Things To Do
in Chalco
Chalco (formally Chalco de Díaz Covarrubias) is a municipality in the State of México on the southeastern edge of the Mexico City metropolitan area, historically located on the former lakebed of Lake Chalco. It mixes suburban neighborhoods and small-town life with agricultural outskirts, and many residents commute into Mexico City for work. The town retains lively local markets, family-run eateries and traditional festivals rooted in central Mexican culture.
From vantage points on nearby hills you can see the valley and the urban spread toward Mexico City, giving Chalco a transitional, working-region character.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant local market in Chalco, where you can sample fresh fruits, traditional pastries, and local delicacies. Engage with the friendly vendors and learn about the unique ingredients that make up authentic Mexican cuisine. After exploring the market, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets to admire the colonial architecture.
Visit the stunning Chalco Church, known for its intricate facade and peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, explore the nearby Plaza de la Constitución, where you can relax under the shade of trees and enjoy street performances. Grab lunch at a local taqueria, savoring delicious tacos al pastor and refreshing aguas frescas.
As the sun sets, find a cozy café where you can sip on traditional Mexican hot chocolate. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local restaurant, trying out some of Chalco's signature dishes like mole or enchiladas. End the evening with a stroll through the town's illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Embark on an early morning hike to Nevado de Toluca, a breathtaking volcanic mountain just a short drive from Chalco. Experience the crisp mountain air as you ascend the trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks, surrounded by nature.
Spend the afternoon exploring the crater lakes, where you can take photos, relax, or even dip your toes in the cool waters. For the more adventurous, consider a guided climbing session to get to the summit for panoramic views. As you descend, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and unique flora endemic to this region.
Return to Chalco and unwind at a local eatery, reflecting on the day's adventures over a hearty dinner. Try traditional dishes like pozole or a spicy chili relleno while enjoying the warm ambiance. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local bar or lounge for some live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or small café order | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus / colectivo fare | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local atmosphere with traditional markets and family-run eateries
- Close to Mexico City while retaining a quieter, small-town feel
- Affordable food and lodging options
- Access to nearby natural areas and foothill hikes
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Traffic and commuting congestion toward Mexico City during peak hours
- Modest nightlife and fewer cultural attractions than capital city
- Some safety concerns like petty crime require caution
- "Buenos días / Buenas tardes" - Good morning / Good afternoon
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Me puede recomendar…?" - Can you recommend…?
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sin carne, por favor" - Without meat, please
Places to Visit in Chalco
Visit one of these nice places.
The town square is lively, great for street photography, architecture shots of the municipal buildings and candid local scenes — best at golden hour and festivals.
Vivid colors, bustling vendors and food preparation make the market a rich environment for documentary-style photography.
From low hills or roadside viewpoints you can capture broad valley panoramas, agricultural plots and sky-filled landscapes — best in early morning or late afternoon light.
Forest trails and lookout points offer nature photography opportunities, especially for landscapes and birdlife.
Food in Chalco
Chalco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Mexican tacos found at street stalls and taquerías — try al pastor for a sweet-savory option and suadero for tender beef. Available across town near markets and plaza.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked lamb or beef often served on weekends; look for vendors in the morning near markets or traditional fondas serving it with consomé.
Thick oval masa cakes stuffed with beans or cheese and topped with salsa, onions and cheese — common at breakfast and markets.
Grilled corn on the cob or served in a cup with mayo, cheese, chili powder and lime; a perfect street snack while exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market offers produce, meats, antojitos and stalls serving breakfast and quick lunches — prime spot to sample authentic street food and local snacks.
Evenings and mornings, vendors set up near the plaza selling tacos, tlacoyos, esquites and sweet treats — great for casual tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief handshake or a single cheek kiss (between acquaintances) is common; greet shopkeepers and neighbors with a polite 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes'.
Show politeness to older people and be mindful of family-centered social norms — address people formally ('usted') with elders unless invited otherwise.
Dress casually but respectfully in town and when visiting churches; avoid loud or conspicuous behavior in religious spaces and small communities.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors or during religious events; many will appreciate the courtesy.
Safety
Tipping in Chalco
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is customary if service is not included. For street food and market stalls tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated. Tip taxi drivers only for exceptional help or luggage assistance.
Cash (Mexican pesos) is king for markets, small shops and local transport; many mid-range restaurants accept cards but smaller vendors do not. ATMs are available but use those inside banks or well-lit areas; carry small bills and coins for buses and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February are cool with chilly mornings and nights (often 5–15°C / 41–59°F). Days can be crisp and sunny — bring a warm jacket for evenings and early mornings; some fog or low clouds are possible.
March–May brings milder temperatures and blooming vegetation. Pleasant weather for walking, but UV can be strong in midday — sunscreen recommended.
June–September is the rainy season with warm days and frequent afternoon thunderstorms; expect lush green landscapes, higher humidity and occasional heavy downpours. Carry a rain jacket and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
October–November offers clear skies, mild temperatures and lower chance of rain — one of the best times for outdoor excursions and photography.
Chalco at Night
Hiking in Chalco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short drives from Chalco bring you to trails on the southern edge of the Valley of Mexico with pine forests, viewpoints and moderate hikes suitable for most fitness levels.
A volcanic mountain range offering longer trails, forested routes and cooler temperatures — ideal for day hikes and nature excursions.
While a longer drive away, some visitors combine Chalco with day trips to national parks near the region for varied hiking experiences and cultural sites.
Airports
How to reach Chalco by plane.
Main international airport serving Mexico City, about 35–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; well connected by road and public transport options to the metropolitan area.
Secondary airport located west of Mexico City (Toluca); useful for some domestic and low-cost international flights, approximately 1–1.5 hours by car depending on route and traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of residents commute to Mexico City for work; communities are family-oriented with multigenerational households.
Many people run or work in local markets, shops, food stalls and services that form the town’s economic backbone.
As part of the metropolitan area, Chalco has a growing younger population seeking affordable housing while working in the capital.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport — informal matches in parks and organized local leagues are common across age groups.
Baseball is also popular in some communities, with local teams and weekend matches drawing families.
Recreational cycling and running are popular outdoor activities due to nearby rural roads and trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chalco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (quesadillas, tlacoyos with beans, grilled corn, salads) but not always labeled; ask vendors for 'sin carne' and confirm broths or salsas are meat-free. Larger markets and cafés increasingly accommodate vegetarian requests.
Vegan choices are more limited; focus on corn-based dishes, legumes, fresh fruit and vegetable sides. Bring a translation card stating dietary needs (no meat, no dairy) to avoid confusion.
Corn-based foods (tortillas, tlacoyos, tacos) are generally gluten-free, but watch for cross-contamination on shared griddles. Ask vendors before ordering fried items.