Valle de Bravo is considered one of Mexico’s pueblo mágicos(magic towns). There certainly seems to be a bit of magic in the air, from the pine and fir forests carpeting the surrounding hills to the gleaming Lago Avándaro, a hub for recreation. This is where Mexico City’s elite come to play. Leave time for an unhurried stroll along cobbled streets to the town plaza, where centuries-old buildings (each crowned with a terra-cotta roof) now play host to buzzy bars, cafes, and boutiques. Though it’s been likened to vacation hotspots like Switzerland and Lake Como, Valle de Bravo offers a quintessential Mexican countryside experience entirely its own.

Fresh Things to Do

Velo de Novia Waterfall

This 115-foot waterfall is somewhat of a hidden gem, tucked away in Velo de Novia park (in neighboring Avándaro) amid a grove of fir trees. Set out on foot or bike to explore around the falls.

Mercado de Artesanías

If you want to take home a little piece of Valle de Bravo, head to this arts-and-crafts market, featuring artisan pottery, handicrafts made by the indigenous Mazahua, and traditional ocoxal (baskets made from woven pine needles).

Paragliding

Valle de Bravo is a popular spot for paragliding, thanks to the region’s lakefront breezes. For your first flight, fly with an instructor. Gliders commonly take off inside the Monte Alto Nature Reserve

Templo de Santa María Ahuacatlán

The oldest church in Valle de Bravo dates back to the 17th century. See the famed blackened crucifix statue, one of the only artifacts to survive a colonial-era fire that destroyed the church.

Piedra Herrada

Valle de Bravo is where a massive colony of the winged insects ride out the winter (after flying all the way from Canada). Explore this sanctuary on foot or horseback to see thousands of butterflies fluttering about.

Lago Avándaro

Also known as Valle de Bravo Reservoir (because the man-made lake helps supply water to Mexico City), Lago Avándaro is the main draw in Valle. Enjoy all manner of aquatic recreation here, including sailing, kayaking, boating, and waterskiing. Even land-based activities revolve around the lake — hike or mountain bike through the neighboring forested hills to reach a scenic lookout over the lake, or go where the wind takes you on a paragliding or hang-gliding excursion to catch a bird’s-eye view.

Where to Eat and Drink

  • Casa Rodavento – the hotel’s restaurant is considered the top restaurant in town. The food is delicious … everything from granolas to tortillas and pastas are all made in house. End your evening with a craft tequila cocktail in the rooftop hot tub overlooking the moonlit lake and the town’s cathedral.
  • Hotel Rodavento – lunch in the gorgeous open air tented restaurant/bar nestled on the lake shore. Lunch was followed by an archery competition.
  • Local flavor – There are lots of little bars and restaurants in town, which we didn’t sample, but would be fun to try. I’d suggest checking out Cinco for a drink.
  • Spa – Hotel Rodavento
  • Paddle boarding/ Wake Boarding on Lake Avándaro – access/ book through private beach clubs along shore
  • Hiking – loads of good trails around the lake and hills (ask your host). A friend described it as “Lake Tahoe meets Lake Como” in terms of the mountain lake beauty and available activities.
  • Monarch Butterfly Reserve – place where millions of migratory butterflies land each year