The Beauty of El Nevado de Toluca
Do you enjoy the mountain, hiking through rocky pathways where fresh air blows your face and sharing the beauty that mother earth shows, get relaxed alone or with company?... If your answer is a big YES, then get ready and come to the majestic NEVADO de TOLUCA.
Crater Nevado de Toluca - Lagoon of the Sun
Picture: María Alexandra Sánchez Parada
If you’re visiting Mexico, at112km from Mexico City and 22km southwest Toluca (Mexico State) you will find magnificent Xinantécalt (“naked man” in Náhualt language), usually known as Nevado de Toluca, it is an extinguished volcano reaching 4.680m (15354 ft) height above the sea level, it gives us one of the most spectacular views you can ask when hiking, and not only that, once you walk its winding road, you will face the crater, the biggest treasure, two lagoons which water shows different shades of green to the center and is crystal clear at the shore, they are named Lagoon of the Sun and Lagoon of the Moon. At this point you can sit for a while to contemplate the beauty of the landscape, for sure you’ll feel a good vibe!
Lagoon of the Sun
Picture: María Alexandra Sánchez Parada
If you’re more kind of adventurous person and enjoy mountain sports you can find options, the volcano has other peaks like Cacalotepec, which has shelter, also Gordo peak with 3.780 m (12400 ft) height, La Calera peak 3.740m (12270 ft) and San Antonio peak with 3.600m (11811 ft). There is also space for camping and barbecue stations.
Lagoon of the Moon
Picture: María Alexandra Sánchez Parada
Best moment to visit Nevado de Toluca is winter, when the mountain dresses up in White, however the beauty of this volcano is not limited to this season, it is also very attractive with no snow at all, it is really gorgeous all year around, come and visit, you’re going to love it!
How to get there: Take road N° 132 Toluca- Lázaro Cárdenas or Toluca- Temascaltepec and the exit to Sultepec, driving though township of Raices, take road to Los Venados stop and follow walking to Crater.
Recommendation:
° Arrive early, the place is quite visited, to be among the first ones will help to do the walk at a good pace.
° It’s a rocky and slippery road, wear boots accordingly.
° Physical condition is key, no need to be an athlete.
° Temperature might be between -2°C and 12°C (29F and 53F). Wear sun block.
° Bring water, energy bars, fruits or any choice of your preference, no food stands are located beyond Los Venados stop. Carry cash (local currency), it’s hard to make electronic transactions out of main cities.
° Go with company, it’s good in case you need assistance, you can also hire local guide.
° Carry a bag to collect what you dispose, trash bins are only located at the stop.
Transportation:
° Own or rented car.
° Taxi
° Private transport provider (usually 20 to 30 people capacity van)
Parking located at Los Venados stop, before reaching stop you will be ask for 40Mx pesos (US$2), according to space availability you can drive until the entrance shelter (few miles after Venados stop), with tis you can save about 4 miles waking befor starting the actual mountain pathway.
Come and enjoy!
References (in Spanish, last one in English)
www.mexicodesconocido.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/west-of-mexico-city/nevado-de-toluca