Things To Do
in Ocoyoacac
Ocoyoacac is a small highland town in the State of Mexico, nestled in the Toluca Valley amid pine-dotted hills. It preserves a quiet, traditional atmosphere with a lively local market, colorful streets, and a strong sense of community. Its proximity to Toluca and La Marquesa makes it a convenient base for day trips to natural and cultural sights.
The high altitude brings cool mornings and comfortable days, perfect for exploring on foot or by short drives.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ocoyoacac and settle into your accommodation. The charming cobblestone streets welcome you as you stroll around the town to soak in the picturesque sights. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly made tortillas and hot chocolate.
After lunch, explore the historic center, visiting the impressive Temple of San Juan Bautista. Dive deeper into the local culture by visiting artisan shops and markets to pick up unique handmade products. Don't forget to capture photos of the vibrant murals that reflect the rich heritage of the region.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant offering local cuisine. Engage with locals and fellow travelers over soothing drinks, sharing stories of your day's exploration. Wind down by taking a serene walk through the quiet streets, illuminated by charming lights.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast followed by a hike in the nearby Coyotepec ecological park. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes. Pay a visit to the park's visitor center for informative insights about local flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, return to Ocoyoacac and explore the surroundings further by visiting the nearby archaeological site of Malinalco. Discover the ancient Aztec site as you climb up to the temple on the hill and learn about its historical significance. Sample local street food from vendors offering delicious snacks that are sure to tempt your taste buds.
As night falls, enjoy a leisurely meal in a local eatery renowned for its authentic Mexican flair. As you dine, immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of live music that often fills the air during the evenings. Capture the atmosphere with photos of your surroundings before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local transport (short ride) | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏Budget hotel or hostel per night | $25-60 |
| 🛒Groceries for a day | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Toluca and La Marquesa for day trips
- Affordable prices and friendly locals
- Compact, walkable town center with authentic charm
- Limited nightlife and fewer English-speaking services
- Some services may be cash-focused in small vendors
- Traffic can be heavier on major routes during rush hours
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Ocoyoacac
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide views over the Toluca Valley with forested slopes and rolling hills; best at sunrise or golden hour.
Colonial church exterior with architectural details that photograph well in the town center.
Vibrant, colorful market scenes perfect for street photography, close-up textures of produce and crafts.
Food in Ocoyoacac
Ocoyoacac Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tacos filled with spit-roasted pork, pineapple, onions, and cilantro on small corn tortillas; widely available at taquerías around Ocoyoacac.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked lamb/barbacoa-style meat, often served with onions, cilantro, and warm tortillas at local markets and traditional eateries.
Pit-roasted or steam-cooked meat wrapped in maguey leaves, a regional specialty that emphasizes tender flavor with aromatic herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A colorful market offering fresh produce, chiles, salsas, tamales, elotes, esquites, and aguas frescas; ideal for tasting local flavors.
Casual stalls around the market area offering corn snacks, tlayudas, sopes, fruits, and light Mexican street dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as "Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes" goes a long way; maintain eye contact and a friendly tone.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or private settings.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; behave respectfully and avoid loud behavior inside sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Ocoyoacac
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leave about 10-15% if service is not included; small tips to bellhops and taxi drivers are common.
Pesos are standard; many places accept cards in towns, but smaller vendors may be cash-only—carry some cash for markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures; blooming fields and gardens; breathable air, great for outdoor walks and canyon viewpoints.
Warm days with regular afternoon showers; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes for trails.
Cooling temperatures with clearer skies; comfortable for hiking and photography with golden light.
Cool to cold nights; sunny days; layers recommended; frost can occur on clear mornings.
Ocoyoacac at Night
Hiking in Ocoyoacac
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular ecotourism area with forest trails, viewpoints, horse riding, and picnic zones just outside Ocoyoacac.
Rugged hills offering scenic hiking routes and birdwatching opportunities in the Toluca valley area.
Airports
How to reach Ocoyoacac by plane.
Regional airport serving domestic flights and some international routes; about 45–60 minutes by car from Ocoyoacac.
Major international gateway with extensive domestic and international connections; typically 60–90 minutes by road depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant cultural group with strong family ties and community networks.
Otomi and Mazahua communities exist in surrounding areas; traditional crafts and celebrations persist in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community leagues.
Popular on long rural road rides with scenic valley and mountain views.
Horse riding is common in rural farms and ecotourism areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ocoyoacac.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are often available in markets and restaurants; look for bean, corn, rice-based dishes, sopes, nopales, and veggie platos; ask for substitutions when needed.