Valle de Bravo, Mexico
This charming colonial-era village outside of Mexico City is the site of the stunning Casa Bravo. Set on the shore of Lago Avándaro, this hacienda boasts sprawling indoor and outdoor living spaces, and luxurious bedrooms for up to 18 guests. Relax by the private heated pool during the day and gather around the outdoor fireplace in the evenings.
Kayak, fish, or water ski from your private dock—a variety of non-motorized watersports equipment is included with the home. Upon your return, enjoy drinks around the outdoor bar. Your private chef will ensure you are well fed throughout your stay.
An Idyllic 16th-Century Village
Valle de Bravo is considered one of Mexico’s pueblo mágicos (magic towns). There certainly seems to be a bit of magic in the air, from the pine and fir forests carpeting the surrounding hills to the gleaming Lago Avándaro, a hub for recreation. This is where Mexico City’s elite come to play. Leave time for an unhurried stroll along cobbled streets to the town plaza, where centuries-old buildings (each crowned with a terra-cotta roof) now play host to buzzy bars, cafes, and boutiques. Though it’s been likened to vacation hotspots like Switzerland and Lake Como, Valle de Bravo offers a quintessential Mexican countryside experience entirely its own.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Mexico City International Airport (MEX) -
Time Zone
Central Time Zone UTC-06:00 -
Language
Spanish -
Currency
Mexican Peso -
Converter
Voltage is the same as the U.S., but pack a plug adapter for differently shaped outlets
Fresh Things to Do
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Velo de Novia Waterfall
This 115-foot waterfall is somewhat of a hidden gem, tucked away in Velo de Novia park (in neighboring Avándaro) amid a grove of fir trees. Set out on foot or bike to explore around the falls.
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Mercado de Artesanías
If you want to take home a little piece of Valle de Bravo, head to this arts-and-crafts market, featuring artisan pottery, handicrafts made by the indigenous Mazahua, and traditional ocoxal (baskets made from woven pine needles).
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Paragliding
Valle de Bravo is a popular spot for paragliding, thanks to the region’s lakefront breezes. For your first flight, fly with an instructor. Gliders commonly take off inside the Monte Alto Nature Reserve.
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Templo de Santa María Ahuacatlán
The oldest church in Valle de Bravo dates back to the 17th century. See the famed blackened crucifix statue, one of the only artifacts to survive a colonial-era fire that destroyed the church.
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Piedra Herrada
Valle de Bravo is where a massive colony of the winged insects ride out the winter (after flying all the way from Canada). Explore this sanctuary on foot or horseback to see thousands of butterflies fluttering about.
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Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza
Shop for high-end, authentic goods and gifts along the avenue called Joaquín Arcadio Pagaza. Pop into a coffeehouse for an espresso, peruse art galleries, or buy well-made Mexican housewares.
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Featured Activity
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Lago Avándaro
Also known as Valle de Bravo Reservoir (because the man-made lake helps supply water to Mexico City), Lago Avándaro is the main draw in Valle. Enjoy all manner of aquatic recreation here, including sailing, kayaking, boating, and waterskiing. Cast a line into the water in search of catfish, mojarro, and carp. Even land-based activities revolve around the lake — hike or mountain bike through the neighboring forested hills to reach a scenic lookout over the lake, or go where the wind takes you on a paragliding or hang-gliding excursion to catch a bird’s-eye view.
The lake hasn’t always been here. It sprung up in 1947, after a newly built dam flooded existing farmland in the valley. Today, the beauty and tranquility of Lago Avándaro has thrust Valle de Bravo into the spotlight as a popular vacation spot for residents of Mexico City; still, it may be one of the country’s best-kept secrets when it comes to international tourism.
For more information about vacationing in this destination, contact your Care team.
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Travel Tips
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Festival de Las Almas
Valle’s major festival, Festival de Las Almas (Festival of the Souls), usually takes place at the end of October, featuring traditional Mexican games, dances, and an elaborate fireworks display. Enjoy dance performances and live music.
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Street food
Sample tasty Mexican street food while you walk the town. Regional specialties include esquites (a cup filled with warm corn kernels, chili, lime, and mayo), bunuelos (dough fritters), and homemade ice cream.
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SCENIC ROUTE
A newly built toll road gets travelers from Mexico City to Valle without a hassle. If you prefer to take the scenic route and don’t mind a slightly longer ride, ask your driver to travel via “Los Saúcos” instead, which will take you in on Highway 134.
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UNBEATABLE VIEWS
A hike to the top of Mirador La Peña offers spectacular, panoramic views of the lake, but the trail is not carefully marked in some places; be aware of your surroundings. Pack adequate hiking gear including comfortable shoes with a good grip and plenty of water.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Valle de Bravo Vacation
April and May are the hottest months, but cool lake breezes keep Valle from ever getting too steamy. It stays fairly temperate year-round, no matter when you visit, with January being the coolest month. Summer (June–September) is the rainy season in Valle, so be sure to bring an umbrella if you visit then. November through April is generally dry and sunny. Overnight temps can occasionally dip into the 40s, so pack a jacket and warmer clothes if you’re visiting in the winter.
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Map of Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Google Maps satellite images are not always up-to-date, especially in non-U.S. destinations. Some Inspirato accommodations are located in developments built after images were last updated. Our pin placements represent our best location estimates, but actual locations may vary.