Toluca Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more in Toluca, Mexico. Learn about the culture, customs, and safety tips for your trip.


Introduction to Toluca

Welcome to Toluca, a charming city located in Mexico State, Central Mexico. With a rich cultural heritage and scenic views, Toluca is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience authentic Mexico. This guide will provide all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Toluca.

List of Places to Visit in Toluca

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Toluca has a wealth of culturally significant attractions, including the following:

  • The Cosmovitral Botanical Garden: Home to a stunning collection of stained glass windows and plants from around the world, this garden is one of Toluca’s most visited attractions.
  • The Felipe Santiago Gutierrez Museum: Named after the famous painter, this museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from across Mexico’s history.
  • The Cathedral of Toluca: Built in the 19th century, this religious landmark boasts Gothic architecture.

Natural Attractions of Toluca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Toluca is renowned for its natural beauty, with exciting outdoor adventures and picturesque views, including:

  • The Nevado de Toluca National Park: A popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore Mexico’s stunning landscape.
  • The Zacango Zoo: Home to over 2000 animals from across Mexico and the world, visitors can enjoy an up-close encounter with wildlife.
  • The Velo de Novia Waterfall: A majestic waterfall cascading over 35 meters, offering stunning sights and an exhilarating experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toluca

Toluca boasts numerous hiking and biking trails, perfect for adventurers looking to explore its natural beauty. Here are some popular routes to consider:

  • The Marquesa National Park: A favorite for hikers, this park offers several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
  • Las Palomas Mountain: A challenging hike that rewards with panoramic views of Toluca and the surrounding areas.
  • The Bicentennial Park: A scenic bike trail that takes you to a lake surrounded by woods and offering stunning views of the mountains.

Best Things to Do in Toluca: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of exciting activities and tours in Toluca to keep you entertained during your visit, including:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience Toluca’s beauty from above with a hot air balloon ride offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  • Beer Tours: Sample the best of Toluca’s local breweries and learn about the intricacies of beer-making with a guided beer tour.
  • Street Food Tours: Savor Toluca’s local dishes and delicacies on a guided street food tour, sampling traditional delights from some of Toluca’s best food vendors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toluca

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Toluca:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the city center and visit the Cathedral of Toluca
Day 2 Hike the Marquesa National Park and visit the Felipe Santiago Gutierrez Museum
Day 3 Take a hot air balloon ride and visit the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden
Day 4 Sample Toluca’s art scene with a tour of local galleries
Day 5 Visit the Nevado de Toluca National Park and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region
Day 6 Join a street food tour and savor the local delicacies
Day 7 Visit the Velo de Novia Waterfall and spend the afternoon exploring Zacango Zoo

Food and Drink Scene of Toluca

Must-Try Dishes

Toluca is renowned for its delicious food scene, with several must-try dishes, including:

  • Chorizo de Toluca: A savory sausage, typically served grilled with delicious spices and sometimes accompanied by tortillas.
  • Guisado Toluqueno: A flavor-packed stew made with beans, vegetables, and chicken or beef, served with tortillas.
  • Tamales de Borrego: A succulent plate of lamb tamales wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to perfection.

Local Beverages

Don’t leave Toluca without trying some of its famous beverages:

  • Pulque: A fermented drink made from the agave sap, typically served with salt and lime and considered a traditional Mexican drink.
  • Mezcal: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave, Mezcal is earthier than Tequila and pairs well with traditional Toluca dishes.
  • Atole: A warm and sweet corn-based drink served traditionally during breakfast, made with masa flour and piloncillo, a type of unrefined brown sugar.

Where to Stay in Toluca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Toluca is home to a wide range of excellent accommodations catering to all budgets, including:

  • Hotel Del Rey Inn: A luxurious hotel located near the city center, offering comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Hostal San Antonio: A budget-friendly hostel situated in a quiet neighborhood, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
  • Casa Rural La Cascada: A charming guesthouse located near the Velo de Novia Waterfall, offering stunning views and a peaceful ambiance.

What to Buy in Toluca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t leave Toluca without taking home some souvenirs and local products, like:

  • Artisanal Crafts: Toluca is renowned for its indigenous crafts, including woven garments, pottery, and embroidered textiles.
  • Coffee: Toluca produces some of the best coffee in Mexico, with several local shops roasting fresh beans daily.
  • Chocolate: Toluca is famous for its artisanal chocolate, made from high-quality cacao and boasting a delicious flavor.

Local Culture and Customs of Toluca

Toluca boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several customs and traditions worth noting, including:

  • Day of the Dead: Celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd, this holiday is a time to remember and honor the dead with colorful altars and offerings.
  • The Charreada: A lively event that showcases traditional Mexican horsemanship and skills, including riding, roping, and more.
  • The Calavera Garbancera: A unique style of artwork famous in Toluca, featuring whimsical skulls and skeletons in everyday settings.

Best Time to Visit Toluca

The best time to visit Toluca is during the dry season, between October and May, when the weather is lovely, and outdoor activities and sightseeing are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toluca

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish before your trip to Toluca.
  • Dress appropriately and respectfully when visiting religious landmarks.
  • Respect the cultural traditions and customs of the locals.

Don’t:

  • Leave your valuables unattended.
  • Drink tap water without filtering it.
  • Disrespect the local culture or customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Toluca

Toluca is generally a safe destination; however, it’s best to exercise caution when out and about in the city, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Toluca

Toluca is generally safe and healthy, with no significant health concerns reported. However, it’s best to take precautions, such as drinking bottled water and carrying mosquito repellent during the wet season.

Getting to Toluca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Toluca is easy to reach via several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Toluca

  • Toluca International Airport (TLC): Located seven km from Toluca’s city center, this airport offers regular domestic flights and a few international routes.

Bus Stations Near Toluca

  • Toluca Bus Station: Located near the city center, this station offers regular bus services to several nearby cities, including Mexico City, Puebla, and Morelia.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and are an excellent option for short trips within Toluca.
  • Private Transport: Several private transport companies operate in Toluca, offering excellent service and comfort for longer trips.

How to Get Around in Toluca

Toluca is relatively easy to navigate, with several transportation options available, including:

  • Bus: The local bus system offers several routes across the city, with affordable fares and frequent schedules.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and are an excellent option for short trips or exploring tourist spots.
  • Rental Cars: Several rental car companies operate in Toluca, offering excellent service and flexibility for those looking to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Toluca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Toluca is an excellent base to explore other nearby destinations, including:

  • Mexico City: Just an hour’s drive away, Mexico City offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including the National Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Frida Kahlo.
  • Puebla: A world heritage city, Puebla boasts an impressive collection of colonial architecture, traditional craft markets, and delicious cuisine.
  • Valle de Bravo: A picturesque town situated on the shore of Lake Avandaro, Valle de Bravo offers excellent opportunities for water sports, hiking, and exploring charming cafes and galleries.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with all the essential information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Toluca, Mexico. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and excellent food and drink scene, Toluca will surprise and delight you at every turn. Safe travels!

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