As of today, there are 132 “Pueblos Magicos”, or Magical Towns, in Mexico. The closest, and only one located along the U.S.-Mexico border, is Tecate. The designation comes at high honor and is awarded to communities that maintain their original architecture, traditions, history, and culture.
So, what exactly is a Magical Town? It is a site or town with symbols, urban legends, and culture that in many cases have seen and lived iconic events in Mexico’s history. They are places that exhibit Mexican identity and traditions in each of their corners– with magic emanating from its attractions.
Tradition
You are probably not familiar with the peculiar history of Tecate, the first Magical Town of Baja California. Although at first sight, it may look like a nondescript town, when you learn about its history you will understand its singularity. Tecate is a border town but it doesn´t look it. Tecate could be a city but maintains the placid spirit and slow rhythm of the village. Tecate offers magnificent landscapes, good climate, and great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but it is neither mountain, desert, or forest. It is, simply, Tecate, a Magical Town worth discovering.
From the acorn trees to the ranches to the beer plant
Tecate has been inhabited by Kumiai nomadic peoples since time immemorial. Today’s Tecate grew under the Cuchuma hill, the Kumiai magic mountain, a sacred place of rounded rocks and connection to the Universe. The first settlers left their mark nearby, at the El Vallecito archeological site, where you will find the famous Diablito (Little Devil). Then came missions, ranches, and the border, but Tecate continued to be a slow place where views extend over the horizon.
In the early 1900s, the beer factory arrived, bringing along the railroad, progress, and finally, the village as we know it was born. The place named “Acorn Tree” by the Kumiai was internationally known thanks to the beer.
A tour of the interesting Museo Comunitario takes us to these three key moments of the Magical Town of Tecate: the Kumiai culture, the years of the ranches, and the railroad and the beer factory.
The beer factory was the origin of the modern Tecate and stands right downtown, very near the main square. Call to find out tour hours and plan your visit. You will be surprised at the sheer size of the factory and the extraordinary production. When you finish your tour you may taste some of their beers at the Jardín Cerveza before continuing on your stroll through the most emblematic places of the Magical Town of Tecate.
Now cross the Miguel Hidalgo park and turn left to find the flagship bakery of the village: El Mejor Pan de Tecate, the perfect spot to take a break with a cup of coffee and some sweet temptation. If you arrive on a weekend don´t miss the Bazar Artesanal Cerro Azul, a crafts bazaar specializing in ceramics, very popular in this Magical Town.
The magic of Tecate beyond the town
If you want to learn more about the history of the Magical Town of Tecate and would like to explore the surroundings you cannot miss a rare museum: Campo Alaska, formerly military barracks in the middle of nowhere housing a photographic exhibit about the site and temporary exhibits as well.
What’s the Vibe?
The Magical Town of Tecate is the heart of a natural area with many leisure options: horse riding, camping, cabins at ranches and haciendas, and adventure activities… plus it is the North gate to the Wine Route of Baja California. Stay for a few days and enjoy this magical corner of Baja California!