In the Matlatzinco Valley, in the center of the Mexican Republic, we find an area privileged by the fertility of its soil, as imposing as the rapturous landscapes that surround it and its great workforce that contributes both to the State of Mexico and the country: Toluca, a name derived from the Nahuatl word Tollocan meaning place where the god Tolo is.

Some people say that the founding of Toluca was on March 19, 1522 by a few evangelizing missionaries, though there are no further details about it. During colonial times this town was booming as a producer of meat and sausages, not only bringing wealth to the region, but diversifying the cuisine.

Currently the municipality, with more than 600,000 inhabitants in 24 boroughs, is listed as one of the most diverse in the nation: companies and businesses, industry, culture and education, tourism ... everything has a place in Toluca!

Located 2,680 meters above sea level, Toluca is not only the highest city in the country, but also it has a rich culture whose main distinction is the fusion of many indigenous elements of the central west region of the country: Matlatzincas, Toltecs, Mexicas, and Otomis, bequeathing their own vision of the world in a range of colors which take shape in folk art objects.

The modernity of Toluca and its growing infrastructure is complemented by legendary archaeological sites and museums that protect priceless treasures, the employment vision of modern times smoothly joins with the tradition of religious festivals, which past and present being shaped in this city one of the most promising futures for youth from Mexico City, or more commonly referred to as mexiquense.

Industrial development of this destination, concentrated in the Toluca-Lerma Valley, is known for the production of food, drinks, tobacco, textiles, wood, petroleum chemicals, rubber and plastic, glass, beer, cars, medicines, electrical and electronics, among others.

All this has earned it as one of the more developed economies in Latin America, contributing 1.2% of national GDP (more than Guatemala).

Similarly, tourism and restaurant industries play a major role in the region, so what can you expect on your visit to Toluca?

A great trip full of pleasant experiences waits you! Thirty-four hotels with 1,622 rooms, 128 restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 42 travel agencies, 9 tourist transportation companies, and 6 airlines connecting Toluca with the world from the Adolfo Lopez Mateos International Airport, the same one that has one of the most efficient customs clearances in the country.

There is nothing like walking under the portals of the nineteenth century, the largest in Mexico, and appreciating the architectural style of its buildings, whether it is baroque, neoclassical, modernist or contemporary. In the first block of the city, is the Cathedral, built in the late nineteenth century, and fused with the facade of the ancient temple of San Francisco.

The Government Palace, across the Civic Plaza or the Martyrs and the Plaza Maria Garibay, we find the Botanical Garden. It displays with splendor and elegance the stain glass of the Cosmo Vitral: a work of almost 3200 square meters, made with more than 1,500 pieces of glass imported from Europe.

And be sure to visit the Mexiquense Cultural Center! A modern complex just 5 kilometers from the city, which houses the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Popular Culture and the Central Library.

The past and present of Toluca is exhibited in one place before the eyes of the world! The Toltec, Teotihuacan, and Aztec influence beats in the archaeological sites of Calixtlahuaca and Teotenango, places where every March 21 there is the Festival of the Fifth Sun and Spring Equinox, with the ritual or artistic dance being the main attraction.

Or do you want to buy handicrafts? In Metepec, in addition to first class shopping areas, we find the bustling and picturesque market on Monday, the confluence of the most renowned potters in the region to offer a wide variety of crafts: mats from Temoaya, wood turning from Santa Maria Rayon, mache from San Pedro Tenayac, dinnerware, vases, pots, candlesticks, and the famous tree of life, etc.

But Toluca is not only a city and industry, but there is also the protected natural beauty in 6 areas totaling more than 52 thousand hectares. Land suitable for those seeking ecotourism adventures! It is the bustling capital of the State of Mexico sheltered by the Nevado de Toluca, giant and colossal snow capped volcano 4,690 meters of height.

Toluca is a city whose geographical location makes it a privileged in many ways, and always welcomes visitors from around the world with open arms. Welcome to Toluca!