Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and as much as I’d love to book a quick flight out to the coast, something tells me we’ll be spending the holiday a bit closer to home this year. Here are four weekend getaways near Mexico City.
Valle de Bravo
Often called the “Switzerland of Mexico,” the magic town of Valle de Bravo with its forests, mountains and lakefront views is a favorite weekend retreat from the capital. The lakefront resorts offer a variety of spa treatments, yoga, meditation, golf, hiking and watersports. Valle de Bravo is located just minutes from the nearby monarch butterfly sanctuary at Piedra Herrada and serves as a great jumping off point for visiting the reserve; the best time to visit is between November and February. Limited domestic and international flights arrive at the nearby airport in Toluca.
Malinalco
Another of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos, or magic towns, Malinalco is the only destination mentioned here that I have yet to visit, and for that reason alone I think it might be where we’re headed this Valentine’s Day. I’m told that the drive to Malinalco, especially south of Toluca, is quite scenic. Malinalco’s mountain setting makes it one of the most picturesque towns in the region and some nice shops, boutique hotels and fine dining round out the mix. A small Aztec temple, said to be one of the best-preserved in the region, overlooks the town and can be reached via a short, steep hike.
Tepoztlán
Yet another of Mexico’s pueblo mágicos, Tepotzlán is believed to be the birthplace of Quetzalcóatl, the Aztec serpent god. Claiming a special creative energy, Tepotzlán blends well-preserved indigenous cultures with New Age beliefs and spirituality. Over the past few decades Tepoztlán has gained a reputation as somewhat of an international post-hippie mecca. Some of the nicest places to stay can be found just outside of town and visitors can browse the weekend craft market, considered to be one of the best in central Mexico, and make the steep 2km hike up the mountainside to check out the Tepozteco Pyramid, or Piramide de Tepozteco, that overlooks the town.
Cuernavaca
Known as the “Land of Eternal Spring” thanks to its year-round pleasant climate, the city of Cuernavaca is a popular weekend destination among wealthy Mexico City residents and also attracts its fair share of foreigners. In addition to museums, high-end spas, elaborate haciendas, botanical gardens and a signature Percy Clifford designed golf course, there are also some nice boutique hotels, luxury resorts and fine dining options all located within city limits. A visit to nearby Xochicalco makes a great side trip, or spend the day following the legendary Ruta de Zapata from Anenecuilco to Chinameca.
Where will you be spending Valentine’s Day this year?
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