The ULTIMATE Valle de Bravo Mexico Travel Guide for First-Timers

valle de bravo travel guide
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want to visit The Hamptons of Mexico City?

Located about two hours from Mexico City, you’ll be in picturesque Valle de Bravo, Mexico — deemed the Mexico City Hamptons by Architectural Digest magazine in 2019.

It is one of the 177 Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns). This magical town is located in Estado de México (Mexico state, or literally State of Mexico).

A popular destination for wealthy chilangos (Mexico City locals), many head there to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Valle de Bravo is among the most peaceful and upscale weekend, overnight and day trips from Mexico City, with plenty of great accommodations.

valle de bravo mexico paragliding

Want to book the best Valle de Bravo Tour? This Valle de Bravo Paragliding Tour has a perfect 5 Star rating!

Ready to discover everything you need to know for an amazing trip to Valle de Bravo, Mexico?

Let’s get to this Valle de Bravo guide, starting where it’s located and how to get to Valle de Bravo from Mexico City.

Followed by all the amazing things to see, where to stay in Valle de Bravo, the best restaurants, and more.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Where is Valle de Bravo Mexico located?

Valle de Bravo is in Central Mexico, in Estado de Mexico (Mexico State).

🗺 Valle de Bravo Map

This is one of the 32 states in Mexico, which sits between Mexico City and Morelia.

As you can see on the Valle de Bravo Mexico map above, it’s only a few miles from the neighboring state, Michoacan.

Here, where you’ll find the Morelia, a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the lake towns of Patzcuaro.

This is one of the best places for attending Day of the Dead in Mexico, with its unique celebration.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

How far is Valle de Bravo from Mexico City?

Valle de Bravo is about 87 miles (140 km) west of Mexico City. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours in normal traffic.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

What state is Valle de Bravo in?

Though many think Valle de Bravo is in Mexico City, it is located one state over in Estado de Mexico, which literally means “Mexico State.”

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

How do you get to Valle de Bravo Mexico?

To visit Valle de Bravo, most fly into Mexico City Airport (code: MEX) and rent a car for the two-hour drive to Valle de Bravo.

✈️ Find flights to Mexico City now!

However, there’s another also a few other options — though it’s usually best to use Mexico City International Airport because it has the most flights.

Opened in 2022, you can now fly into Felipe Ángeles International Airport (code: NLU).

This is sometimes called the “new Mexico City airport” because it’s not too far from Mexico City.

There is also a small regional airport, Toluca International Airport (code: TLC), only about 30 minutes away, though there are no direct flights from the United States.

From Toluca Airport, you can rent a car and drive to Valle de Bravo, or take a bus.

There are no buses from the airport, so you’ll have to first take a taxi to the Toluca bus station, then catch your bus to Valle de Bravo.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Best Mexico City to Valle de Bravo Tours

valle de bravo mexico sign
It’s hard not to love Lago de Valle de Bravo Mexico!

If you’re not staying overnight at one of these best Valle de Bravo hotels, a tour from Mexico City is without a doubt the best way to visit Valle de Bravo.

This Private Tour to Valle de Bravo from Mexico City is a great option because you’ll have a local guide showing you around.

🦋 If you’re visiting during the Mexico butterfly season, from about November to March, you can also book this Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Private Tour from Mexico City to see the butterflies in Valle de Bravo.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Mexico City to Valle de Bravo Drive

Valle de Bravo is about 2-2.5 hours from Mexico City by car, depending on traffic.

The fastest way is on the relatively new toll road, Highway 15D, that takes you directly from Mexico City to Valle de Bravo.

🚙 Note: Bring pesos (cash) for the tolls.

There’s also the scenic route on Highway 134, which takes about 30 minutes longer.

As with most scenic drives, it’s the prettier and more relaxing of the two.

On it, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of tall cacti, palms and pine trees and multicolored homes and buildings.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Renting a Car in Mexico City

Valle de Bravo paragliders
The Valle de Bravo paragliders about to land.

While the thought of a Mexico City car rental might seem intimidating, it’s actually easy and relatively inexpensive.

Driving in Mexico is similar to driving in the U.S., but for a crash course on how to drive in Mexico, here’s 10 Useful Mexico Driving Tips to help you with how to drive in Mexico.

For a rental car in Mexico, I recommend and use Discover Cars — as they check both local Mexican companies and international companies simultaneously, so you get the best deal.

