DESTINATION
Valle de Bravo
The Chic Refuge Amidst Forest, Sailing, and Lake
Destination Vibes
Why to Visit
It’s as if this place’s mission were to get you in touch with the most primitive natural elements. The immense, beautiful lake is the center of action. The air sparks one’s adventurous spirit. Mexico’s best sailboat operators hail from here, and hang- and paragliding are tremendously fun ways to see it all from above. The land is rich in beauty, with breathtaking mountainous landscapes of green as far as the eye can see. Last but not least, spirit-soothing fire in hearths, bonfires, and temascals offers a chance for continual rebirth.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Signature Experience
Valle de Bravo
Do Air Sports
From the ridgelines of Monte Alto and De La Cruz Hill, Valle de Bravo reveals itself from above. Paragliders run toward open sky, lifting on natural air currents.
Valle de Bravo
Sail the Lake
You can rent yachts and powerboats for water skiing or a stylish lake outing. There are also sailing classes and jet ski rentals.
Don't Miss
Downtown and Barrio de Santa María Ahuacatlán
There’s no better way to see downtown Valle de Bravo than on foot. With every step, you can soak up the cobblestone streets, red-tiled adobe houses, handicrafts shops, restaurants, and especially, the townspeople who come and go selling delicious food, garden-grown vegetables, flowers, and more. The gorgeous Santa María Ahuacatlán neighborhood, another place to start exploring the Magical Town, connects to downtown. Here, check out the Black Christ figure on the altar of the Santa María Chapel and the Parroquia de San Francisco with its impressive 16th-century bell tower.
Archeological Museum
Here, you can see over 270 pieces of artwork from 18 archeological sites throughout Estado de México. Part of the collection housed here includes stone heads, figurines, necklaces, vessels, winches, and other tools used by the inhabitants of Teotihuacan, Tlalpizáhuac, Malinalco, Calixtlahuaca, San Miguel Ixtapan, and Tenango. This museum is one of 28 run by the Estado de México Institute of Culture.
Walk Around the Town
There’s no better way to see the town than by walking. With every step you can soak up the cobblestone streets, red-tiled adobe houses, handicrafts shops, restaurants, and especially, the townspeople who come and go selling delicious food, garden-grown vegetables, flowers, and more. The Santa María Ahuacatlán neighborhood is a good place to start. Check out the Black Christ figure on the altar of the Santa María Chapel and the Parroquia de San Francisco, with its impressive 16th-century bell tower. The Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza Cultural Center is located near the middle of the neighborhood on Alameda Street. Don’t miss the surrounding areas, starting with Avándaro, where you can not only enjoy a delicious breakfast of chalupas or chorizo quesadillas, but also see part of the lake that has brought fame to this part of the state.
Enjoy the Waterfalls
There’s a park and ecological reserve called Velo de Novia Falls 15 minutes from Valle de Bravo. Its name, which means “Bridal Veil” owes to the fact that the falling water turns a stark white as it crashes against the rocks. Ten minutes from here, there’s Río del Molino Falls, which are great for a day outdoors. Both have tables and grills for picnicking as well as restaurants and handicrafts shops.