Table of Contents:
- Cool Places in Mexico Introduction
- Catemaco in Veracruz
- Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosi
- San Juan Chamula Church in Chiapas
- Conclusion
- Informative Video
Cool Places in Mexico Introduction
I have been watching the latest updates about the most visited countries in the world, and I realized that Mexico appears in this list thanks to its impressive archaeological sites and marvelous natural wonders.
This is why I came up with a very curious idea. What if, in addition to the most visited places in Mexico, we ignore as travelers special, secret, unique, and even unusual places in this country? I set myself the task of researching places that are not only the Riviera Maya, Templo Mayor in Mexico City, or incredible pyramids like ‘El Castillo’ (The Castle) in Chichen Itza.
After researching, I found that these three places impacted me the most, especially regarding cultural matters. I had the pleasure to visit the three, and they are awesome. It is perfect to mention these three places as they are a way to get to know Mexico’s traditions, culture, and folklore. Not only to take an image of a place to party or go on a honeymoon but to learn about a place full of mysticism, surrealism, fascinating legends, and spectacular and unique traditions in the world worthy of study. Here are my three unique places in Mexico. Enjoy!
Catemaco in Veracruz
Although Catemaco is a beautiful place famous for its exquisite cuisine, monkey island, impressive waterfalls, and unique natural charm, it is also pretty famous for its shamans and witch doctors. When we speak of witch doctors or witches, we refer to people who practice things related to occultism, like white to black magic. I traveled here to learn about the types of witches that were here. I made an appointment with a white magic witch, who performed a cleansing to purify my soul. It was a very mystical moment in the middle of the jungle.
Here, there is an air of mysticism, magic, and esotericism very unique; if you are a lover of spiritual things (like me) or you are into topics such as Wicca or mysticism in general, visit this place in the beautiful state of Veracruz. Trust me, it’s something you should do at least once in your life. Knowing and discovering Catemaco is a way to get in touch with Mother Nature, go hiking in beautiful places, relax with a massage in the middle of the jungle, and learn about the great branches of mysticism that Mexico has.
Definitely,
Mexico is a country that never ceases to surprise you in terms of spirituality, culture, and tradition (even to me as a local). In fact, wherever you go to Mexico, you will find places where you will feel a unique energy that you may never have felt before. It’s curious how you start walking into a place and immediately begin getting goosebumps without knowing why.
Indeed, Catemaco is a place where you can feel an unusual energy through its natural spaces and the beliefs and traditions of its people. Speaking of places where you feel a strange power, would like to give a special mention to Chapultepec forest in Mexico City, where in the outdoor auditorium of the forest, there is a cave called “The Entrance to the Underworld.” It is a very mystical, strange, mysterious, and kind of creepy place to visit if you are into hidden, secret, and unusual places in Mexico.
Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosí
This place is also known as an interesting ghost town in San Luis Potosi. Real de Catorce is known as a ghost town because, as a former mining town, several curious events are attributed to it, making this magical town a strange place with many secrets behind it. A few months after going to Catemaco, I traveled to this unique place. Here, you can feel how the cold, as the night approaches, freezes you to your soul. Also, it is a marvelous destination if you are looking for a place where you can travel back in time to crucial moments in Mexico’s history.
When the Mexican Revolution took place,
This town suffered a significant decline due to the lack of support for the workers. In fact, some of them went to fight at the revolution, leaving this town in total abandonment. In addition, we know that in the mines and constructions, there are always accidents that contribute to legends and ghost stories, such as the case of the story of ‘El Jergas.‘ He was a miner who died while working. According to the legend, this character guided the miners to the hidden supplies of the mines full of silver and gold when he was dead. However, as a ghost, he would start to disappear and cause the miners to get lost and possibly become breathless in the most hidden part of the mines of this place.