🚗 You can read more about Discover Cars here.

You can also buy Mexico car insurance directly with them, as you must have Mexican insurance in Mexico, as U.S. companies don’t count.

Note: Even if you’re getting Mexico travel insurance, it rarely covers driving.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Mexico City to Valle de Bravo Bus

bus station in valle de bravo mexico
The Terminal de Autobuses, or Valle de Bravo bus station.

Want to take a bus from Mexico City to Valle de Bravo? It’s easy!

From Mexico City, grab an Uber or taxi to Terminal de Autobuses de Poniente (AKA Terminal Observatorio or TAPO Mexico City). It is located here.

There, you’ll buy a ticket with Zinabus for the trip to Valle de Bravo. When you’re headed back from Valle de Bravo to Mexico City, you’ll also use this bus.

🚌💨 Zinabus offers a 10% discount when you buy your tickets online. Prices will always vary, but plan to spend about $20-30 USD on roundtrip bus tickets to Valle de Bravo from Mexico City.

There is only one bus station in Valle de Bravo, which makes it easy to find!

The Terminal de Autobuses Valle de Bravo is located here, and if you need a taxi when you arrive, there are always some waiting outside.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

10 Best Things to Do in Valle de Bravo Mexico

If you’re showing up to Valle de Bravo with no plan — no problem!

You can easily spend a day in Valle de Bravo or a week in Valle de Bravo and fill your time with amazing sites and activities.

For those what a better idea of what to do in Valle de Bravo, you’ll find 10 suggestions below.

If that’s not enough, check out these 30 Best Valle de Bravo Things to Do, which will help you plan an epic Valle de Bravo trip.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

1. Stroll Historic Downtown

colonial street in valle de bravo pueblo magico mexico
The beautiful architecture of Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

Whatever you do, don’t miss spending some time in Centro de Valle de Bravo, or downtown!

One of the top things to do is simply wander downtown’s cobblestone streets, and the Plaza Principal (Town Square).

On your walk, take in the Kiosko (Gazebo) in the plaza and the centuries-old buildings with Valle de Bravo’s quintessential white walls and terracotta tile roofs.

In Plaza Principal, you’ll see the Jardín Principal (Main Garden), San Francisco de Asis Church, mercado shopping, street food stands, and more.

Make sure to try esquites de camaron (grilled corn served with diced shrimp, crema, lime and chile), an ice cream from La Michoacana, or a nieves (sorbet) from one of the street vendors.

Continue your stroll down the main streets of Calle Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza and Calle 5 de Mayo. Both have great shopping, restaurants, photography spots, bars and more.

Heading south on Calle 5 de Mayo, you’ll have a few streets where you can access Lake Avandaro Mexico.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

2. Lago Avándaro (Lake Avandaro Valle de Bravo)

Lake Avandaro in Valle de Bravo Mexico
Lake Avandaro view from the Mirador del Peña Valle de Bravo overlook.

Lake Avandaro is the centerpiece of Valle de Bravo, and the town’s main draw for tourism.

Even when you’re on the water, the spectacular views from the shores of Lake Avándaro will also wow you.

If you do venture onto this great lake, you can enjoy a variety of aquatic recreation activities, like sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, fishing and waterskiing.

💧 Valle de Bravo Fun Fact: It is actually an artificial lake created from a man made reservoir. You can read more about that here.

🛥️ Valle de Bravo Tours of LAKE AVANDARO

Lake Avandaro in Valle de Bravo Mexico
Make sure to take a Valle de Bravo Lake Avandaro boat tour.

You can also just enjoy a relaxing boat tour from the Embarcadero Municipal Valle de Bravo (Municipal Embarcadero).

You can buy tickets at the ticket booths right before a group tour departs from their private dock area.

There are also private boats that will take you on a tour.

The 30-minute tours cost $500 MXN pesos (about $27 USD), and the 60-minute tours cost $1,000 pesos (about $54 USD). Of course, rates can vary.

CAN YOU SWIM IN VALLE DE BRAVO’S LAKE AVANDARO?

Yes, you can swim in the lake — though many opt not to, as the water is quite cold.

Tours of the lake are extremely popular, and there are many ways to explore Lago Avandaro Valle de Bravo Mexico.

However, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) are some very popular ways to get out on the water.

