From Mexico City: Magic town Metepec and Toluca

Central Mexico, Mexico



Embark on an adventure from Mexico City by van. Discover Toluca and its highlights, walk through Metepec Magical Town and its impressive clay handicrafts, and San Mateo Atenco's footwear selection.

This guided van tour from Mexico City explores Toluca, Metepec, and San Mateo Atenco, perfect for those interested in local crafts and culture.

Highlights

  • Smell the warm aroma of leather production in San Mateo Atenco
  • Learn about the long-standing clay handicrafts of Metepec
  • Visit a clay workshop, meet artisans, and create your own piece
  • Explore San Mateo Atenco's local footwear production
  • See Toluca's botanical garden featuring impressive stained glass

Description

Begin with a visit to Toluca, where you can explore the botanical garden known as the Cosmovitral. This garden is housed in an Art Nouveau building formerly used as Mercado 16 de Septiembre market. Inside, admire the monumental stained-glass wall depicting themes of the human race and the universe, while discovering more than 400 plant species from around the world.

Next, travel to Metepec, a designated Magical Town famous for its clay handicrafts such as jars, pots, plates, and the iconic 'Tree of Life' and Catrinas sculptures. Visit a family-run clay workshop that created the 'Tree of Life' and craft your own clay piece using molds and expert guidance. Afterward, enjoy free time to have lunch or explore Metepec at your own pace.

Finally, visit San Mateo Atenco, a community known for its significant footwear production with historical roots linked to the Mexican Revolution. The town attracts many visitors on weekends looking for leather footwear, belts, purses, and clothing at competitive prices.

Includes

  • Transportation from Mexico City
  • Tour conductor speaking English and Spanish
  • Visit to the Botanic Garden and Cosmovitral
  • Visit to Metepec and its workshop
  • Visit to San Mateo Atenco footwear outlet

Excludes

  • Entrance to Botanic Garden (USD 2)
  • Optional entrance to clay workshop (USD 11)
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Other items not listed in inclusions

Easy cancellation

Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and plan to visit on weekdays or early weekends to avoid crowds. Booking in advance is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to Toluca’s botanical garden, leather production in San Mateo Atenco, clay handicraft workshops in Metepec, and footwear industry exploration.
The tour starts in Mexico City and involves traveling by van to Toluca, Metepec, and San Mateo Atenco.
Yes, you can visit a clay workshop in Metepec where artisans guide you to create your own decorative piece.
You will see clay handicrafts in Metepec, leather products in San Mateo Atenco, and local footwear production.
Yes, the tour focuses on Mexican culture through traditional crafts and artisan workshops in the Toluca region.
Tour duration varies, so check the tour provider’s website for the most accurate schedule and timing.
The stained glass installation is located in Toluca’s botanical garden, which is part of the tour itinerary.
Yes, transportation by van from Mexico City to Toluca, Metepec, and San Mateo Atenco is included in the tour.
No prior experience is needed; artisans provide guidance to help you create your own clay piece.
The tour operates year-round, but it’s best to check the website for current availability and hours.

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