TOLUCA IN CENTRAL MEXICO 

The capital of Mexico State, Toluca has a current population of just over one million people.  Located about 8,700 feet above sea level, this is the highest city in Mexico, just 40 miles from Mexico.  Toluca extends over the Valley of Toluca, which is a beautiful area that features the snow-capped mountain of Toluca, along with two lakes in the crater known as Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna. 

The city of Toluca is an industrial site with beautiful weather.  During the day, the temperatures are mild and at night, a little cooler.  Regardless, Toluca is a charming area of Mexico that boasts historical sites and long-standing traditions.  For example, local handicrafts, magnificent buildings, and colonial arches are all common.  Two special sites include the Museum of Fine Arts where stunning engravings and water paints are seen, as well as the Church of Santa Veracruz. 

Centro Cultural Mexiquense is another great place to visit.  This modern complex is not far from the city, offering diversity of cultural houses such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Popular Culture, and the Central Library.  Then, there is the cathedral built in the late 19^th century, the neoclassical Civic Plaza, and a stunning indoor Botanical Garden with more than 1,500 pieces of stain glass that came from Europe. 

Another great activity in Toluca is the shopping.  Throughout the entire region, you will find all types of handicrafts, as well as Temoaya carpets.  There are statues made of clay, a colorful marketplace with handmade ceramics, candlesticks, flowerpots, and more.  The food found in Toluca is special to this region, which consists primarily of pork.  However, other foods common to this area is green sausage that is made from fresh herbs, cheese, and meat. 

Without doubt, people who visit Toluca leave feeling enhanced having just experienced something rich and real.  Extending out over this green, fertile valley, you cannot help but marvel in the natural beauty of this area of Mexico.  During the day, you might take a trip to Valle de Bravo, a charming hamlet that features white stucco, colonial homes, all beautifully adorned with wrought iron balconies and red-tiled roofs.  This mountain village rises over the shores of the lakes where you will find fragrant pine trees. 

While at Valle de Bravo, you can enjoy a number of outdoor activities such as sailing, canoeing, skiing, and fishing.  The streets of the hamlet are narrow, featuring stalls where you can purchase some of the favorite dishes.  The plaza has gorgeous and quaint archways, unique wood, tile, and many old churches, as well as a bell tower.  Another village is Avanaro, where luxury housing developments are found, as well as modern day golf courses.