Malpais Day Tour: Magic Towns, Waterfalls & Movie Sites

Magic towns, movie backdrops and rivers in Malpais

You’ll wander movie-famous landscapes in Malpais, taste local snacks at a Magic Town market, hear stories from your guide about rivers and history, and relax with included comforts like umbrellas and chilled water. Expect surprises (like hidden springs or laughter over lunch), and leave with more memories than you planned for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit natural site and Magic Town

• Explore natural site from movies
• Visit Magic Town for history and gastronomy

The experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand somewhere you’ve only seen in old movies? That’s how our day started in Malpais. We’d barely left the van when our guide, Enrique, pointed out the ridge where some famous western was shot: can’t remember which one now, but he was grinning about it. The air was warm but not sticky, kind of that odd microclimate people talk about here. I kept noticing the smell of wet stone and something sweet from nearby orchards. Enrique handed me a hat from his stash (“sun’s tricky here,” he said), and we set off.

The drive between stops felt like flipping through someone else’s family album: rivers flashing by, kids waving from roadside fruit stands. When we reached the Magic Town (they call it Pueblo Mágico), I didn’t expect to get so pulled in by the food stalls and all those colors. There was this woman selling tamales near a spring. She let me try a bit and laughed when I tried to say “gracias” with my mouth full. The water everywhere made everything feel alive: tiny waterfalls behind gardens, even the stones seemed washed new.

Lunch wasn’t fancy but I still think about those flavors: roasted corn, something citrusy I couldn’t name. We sat under an umbrella with locals chatting around us about rain (apparently it never runs out here). There’s a quiet pride in how they talk about their land: Enrique told stories of old trade routes and showed us where two rivers meet just outside town. Honestly, I lost track of time after that. Maybe that’s part of Malpais too. You end up wandering a bit longer than planned.

What’s included

• Your day includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle across Malpais with stops at movie-famous sites and Magic Towns.
• you’ll have access to an excursion bag with a monocular for sightseeing, plus umbrellas and hats for comfort along the way. Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout your journey.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Coyote Tours VIP

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Is pickup included for the Malpais tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned, but air-conditioned vehicle transport is included for the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the Malpais day trip.

Does the tour include visits to waterfalls or rivers?

Yes, you'll see beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and springs throughout the region during the tour.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby for this tour.