Things To Do
in Calimaya
Calimaya is a small municipality in the State of México, set on a high-altitude valley near Toluca and within reach of scenic lakes and volcanoes. The town center preserves a quiet colonial feel with a main plaza, an old parish church and surrounding agricultural landscapes. Its economy blends traditional farming, local crafts and growing weekend tourism from nearby cities.
Calimaya is a good base for outdoor activities—hiking, birdwatching and day trips to Nevado de Toluca or Valle de Bravo—while offering a slower, authentic Mexican small-town experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Plaza Principal, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Calimaya. As you sip on a traditional Mexican coffee from a nearby café, take in the colonial architecture surrounding the square. Stroll through the streets, visiting local shops that showcase handmade crafts and textiles.
After a leisurely lunch at a local taqueria, head to the Church of San Juan Bautista, an architectural gem dating back to the 17th century. Spend time exploring the interior, admiring the intricate woodwork and religious art. Don't forget to capture some photos of the stunning exterior against the backdrop of the blue sky.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Mexican dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample regional dishes like mole and tamales. After dinner, take a relaxing walk through the plaza, watching as the local community gathers to socialize. End your evening with a refreshing dessert from a nearby gelato shop.
Kick off your day with a peaceful nature walk in the surrounding countryside of Calimaya, where lush landscapes and rolling hills await. Breathe in the fresh air as you spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene sound of nature. Bring a packed breakfast to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley.
After your walk, visit the local market to sample fresh produce and traditional snacks from the region. Engage with local vendors to learn about their products and the cultural significance behind them. Spend some time relaxing in a nearby park, soaking in the tranquility of your surroundings.
For dinner, seek out a cozy restaurant known for its regional specialties, such as fresh seafood and grilled meats. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the town, enjoying the soft glow of streetlights and the sound of laughter from nearby cantinas. Consider stopping for a drink at a local bar to experience the vibrant nightlife of Calimaya.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or café drink | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus/collectivo ride | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-10 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel per night | $35-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small‑town atmosphere with colonial charm
- Close access to excellent outdoor destinations like Nevado de Toluca and Valle de Bravo
- Affordable food and accommodation options
- Less tourist-crowded than major destinations—good for relaxed exploration
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining choices in town
- Basic tourist infrastructure—ATMs and card acceptance can be limited locally
- Altitude and weather can impact outdoor plans
- Language barrier possible—fewer English speakers than in major tourist centers
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Calimaya
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic small-town scenes with a central plaza, benches, and a colonial-era church—excellent for street photography and portraits of daily life.
Old hacienda buildings, fields and rustic farm scenes offer atmospheric wide-angle and golden-hour photo opportunities.
From higher ground on the routes to Nevado de Toluca you can capture expansive mountain vistas and seasonal snow-capped peaks in winter.
Colorful stalls, food preparation and vibrant produce provide lively candid and detail shots—great for capturing local culture.
Food in Calimaya
Calimaya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked lamb or beef served with consommé, onion and chile; commonly found at weekend stalls or nearby ranches offering traditional barbacoa.
Must-Try!
Corn tamales (varied fillings) and warm atole for breakfast—available at the municipal market and street vendors.
Meat (typically lamb or chicken) steamed in maguey leaves with chilies and spices; a regional favorite at markets and local celebrations.
Handmade corn masa snacks often filled with cheese, huitlacoche, or beans—easy to find from street vendors and small stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal market where you can find tamales, atole, fresh produce, tortillas and occasional weekend stalls selling barbacoa and mixiote.
Evening stands offering tacos, quesadillas, elotes and snacks—perfect for a casual bite while watching plaza life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are valued—say 'buenos días/tardes' and shake hands or nod. Use formal address (usted) with older people until invited to use tú.
Respect religious spaces, festivals and family customs; ask before photographing people in private or at events.
Small towns move at a relaxed pace—appointments and social visits often allow flexibility; be patient and friendly.
Safety
Tipping in Calimaya
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 10–15% is customary for good service; round up small bills for street food vendors or leave small change. Tip taxi drivers occasionally for help with luggage; guide/tour tips are appreciated.
Cash in Mexican pesos is widely used, especially in markets and small businesses. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels, but bring cash for fondas, taxis and rural vendors. ATMs are available in Toluca—carry enough cash when exploring rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm daytime temperatures with frequent afternoon rainstorms; lush landscapes and cooler evenings. Bring a light rain jacket and plan mountain hikes for early morning to avoid storms.
Drying weather, pleasant days and cool nights; a comfortable time for outdoor activities and fewer rains.
Cool to cold nights and chilly mornings; occasional frost and sometimes light snow on high peaks like Nevado de Toluca. Layered clothing and a warm jacket are recommended.
Mild, dry weather with blooming wildflowers and good visibility—ideal for hiking and photography before the summer rains begin.
Calimaya at Night
Hiking in Calimaya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic massif with trails to crater lakes, high-altitude views and variable terrain—offers day hikes and scenic photography; prepare for altitude and sudden weather changes.
Near Valle de Bravo, Monte Alto provides viewpoints over the lake and forested trails—good for sunrise hikes and birdwatching.
Mountain ridge and local trail networks near Toluca offering forest hikes, panoramic views and quieter routes away from main tourist hubs.
Accessible parkland between Toluca and Mexico City with multiple trails, picnic areas and outdoor activities—suitable for family hikes and horseback riding.
Airports
How to reach Calimaya by plane.
Closest commercial airport (Lic. Adolfo López Mateos) with domestic and limited international flights; convenient for reaching Calimaya by car or taxi in under an hour depending on traffic.
Major international hub (Benito Juárez) about 1.5–2 hours by car from Calimaya (longer in heavy traffic); many more flight options and ground transport connections to Toluca/Calimaya.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents identify as mestizo, a mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage group typical throughout central Mexico.
Smaller indigenous communities with cultural traditions are present in the region—local customs and crafts may reflect indigenous influences.
Proximity to Toluca and Mexico City brings commuters, weekenders and some expatriates or second-home owners, especially during holidays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local pickup games and community leagues are common across towns and nearby cities.
Traditional Mexican equestrian sport and rodeo-style events appear at regional fairs and celebrations.
Road and mountain biking are popular due to scenic routes and challenging climbs around the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calimaya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (quesadillas with cheese, nopal dishes, beans, chiles rellenos without meat) but are more limited in small towns—ask for vegetable-based options at fondas or choose corn-based dishes.
Vegan choices can be challenging; rely on vegetable soups, beans, nopales, rice and corn tortillas; communicate clearly ("sin queso, sin crema") and consider self-catering with produce from the market.
Corn-based foods (tortillas, tamales) are generally safe, but check fried items and sauces for wheat-containing thickeners or cross-contamination; in restaurants, ask about ingredients.