Don’t plan to swim while visiting? Even Valle de Bravo’s land-based activities seem to revolve around the lake!

(The only one that doesn’t seems to be mountain biking in Valle de Bravo.)

Most hikes and walking trails meander their way to the top of town, so you can take in the scenic vistas of the lake from above, and watch the paragliders and or hang-gliders from above.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

3. Valle de Bravo Paragliding

valle de bravo mexico paraglider
Paragliding over Lake Avandaro in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. (Photo: Canva, Paragliding Valle de Bravo Mexico)

Located at 6,070-feet above sea level (1,850 m), Valle de Bravo ranks among the best places for paragliding in the world.

The views of the lake on your descent only make the experience that much more memorable.

For first-time flyers, don’t worry, you’ll go tandem with a trained instructor.

Paragliding in Valle de Bravo costs about $150-175 USD per person.

🪂 best Paragliding Tours in Valle de bravo

🚴‍♀️ Sporty Activities in Valle de Bravo

people mountain biking in Valle de Bravo Mexico
Looking to do outdoor activities in Valle de Bravo? Don’t hesitate to book this highly-rated Valle de Bravo Bike Tour and head out on the trails with a local who knows the area. (Photo: Airbnb)

The town of Valle de Bravo has plenty of sports to enjoy back on land or on the beautiful lake.

There’s mountain bike trails for those who fancy some extreme sports, as well as golf clubs and horseback riding.

There are also numerous hiking trails in Valle de Bravo that go to a Mirador (lookout point) or waterfalls.

On Lago de Avandaro Lake, there’s plenty of space to practice water sports like water skiing and sailing.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

4. Mercado de Artesanías (Artisan Market)

colorful mexican handicrafts at Mercado de Artesanías Valle de Bravo Mexico
The artisan market in Valle de Bravo Centro (Downtown).

No trip is complete without a visit to Mercado de Artesanías, the best Valle de Bravo arts & crafts market.

This is the best place to shop in Valle de Bravo for souvenirs made by artisans from different towns in the area.

For upscale Valle de Bravo shopping, head to Calle Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza instead.

Here, you’ll find stall after stall with handmade goods from Mexican artisans and the indigenous Mazahua peoples.

Don’t pass up the chance to purchase colorful Mazahua fabrics, Otumba pottery, Ocoxal baskets made from woven pine needles, handcrafted woodworks and more.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

5. Cascada Velo de Novia Waterfall

Cascada Velo de Novia Waterfall Valle de Bravo Mexico
The best waterfall in Valle de Bravo — Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil Falls).

In the neighboring town of Avándaro, an affluent suburb of Valle de Bravo, you’ll find the 115-foot waterfall (35 m), Velo de Novia. It’s name means Bridal Veil Falls.

Tucked away in Velo de Novia Park, and set amid a grove of fir trees, it’s an easy hike to the falls from the park entrance.

From the entry point, it is about 15-20 minutes to the bottom of the falls on a well-maintained trail.

🇲🇽 Avándaro Mexico Travel

As some have discovered Valle de Bravo online, and seen its multimillion dollar homes, you may be curious about where all that epic Valle de Bravo real estate is located.

Well, it’s here in Avandaro, a wealthy town perched on the hill overlooking Valle de Bravo and Lake Avandaro.

For those who might be considering living in Valle de Bravo Mexico, these lake house villas have the best views in town.

On weekends, the main street in Avandaro comes alive, as many Mexico City locals escape here for a relaxing weekend.

Avandaro is also popular for its golf courses, private cabanas in the woods like Cabañas Salamandras del Lago, and the famed El Santuario Resort & Spa.

✌️ Avándaro Mexico Fun Facts: The Festival Rock y Ruedas de Avándaro, a massive Mexican rock festival that took place in the town in 1971 — is often called the Woodstock of Mexico.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

6. San Francisco de Asis Church

San Francisco de Asis Church colonial church in Valle de Bravo Meixco
San Francisco de Asis, the large church in Valle de Bravo’s Plaza Principal.

The beautiful San Francisco de Asis Church in Valle de Bravo is a 17th Century church that sits in the center of the Plaza Principal (sometimes called Plaza Independencia, or Town Plaza).

It is the most recognizable building in the Valle de Bravo skyline, and said to be the tallest church in the entire state.

Inside, enjoy a few quiet moments away from the nonstop energy in the Plaza.

