Toluca

Introducing Toluca

Like many once-charming colonial Mexican cities, Toluca’s development has created a huge ring of urban sprawl around what remains a very picturesque old town. The traffic problems alone can be enough to dampen the old town’s charm, but those who make time to come here will find a pleasant, if rather busy, place in which you can easily spend a day exploring attractive plazas, lively shopping arcades and a number of art galleries and museums.

Toluca was an indigenous settlement from at least the 13th century. The Spanish founded the modern city in the 16th century, after defeating the resident Aztecs and Matlazincas, and it became part of Hernán Cortés’ expansive domain, the Marquesado del Valle de Oaxaca. Since 1830, it’s been capital of México state, which surrounds the Distrito Federal on three sides, like an upside-down U.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009