Best things to do in Tapalpa, Jalisco: A weekend guide

Can you imagine staying in a cozy forest cabin and waking up to the scent of pine trees while sipping a cup of coffee on your private terrace? Birds are singing all around you, and every so often, a pinecone drops from the towering trees overhead. That's exactly the kind of peaceful morning you can experience in Tapalpa, Jalisco, one of Mexico's most charming Magic Towns. Just remember to pack warm clothes and your favorite book, because I'm about to tell you all about my weekend adventure and the best things to do in Tapalpa.

Tapalpa vs. Mazamitla: Which Magic Town Should You Visit? Both are beautiful Magic Towns in Jalisco, but they offer very different experiences. Mazamitla is known for its lively atmosphere, larger downtown, and wider selection of restaurants and activities. Tapalpa, on the other hand, feels quieter and more secluded, making it ideal if you're looking to disconnect, stay in a cozy forest cabin, and enjoy nature at a slower pace. I've visited both, and while each has its own charm, Tapalpa is my favorite choice for a peaceful weekend escape.

Tapalpa Country Club

Where to stay in Tapalpa: A cozy cabin in the forest

Why I stayed at Tapalpa Country Club

We arrived at Tapalpa Country Club on a friday evening and immediately fell in love with its rustic, welcoming atmosphere. Once a historic hacienda, the property now features a golf course and 43 standalone cabins tucked away among the trees, each with its own private terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee, dive into a good book, and simply listen to nature. If you're lucky, you'll even spot a few squirrels or colorful birds wandering by. The experience is just as comforting for your stomach as it is for your eyes. Casona Restaurant, located on the property, serves traditional regional dishes, including "tamales de acelga" (Swiss chard tamales). For breakfast, I ordered "machaca" with scrambled eggs. To be honest, it wasn't my favorite meal because machaca is naturally quite dry, so I ended up adding plenty of salsa for extra flavor and moisture. Looking back, though, it wasn't really the kitchen's fault—it was simply my first time trying this traditional dish, so I didn't know what to expect. The hotel also has a cozy lounge with a billiards table, a fireplace bar, and a panoramic terrace where you can enjoy a drink while overlooking endless rolling hills blanketed in lush greenery. If you enjoy walking, don't miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding trails. The fresh scent of pine, ash, fir, and oak trees, combined with the soothing sounds of the forest, creates a multisensory experience that's surprisingly relaxing.

What to do in downtown Tapalpa

Downtown Tapalpa is every bit as charming as you'd imagine, with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and traditional clay-tile roofs. As you wander through town, you'll find countless street vendors selling classic Jalisco drinks like "cantaritos" and "tejuino". I even came across "tejuichelas", a fun local twist that combines tejuino with beer. Take some time to admire the beautiful "Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe" Church, one of the town's most recognizable landmarks. When hunger strikes, I highly recommend eating at La Villa Tapalpa, located almost directly across from the church. It offers a wonderfully traditional dining experience where you can enjoy regional specialties while local street musicians provide the soundtrack to your meal. Before leaving downtown, be sure to support local artisans by picking up a handmade souvenir. You'll find beautiful leather goods, wooden crafts, woven textiles, and plenty of other locally made treasures. Some artisans can even personalize their pieces with your name—or the name of someone special back home.

Visit Valle de los Enigmas: Tapalpa's mysterious giant rocks

Just five kilometers (about three miles) from downtown Tapalpa lies "Valle de los Enigmas", one of the area's most fascinating attractions and easily one of the best things to do in Tapalpa. Massive boulders are scattered across the landscape, yet no one knows for certain how they got there. There are several theories. My favorite? That aliens brought them here. Others believe this was once the bottom of a lake that eventually dried up, while another popular theory claims the rocks are actually meteorites. Whatever the truth may be, there's something undeniably mysterious about this place. If it weren't for the steady stream of visitors, the silence, the occasional gusts of wind sweeping across the valley, and the spotty cell service would make it feel almost otherworldly. You'll also find a small Old West-style village where local vendors sell handcrafted leather goods, wooden souvenirs, hats, and traditional food. If you're looking for adventure, you can go horseback riding, ride ATVs, or even soar above the giant rocks on a zip line. One tip: bring cash. Admission is based on a voluntary donation that helps the local community maintain the area, and most vendors don't accept credit cards.

A Day trip to Atacco: Herbal medicine and local traditions

If you're interested in herbal medicine and traditional healing practices, make time for a visit to Atacco, located about fifteen minutes from Tapalpa. In some parts, the village feels almost abandoned, giving it an intriguing atmosphere. Its name means "where the water is born." Here you'll find the Parroquia de los Santos Reyes, founded in 1533 and popularly known as the former Indian Hospital because Franciscan friars once provided medical care to the region's Indigenous communities there. One of Atacco's highlights is the "Farmacia Viviente" (Living Pharmacy), where herbs such as calendula, epazote, and arnica are transformed into ointments, syrups, teas, and other natural remedies believed to help with stress, anxiety, headaches, and a variety of everyday ailments. I even found a soap made with rattlesnake oil that was supposedly great for your skin—something I definitely wasn't expecting! Best of all, everything is surprisingly affordable. Something I almost forgot is that the pharmacy is closed on Wednesdays. Ask the staff to tell you the story behind the place before you leave, then pick up a remedy or two. And if you do, let me know whether it worked for you!