As with many Mexican churches, there are beautiful paintings, sculptures, murals to see.

You may take travel photos inside the church, as long as there’s no service going on and you’re respectful.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

7. Hike to Mirador La Peña

view of the lake from Mirador La Peña Valle de Brvo
The peak of Mirador La Peña Valle de Bravo pueblo magico.

La Pena is the most popular and best hiking trail in Valle de Bravo. ⚠️ Note: It is quite high, and there’s no safety railings, so hike with caution.

What you will want to do is take a cab to the trailhead, as the walk through town to reach that point is all uphill and you may be too tired to even do La Pena.

To get to the large cross at the very top of the Mirador La Peña (meaning “La Peña Lookout”), you’ll have to climb up some boulders.

The hike itself is a bit steep, though it’s a short climb with stairs along the way. When I did the La Peña Valle de Bravo hike, it took about 30 minutes.

Once at the top of Mirador, you’ll have spectacular, panoramic views of Lake Avandaro.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Valle de Bravo so it’s safe for the most part, but you’ll need to use caution at various points on the trail.

If you have good hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, you’ll want to use those.

🥾 Love hiking? This is a hilly town, so there’s plenty of places to go hiking in Valle de Bravo, like Monte Alto State Park.

Located nearby, there’s also Nevado de Toluca, one of the tallest peaks in Mexico.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

8. Cascada Refugio del Salto Waterfall

valle de bravo mexico | waterfall restaurant
The beautiful views of Refugio del Salto Waterfall (AKA El Salto Waterfall) from Misión Grand Hotel. (Photo: Expedia)

Much like the advice you just got for the Mirador La Peña, you’ll want to take a cab to the trailhead for the El Salto waterfall.

It’s a relatively easy 20-30 minute walk from the main road, through the woods. The trail is pretty clearly defined, and goes along the river.

If you don’t want to hike, take a taxi to the Misión Grand Valle de Bravo hotel.

This is one of the best boutique hotels in Valle de Bravo, and a great place for lunch as you can eat at their restaurant right next to the waterfall.

You can also head there after the hike for lunch, as you can access the restaurant from the trail.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

9. Templo de Santa Maria Ahuacatlan

Templo de Santa Maria Ahuacatlan Valle de Bravo church
Templo de Santa María Ahuacatlán Church in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

This is the oldest church in Valle de Bravo, and dates back to the 17th Century in pre-hispanic times.

Some say it’s the most important religious building in the Historic Center, as a so-called miracle took place here.

Inside, you’ll see the famed Cristo Negro, or Black Christ, one just a few items to survive a Colonial-era fire which destroyed the rest of the church, though miraculously left the statue unscathed.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

10. Shopping on Joaquin Arcadio Pagaza

shopping in valle de bravo mexico
Don’t miss out on all the boutique shopping, one of the best things to do Valle de Bravo has to offer.

Calle Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza has the best shopping in Valle de Bravo.

This street is lined with high-end shops, like Ce de Casa, that specialize in artisan-made Mexican housewares and locally-sourced items.

Here, you’ll also find great cafes like Soleado, Cocina del Mundo, art galleries, boutique clothing shops, and more.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Valle de Bravo

The butterfly migration in Valle de Bravo Estado de Mexico is one of the top tourist attractions in this small town.

The best time to see butterflies in Mexico is from about November to April.

However, the best time to see Valle de Bravo butterflies is from about December to March.

In the spring, these butterflies begin an eight month migration that takes them all the way to Eastern Canada and back, during which time four successive generations are born and die. How they find their way back to their overwintering site remains a mystery.

Source: UNESCO

🦋 Note: This is seasonal, and you can’t see butterflies in Mexico all year — so if you’re visiting during the Mexico butterfly season, you have to add this to your list.

The Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Reserve is a habitat for millions (maybe even billions) of migratory butterflies.

It is located in the surrounding area just north of town.

This Piedra Herrada Sanctuary Valle de Bravo is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Property Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico.

This rural area is considered one of the most beautiful Mexico UNESCO sites. Because of this remote location, its safest to visit on this guided tour, as you must do a steep climb on a one-hour hike through the forest.

You can also pay to go on horseback and with a guide, though even the horses don’t go up the final 150 feet (45 m), as it’s too steep and rocky for them.

