Things To Do
in Mexicaltzingo
Mexicaltzingo is a historic town located in the State of Mexico, Mexico. It is known for its charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. The town has a rich cultural heritage with a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences.
Mexicaltzingo is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $35
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Principal, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the church. Enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast at a nearby café.
Visit the nearby Museo de Arte and explore local art exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding parks.
Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy the flavors of the region. Consider catching a local performance or live music in the plaza.
Head out early for a hike in Izta-Popo National Park, enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains. Pack a picnic for an outdoor breakfast at one of the scenic spots.
Continue your hike through the park, exploring trails like the La Joya to Paso de Cortes. Take time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna.
Return to Mexicaltzingo and relax with a casual dinner at a local eatery. Reflect on the day's adventure over drinks at a nearby bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with significant archaeological sites.
- Lively local markets offering authentic Mexican cuisine and crafts.
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes, including nearby mountains and parks.
- Strong community spirit and friendly locals.
- Limited access to certain modern amenities compared to larger cities.
- Issues with transportation and traffic in some areas.
- Higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods, which may deter visitors.
- Economic challenges leading to less job opportunities for residents.
Best Activities in Mexicaltzingo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Nevado de Toluca National Park. Enjoy hiking trails that lead to the summit or around the lagoons, offering stunning views and a chance to experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
A beautiful park perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy picnicking, hiking, and observing local wildlife in its natural habitat. The park also has well-maintained trails for various skill levels.
Experience the scenic routes around Mexicaltzingo by cycling. There are various trails that allow you to explore the beautiful landscapes and local villages while enjoying the fresh air.
Set up camp in the natural reserves of Cumbres de Maltrata. This area offers camping facilities along with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing at night.
Explore outdoor local markets for a taste of culture and local produce. Engage with the community, sample traditional foods, and purchase handmade crafts.
Places to Visit in Mexicaltzingo
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular hiking spot that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.
The main cathedral of the town features stunning architecture and a beautiful plaza, ideal for capturing both historic and local life.
This national park is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, including the impressive dormant volcano and its lagoons.
A picturesque location with crystal clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation, perfect for nature photography.
A viewpoint that provides a stunning overlook of Mexicaltzingo and the surrounding landscapes, especially beautiful during clear days.
Food in Mexicaltzingo
Mexicaltzingo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served in a tortilla with pineapple, onions, and coriander. Must-try at El Tizoncito, a popular spot for this dish.
Must-Try!
A dish made of poblano chilies stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Sample at El Bajio, known for its traditional Mexican cuisine.
A traditional soup or stew from Mexican cuisine, made from hominy, with meat, and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce, chili peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa, and limes. Best found at Pozolería Tía Calla for an authentic experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find a wide array of street food, from tacos and tamales to fresh fruits and juices. Don't miss the barbacoa tacos from the street vendors here.
This market is renowned for its food stalls offering a variety of street food, including antojitos such as quesadillas, tlacoyos, and tamales. Don't forget to try the churros for a sweet treat.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use warm greetings such as 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' when meeting someone. A handshake or a light hug among acquaintances is common, and maintaining eye contact shows respect.
When dining, it’s polite to wait for the host to start eating before you begin. Additionally, try to finish all the food on your plate, as leaving food can be perceived as wasteful.
Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially during cultural or religious events. Showing interest and participating in local festivities can help build rapport with locals.
Safety
Tipping in Mexicaltzingo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mexicaltzingo, as in most of Mexico, tipping is customary and appreciated in various service sectors. A standard tip in restaurants is usually around 10-15% of the total bill, although some may choose to tip more for exceptional service. In bars, a tip of around 10-20 pesos per drink is common. Taxi drivers typically do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Tipping hotel staff, such as housekeepers and bellhops, is also encouraged, with small amounts generally appropriate.
Payment methods in Mexicaltzingo are diverse, with cash being the most commonly accepted form of payment. However, credit and debit cards are widely used in larger establishments, restaurants, and shops. Mobile payment options are becoming increasingly popular, allowing for quick transactions. It's important to note that small vendors and markets may prefer cash, and it may be prudent to carry smaller bills for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with daytime highs around 20°C (68°F) and cooler nights. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the region without the summer heat. Expect occasional rain, mostly in January.
Warm weather with temperatures rising to around 25-28°C (77-82°F). This is an excellent time for festivals and cultural events, as many local celebrations occur. Expect clear skies and minimal rainfall.
Hot temperatures peaking around 30°C (86°F), coupled with humidity. This season experiences the most rainfall, particularly in July and August. Ideal for experiencing lush landscapes and vibrant flora, but be prepared for possible thunderstorms.
Temperatures gradually cooling down, ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). September may still have some rain, but conditions improve in October and November, making it a pleasant time for travel and outdoor exploration.
Mexicaltzingo at Night
Hiking in Mexicaltzingo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic mountain offering hiking trails with stunning views of the crater lake and surrounding landscape.
A popular national park with well-marked trails, picnic areas, and beautiful forests, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
A lesser-known hiking spot that provides a challenging hike and panoramic views of the Toluca Valley.
Located within the Ajusco area, this place offers various hiking trails with diverse flora and fauna.
A hiking destination for experienced trekkers, offering steep trails and breathtaking views from the summit.
Aiports
How to reach Mexicaltzingo by plane.
Located in Mexico City, this is the closest major international airport to Mexicaltzingo, approximately 60 kilometers away.
Located in Toluca, this airport is about 40 kilometers from Mexicaltzingo and primarily serves domestic and some international flights.
Located in Puebla, it is about 120 kilometers from Mexicaltzingo, serving both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Mexicaltzingo, comprising individuals of mixed Indigenous and European descent.
Including various ethnic groups with roots in the region, such as Nahua and Otomi, who maintain their cultural and linguistic traditions.
A smaller percentage of the population with direct European ancestry, primarily Spanish, contributing to the area's cultural heritage.
Though a minority, this demographic includes individuals with African ancestry, adding to the cultural diversity of the region.
A small number of residents from various ethnic backgrounds, including Asian and Middle Eastern communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Mexicaltzingo, with many local teams and a passionate fan base.
Basketball has a growing following in Mexicaltzingo, with schools and community leagues promoting the sport.
Baseball enjoys popularity in Mexicaltzingo, known for local teams and youth participation.
Volleyball is played recreationally and competitively in schools and community centers.
American football has a niche following, especially among younger audiences, with school teams competing in local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mexicaltzingo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Mexican cuisine prominently features meat, many restaurants in Mexicaltzingo offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Places like Los Loosers and Por Siempre Vegana serve plant-based Mexican dishes.
For gluten-free options, consider dining at Peltre, known for its gluten-free menu featuring traditional Mexican cuisine made with gluten-free substitutes.