Things To Do
in Toluca
Toluca sits at high altitude just west of Mexico City, blending a rich colonial heritage with a lively university vibe. The city is renowned for its robust culinary scene, especially the iconic chorizo de Toluca and regional cheeses. Nearby natural wonders, including the Nevado de Toluca, offer dramatic crater lakes and scenic hikes.
In the historic center, plazas, churches, and markets create a welcoming gateway to the region’s culture and flavors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional dishes like chilaquiles or huevos rancheros. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Plaza de los Mártires, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don't forget to visit the iconic Toluca Cathedral, one of the city's most significant landmarks.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby Museo de Bellas Artes, which houses an impressive collection of Mexican art. Grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, where you can savor local specialties like carnitas or tamales. After lunch, wander through the bustling Mercado Juárez, where you can shop for handmade crafts and taste local snacks.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot in the historic center to enjoy a dinner of traditional Mexican cuisine. After your meal, take a leisurely walk around the plaza, where you can enjoy live music and watch locals gather. End your evening with a sweet treat from a local ice cream shop, savoring flavors unique to Toluca.
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the Nevado de Toluca National Park. Upon arrival, take in the breathtaking views and prepare for a hike to the summit of the extinct volcano. The morning is perfect for exploring the scenic trails and enjoying the crisp mountain air.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings, with views of the twin crater lakes. Spend the afternoon continuing your exploration of the park, where you can observe the diverse flora and fauna native to this unique ecosystem. Capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera, as the area offers numerous picturesque spots.
As the sun sets, begin your journey back to Toluca, reflecting on the day's adventurous experiences. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional dishes, perhaps trying a rich mole or a plate of fresh trout. Cap off your evening with a relaxing walk through the city, appreciating its peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $1-3 |
| 🛍️Groceries (bread, milk, eggs) | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culinary traditions, especially chorizo de Toluca and local cheeses
- Access to diverse nature, including crater lakes and parks
- Higher altitude can cause cooler evenings and jet-lag-like fatigue for some visitors
- Traffic can be heavy around peak hours in the city center
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Qué horas abre?" - What time does it open?
Places to Visit in Toluca
Visit one of these nice places.
A renowned glass-tiled botanical garden and sculpture complex; a must for dramatic light and color photography, both inside and in the surrounding park.
Gothic-influenced façade and historic Plaza de los Mártires provide classic architectural photography and atmospheric street scenes.
Elevated vantage point offering panoramic views of Toluca, especially striking at sunset.
Pleasant green space with fountains and pathways, ideal for candid city life and nature shots.
Food in Toluca
Toluca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A distinct, flavorful sausage widely enjoyed grilled or crumbled into dishes; best sampled at taquerías and markets around Toluca.
Must-Try!
A mild, semi-soft cheese produced in the region, excellent melted in quesadillas or served with fresh bread and fruit.
Corn masa cakes stuffed with beans or cheese and topped with salsas, typical of central Mexico and widely available in street stalls and markets.
Tamales prepared with local maize dough and fillings; look for them in mercados and traditional taquerías.
Warm, comforting beverages often enjoyed during cool Toluca evenings; find them in cafés and market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic market where you can sample chorizo de Toluca, cheeses, fresh produce, and an array of street snacks.
A bustling market known for meats, cheeses, dried chiles, and regional specialties.
Elotes, esquites, sopes, y chicharrón en salsa are common late-day offerings around the historic core.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings with a handshake or a simple nod; use formal usted in initial interactions. Show respect when visiting churches and cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Mexican social norms value warmth and conversation; plan for a relaxed pace during meals and social visits.
Safety
Tipping in Toluca
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is standard if service is not included. Small tips for bellhops, taxi drivers, and hotel staff are appreciated but not required.
Cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are commonly processed in restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are readily available in central areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cooler evenings; the rainy season runs roughly June to September, so carry a light rain jacket and plan for afternoon showers.
Mild temperatures with decreasing rainfall; excellent for outdoor walking and photography with softer light.
Cold and often dry; temperatures can dip, especially at night. Pack warm layers; snow occasionally touches higher elevations near Nevado de Toluca.
Pleasant days with moderate temperatures; occasional showers possible; great for city walks and crater lake hikes.
Toluca at Night
Hiking in Toluca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent high-altitude volcanic summit with crater lakes; popular for day hikes and scenic viewpoints.
Forest trails and scenic viewpoints near Toluca offering more relaxed hikes and picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Toluca by plane.
Domestic and limited international flights; convenient for travelers staying in Toluca, with ground transport options to the city.
Major international gateway located about 60-70 km away; accessible by road or rail connections via the metro system if needed for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant student and academic population due to nearby universities, contributing to a youthful, energetic city atmosphere.
Residents who inhabit the Toluca basin area, with deep roots in local markets and cultural traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime and spectator sport in Toluca, with local teams and matches that draw crowds.
Played in schools, arenas, and community centers; occasional local tournaments attract spectators.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toluca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetarian options or vegetable-forward dishes; many markets offer bean-based plates and grilled vegetables. In restaurants, request no lard and opt for cheese, beans, and vegetables as protein sources.