Once at the top, you’ll see thousands of monarch butterflies in your immediate eye-line.

When you look around, you’ll see thousands more, sometimes weighing down branches because there are so many of them, but also fluttering about, and even landing on you.

It is a true Mexico bucket list experience!

Best Mexico Monarch Butterfly Tours

Since this is a seasonal phenomenon, you’ll only find Mexico butterfly tours advertised from about October to March, during the Mexico butterfly season.

If you happen to be searching for the best Valle de Bravo butterfly tours, you may not even see them come up from about April to September.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Best Valle de Bravo Hotels

Valle de Bravo Mexico Hotel | La Casa Rodavento Rooftop
Book La Casa Rodavento Hotel now! (Photo: Expedia)

Wondering where to stay in Valle de Bravo Mexico? You have a lot of options for a smaller town.

Valle de Bravo is all about luxury, though there are also mid-range and budget options.

Below, you’ll find what are considered the best hotels in Valle de Bravo, with options at all price points.

However, when it comes to the best Valle de Bravo resorts — there is a clear winner, and that’s La Casa Rodavento.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

1. La Casa Rodavento: Best Hotel in Valle de Bravo

pool at La Casa Rodavento hotel in Valle de Bravo Mexico
Book La Casa Rodavento and enjoy one of the best Valle de Bravo hotels with a pool.

After a full day hiking, shopping and enjoying the lake, enjoy every possible comfort you could want at La Casa Rodavento Hotel.

Enjoy posh rooms, the pool, spa, jacuzzi, bar, and also a fancy dinner at the onsite Nuestro restaurant.

If you can get a reservation, Nuestro is such a beautiful place for a quiet and romantic dinner.

🏨 La Casa Rodavento Valle de Bravo Booking Tip

Inquire about getting Suite 2, which has a private rooftop deck with expansive views of the town and the San Francisco de Asis Cathedral.

Note: This resort is adults only. However, their sister resort, Hotel Avandaro Golf & Spa Resort, is family-friendly with plenty of activities like an arcade, tennis courts, playground and a pool.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

2. Cinco Rodavento Valle de Bravo

The slightly-less expensive cousin to La Casa Rodavento, Cinco Rodavento Valle de Bravo has a similar eco-chic decor and nice amenities.

It has more of an overall youthful, trendy vibe, and is the perfect hotel for a girl’s trip or friend’s trip, but also quiet enough to make for a great romantic getaway.

When you visit Cinco Rodavento, don’t miss the amazing rooftop bar called Rüf (pronounced Roof), a popular place for rooftop cocktails and to enjoy the sunset.

Considered the best rooftop bar in Valle de Bravo, they also have live music most weekend nights.

Now, if you’re looking for a more upscale option, definitely opt for La Casa Rodavento over Cinco Rodavento. However, Cinco wins in the “fun” department.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

3. Hotel San Sebastian Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo Mexico Hotel
Book San Sebastian Hotel Valle de Bravo now! (Photo: Expedia, Rights reserved)

A great hotel for the price, you’ll get great amenities and upscale service here at Hotel San Sebastian Valle de Bravo, but without the upscale price tag.

Located in the heart of Downtown, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of any Valle de Bravo hotel.

Also, this place just oozes with old-world charm and you’re just a short walk from the Town Center.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

4. Capital O Hotel Rincon Soñado

For a great budget-friendly option, there’s Capital O Hotel Rincon Soñado Valle de Bravo, a posada style hotel in Downtown near the Plaza Principal and Mercado de Artesanías.

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting on the weekend, lower-priced options like this fill up well in advance.

Best Restaurants in Valle de Bravo Mexico

1. El Callejón del Hambre: Best Tacos in Valle de Bravo

El Callejón del Hambre  in Valle de Bravo Mexico
No trip to any of the top Mexico travel destinations is complete without sampling all the different types of tacos in Mexico.

El Callejón del Hambre (Hunger Alley) is the place Valle de Bravo locals go for their street foods — particularly for the tacos, elote and esquites.

If you want to enjoy some cheap eats, quintessential Mexico street tacos and other traditional Mexican food, head to El Callejón del Hambre and eat wherever has the longest line.

My favorite place is Tacos Jaimes.

🌮 Asados Don Abel

There’s also Asados Don Abel, which is another locals’ favorite and a hidden gem for visitors.

