# Tonatico

Tonatico is a small town in southern Mexico State. With its rich indigenous traditions and its wealth of natural attractions, the town is a popular weekend destination for city dwellers from Mexico City. The town has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.

## Understand

Tonatico was settled by the indigenous Matlatzincas, who were a Mexica people. The Spanish conquistadors arrived to claim the town in 1525 with Franciscan friars arriving to evangelize the natives in 1527. The Franciscans brought with them a statue of the Virgin Mary, who became known as Our Lady of Tonatico.

## Get in

The nearest large commercial airport is Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City.

### By bus

From Mexico City's Observatorio bus station, it is a 2-hour trip to Tonatico. Use the Flecha Roja bus to Balneario Ixtapan, the nearest station to Tonatico. Buses depart every 2 hours and cost M$100. From Ixtapan, it is a 7 km taxi ride to Tonatico.

## Get around

Walking or bicycling is the best way to get around in town. If you need a taxi, you will find them at a sitios near the Jardin Municipal.

## See

* 18.802101-99.6706021 Jardín Municipal de Tonatico (Gardens of Tonatico), Galeana. The town's main plaza is a large garden-filled area with crosswalks, fountains, and statues. Food and crafts vendors line the sidewalks. Good place for people watching. (updated Dec 2024)
* Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Tonatico (Church of Our Lady of Tonatico). (updated Dec 2024)

## Do

* Grutas de la Estrella. Tu-Su 10:00 - 16:00, closed M. Beautiful show cave with hourly guided tours. Tours involve walking long distances with several stairs along the way. Believed to have been an ancient site for worshipping Tlaloc, the rain God, due to the number of objects found in the cave. Rapelling available on a 15-meter cliff. Ample free parking. M$50. (updated Dec 2024)
* 18.790032-99.66531 Salto de Tzumpantitlán, Ignacio López Rayon, ☏ +52 721 141 1795. M-F 09:00 - 16:00, closed Sa-Su. Small municipal park with a swinging foot bridge and hiking paths with a waterfall. Park facilities are not well maintained. (updated Dec 2024)

## Eat

* 18.802713-99.670911 Restaurante "Rebeca", Galeana, ☏ +52 721 141 1186. Daily 08:00 - 18:00. Traditional Mexican restaurant with homemade dishes. Large portions. M$200. (updated Dec 2024)
* 18.802382-99.6708082 Cafe Checkers, Pl. de La Constitución 6, ☏ +52 721 141 1351. Daily 09:00 - 23:00. Light casual fare on the plaza. Burgers, salads, tortas and drinks. M$200. (updated Dec 2024)
* 18.805898-99.6714813 Pozoleria Doña Cata, Benito Juarez 39. Daily 18:00 - 23:30. Hot, steaming bowls of pozole (spicy hominy soup) topped with shredded cabbage, onions, cilantro and crushed tostada's. Order it red, white, or green. M$100. (updated Dec 2024)
* 18.812489-99.6684454 Amigo Tono, Prolongación Manzana 037, ☏ +52 721 141 0667. F-W 08:00 - 18:00, closed Th. Traditional restaurant serving regional specialties. Everything is carefully prepared by hand the way it was done by past generations. The tortillas are hand made, all juices are fresh squeezed from fresh, whole fruits. Try the conejo en mojo al ajo (with a touch of annatto). M$150. (updated Dec 2024)

## Sleep

* 18.812855-99.6678181 Villa Coiros, Matamoros esquina con, Prolongación, ☏ +52 722 302 9922. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Boutique hotel with large gardens with outdoor swimming pool and illuminated at night. On-site restaurant, on-site store. Clean and comfortable. M$1700. (updated Dec 2024)
* 18.817973-99.6642772 Quinta Ventura, Av. Luis Donaldo Colosio # 1 El Salitre, ☏ +52 721 141 1577. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel in a quiet neighborhood. Large swimming pool available. Off-street parking available. M$750. (updated Dec 2024)
* 18.808636-99.667613 Hotel Beltran, Avenida, Mariano Matamoros 75, ☏ +52 721 141 0641. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with clean, spacious rooms. Heated outdoor swimming pool available. (updated Dec 2024)

## Go next

* Tenancingo
* Malinalco
* Nevado de Toluca National Park