Bernal

Just a short hop from Tequisquiapan and the vineyards of Freixenet, the village of Bernal has been named by the Mexican government as a ¨Pueblo Mágico," meaning it's considered one of the most special towns in the country. Its claim to fame is its scenic peña, or rock, one of the largest monoliths in the world, which rises 1,150 feet above the town and can be seen for miles away. Though some people come to climb it, many more come for an invigorating but not technical walk up its lower half, or just to bask in its supposedly mystical aura. The village itself, with about 5,000 people, is as sweet as can be, with restaurants, cafés, and shops selling very nice woolen blankets and clothing in addition to minerals, jewelry, and tchotchkes, all within a few blocks.