They do have tables and chairs here, so you can sit down at the table and eat.

This is a no-frills Mexican BBQ joint, which specializes in wild boar tacos and frijoles charros (pork and beans).

It is located across from a nice park, reminiscent of the main square, but less crowded.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

2. Nuestro: Best Restaurant in Valle de Bravo

Nuestro restaurant in Valle de Bravo Mexico
Nuestro Restaurant at La Casa Rodavento in Valle de Bravo, Mexico is one of the best Valle de Bravo Restaurants for an upscale meal.

Nuestro is the restaurant at La Casa Rodavento, and widely considered the best Valle de Bravo restaurant.

You will definitely want a reservation if you plan to eat dinner at this popular spot.

Headed by Chef Alberto Colín, who once worked under famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the cuisine at Nuestro is classic Mexican food with a twist.

The dishes at Nuestro Valle de Bravo feature hyper-local ingredients, with a seasonal menu that changes every quarter.

What else would you expect from one of the best Mexican chefs working today?!

🍷🍽 Quirina

If Nuestro happens to be fully booked — and if you’re going on a weekend, it just might be — the beautiful rooftop at Quirina Restaurant at the Múbú Boutique Hotel, is also a great fine dining option.

Just like Nuestro Valle de Bravo, Quirina Restaurante has amazing reviews and ambiance, so you can’t go wrong with either.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

3. Soleado, Cocina del Mundo: Best Cafe in Valle de Bravo

Soleado, Cocina del Mundo Restaurant in Valle de Bravo Mexico
Soleado in one of the best restaurants Valle de Bravo has for international food.

A well known Valle de Bravo restaurant, Soleado, Cocina del Mundo (Sunny, World Cuisine) is adorable inside and outside.

There is a nice downstairs area, but the rooftop terrace offers beautiful views with international foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

4. Rüf at Cinco Rodavento: Best Bar in Valle de Bravo

pink cocktail at Rüf Valle de Bravo, located in the Cinco Rodavento Hotel
The best rooftop bar in Valle de Bravo, Rüf at Cinco Rodavento Hotel.

Rüf (pronounced roof) at Cinco Rodavento Hotel has the best cocktails in Valle de Bravo, particularly their mezcal cocktails, like the one pictured above.

🥃 Love Mexican mezcal? Book this best Valle de Bravo mezcal tour, Mezcal, Ancient Drink: Enjoy & Learn at El Ensueño. On this 5 Star tour, you’ll sample the best artesian mezcal in towns.

As a rooftop bar, you’ll sip said delicious cocktails while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Avandaro, stunning both during the day and at night.

It’s easy to see why this ranks as one of the best bars in Valle de Bravo.

Valle de Bravo Mexico Travel Guide & FAQ

What’s the best time to visit Valle de Bravo?

Central Mexico is blessed with what’s called “Eternal Spring” weather, so there’s really no bad time to visit.

🌡️ Valle de Bravo Weather

weather in valle de bravo mexico

If you like cooler temperatures, opt for winter and spring, but if you want to take advantage of the sunshine, visit in summer or fall.

Valle de Bravo temperatures are generally temperate year-round, but check out the detailed guide below for some tips on making the most of your Valle de Bravo travel.

🌱 valle de bravo in Spring and Summer

The Valle de Bravo rainy season runs from about June to September, and it can rain quite a bit, so consider bringing this windproof travel umbrella with you.

April and May tend to be the hottest months, but the nice breeze off Avandaro Lake helps keep Valle de Bravo cool.

Still, you’ll want to bring your reusable water bottle. I use this one from Water-To-Go with a built in filter.

🍂 valle de bravo in Winter and Fall

Winters are cool to cold, so pack warm clothes and layers, as overnight temperatures can dip into the 40°Fs (6-8°C).

This can also be romantic because a lot of cabins in Valle de Bravo have a fireplace.

January is usually the coolest month in Valle de Bravo.

November through April is generally dry and sunny, so these are great months for hikes to the Valle de Bravo waterfalls.

🧳 For more information on what to pack for Mexico, check out the Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download

🦋 Mexico Monarch Butterfly Migration in Valle de Bravo: December to March

monarch butterflies in valle de bravo mexico
Of all Mexico’s magic towns, Valle de Bravo is unique because of the monarch butterfly sanctuaries.

