VALLE DE BRAVO, THE TOWN

Valle de Bravo is considered by the Mexican Tourism Board as a “Pueblo Magico”, a magical town. Due to its location, landscapes, weather, and the special care that the governor has for this area, Valle de Bravo is known as “The Jewell of the State of Mexico”.

Being the most important tourist place in the state, favored by the presence of bankers, industry men, politicians, ambassadors and high society families, Valle de Bravo is one of the best taken care regions in the country. Families from Mexico City have made of this peaceful place their weekend home where they have the opportunity to practice an extensive variety of outdoor sports and activities.

Although kept as a hidden jewel, nature lovers from different countries have learned about this place. All have enjoyed the natural beauties of the region as well as what the colonial town has to offer with its magnificent blue lake and the evergreen forests that surround it. Some of them have made of Valle de Bravo a return place for their vacations. Experiencing the real Mexican way of life, international visitors have enjoyed practicing different outdoor activities in a peaceful and hospitable region that makes them want to return for more.

The colonial town of Valle de Bravo was founded in 1530 by Fray Gregorio Jimenez de la Cuenca, known as the first evangelizer of the Matlazincas. The Matlazinca people initially called it “Temascaltepeque” which in náhautl (Aztec language) means “Mountain of the Steam Baths”. 

Due to its tourist, cultural and historical relevance, in 2005 the Mexican Tourism Board gave to Valle de Bravo the title of “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town). 

Cobble stone streets with impressive old colonial houses sheltered by red tile roofs and iron balconies invite visitors to walk and discover the town.  Art galleries, museums, gardens, handicrafts´shops and restaurants are part of the cultural life. 

A visit to the beautiful 600 year old “El Pino” (Montezuma bald cypress tree) is a must, as well as the “Templo de Santa Maria Ahuacatlán” where the image of a black Christ is worshipped and it is said to be very miraculous.  Last but not least, the food and the handicrafts markets add flavor and color to the town´s personality.

The topographic profile of Valle de Bravo makes this place a sub-tropical high altitude, nature lovers paradise. Six rivers converge into the lake, which is surrounded by evergreen pine and oak forests. The nearby high altitude peaks covered with fir trees and the surrounding low lands or "tierra caliente" with its caducifolia jungle make the region a unique one. In a relatively small area, the variety of habitats includes mountains, streams, lake, prairies, crop fields and small urban areas. These ecosystems make Valle de Bravo an outstanding bioregion that offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities the same during the mild and dry winter than in the moderately warm and humid summer.