Toluca is a favorite and popular destination for many tourists because of its proximity to Mexico City, which is basically a two-hour trip.
Its surroundings and downtime are full of natural attractions, like the Centro Ceremonial Otomi de Temoaya, Nevado de Toluca, and the Cosmovitral, which decorates the Jardin Botanico.
The social life is more concentrated in the center, where you will find the Plaza de Los Martires and the portals. The latter is a perfect place to purchase handicrafts, like the tree of life designed in Metepac, San Pedro Tulpec’s curved wood pieces of furniture, Mazahua embroidery, and Temoaya’s rugs.
There are also several restaurants where you can eat delicious locally prepared cuisine and, at the same time, drink orange liqueurs referred to as ‘mosquito.’ Here are the top things to do in Toluca, Mexico:
1. Explore Toluca City Center
Zocalo or Toluca City Center has attractive buildings, like the Palace of Justice and the State Government Palace. Another vital monument to visit is the Plaza de Los Martires, which is the memory of fallen soldiers after Tenango Hill’s battle during the war for independence in Mexico.
The magnificent Botanical Garden, situated in an iron and stone building at the Toluca City Center, is an amazing emblem, which you shouldn’t afford to miss in this place.
You will find the best hotels in Toluca, Mexico, where you can stay in the city center, including Courtyard Toluca Airport, Fiesta Inn Toluca Centro, Suites Aldama, and Hotel San Francisco.
2. Explore Metepec
The Metepec is a neighborhood around one mile outside the Toluca City Center. Regardless of the distance, this neighborhood is directly connected to Centro by the Avenue Lic.
While in Metepec with your family, you can stay in Benito Juarez Garcia. This is a straight and long road that leads into the heart of the Toluca City Center. If you want peace of mind, you can stay in a suburban area while having access to the attractions and sites of the Toluca City Center.
Metepec is especially a suitable place for everyone who likes having access to green space. A family with young kids can appreciate big local parks where they run off their energy.
For instance, ParqueAmbientalBicentenario is also a sprawling park for recreation. It boasts a large lake, enabling boat visitors to take on a museum, lush gardens, café, and water.
3. Visit Museo Casa delAlfenique
This is a renovated colonial house. It is a good example of over-the-top 18th-century decorate style alfenique, which is characterized by stucco ornamentation, named after a candy made of egg whites and sugar.
Its 1st floor entails the Spanish conquest that includes an indigenous account that is in the form of murals and drawings. On the other hand, the 2nd floor has a collection of religious & historical paintings, household paraphernalia, and local furniture.
In general, Alfenique tells the story of sweets and how they used to be manufactured in Toluca. Usually, this story is accompanied by skulls in all the corners of the space, and that includes several animatronic skeletons. Each year, Alfenique exhibits edible works. This exhibition includes decorated skulls, animals, models, altars, and every kind of object associated with the Day of the Dead.
4. See CascadaVelo de Novia, Chiapas
This is a must-see in Toluca. It is situated in Cascadas El Chiflon along with four waterfalls. So a tour to this place makes for a full day out in nature. Plus, since El Chiflon is accessible by public transport, you don’t have to depend on group tours. The total cost, including the return from San Cristobal de las Casas, is around $10.
There are two major entrances to Cascadas on both sides of the river where the four waterfalls are situated, with every entrance being run by different companies. You might want to enter the place on the right-hand side out of the two sides. Unfortunately, the left side of the entrance is not accessible to every waterfall at El Chiflon. In addition, the view will be far away. So as such, the best viewpoints are those on the right side of the entrance.
5. Go to Cosmovitral
This is a botanical garden and strained glass mural situated in Toluca, Mexico. Basically, the building takes its name from the mural that is set in the establishment’s huge windows in the ceiling and in the building. Originally, it was established back in 1910 as the popular 16 de Septiembre Market. But later, in 1975, it was reallocated and gauged enough political and social support successfully to transform the building into the establishment for art.
As the botanical garden, it has more than 500 plant species from Mexico and other parts of the world. There is a bust of EiziMatuda, a Japanese scientist commonly known for his research work on the Mexico State flora, at the center.
Conclusion
Toluca, also regarded as Toluca de Lerdo used to be a pre-Columbian cultural centers. But now it is a popular Mexico State city. Toluca, as a city, has many tourist attractions, which are due to its great artistic and cultural heritage. So if you are planning your trip to Toluca, Mexico, you might want to tour places like the Cosmovitral botanical garden, the Alefnique, and explore Metepec.
