Things to do in Valle de Bravo: the lake, paragliding, monarch butterflies and travel tips

Valle de Bravo is the classic weekend getaway for Mexico City and Toluca. It packs a lot into a small area: a huge lake for sailing, pine-covered mountains, a cobblestone center of white houses with red-tiled roofs and a mild climate year-round. It has been a Magical Town since 2005 and sits in the west of the State of Mexico, about 1,800 meters above sea level.

This guide helps you decide what to do, when to go and how to get around.

Things to do in Valle de Bravo

1. Take a boat or sailboat out on the lake

The lake is actually the Miguel Alemán reservoir, built in the mid-20th century to generate electricity and now part of the system that supplies water to the Valley of Mexico. Shared and private boats leave from the municipal pier for one- or two-hour tours; agree on the price before you board.

Sailing and kayaking: Valle de Bravo is one of Mexico's best-known sailing centers, with schools and equipment rental for beginners.
Sunset: the late-afternoon ride, when the sun drops behind the hills, is the prettiest.
Water level: after recent droughts the reservoir level has varied a lot. Some water activities depend on it, so ask before you book.

2. Go paragliding

Valle de Bravo is a world-class free-flight destination. Tandem flights take off from the El Peñón and Monte Alto area and land near the lake; with a certified instructor you need no experience. The best conditions are usually in the dry season (November to April), around midday. Choose operators with insurance and well-kept gear, and be wary of prices that look too good.

3. Walk around the center

You can see the center on foot in a morning:

Church of San Francisco de Asís, facing the main square, with its two stone towers.
Santa María Ahuacatlán Sanctuary, home to a Black Christ deeply venerated in the region.
Crafts market, with pottery, textiles, wooden figures and traditional sweets.
The streets that run down to the pier, lined with cafés, galleries and restaurants with terraces.

4. Velo de Novia waterfall and the Avándaro forest

In the Avándaro area, south of the center, lies Monte Alto State Park and the Velo de Novia waterfall ("Bridal Veil"), a drop of about 35 meters surrounded by forest. Entry has a fee and stairs; in the rainy season (June to September) it carries more water. The area also has trails, cabins and country restaurants.

5. The Great Bön Stupa

In the nearby hills stands the Great Bön Stupa for World Peace, a Buddhist monument more than 30 meters tall surrounded by forest. You reach it by a dirt road and a short trail. It is a place of meditation: keep quiet, do not climb the monument and respect opening hours.

6. See the monarch butterflies (November to March)

Every winter monarch butterflies arrive in the fir forests of the State of Mexico and Michoacán. From Valle de Bravo the closest sanctuary is Piedra Herrada, on the road from Toluca. The climb takes 30 to 60 minutes on foot or horseback.

Best time: mid-December to February, on sunny days, between 11:00 and 15:00, when the butterflies fly.
Do not touch them or pick them up from the ground, keep quiet and follow the local guides.

When to go

Year-round the weather is mild. From June to September it rains in the afternoon and the landscape is greener.
Festival of Souls: in late October and early November the town celebrates the Day of the Dead with concerts, theater and the Catrineando parade. Check the dates for the Festival of Souls in our calendar.
Monarch butterflies: November to March, peaking in January.
Avoid long weekends if you dislike crowds: the town fills up and the drive back to the capital can take twice as long. On weekdays it is a different place.

For more festivals in the region see the festival calendar.

How to get to Valle de Bravo

By car from Mexico City: about 150 km, 2.5 to 3 hours. Take the highway to Toluca and then the Toluca–Valle de Bravo road through the forest. It has many curves; drive in daylight if you don't know the road.
From Toluca: about an hour and a half.
By bus: frequent departures from Mexico City's Terminal Poniente (Observatorio).
In town: the center has steep, narrow streets. Leave the car in a parking lot and walk.

For more getaways from the capital or Toluca, see the Magical Towns near Mexico City and the Magical Towns near Toluca. Malinalco and Ixtapan de la Sal are in the same region.

Tips for your visit

Two days is ideal: one for the lake and the center, another for Avándaro, the stupa or the butterflies.
Pack layers. Mornings and evenings are cold, especially in winter.
Book ahead for lodging and paragliding flights on long weekends.
Bring cash for boats, waterfall entry and market stalls.
Look after the lake: don't litter and use biodegradable sunscreen if you get in the water.

Hours, fees, access and reservoir levels can change. Before you travel, confirm with the local tourism office or on the Valle de Bravo page on GoPueblos, where you will also find the map, distances and upcoming events.