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.

Mazamitla - like nearby Tapalpa - is another pine forest wonderland set in the heart of Jalisco. Located 122 km to the south of the state capital Guadalajara the town has been built high up in the mountain ranges of the Sierra de Tigre - 2,200 meters above sea level. The name of the town comes from a Nahuatl word meaning “the place where arrows are made for hunting deer” and even today mountain lions, deer and golden eagles can still be found among the pine and oak-covered hills which have been called (at least in the tourist brochures) “the Switzerland of Mexico.”

There is a rich vein of history behind Mazamitla. It was originally founded by the Aztecs in 1165 and then several centuries later it was the center of dispute among warring tribal factions who wanted control over it's lucrative salt-water lake. During the Mexican struggle for independence (1810-21) it also became a haven for rebel forces intent on breaking the Spanish domination of the country. A few miles outside the town (towards Tamazula) is the site of the Battle of Zapatero (literally the Battle of the Shoemaker), named for a gap in the hills where a group of insurgents fought their Royalist adversaries in 1812.

Today, though, the town has become an idyllic tourist retreat surrounded by immense green forests that are ideal for camping holidays and horseback-riding. Unlike other Pueblos Magicos, Mazamitla's main church isn't an example of neo-classical architecture. Instead, it reflects various eclectic styles including influences from the Orient while a clock has been built into the church's principal spiral. Painted all white, much like rest of the town's buildings, one can understand why people compare Mazamitla to Austria and Switzerland especially when taking into consideration the surrounding lush, alpine, scenery.

Further past the town's pretty streets and wooden chalets, is the "Jardin Encantado" or Enchanted Garden which is a beautifully kept park that includes a series of waterfalls, small bridges and a wide range of flora and fauna. It is definitely worth a visit and amplifies the town's lingering tranquil atmosphere.

Foodwise, there's plenty to choose from Mazamitla's numerous restaurants but one thing you mustn't miss out on is the local drink called Pajarete which is a concoction of milk, aguardiente (firewater), brown sugar and chocolate. It might taste strange at first but it has a habit of growing on you fast by the third of fourth sip.

All in all, if fresh air and mountain scenery takes your fancy then Mazamilta is one of Mexico's best examples of this environment and has much to offer for the adventurous traveller in terms of outdoor activities.