Things To Do
in Lerma
Lerma sits in the Toluca Valley, blending colonial charm with a lively local market culture. The town showcases colorful facades, a centuries-old church, and a relaxed pace that invites wandering and tasting. It's a practical base for day trips to nearby natural areas like Nevado de Toluca and La Marquesa.
Visitors are rewarded with affordable eats, warm hospitality, and the sense of stepping back in time while staying connected to modern conveniences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Lerma and check into your charming boutique hotel. Wander through the bustling main square to admire the municipal palace and neoclassical fountain. Sip a spicy hot chocolate from a street vendor to fuel your exploration.
Head to the historic Church of San Miguel Arcángel for a guided tour of its baroque façade and ornate interior. Meander through Portal Hidalgo’s covered arcades, stopping at artisan stalls to browse handwoven shawls and ceramics. Refuel with a hearty torta de chorizo at a local fonda.
Dine at a family-run restaurant serving mole verde and regional specialties. Enjoy live mariachi music at a plaza-side café while sipping a cold beer. Stroll back to your hotel under lantern-lit streets to soak in Lerma’s colonial ambiance.
After breakfast, drive out to the beautifully restored 18th-century hacienda. Join a guided tour through its lush gardens, stables, and historic living quarters. Learn about the hacienda’s sugarcane heritage and agricultural innovations.
Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch in the hacienda courtyard under wooden beams and climbing bougainvillea. Wander the grounds to photograph century-old trees and rustic stone fountains. Try horseback riding along shaded trails that once served as mule tracks.
Return to Lerma for a casual dinner of quesadillas and esquites at a taquería near your hotel. Sample a mezcal flight to taste agave varieties from different regions. Relax in a hammock on the hotel patio, listening to distant church bells.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local transit ride | $0.50-2 (within town) |
| 🏨1-night budget hotel | $25-60 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $25-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Mexican culture and markets
- Compact historic center that is easy to explore on foot
- Affordable food and lodging
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- More services concentrated in Toluca and Mexico City, requiring side trips
- "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?
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar?" - Can you recommend a place?
Places to Visit in Lerma
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square framed by colonial facades and the parish church provides classic photo opportunities, especially at dawn or dusk.
Waterways with reflections and boats; golden hour shots along the embankments and tree-lined paths.
Old gateways and shaded arcades around the town center offer dramatic shadows and texture for street photography.
Food in Lerma
Lerma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting corn-based tamal baked in a pot, often enjoyed with salsa and crema at local markets.
Must-Try!
Hominy stew usually enjoyed with pork or chicken, cabbage, radish, lime, and chili; common at family gatherings and street stalls.
Seasonal stuffed chiles with walnuts sauce; available in festive periods and in traditional restaurants.
Slow-roasted lamb or mutton, tender and flavorful, often served with tortillas and salsas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market where you can taste tortillas, tamales, tacos, fresh fruit, and aguas frescas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días/tardes; use Señor/Señora for elders, and thank you with gracias.
Safety
Tipping in Lerma
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service charge is not included. For cafes and markets, rounding up is appreciated.
Cash (Mexican pesos) is widely accepted, especially in markets. Many mid-range establishments accept cards; always confirm before paying. Rideshares and taxis mostly use cash or mobile payment options where available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant days with fresh grasses and blooming flowers; expect mild temperatures and occasional light showers.
Warm days with higher humidity and late-afternoon showers; carry water and sun protection.
Cooler evenings; comfortable daytime temperatures and clear skies ideal for outdoor exploring.
Cool to mild days with chilly nights; pack a jacket and layers, as evenings can drop near or below freezing in hills.
Lerma at Night
Hiking in Lerma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic crater with lakes and alpine scenery; best with proper footwear and weather checks.
Forest trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas just west of Toluca; easy to moderate hikes for a half-day trip.
Airports
How to reach Lerma by plane.
Serves domestic and a limited number of international flights; about 60–90 minutes from Lerma by road, depending on traffic.
Major international hub closer to Toluca region; about 1.5–2 hours by road with traffic; many international and domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many multi-generational households with strong local ties.
People who commute to Toluca and nearby urban centers for work.
Young adults and long-time residents shaping the town's daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches are common on weekends at community fields.
Popular in schools and local clubs; informal games and leagues take place in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lerma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Lerma restaurants offer vegetable-focused plates; ask for meatless options like beans, squash blossoms, and cheese-filled tacos.
Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free; choose dishes with corn bases and clarify ingredients to avoid hidden gluten in sauces.