Location: Valle de Bravo
Top Things to do in Valle de Bravo
The 8 Best Things to Do in Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Valle de Bravo (American Spanish: [ˈbaʝe ðe ˈβɾaβo] ( listen)) is a town and municipality located in State of Mexico, Mexico. It is located on the shore of Lake Avándaro, approximately 156 km southwest of Mexico City and west of Toluca on highways 15, 134 or 1. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Mexico City to Valle de Bravo, making it a popular weekend getaway for the capital's affluent upper class.
Restaurants in Valle de Bravo
1. Piedra Herrada Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
A sanctuary for viewing Monarch Butterflies in central Mexico.
Reviewed By Fernando D
I'll divide my review in two parts: about infrastructure and about personal experience. About infrastructure I've to say that this is a very well organized sanctuary; for those who arrive from Valle de bravo be aware that there are two entrances improvised but the legal entry is where there are policemen and patrols. Once inside the sanctuary, you can find everything necessary to have a good time such as local restaurants, bathrooms and games for kids; for the trip to see the monarchs I do really recommend to take the horse option, unless you have very good physical condition because the way up is very challenging, when you reach the butterflies respect all the little animals and please don't take anyone with you. A guide is with you all the time and you can ask everything you want they know a lot about the place and the butterflies. Now, about the experience: unfortunately we were in a cloudy day so, most of monarchs were kept in warm and not flying in the forest, but despite this the experience is absolutely worth these animals are simply amazing. Hope to be back in a sunny day.
2. Cascadas Velo de Novia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By Coddy A - Salt Lake City, Utah
We came to this mountain community to witness the beginning of the monarch butterfly’s epic annual journey. Unfortunately, we were a week or two late. However, our hotel experience more than made up for it.
The rooms were spacious, complete with oversized balcony and fireplace. The views were stunning and the staff couldn’t be more accommodating. Even though we were visiting in the off season, most of amenities were operating. The timing meant we almost had the resort to ourselves.
We took most meals in the restaurant which featured both indoor and outdoor Seating - both with compelling views of the Mountains. The food was excellent and again service was spot on.
The resort is an easy drive to downtown and walking distance to the spectacular Waterfalls.
A great getaway.
3. Carmel Maranatha
Overall Ratings
5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Marisol R
With a unique arquitecture, exquisite works of art and beautiful setting, it is a wonderful place for prayer and meditation. It is open to the general public on a day to day basis. It was built in the 70's by the Carmelite Monks but was not opened to the public until 1985.
Silent and spiritual retreats are frequently organized.
4. Mirador La pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Alissa W - Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
While I had read briefly about this site before visiting Valle de Bravo, it wasn't until I was frustrated with the lack of unobstructed views or Lookouts over the city that this place was suggested by a local. I wanted photos of the sunset because we had arrived at about that time the night before and drove all around Avandaro without finding a view of the lake and the gorgeous colors I could see through the trees. Anyway, I was quite pleased with this spot. While there were several signs, there weren't any when it really mattered and we must have asked about 5 locals and turned around at least three times. Apparently, there is a gradual switchback road and a VERY steep road. We spun our wheels 3/4 of the way up the steep road, had to back down and take the road immediately before it that looked like it might be a residential dead end, but wound its way up there (follow the paved road). We almost missed the entry point as it was nestled amongst the houses, but there is a little kiosk and sign with the stone steps that lead up to the peak. It cost 5 pesos per person. I loved the entire walk up. So picturesque with occasional views out both sides of the peninsula. So many places to explore and rocks to crawl around on. I got my gorgeous sunset pictures and had fun inside one of the caves on the way down. I definitely recommend this as a spot to hit that doesn't take much time, but will take some effort. There are stone step paths most of the way up which makes it easier.
5. La Gran Stupa Bon para la Paz Mundial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
The great Stupa Bon for world peace. It is the second Stupa Bön built in Mexico, and is the largest of this lineage in the West. It has a height of 34 m and a surface area of 400 m2. A Stupa is a symbolic representation of the mind of Buddha or enlightened mind and also represents the stages of the path to enlightenment.It is also a source of blessings since it contains relics which to radiate it
Reviewed By Tatiana764 - Valle de Bravo, Mexico
You can choose to visit for some hours or stay on special dates. It´s surrounded by nature and silence. It has a special vibe. I love to go on january 1st.
6. Rancho El Reencuentro
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Abby K - Oaxaca, Mexico
The ranch is set in a beautiful landscape 20 mins outside of Valle de Bravo. Our room was huge with an ensuite, and a beautiful view over the Valleys.The shared kitchen is full of character and has all the equipment needed to cook up a nice dinner. There is also a living area with Seating and a Television. Activities we took part in were horse riding ( beautiful and well looked after horses), walking, swimming in the small lake next to the hotel and relaxing in the garden. This was the perfect place to stay to get back to nature and relax. You have to like animals to stay here, there are loads!
7. Veta Design
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Promotion of sculptural furniture design using lines that form in the wood.
Reviewed By Joe M - London, United Kingdom
Nice stuff. Pricey. They want cash only...they lose so much money because of this ..anyway, nice stuff.Thank you for sharing your opinion with Tripadvisor travelers, we regret that during your visit we did not have a credit card payment, I am pleased to inform you that we already have this payment method even at months with no interest
8. Ligmincha Mexico
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
The great Stupa Bon for world peace. The vision is to be a space where people can go to learn, to investigate, to translate, to edit, to write and to heal, a place where you may have experiences for spiritual development and for the soul grow. The Stupa can be visited from Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every Sunday at 12:30 am. There are meditation guided.
Reviewed By FaboBrewer - Valle de Bravo, Mexico
La gran Stupa de la paz es única en el mundo y la encuentras en Valle de Bravo.
Si buscas la paz, la meditación y la tranquilidad que tu vida necesita , estarás en el lugar indicado. Si lo tuyo es conocer no te arrepentirás pues la Gran Stupa es única en el mundo. Vale la pena 100% recomendable.
Conocerás parte de la tradición del Bon Budismo . Se lleva acabo una ceremonia de meditación con los monjes Budistas todos los domingos a las 12:30 pm donativo es de tan solo 25.00 pesos.
