Travel Guide Nevado De Toluca

Known as the fourth highest peak in Mexico, Nevado de Toluca, or Xinnecatl, is located southwest of the capital of the state of Mexico and rises to an altitude of 4,680 m. This gigantic crater of an extinct volcano shelters two small lakes, el Lago del Sol and el Lago de la Luna, so called because the first one is round like the solar star, and the second one is shaped like a crescent moon. They are separated by a mound. This place was a sacred place for the Matlatzincas, an ethnic group of the Toluca Valley. Offerings were made to the god Tláloc, god of rain. The area where Nevado de Toluca is located was declared a national park in 1936. In 2013, a presidential decree decided to allow its exploitation for profit, with only 4% of the original park area being spared. For the time being, the area still offers the opportunity for beautiful hikes, although the Nevado de Toluca has the rare characteristic of being accessible to the summit by car. However, this situation has led to excesses and, in view of the degradation of the ecosystems, the Mexican authorities have decided since July 2008 to restrict the circulation of motor vehicles: all visitors are now obliged to leave their cars 6 km from the summit of the crater and to continue on foot to the top. But even if you're tired, the walk is worth it: from the top of the crater, on a clear day, you can see Izta on the left and Smoking Popo on the right. Imagine that between the two, there is the megalopolis of Mexico City.