Native Trails MyTrails 2025 132 Estado de México folk art, while the permanent exhibition focusses on the works created by the winners of the annual national potters’ competition. Especially the “árboles de la vida” (trees of life) have evolved into a true form of art in Metepec, where you can marvel at their finest examples. The entrance of the permanent exhibition has been marked by a large mural made by children from Metepec. 15 Ascent of the Peña Valle de Bravo Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Difficult Climbing the Peña de Valle de Bravo, a rock towering over the northwestern borough of the town, is on the schedule for today. Located on a peninsula in the lake, it is 100 million years old and rises steeply more than 150 m (500 ft.) to 1970 m (6463 ft.) a.s.l. On your way upwards, you should take advantage of breaks to pay attention to the flora and fauna of the area. The effort of climbing all those paths and stairs is rewarded by a splendid 360° view over the town, the lake and the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. 16 Visit of the picturesque town of Valle de Bravo Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy The colonial jewel Valle de Bravo is popular with Mexicans as a destination for excursions to escape the hectic life in the big city. Stroll through narrow streets, passing whitewashed houses in the style of Michoacán with forged balconies and roofs of terracotta. Besides the museum Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza and the picturesque promenade along the sea, you visit the Casa de la Cultura. You can buy typical crafts such as embroidery or ceramics in one of the many small shops. 17 Excursion on horseback Valle de Bravo Duration: 05:00 h · Level: Medium Look forward to a whole-day trip on horseback into the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental. On the back of a thoroughbred or a quarter horse, you reach the gently sloping meadows and forests in the surroundings of Valle de Bravo; the tall Montezuma pines stand out against the blue sky and open beautiful views of the 400-year-old colonial town, which is situated in the valley on the Avándaro Lake. Your local scout knows every path here – and has also prepared a picnic for you. 18 Visit of the archaeological site of Teotenango Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Medium The archaeological zone of Teotenango is a place with almost 1,000 years of prehispanic history. It has partly been restored in the context of excavations. Originally founded by the Otomí, the place witnessed five phases of settlement and reconstruction by different peoples. The mighty elements that are visible today mostly date back to the third phase, which was dominated by the Matlatzincas (900 – 1162 AD). Apart from visiting the buildings and sculptures, you should not miss the museum where the civilizations of the Mexican plateau are presented. 19 Summit hike volcano Nevado de Toluca Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Medium The inactive volcano Nevado de Toluca is 4,690 m (15,387 ft.) high, which makes it the fourth highest mountain in Mexico. On a walk from the parking area to the two crater lakes – the Laguna del Sol and the Laguna de la Luna – you experience the bizarre volcanic landscape and the fascinating views of the surroundings of Toluca in the Estado de México. 20 Walk along the Iztaccíhuatl volcano Duration: 06:00 h · Level: Difficult The Paso de Cortés at an altitude of about 3,700 m [12,100 ft.]) is the starting point of your walk along the Iztaccíhuatl volcano (“Sleeping Woman”; 5,230 m [17,159 ft.]). Along the old forest road, your trail leads to the “La Joya” viewpoint. The ascent to 3,960 m (12,992 ft.) includes many stops – to enjoy the view of the Popocatépetl (“Smoking Mountain”; 5,452 m [17,887 ft.]) and to get used to the extreme altitude. If your condition is good, you can extend the hike on the high mountain path of the national park. 21 Visit of the archaeological zone of Malinalco Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Medium You are visiting one of the most impressive sites of the Aztec civilization, a fortress of the warriors of the elite Eagle and Jaguar Orders. Unique among the structures of Malinalco is the main temple, which – with its stairs, base and decorati-
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