Why Honeymoon in Valle de Bravo
It offers a different side of Mexico. Instead of palm trees and heat, you get mountain air, pine forest and a big lake for boats. Mornings can be crisp, afternoons sunny and nights cool, so you can hike, sail and sleep under a blanket.
Adventure is easy to find. The town is one of the best known paragliding spots in the Americas, with tandem flights that land near the lake. Sailing clubs and rental boats line the shore.
It is also romantic in a quieter way. Small lodges have stone fireplaces and terraces over the water. The old town is made for slow walks. The winter butterfly reserves are one of the great wildlife spectacles anywhere.
When to Go
November through March is the dry season and the best time, with sunny days in the upper 60s to 70s Fahrenheit and cold nights that can approach freezing. Monarch butterflies roost nearby from roughly December through March, with the largest clusters often in January and February.
April and May are warmer and dry, good for paragliding and sailing. The rainy season runs from about June through September, with afternoon storms most days and greener hills. Mornings are often clear even then.
October is a transition month. Mexican holiday weeks and long weekends bring heavy traffic from the capital. Plan your stay for Monday through Thursday for quieter streets, easier restaurant tables and lower prices.
Where to Stay
Near the center, small hotels and guesthouses put you within walking distance of the plaza, the market and the lake. Ask for a room with a lake view and a fireplace.
Avándaro, just south of town, is a leafy area of large homes, golf and spa hotels set among the pines. El Santuario Resort & Spa, on a hillside above the lake, has terraced rooms with views over the water.
For a more rustic stay, Rodavento is a forest lodge with cabins, a small lake and outdoor activities. Approximate rates: about US$120 to US$250 a night for good boutique hotels, with high-end resorts costing more, especially on weekends.
Romantic Things to Do
Rent a sailboat with a skipper or take a lake cruise at golden hour, when the hills glow and the water calms.
Book a tandem paragliding flight from the launch sites above town. Flights last around 15 to 30 minutes, with views over the lake and forest. Morning flights are usually smoothest.
In winter, take a day trip to the Piedra Herrada monarch reserve. A walk or horseback ride climbs through fir forest to where butterflies hang from the trees in heavy clusters. The site is high, so go slowly.
Hike to the Velo de Novia waterfall, where a creek drops about 35 meters near Avándaro. End a day at the market with tamales and hot chocolate.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which has nonstops from many US cities. From there, it is about two and a half to three hours by car, depending on traffic through the city. Many couples book a private driver or rent a car after a few days in Mexico City. Toluca airport (TLC) is closer, but has fewer flights.
The main route runs on toll roads via Toluca. Drive by day and use the toll highways, as the State Department advises for travel across Mexico.
In town, you can walk the center. Taxis and hotel drivers cover Avándaro and the reserves. Streets are steep and cobbled, so bring good shoes.
Food and Drink
Trout is the local specialty, raised in clear mountain streams and served grilled, fried or wrapped in foil with herbs. Restaurants on the lake and in the forest serve it with views.
The town's market and plaza have stands selling tamales, quesadillas filled with squash blossoms and huitlacoche and sweet breads with hot chocolate.
Because many weekend visitors come from the capital, the town has a good range of modern restaurants, wine bars and cafes. Reservations help on Saturdays. Drink bottled or filtered water. Pack layers for outdoor dinners, as it gets cold quickly after sunset.
Honeymoon Tips
- The town sits at about 1,850 meters and the butterfly reserves are higher. Drink water, go easy on alcohol the first night and walk slowly.
- Pack warm layers. Nights in winter can be close to freezing.
- Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds from Mexico City.
- The State Department rates the State of Mexico at "exercise increased caution." Drive only in daylight and stick to toll roads.
- Book paragliding with an established, insured operator. Ask about their safety record and equipment.
- Dress is smart casual. Jeans and a sweater work for most restaurants.
