The State of Mexico offers many places of both cultural and natural interest such as the Pyramids of Teotihuacán, the colonial architecture of Tepotzotlán, and the natural beauty of its forested highlands around Toluca and Valle de Bravo. The state boundaries almost entirely enclose the D.F. or Federal District wherein Mexico City lies, the only gap in the circumference of the D.F. being closed by the neighboring state of Morelos to its south. Mexico is one of the larger states and is bordered on its other sides by Guerrero, Michoacán, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala and Puebla.
Mexico State
Its capital is the city of Toluca (Toluca de Lerdo), lying at 2,667 meters (8,750 ft) above sea level and under the shadow of the nearby Xinantecatl Volcano, known as the Nevado de Toluca, 30 kms (18.5 miles) to the southwest.
Much of the state is flat plain punctuated by mountain chains. It has a richness of historial and natural attactions, of which the prominent ones include:
Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone
Located at San Juan Teotihuacán only 40 km (25 miles) to the north-east of Mexico City, the site of this ancient city is perhaps the most well-known and certainly the most often-visited archaeological site in Mexico. The pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead), the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and the many other massive structures that populate the immense extension of this site fill one with awe. Teotihuacan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The oldest structures have been dated from before the Christian Era although the city apparently reached its height during the period between 150 and 450 A.D.
Day tours to Teotihuacan are easily booked out of the Mexico City through any travel agent or tour provider. The site and excavations cover over 83 square kilometers of sun-baked high valley; so be sure to prepare yourself for a day of walking and sun. Wear sturdy shoes, take along ample sun protection and keep yourself well hydrated during your adventure!
San Juan Teotihuacan Hotels | Mexico City Hotels | Pachuca Hotels
Tepotzotlán
Picturesque Tepotzotlan is located some 115 km to the northeast of Mexico City. It is notable for its colonial architecture, much of which as been recently and carefully restored. Architectural highlights include the Templo de San Pedro Apostol (Temple of Saint Peter the Apostle) and several structures that were built by the Jesuits during the colonial era of Mexico: the stately Xalpa aqueducts, also called the Arcos del Sitio, El Templo de San Francisco Javier, or Temple of San Francisco Javier, and what is now the Museo Nacional del Virreinato, or National Museum of the Viceroyalty, originally a Jesuit college.
Valle de Bravo
Beyond Toluca in the cool highlands of the south-western part of the state of Mexico, lies Lake Avandaro, surrounded by forests of pine and poplar, and on whose shore lies a quaint town with cobblestone streets and cascades of tiled roofs. Originally called San Francisco del Valle de Temascaltepec, Valle de Bravo is popular tourist destination for those wishing to escape nearby Mexico City and Toluca for a refreshing sojourn close to nature. Outdoor activities here are centered around horseback riding, water skiing, paragliding and handgliding. There is an 18-hole golf course, Campo de Golf Malinalco, and local crafts feature ceramics, woolen textiles and wrought iron work. Valle de Bravo is located at 1,850 meters (6070 feet) above sea level.
Malinalco
Near Malinalco
South of Toluca and close to the border of the neighboring state of Morelos lies the village of Malinalco, a charming spot exuding a sense of magic and history.
Malinalco: Mystery and Romance steeped in history
Ixtapan de la Sal
Ixtapan de la Sal is a place of wonderful mineral hot springs and thermal baths, water parks and spas that can pamper you and make you feel renewed. It is a small town located about 70 kms to the south of Toluca, accessible via Highway 55D, and traversed by two rivers. It is purported to have been settled originally by travelers migrating to Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) who discovered in passing the salt, a valuable commodity and trade item, being deposited around the bubbling springs. Hence the name of Ixtapan de la Sal, which translates into “place over salt”. Only 5 kms away in the village of Tonatico is the Salto de Tzumpantitlan, also called the Parque del Sol, with a cascade of salt water that falls 40 meters surrounded by parks, camping facilities and picnic areas.
Hotels and Spas at Ixtapan de la Sal
Nevado de Toluca
At its highest point, the snow-topped volcano’s Pico del Fraile (Friar’s peak) towers to a height of 4,680 meters (15,355 ft). The crater, holding two lakes and accessible by car, is contained within an area designated the Nevado de Toluca National Park, a region that is becoming more and more popular for a variety of high-altitude sports and general outdoor activities.
Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanos
Shared by the states of Mexico, Puebla and, in the case of Popo, Morelos, these two volcanos tower over the valley of Mexico and can be seen from parts of Mexico City when air quality permits, and almost constantly from the Puebla side. Popocatepetl is an active volcano, its name meaning “Smoking Mountain”. In December of 2000 the giant spewed ash and gases, forcing the evacuation of nearby settlements. It is constantly being monitored for activity. Popo is connected to neighboring Iztaccihuatl (also spelled Ixtaccihuatl) by the lower lying Paso de Cortes, or Pass of Cortez. The name of the lower volcano means “White Woman” but this mountain is also called the “Sleeping Lady” as its silhouette resembles the form of a reclining woman.
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