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 The Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns) program was initiated by the Mexican government to help preserve towns that embodied the best of Mexican culture, history and tradition. Launched in 2001, the program provides financial assistance to places that "reflect the beauty of traditional Mexican culture" according to Tourism Secretary Rodolfo Elizondo. The program has met with stunning success in terms of increasing tourism and bringing a much needed cash injection into these areas. Currently, there are 34 towns that are officially listed as Pueblos Magicos. If you want to experience Mexico's rich history and architectural past then these places are definitely worth visiting.
Parras
The fertile plains of Parras owes its existence to its fortuitous location within a valley with a large water supply. This has led to it being called an oasis in Coahuila - which is one of the dryest states in Mexico largely made up of arid or semi-arid land.
Parras' lush pastures and warm climate has made it one of the nation's most recognized wine and brandy producers and it boasts the oldest winery in the Americas - founded in the 16th Century by Lorenzo Garcia. Infact, Parras's fullname is Parras de la Fuente which translates as "Grapevines of the Fountain."
Named a Pueblo Magico in 2004, this small town - population between 45,000 to 50,000 residents - is a splendid example of Mexican colonial architecture with the Santuario de Nuestra de Guadalupe church being Parras' center show piece. Flanked on each side of the church's entrance are two images of the Virgin of Guadalupe while inside the principal altar is a homage to San Ignacio de Loyola who was the founder of the Society of Jesus and a venerated figure head of the Catholic Church.
Parras also has an important archive of ecclesiastical documents dating back from the 16th century in it's local museum, El Museo y Archivo Matheo. Another place of biblical interest is the Santo Madero Church, which is located on an extinct volcano plug just north of the town.
While the influence of religion is evident on Parras' architecture, the wine industry is also ever present throughout its cobbled streets and squares. The Bodegas del Vesubio is one of the oldest wine store houses in Latin America. It features fabulous wooden beams and contains hundreds of barrels of wine that are exported not just across the nation but all over the world. Infact, one of Parras' most recognized winery's - Hacienda de Perote - has been converted into a hotel to provide visitors the experience of tasting Parras local produce first hand.
Around Parras
As it's situated in a valley, Parras lends itself to mountain-climbing expeditions as well off-terrain bike riding. The mountains around Parras are extremely precipitous and reach 2,880 meters above sea level while stretching for more than 30 kilometers. There are also nearby lakes and rivers for water sports and swimming.
Places To Stay
Rincon del Montero
Carr. Paila - Parras, km 3
Tel. (842) 422 0540
or 01 800 718 40444
www.rincondelmontero.com
Hostal el Farol
Ramos Arizpe 301, Centro
Tel. (842) 422 0055/1113
Posada Casa Grande
Carr. Paila - Parras, km 18.5
Tel. (842) 422 0055/0111
www.madero.com.mx
Antigua Hacienda de Perote
Ramos Arizpe 131, Centro
Tel. (842) 422 1698
Places to Eat
La Carreta
Calz. de Marquez s/n
Tel. (842) 422 2746
La Hacienda
16 de Septiembre s/n
Burocratas
Tel. (842) 422 0557
La Noria
Ramos Arizpe 301, Centro
Tel. (842) 422 0547/1113
Tourist Offices
Instituto Estatal de Turismo de Coahuila
Blvd. Venustiano Carranza 3206,
Latinoamericana
Saltillo, Coahuila
Tel. (844) 439 2745
www.coahuila.gob.mx
Promotora Turistica de Parras de la Fuente
Carr. Parras - Paila Km 3
Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila
Tel. (842) 422 0259
www.parrascoahuila.com.mx
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