Things To Do
in Mexicaltzingo
Mexicaltzingo is a small, historic town just outside Mexico City that blends colonial charm with a lively local culture. Its streets are lined with pastel facades, traditional markets, and a central plaza where residents gather in the evenings. The town serves as a gateway to nearby hills and nature reserves, offering easy day trips without leaving the metropolitan area.
Visitors will discover crafts, friendly locals, and a cuisine that draws from central Mexican flavors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza de la Constitución, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of locals and tourists alike. The morning light will beautifully illuminate the surrounding colonial architecture, making for great photographs. Grab a traditional breakfast at a nearby café, savoring dishes like chilaquiles or huevos a la mexicana.
In the afternoon, head to the Museo de Arte, where you can immerse yourself in the local art scene and appreciate works from both contemporary and traditional artists. Stroll through the surrounding streets, stopping at local artisan shops to pick up unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Templo de San Miguel, taking time to admire its intricate facade.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Mexican cuisine, where you can try mouthwatering dishes like mole or tamales. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the plaza, enjoying the evening ambiance filled with music and laughter. Cap off your night with a visit to a local cantina, where you can sip on mezcal or tequila while listening to live music.
Early in the morning, prepare for an adventurous hike at the Nevado de Toluca National Park, one of the highest peaks in Mexico. As you ascend, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the stunning crater lakes at the summit. The fresh mountain air invigorates you, making every step a pleasure as you explore this unique ecosystem.
After conquering the summit, enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by the serene nature of the park, listening to the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. Spend the afternoon hiking down through the picturesque trails, taking time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this high-altitude environment. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera - it’s a sight you won’t want to forget.
Return to Mexicaltzingo in the evening, where you can unwind after your day of hiking. Treat yourself to a hearty meal at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy regional dishes that replenish your energy. Reflect on the stunning views and experiences of the day as you relax and plan for tomorrow's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧊Bottle of water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚎One-way public transportation | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🎟Movie ticket | $3-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town vibe close to Mexico City
- Affordable prices and warm hospitality
- Colorful markets and authentic regional cuisine
- Great base for day trips to surrounding hills and parks
- Limited nightlife and nightlife venues
- Occasional language barriers for non-Spanish speakers
- Less English widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Smaller healthcare options; may require trips to Toluca or CDMX for certain services
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Mexicaltzingo
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful facades glow as the plaza lights come on; perfect for street photography and portraits.
Historic church framed by cobblestone streets and leafy trees.
Vibrant market stalls, alleyways, and woven textiles provide lively color.
A small hill or overlook near the edge of town offers sunset views of the valley.
Food in Mexicaltzingo
Mexicaltzingo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick blue corn tortillas stuffed with refried beans and cheese, topped with salsa, cilantro, and onions.
Must-Try!
A hearty hominy soup with pork or chicken, garnished with lettuce, onion, radish, lime, and chili.
A rich chocolate-chili sauce over chicken, served with rice and tortillas.
Pork shaved from a vertical spit, served with cilantro, onion, and pineapple on warm tortillas.
Steamed corn dough tamales with various fillings, paired with warm atole.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A classic market where locals shop for produce, herbs, and prepared foods; try quesadillas, elotes, esquites, and tamales.
Tostadas, sopes, tacos and grilled corn stalls line the sidewalks around the plaza.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly hola or buenos días; address elders with Señor/Señora and use polite forms.
Dress modestly; remove hats when inside religious spaces and avoid loud behavior.
Keep voices down in residential areas; ask before photographing people, especially children.
Safety
Tipping in Mexicaltzingo
Ensure a smooth experience
Leave 10-15% in restaurants if service is good; smaller tips in markets or for street food vendors—handing cash directly is appreciated.
Cash is widely used; many places also accept credit/debit cards in larger establishments. ATMs are available in town and nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh flowers; showers are possible; carry light layers.
Warm days with potential afternoon rain; stay hydrated and seek shade.
Pleasant temps with cooler evenings; light jacket recommended.
Cool to mild days; nights can be chilly; bring a sweater.
Mexicaltzingo at Night
Hiking in Mexicaltzingo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest-covered hills with easy to moderate trails and viewpoints just outside the metropolitan area, ideal for a half-day hike.
Shaded forest trails near CDMX offering peaceful walks and scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Mexicaltzingo by plane.
Major hub about 60-90 minutes by car from Mexicaltzingo, depending on traffic; many domestic and international flights.
Closer option for short domestic flights, typically about 1 hour away by car, with easier access to the State of Mexico and nearby towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly local families, artisans, and commuters, with a mix of mestizo and indigenous heritage; acquaintance with Nahuatl place-names remains in some areas.
A steady flow of students from nearby towns and workers commuting to larger cities for jobs.
A growing group of domestic travelers seeking authentic central-Mexico experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local games and community leagues.
Occasional boxing events and lucha libre-inspired entertainment in nearby venues.
Bike-friendly routes around town and in nearby hills; road bikes are common among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mexicaltzingo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In many places you’ll find bean and cheese fillings, grilled vegetables, and salads. Request meat-free options and watch for lard in salsas or broths; many cooks can adapt dishes if you ask politely.