall. And, there is clear signage to guide you there. I say this is a moderate to intermediate hike. It’s a cobblestone path with some inclines. However, my eighty-something-year-old grandpa completed the hike to the waterfall and back. So, if he can do it, so can you!

Mazamitla Mexico Cabins

I’ve been to Mazamitla a handful of times, but always as a day-trip from Guadalajara. It was only recently that I had the experience of spending the night in a cabin in Mazamitla. I highly recommend a Mazamitla cabin rental!

Imagine: you spent the day exploring the Mazamitla plaza, riding horses, and splashing in a waterfall. You make your way to your cabin in the evening after dinner. You and your family or friends start a fire in the chimney. Everyone is having a good time playing board games, watching TV, and freshening up before bed. In the morning, you wake up to cool, fresh air and enjoy the forest landscape. You make breakfast in your cabin and enjoy a slow morning drinking cafecito, playing loteria, and UNO on the front porch.

Booking a cabin rental in Mazamitla is a great way to spend time with loved ones. I felt refreshed, comfortable, and so fortunate to be in a beautiful cabin rental in the magic town of Mazamitla, Jalisco.

Mazamitla, Mexico, other Guadalajara Travel Guides

This Mazamilatravel guide shares what I find so special about this pueblo magico in Jalisco. The best thing to do in Mazamitla is to enjoy the outdoors and the surroundings!

Mazamitla is in the mountain range, surrounded by a forest of tall trees. It’s a peaceful and cool destination with fun for the whole family. You can take an easy walk around the town square, exploring shops, and making a stop at a coffee shop or restaurant to refuel.

Thrill seekers, like me, will love Mazamitla because it’s a perfect setting for outdoor adventure, like hiking through the forest, riding horses, and ATVs.

I highly recommend you add Mazamitla to your travel plans.

Make sure to check out my Guadalajara Travel Guide for things to do in Guadalajara, Jalisco. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, read my full list of recommended day trips from Guadalajara.