Featured image: In the central plaza Ixtapan looking at cathedral / Photo by Karen Gershowitz

Smaller communities Southwest of Mexico City: Ixtapan de la Sal, Tecometepec, Taxco, Toluca and Metepec 

by Karen Gershowitz

Southwest of Mexico’s vibrant capital are vibrant communities in Ixtapan de la Sal, Tecometepec, Taxco, Toluca and Metepec, each offering women travellers a deeper connection to the country’s heart and soul.

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1. Ixtapan de la Sal: A spa lover’s paradise

After immersing myself in Mexico City, I journeyed to the tranquil retreat of Ixtapan de la Sal. Located 80 miles southwest of the capital, this peaceful town is easily accessible by Uber or by a van operated by the spa. After you leave the city, the drive takes you through scenic countryside. In August there were fields of ripening corn. We passed hothouses growing roses and distant vegetation-covered peaks.

Nestled in the mountains, Ixtapan de la Sal is renowned for its thermal springs and luxurious spas.

The spa experience in Ixtapan de la Sal is nothing short of magical. The spa/hotel is blessed with perfect weather—blue skies and temperatures hovering around 70-75°F with low humidity. It’s an ideal place for rejuvenation. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, from massages, facials and reflexology to Roman baths, all designed to melt away stress. There are many classes offered, including water aerobics, Pilates, and yoga.

The grounds are lush with greenery and flowers. There are two swimming pools and two heated mineral water pools. I took a stretch class every morning in the mineral pools. After each class, I felt as though magic had happened—aches and pains were gone.

Beyond the spa, the town of Ixtapan de la Sal has its own charm. With a population of around 19,000, the town is small but vibrant, especially during local festivals like the Feast of the Asunción de María. The town square, adorned with statues and fountains, becomes a focal point of activity, surrounded by booths selling trinkets and local delicacies.

A visit to the Sunday market is a must—it’s a sprawling affair where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The market is a true reflection of local life, bustling with people from surrounding areas. When I walked through the market with some people I’d met at the spa, we were the only tourists there.

2. Tecomatepec The Ceramic Village

Tecomatepec is a town devoted to ceramics. Shops selling locally produced ceramics line the main streets. It’s also filled with talented artists who have painted murals on almost every building. There’s also a gorgeous church.

The village is where much of the pottery sold all over Mexico is produced. There’s an abundant source of earthenware clay just outside the village. They dig it in the morning, soak it overnight in water, then strain it to remove impurities. The clay is ready to use a day later.

The studios are simple, but they mass produce charming functional and decorative ware. The driver from the hotel introduced me to two different pottery studios. I got to watch them work and ask a lot of questions (in broken Spanish with some translation help from the driver). Before I left town, I bought some ceramics. I spent $6 and left with a huge bag of mezcal mugs, plates and a figurine of a musician.

3. Taxco: The Silver City

Another day trip option from Ixtapan de la Sal is Taxco, a historic town perched on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountains. It’s known as the center of silverwork in the Western Hemisphere. Taxco is a “pueblo mágico” that has retained its colonial charm. The town’s steep, cobblestone streets wind through beautifully preserved buildings. The central cathedral is adorned with intricate carvings and stunning woodwork.

Taxco’s silver shops are a major draw, offering everything from jewelry to statuary. It’s easy to spend hours browsing the many shops, but it’s difficult to leave without buying something. I bought a ring that I will treasure forever. Beyond shopping, Taxco’s vibrant town square is perfect for people-watching, where vendors sell hats, bracelets, and other goods.

4. Toluca: Magical Gardens

Toluca, the state capital of the State of Mexico, offers a blend of history, culture, and nature. The city is known for its impressive architecture, including the Cosmovitral—a botanical garden housed in a former market building. The garden is surrounded by stunning stained-glass murals. Toluca is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Anthropology and History. My favourite museum is the small Museo del Alfeñique. It tells the story of the alfeñique candy that Toluca’s residents produce for Día de Muertos (“Day of the Dead”). The chocolates and other sweets are formed into elaborate skulls and skeletons, some in fancy dress clothes.

5. Metepec: A Cultural Hub

Metepec, a town just outside of Toluca, is another nearby destination worth exploring. It has a vibrant arts scene, Metepec is famous for its “Tree of Life” sculptures—intricately designed clay trees that often depict biblical scenes. There are many galleries and workshops where you can watch artisans at work or even try your hand at pottery. The beautiful historic center has colonial-era buildings, charming plazas, and a lively market.

Exploring Central Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant capital, Mexico City and its many unique neighbourhoods, to the relaxation of Ixtapan de la Sal’s spas to the cultural richness of towns like Tecometepec, Taxco, Metepec, and Toluca. I’ve fallen in love with this region and plan to return again soon.

If you go to Mexico

Transportation

Getting to Mexico City: Mexico City is well-connected to major cities across North America, with frequent direct flights available from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto. Most international flights land at Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez International Airport), which is located just a short drive from the city center. From the airport, you can easily reach your accommodation by taxi, ride-share services like Uber, or authorized airport shuttle services. Click here to search flight prices.

Travelling Between Towns: To explore towns like Ixtapan de la Sal, Metepec, and Toluca, renting a car is a good option. Alternatively, intercity buses are dependable and comfortable, with several lines running between Mexico City and nearby destinations. For day trips, it is easy and relatively inexpensive to hire a private driver.

Accommodation

In Ixtapan de la Sal, the focus is on relaxation. Most visitors opt for all-inclusive spa resorts that offer everything from thermal baths to wellness treatments. Nearby towns like Metepec and Toluca offer a mix of traditional hotels and guesthouses. Click here to find a place to stay.

Safety in Central Mexico

Like any travel destination, you should follow common-sense precautions. But by adhering to a few simple steps it can be a safe and enjoyable experience. Avoid displaying valuable items like jewelry or expensive electronics in public. Use secure transportation options, such as reputable taxis or ride-sharing services. I used Uber numerous times and felt very safe.

Health issues, such as waterborne illnesses, can be mitigated by drinking bottled water and avoiding raw fruits and vegetables unless they have been peeled.

Local Etiquette: Mexican dining culture typically follows a later schedule than in North America. Lunch, the main meal of the day, is usually served between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, while dinner is often enjoyed between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. If you’re dining out, be prepared for a more relaxed pace, as meals are seen as a time to socialize and enjoy the company of friends and family.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Mexico and is generally expected in restaurants, bars, and for services such as taxis and hotel staff. The standard tip in restaurants is around 10-15% of the bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is appreciated. Hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping, typically receive around 20-50 pesos per service, depending on the level of assistance provided.

Weather: Central Mexico enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, thanks to its elevation. Mexico City, Ixtapan de la Sal, and the surrounding areas experience mild temperatures, with averages ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). The dry season runs from November to April, making it an ideal time for travel, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. The rainy season, from May to October, brings more humidity and afternoon showers, but mornings are often clear and sunny, making it still possible to enjoy outdoor activities.

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