Tucked into the pine-covered highlands of central Mexico, Valle de Bravo offers a striking contrast to the country’s beach destinations. This Pueblo Mágico, perched on the shores of Lake Avándaro, has long been a weekend sanctuary for residents of Mexico City seeking crisp air and alpine scenery.
While the lake is famous for sailing and watersports, the surrounding Sierra de Temascaltepec mountains hold a different kind of treasure. A network of trails weaves through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints that stretch for miles.
Hiking here is not just about physical exertion; it is an immersion into a unique microclimate. The elevation, often above 6,000 feet, creates an environment where monarch butterflies gather in winter and wild mushrooms carpet the forest floor after summer rains.
Whether you are a seasoned trekker looking for a challenging ascent or a family searching for a gentle nature walk, Valle de Bravo has a route for you. The trails range from well-trodden paths to rugged backcountry routes that require local knowledge.
Before lacing up your boots, it is essential to understand the terrain. The weather can shift quickly in the mountains, and trail markings are not always consistent, making preparation a key part of the adventure.
Below, we explore the best routes this magical town has to offer, from hidden waterfalls to the iconic peak that defines the skyline.
Paseo Ecológico Interpretativo Velo de Novia
| Address | 51200, Velo de Novia 137, Avandaro, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Estado de México, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A bit tiresome to get to the waterfall but it's worth it. If you have joint problems you might have difficulty getting there. Had a great time, the place is beautiful but it can get a bit too crowded.
Good waterfall! Short hike
The place is really nice, you can actually at your feet in the small streams below the waterfall but be sure to bring a towel. The path to the waterfall starts ok with pavement but there are steps and once you pass the river it gets rocky so I wouldn't recommend it for a person with accessibility issues.
The place is amazing but the map is very wrong. Ask a local for real directions!!
Wow! This really exceeded our expectations. Even on a busy holiday weekend, there was plenty of space and it was very enjoyable.
Mirador La Peña
| Address | Cam. a La Pena 114, La Peña, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
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Beautiful view and great hike to the rop
This is a must place to visit when coming to Valle de Bravo. You get very good cardio exercise plus the view of the town and the lake are amazing. The entry cost per person is $25 mxn.
The hike up is very rocky in some places but it is so worth it! The view is amazing from the top!
Enjoyed the hike to see some beautiful views at a very low cost! Do take some bottles of water or buy some there at the small shop to quench your thirst once you reach the top.
Very short hike to get to the top. Also very slippery only because it was raining so the rocks were kinda green with some type of moss and wet. Worth the hike there, when you get to the top the view is so beautiful 😍. It wasn't so busy there, but I went in the morning, only a couple of people . We got rain as we were getting down the mountain.
Cascada Velo de Novia
| Address | Manzana 025, San Lorenzo, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
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A great light hike to do with friends or family. Getting to the parking area is very easy, and there are several spots where people can watch your car while you’re there.
From the parking area, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the waterfall. The hike is very manageable and nothing extreme, which makes it accessible for almost anyone.
Once you arrive, there are nice areas to have a picnic, and you can also get into the waterfall itself. There’s no designated swimming area, but you can climb the rocks around it or stand directly underneath the water, which makes the whole experience even more fun.
Beautiful place to vist. The last part of the trail is rugged and a little bit challenging to climb up and down. The Waterfall arr magnificent and if one wants you can get right under the falling water. At the moment it's free
If you are a hiker Thais place offers some interesting trails once you reach the lake, cross over the creek and you will discover a beautiful path with great views over the lake
Excellent trekking forest and natural reserve/park, the sights are gorgeous if you're the nature loving kind, you can trail down to the bottom of the falls and come as close as you like.
There are decks from where you can see the falls if you don't feel like going down the rustic trail to the foot of the falls and picnic in the designated area.
It's a good adventure and a good trip to take, just wear comfy shoes and clothing, fit for the walk to and from this magnificent place, definitely recommend it.
Although it has areas that are a bit archaic, it's a beautiful place to visit, nothing fancy but surely beautiful falls.
It's a nice place to go and enjoy a cool falls, isn't that big lbut it worth go all the way down by Walk to get some cool pictures. When you go back up to the parking lot, be ready for the irregular stairs and some bumps on the walk way. You can grab some souvenirs at the stores on the top, remember to bring good shoes for the long way walking.
La Cascada de Avandaro
| Address | Ruta del Bosque 1, Avandaro, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A waterfall and trail that is accessible from the main road. Parking is very limited. Walk the trail up and you be rewarded with many locations to rest and take photos.
