Nevado de Toluca
Xinantécatl (Nevado de Toluca)
An extinct volcano at about 4,680 m. The Sun Lake and Moon Lake in its crater can be reached on foot, making it a one-day high-altitude excursion.
This is Mexico's fourth-highest peak, located southwest of Toluca, about 80 km (around 2 hours by car) from Mexico City. Vehicles can drive to a parking area at about 4,200 m, and from there it is about a one-hour hike into the crater. The lake surface sits at about 4,200 m. The Sun Lake and Moon Lake, cradled by volcanic cliffs, are spectacular, and fit hikers can climb the peaks on the crater rim. The high altitude means thin air, so spend a day or two acclimatizing in Mexico City first. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and descend immediately if you develop a headache or nausea. Temperatures near dawn and dusk are close to freezing, so bring a warm jacket and sunscreen. The protected area charges a small entry fee and has limited opening hours, closing early in the afternoon. Hiring a car or joining a day tour is recommended.
Opening hours
About 08:00-17:00 (last entry comes early)
Nearby sights
- Desierto de los Leones National Park
- Cuicuilco
- Ciudad Universitaria (UNAM)
- San Ángel
- Estadio Azteca
- Chapultepec Park
- Luis Barragán House and Studio
- Coyoacán