Some people say that even today, if you pay full attention to the silence of the town, you can still hear the voices of the people who used to live here and see their silhouettes on the walls of the town. On the other hand, there are great attractions and activities you can do there. For example, you can go horseback riding, hike, take nice pictures, admire the landscapes full of mountains, and visit the primary mine, the peyote desert, and station 14.
San Juan Chamula Church in Chiapas
I have already had the opportunity to mention this place in another post, but I wanted to mention it here because I think it’s worth reviving how interesting this place in Mexico is. It is even a mystery for some Mexicans yet. San Juan Chamula is a small town located 17km from the city of San Cristobal de las Casas.
This place’s fame is due to its people’s traditions and the mystical and magical atmosphere of its main temple (Temple of San Juan Bautista). This is the only ceremonial center of this place, even though the town has about 70 thousand inhabitants. It is important to emphasize that you can’t enter to this temple with cameras. You can’t record and take any pictures. The people of this place are exceptional in terms of sharing their rites and practices. Also, as a curious fact, the people here believe these artifacts steal people’s souls and absorb our energy.
This place is very controversial,
Especially for those who practice the Catholic faith, because more than a church, it is a ceremonial center where rituals and sacrifices are practiced with chickens to make offerings. Shamans also perform ancient/ancestral cleanings (limpias). Although there is a priest in this place, traditional masses are NOT celebrated here; besides, it is one of the greatest living proofs of what cultural syncretism means.
It is an example of syncretism. Which is the mixture of Christianity and rites of different Mayan ethnic groups living in the beautiful Chiapas. If you want to visit this impressive place, please keep in mind that you must have an open-mind, tolerant, and respectful of the local culture. No matter where you go, respect will always be the basis for being a good traveler.
Conclusion
It is impossible to think of Mexico without considering its gastronomy, culture, and way of life. The way in which Mexicans encounter the ancestral and the modern is unique, making this country an odyssey of colors, flavors, and millenary traditions enigmatic and totally fascinating.
For example, with these unique places in Mexico, you can understand more about how people perceive life. One of these ways is through nature, contact with the divine, its legends, and history full of magical and enigmatic encounters. You should go to Mexico not only to spend some vacations, but to come to discover its true face. An enchanting world with a lot of learning that was inherited by great civilizations such as the Maya, Olmec, and Mexica, among others.
As you delve into Mexico’s deep secrets and mysteries,
You will discover the incredible knowledge that the people of this country have. Talking to the locals can impact you to the point of wanting to come back again and again to learn and know more about the mysteries of Mexico and life. The truth is that most Mexicans are very kind people who can teach you and tell you great stories about their past. It is totally comforting to arrive in a completely unknown place and be made to feel at home.
However, whenever we travel to other countries, we must always be aware that our world perception is very different. With this, I emphasize always being respectful to the locals, learning from their millenary culture, and having an open mind to be able to understand the great teachings they want to transmit to us. If we are not willing to listen, we will never be able to know what is beyond our vision and perception of the world. That is why traveling anywhere is to be closer to wisdom and the answers to our existential doubts that sometimes haunt our hearts.
So now you know, if you are looking for enchanting places that will mark you for the rest of your life, these three unique places in Mexico can be the beginning of entering a world of knowledge, art, culture, mysticism, spirituality, and nature.
But beyond these incredible destinations,
Mexico is filled with countless cool places in Mexico that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s wandering through colorful markets, exploring ancient ruins, or discovering hidden natural wonders, each location tells its own captivating story. These cool places in Mexico invite travelers to dive deeper into the country’s rich heritage while embracing its warm and welcoming spirit.
If you’re seeking adventure, inspiration, or simply a change of scenery, these cool places in Mexico will surprise you with their diversity and charm. From the colorful streets of colonial towns to serene beaches and mystical mountain retreats, the possibilities are endless. Start your next journey and let Mexico’s magic transform the way you see the world.
Informative Video
Discover and explore more cool places in Mexico! This country is simply amazing and a must for every adventurer and travel lover in the world.