We had a wonderful Monday morning hanging out near the waterfalls. No tourist or crowds, just the sound of the waterfalls and birds. It's a east walk down to the look out but a little rocky if you want to get down to the water.
Good food across the street. I didn’t intend to eat there but the parking is non existent so it turned out to be a good stop!
La Cascada, Velo de Novia was beautiful. Water was just right. Being there kinda reminded me of WA. If you ever been in WA state you'll know what I'm taking about. Everything was so green and beautiful, you can walk around the water and It will take you all the way down the lake...the little shops were so cute. I even bought a dress . Beautiful embroidery locally made. We also had breakfast there . It was good, but customer service not the best.
very beautiful, peaceful, easy to get to
Cascada Piedra De Molino
| Address | Ruta del Bosque 122, Avandaro, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Great place, no effort to get there. The posted image was taken from the road.
beautiful, easy to get to
The only tricky part is parking. They're not obligated to provide parking. It's a natural area, period. There are parts of the waterfall where trash has accumulated. That's terrible because it just reflects our bad habit of leaving our dirty mark on the places we visit. If you bring bottles, beer, etc., take your trash back with you.
It was great, I really enjoyed the tour. You just need to wear special shoes so you don't slip. The sound of the waterfall was very relaxing.
The waterfall is located next to the road towards Avandaro, just a few minutes from the town of Valle de Bravo. It has a crafts area and a trail to the top with plenty of space for taking lots of photos. There are also grills and a restaurant in front.
Zona Protectora Forestal los terrenos constitutivos de las cuencas de los ríos Valle de Bravo, Malacatepec, Tilostoc y Temascaltepec
| Address | Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
The "Zona protectora..." Is 35 THOUSAND ACRES , SO NAMING HUNDREDS OF TOWNS WITHIN THE ZONE UNDER ONE NAME IS NOT ONLY WRONG BUT SMUG
Beautiful seen
You have to go if you're in the area. Tip for northerners: they have grills!
It's a beautiful place to enjoy Valle de Bravo, I was enchanted, it's very pretty, come and visit!! 🙌🫶
A very beautiful place to visit. Stupa in Valle de Bravo
Santuario Piedra Herrada, Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary, Temascaltepec
| Address | T. C. (Toluca - Cdad. Altamirano) - Valle de Bravo, Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 6180 9744 |
We visited on Thursday JAN 29, 2026. It was a sunny day, about 23 degrees at it’s high. We stayed in Valle de Bravo and it was about 45 min by car to reach the site.
We paid 100 pesos for parking and 300 pesos to enter the property. We were told by the cashier lady that we needed a guide. She only spoke Spanish, but we understood. After using the bathroom, there were 2 guides waiting under a canopy. In our broken Spanish we asked if they spoke English or French, they said NO. We managed (after a lot of arguing) to get away and start walking towards the trail. We thought what’s the point of paying if we can’t communicate (not sure of the cost). There was a few groups ahead of us, so we figured we would catch up. We also passed by the horses and managed to not get spotted.
We are a couple in our late 40’s, not in super shape, carrying extra weight. We do live in a city that is 1100 metres above sea levels and have a lot of hiking trails in the mountains, so we have been hiking before. The elevation here goes up to 3500 meters above sea levels. It took us 1.5hrs to go up. We stopped several times to let our heart rate slow down. There were 2 benches at the beginning of the trail that we utilized. The first 20min were on a flat surface, very wide, with wood ramps, so not challenging footwork. We followed the horse trail for a bit and I think (because we didn’t take a guide) that we followed it longer than we had should, but it was easier…… certain sections are more narrow and have rocks + roots to step over, but I felt it was doable. Its mostly in the shade, so not scorching hot.
We did plan for an extra day in case the Thursday was not sunny
We came mid February 2026, there were a lot of butterflies, it really was very beautiful!!
The hike is very tough, and not for everyone. The area at the bottom of the hill is very nice ... There's tasty food, clean bathrooms and cute souvenirs.
It seems like a well taken care of place, and definitely worth a visit!
When you visit, I highly recommend taking the horse. It's 350 pesos and totally worth it. Unless you truly love hiking, I wouldn’t try doing the whole trail on foot. It was super muddy, slippery, and honestly not fun. You still hike a little at the end, but it’s completely manageable.
We went on a semi-cloudy day, and even then it was incredible. When the sun finally broke through, the monarchs filled the air, it was absolutely magical. Everything was well organized, we felt safe, and the entire experience was unforgettable.