Aside from when to get the best weather in Valle de Bravo Mexico, many want to visit to see the millions of monarch butterflies during their annual migration.

The butterflies are around from about November to April, but the best time to see butterflies in Valle de Bravo is from December to March.

🦋 Head here for more information on how to see the monarch butterflies in Mexico.

👻 Festival de Las Almas (Late-October)

altar decorated for day of the dead in mexico
A festive Day of the Dead altar in Mexico.

The largest of the annual Valle de Bravo festivals is Festival de Las Almas (Festival of the Souls). It is part of one of the most important Mexican holidays.

It takes place at the end of October, coinciding with Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead Mexico — a festive holiday with costumes, traditional dancing and an elaborate fireworks display.

🪂 Monarca Paragliding Open (January)

Valle de Bravo paragliders
Even if you don’t go paragliding in Valle de Bravo, you’ll still see some as they make their way back to Earth.

The Monarca Open takes place each year in January.

During this competition, paragliders from all over the world come to Valle de Bravo to compete and enjoy one of the best places in the world for paragliding.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Is Valle de Bravo safe for travelers?

Wondering about Valle de Bravo safety? It ranks among the safest cities in Mexico.

valle de bravo mexico | lake avandaro
Some of the beautiful Valle de Bravo houses overlooking the Valle de Bravo Lake Avandaro.

However, no place on Earth is 100% safe, and you always need to exercise some caution as a traveler. Overall though, it is very safe.

The drive to Valle de Bravo from Mexico City is also considered safe, but you’ll want to do it during the day.

Just like most residents of Mexico City will tell you, they only do this drive during the day, and so should you.

Still have concerns about the Is Valle de Bravo Mexico safe question? Let’s take a deeper dive into the complex topic of Mexico travel safety.

Valle de Bravo is located in Estado de Mexico (Mexico State), which if you’ve done a search, you know isn’t known as one of the safest places in Mexico.

However, the Valle de Bravo pueblo magico is a popular vacation town that’s considered safe for travelers.

The Mexican government is generally very invested in keeping these kinds of tourist towns safe, so visitors continue to return.

Now, that’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Valle de Bravo; they do.

For this reason, you’ll want to exercise the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else in the world.

These include: don’t walk home alone at night, don’t leave your valuables unattended, and avoid people and situations that feel unsafe.

These measures should suffice on your Valle de Bravo trip, as it’s pretty safe.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

Is Valle de Bravo worth visiting?

Often likened to the Hamptons in New York, Lake Cuomo, Italy, or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — Valle de Bravo is an ideal town for rest, relaxation, peace and quiet.

zocalo main square in Valle de Bravo Mexico
The Zocalo, or Main Square, in the pueblo magico Valle de Bravo Mexico.

First time visitors are generally pretty wowed after their trip. I know I was 🤩

Valle de Bravo is considered a spiritual center, popular for yoga and wellness retreats.

However, it is still one of the best-kept secrets in Mexico, so you’re away from the crowds.

For those seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, this is your perfect place.

Don’t hesitate to book your hotel and entire Valle de Bravo vacation now.

What’s the Valle de Bravo population?

As of 2020, there are about 62,000 living in Valle de Bravo.

valle de bravo mexico travel guide

My Final Thoughts on Traveling to Valle de Bravo Mexico

I’ve only been once, but I am completely obsessed with Valle de Bravo.

It’s gorgeous, quaint, charming, and there’s quite a few great things to see in Valle de Bravo, in addition to great restaurants and street food.

This well preserved colonial town is centered around Lake Avándaro, so there’s no shortage of water activities.

From sailing, boating, yachting and jet skiing, to swimming, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding and hang gliding — these are the can’t miss Valle de Bravo things to do in the water and the sky.

Back on land, you can go hiking to waterfalls, take this bike tour, and explore charming and historic Downtown Valle de Bravo.

It has cobblestone-lined streets and colonial buildings dating back to the 16th Century.

Whether this is a quick day trip from Mexico City, or you have two days in Valle de Bravo or a whole week to really get tot know the town, you won’t regret visiting Valle de Bravo Mexico.

Note: You might see this town called other names, like Valle del Bravo Mexico, Valle Bravo Mexico, Balle de Bravo Mexico, Valle de Mexico, Baye de Bravo Mexico, Via de Mexico, or Via de Bravo Mexico — but it is called Valle de Bravo.

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