Toluca, the capital of the State of Mexico, is the highest city in the nation, with an altitude of 2680 meters (8,844 feet) above sea level. It lies 65 km (40 mi) west of Mexico City. Toluca has an average temperature of 18º C (64º F) and three microclimates: cold, semi-cold and temperate. The area gets rainfall during the summer111.

Toluca is a city where you’ll see contrasts of old and new. On the one hand, it is called La Bella (The Beautiful One) due to the French neoclassical architecture. Notable examples include the Portales and the Cathedral, considered one of the city's most important artistic expressions from the 19^th-century colonial period.  On the other hand, Toluca has a large and well-developed industrial area.

This dynamic metropolis is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, as you’ll see at the Parque Nacional Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo, popularly known as La Marquesa. There you can do a wide variety of extreme sports and outdoor recreational activities. The Nevado de Toluca, a popular ecotourism site, is the country's fourth highest volcano and the only one in the world with a crater that can be reached by car.

If it’s art and culture you're after, Toluca is the city with second highest number of museums in the nation, including those located at the Centro Cultural Mexiquense. Also of interest is the Cosmovitral, which houses an amazing botanical garden and has one of the largest stained glass artworks in the world.

The nearby town of Metepec is famous for its talented artisans, particularly the master craftsmen who make the popular Arboles de la Vida (Trees of Life) ceramics. During your visit to Toluca, be sure to try the tasty green or red chorizo (Mexican sausage). After the meal you can take an unforgettable stroll under the moonlight in the downtown area before visiting the many nightspots, where you can hang out and have a great time with the locals.