We booked private driver in Mexico City then got a tour guide at the gate. The butterflies were amazing fire a sunny day in November. The trail and forest were also great.
Weekends during the peak season are VERY, VERY, VERY crowded. There will be tour buses. You will likely wait in line to enter the sanctuary and to see the butterflies, but you will see butterflies! The local guides told me that during the week it is very quiet. The hike is step, and the altitude will make it more challenging for some, but slow and steady wins the race. I saw people of all ages and fitness levels make it to the top (eventually). Bathroom at the start of the trail for a small fee. Horses looked very calm, and riding is a good option for kids and those who are not strong walkers/hikers. No horse riding experience necessary. On warm and sunny days, the butterflies fly around. On colder days, they stay in groups in the trees to keep warm. Take binoculars, water, and wear layers. Cary out your trash, stay on the trail, and enjoy the amazing migration. Photos taken with a telephoto lens.
La Torre
| Address | Monte Alto, 51207 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 722 519 0056 |
La Torre is the paragliding launch above Valle de Bravo. It is a must see even if you do not decide to paraglide.
If you plan on hiking, Google Maps is incorrect. The road that Google tells you to take does not exist. To hike there, which is a tough one, especially if you are not acclimated to the altitude, you will want to take Calle La Joya, which is a bit further up the highway than the non existent road that Google Maps states.
Go the end of La Joya and you will be on the uphill side of Condominio Los Papalotes, Valle de Bravo. To the left is a private drive and to the right is the trail coming up, (I do not know where the trail head starts). Continue basically straight and the dirt road, which accesses a few properties, will turn into a well established trail that will take you to the top.
Difficult to get here unless you walk. But it's a doozy. Good take-off but quite tight. Toilets are available otherwise it's "just" a take-off.
Valle de Bravo rocks hard!!! Whether if you are an adrenaline junkie or just like to chill in style this is the absolute do it all place! Don't miss out!
Take off was great, and the experience depends completely on the wind. And even though the road is bumpy, the final views were all worth it.
Beautiful hill with great view!
Recorridos / tours / senderismo / taller de bicicletas Valle de Bravo Warriors Bike
| Address | C. Francisco González Bocanegra 102, Centro, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:30 – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 2:30 – 7:30 PM Friday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 722 105 8532 |
Great ride, amazing guide. If you want to go mountain biking Valle de Bravo, have Luise Felipe take you out and show you the amazing places you'd never find on your own. We did a 20 mile ride from Temascaltepec to Valle de Bravo descending through farms and forests and meadows. One of the most beautiful rides I have ever done.
Luis Felipe, my guide, was so helpful and patient with me on my first mountain bike adventure. He provided all the equipment and gave excellent instruction. He made me feel comfortable with my (in) ability and was very encouraging.
I had so much fun, it was both difficult and peaceful, the view was amazing and I got to see Valle de bravo from the top of a mountain with a sunset. I felt safe and also I learned some more challenging parts of mountain biking. 10/10!
The tour with Luis Felipe was incredible. We went with our two dogs to see the sunset... as you can see in the photos... we were so happy with the view and the routes we took. Great experience!
10/10!! Superb tour with Paty, she was incredibly patient with us, and although the journey was tiring, it was very rewarding, with incredible views and an amazing experience.
Hotel Rodavento
| Address | Carretera Valle de Bravo Los Saucos, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 55 2683 7683 |
It used to be a great place to go. Me & my family loved to go there and eat at the restaurant. However this last time the menu has changed to be dull. We ordered a pasta and it was so greasy that my stomach took several hours to digest it. The service was poor; we had to raise our hand several times so the waiter came to our table. We saw them talking like they were in a cafe while not paying attention to customers. But the worst thing is that the bathroom smelled like marijuana. This is unnaceptable since the bathroom is shared with men, women & kids. Kids!!!
The service, facilites, food has declined. The only good thing is the location but avoid to go to this restaurant; there are a lot of best options in Valle de Bravo. I mean, cheaper, tasty & with great view & most importantly they don't put at risk customers breathing pot. This is breaking the Mexican law.
Lastly, I did reported the situation that day to the staff immediately; it wasn't only me who smelled the pot. There were several people there; so don't try to discredit my review.
It happened.
Even if the restrooms have smoking detectors, why didn't they work???... the response of this hotel-restaurant is so delayed. This happened in mid January and in March 20th they answer? Wow! Thanks for giving me the reason about the poor service and that sadly it has declined...
The place is way over priced, and the publicity misleading, they showed cute cabins and you ended up getting a decent tent! Of course you can always upgrade for a fee, making it even more expensive, the food at the restaurant could be better, I wouldn't recommend it
Hotel Rodavento is a fabulous resort several hours outside of Mexico City featuring tent style stand alone sleeping areas. The chef spoke excellent English and went above and beyond in hospitality and helpfulness.
Beautiful grounds, nice furnishings and amenities. We stayed in Safari #47. It’s a bit of a hike up to the tent. Mostly quiet at night but you do hear road traffic regularly. Nice shower. Comfortable bed. Lovely little terrace on the front. The staff were generally kind, but the activity desk was not able to provide us with the tour we wanted on the day we wanted which was a bit disappointing. The food was very expensive and mostly not very good and definitely not worth the price (undercooked pizza, bland eggs benedict, dry desserts (platano one). The lattes were great and the tiramisu was alright). They also did not seem to clean the pool or jacuzzi very often. There were many many dead bugs floating on the surface, but the temperature of the jacuzzi was great. I would probably have given 5 stars but the price was really too high overall.
Great hotel. The zip line is so fun I definitely recommend it 👍🤩🤩
PRESA MIGUEL ALEMAN
| Address | 6R2R+2C, 51206 Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
It's expensive and there's nothing we can do, people have already ruined it.
A beautiful place full of vegetation
Unidad Deportiva Monte Alto
| Address | De Guadalupe, 51200 Valle de Bravo, Méx., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Easy hiking, great views
Super
Ideal place to play sports in a peaceful and cool environment. I really liked the facilities. Overall very clean and spacious. A bit far from the center of Valle de Bravo, but you can hike there.
Excellent place to exercise; all the facilities are very well maintained (soccer field, volleyball, basketball, racquetball court).
It also has several hiking trails on Monte Alto mountain, with beautiful views.
It's a great place for outdoor activities, with courts for racquetball, tennis, soccer, a running track, and a gym.
It also has exercise equipment.
Essential Tips for Hiking in Valle de Bravo
Navigating the trails around Lake Avándaro requires a blend of standard hiking preparation and local awareness. The high altitude, combined with the region’s distinct wet and dry seasons, creates specific conditions that can catch unprepared visitors off guard. By following a few key guidelines, you can ensure your time in the forest is safe, comfortable, and respectful of the environment.
Acclimatize to the altitude. Valle de Bravo sits at approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, and many trails climb significantly higher. If you are arriving from sea level, spend your first day exploring the town or the lake before attempting a strenuous hike. Drink plenty of water and listen to your body, as altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness level.
Wear proper footwear. The trails here are often covered in loose pine needles, volcanic rock, and mud, especially during the rainy season from June to September. Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners with aggressive tread are highly recommended. Avoid flat-soled sneakers, as the steep descents can become dangerously slippery.
Start early to beat the weather. In the dry season, the afternoon sun can be intense at altitude, while the wet season often brings predictable afternoon thunderstorms. Aim to hit the trail by 7:00 or 8:00 AM. This allows you to finish your hike before the heat peaks or the clouds roll in over the peaks.
Hire a local guide for backcountry routes. While popular paths like La Peña are easy to follow, trails such as those in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve or deep in the Bosencheve National Park are often unmarked. Local guides not only prevent you from getting lost but also offer invaluable insight into the flora, fauna, and history of the region.
Carry cash for ejido fees. Many of the waterfalls and natural parks in the Valle de Bravo area are located on ejido land, which is communally owned by local residents. Access to trails like Velo de Novia or El Molino often requires a small entrance fee, usually between 30 and 100 pesos. These fees are used for trail maintenance and conservation, so keep small bills handy.
Respect the monarch habitat. If you are hiking during the winter months, you may be sharing the forest with millions of monarch butterflies. Keep your voice down, stay on marked paths, and never touch or disturb the butterfly clusters. These insects are fragile, and disturbing them during their hibernation can deplete the energy they need to survive the winter.
The beauty of hiking in Valle de Bravo lies in its diversity. One moment you are walking through a sun-dappled oak forest, and the next you are standing at the edge of a misty gorge listening to the roar of a waterfall. The trails offer a chance to disconnect from the bustling lakeside promenade and reconnect with the raw, natural rhythm of the Mexican highlands.
As you descend back toward the cobblestone streets of the town, the smell of wood smoke and fresh tortillas will guide you home. A post-hike meal in the local market is the perfect reward, offering a taste of the region’s rustic culinary heritage to complement the miles you have just conquered.
