Toluca, Mexico

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Toluca, Mexico

Region: Mexico State

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Geographic Coordinates: 19.292500, -99.656900

Climate: Toluca, Mexico has a subtropical highland climate with cool to cold winters and warm summers. The rainy season typically occurs from May to October.

Population: 223876

Language: Spanish

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Toluca, The capital city of the State of Mexico, Is located in central Mexico and boasts a population of around 800, 000 people. The city is renowned for its colonial architecture, Vibrant culture and rich history. The Cosmovitral Botanical Garden is one of Toluca’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1909, This stunning glass structure features intricate stained-glass windows that depict scenes from Mexican history and mythology. The botanical garden inside showcases a vast collection of plants from around the world and attracts many tourists. The historic downtown area is another must-visit destination in Toluca.

Visitors can stroll through charming streets lined with colorful buildings that date back to colonial times. The main square known as Plaza de los Mártires features a beautiful fountain and several statues commemorating Mexican heroes. For those interested in art and culture, Toluca has several museums worth exploring. The Felipe Santiago Gutiérrez Museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts as well as works by local artists while the Bellas Artes Museum boasts an extensive collection of Mexican art from the colonial period to modern times.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Toluca with Nevado de Toluca National Park just outside the city limits boasting two stunning volcanic peaks – Pico del Fraile (4, 680 meters) and Pico de Águila (4, 600 meters). Visitors can hike through rugged trails that lead to breathtaking vistas or simply take in the natural beauty from one of several lookout points.

Foodies will be delighted by Toluca’s culinary scene which includes traditional dishes like chorizo verde (green chorizo), Tamales de charales (tamales filled with small fish), Barbacoa (slow-cooked lamb), And mole de olla (a hearty stew made with beef, Vegetables and a spicy broth). Toluca is a fascinating city that offers something for everyone. Its rich history, Vibrant culture, Stunning architecture, Beautiful nature and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination in Mexico.

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1. Cosmovitral Botanical Garden
2. The Cathedral of Toluca
3. Nevado de Toluca National Park
4. Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Site
5. Felipe Santiago Gutiérrez Museum
6. San Juan Bautista Church and Monastery
7. Alameda Central Park
8. Modelo Museum of Science and Industry
9. Plaza de los Mártires
10. Casa de las Diligencias Cultural Center

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1. Automotive Industry: Toluca is home to various car manufacturing plants, including Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford.
2. Aerospace Industry: The city has an expanding aerospace industry with companies like Safran and Bombardier having operations in the area.
3. Food Processing: Toluca is renowned for its food processing industry with Nestle and Bimbo being some of the companies that have operations in the region.
4. Logistics: Due to its location between Mexico City and Guadalajara, Toluca serves as a critical logistics hub. DHL and FedEx are among the companies that have operations in the area.
5. Retail: Several large retail chains operate in Toluca such as Walmart, Liverpool, and Soriana.
6. Financial Services: The city has a growing financial services sector with BBVA Bancomer and Banamex having branches within it.
7. Tourism: With its colonial architecture, museums, parks, natural attractions such as Nevado de Toluca National Park – Toluca attracts tourists from all over the world!

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1. Toluca was founded by the Matlatzincas, a pre-Columbian indigenous group, in the 12th century.
2. In 1521, Hernán Cortés and his troops arrived in Toluca and defeated the Matlatzincas during the Spanish Conquest.
3. Father Miguel Hidalgo stopped in Toluca in 1810 on his way to Mexico City to begin the Mexican War of Independence.
4. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), Toluca played a significant role as an important center for revolutionary activity.
5. Ignacio López Rayón, one of Mexico’s first presidents and a leader of the independence movement, was born nearby Sultepec and spent time in Toluca during his political career.
6. Alfredo del Mazo Vélez served as governor of State of Mexico from 1945-1951 and again from 1963-1969.
7. The Plaza de los Mártires de Toluca honors eight students who were killed during a protest against government corruption in 1978.
8. The Nevado de Toluca National Park is home to an inactive volcano that is popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
9. The Cosmovitral Botanical Garden features a stunning stained-glass mural created by artist Leopoldo Flores that depicts various aspects of Mexican culture and history.
10. The Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM) is one of Mexico’s largest universities which has been based in Toluca since its founding in 1833 as Colegio Preparatorio del Estado de México.

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1. Cosmovitral Botanical Garden is a stunning garden with a beautiful stained glass mural.
2. Museo de Bellas Artes de Toluca is an art museum showcasing Mexican and international art.
3. Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Site is an ancient Mesoamerican city with impressive ruins and pyramids.
4. Nemesio Díez Stadium is a popular sports venue for soccer matches in Toluca.
5. San Juan Bautista Church is a historic church built in the 16th century, known for its baroque architecture and artwork.
6. Plaza de los Mártires is a public square commemorating the martyrs of the Mexican Revolution, featuring a large monument and fountain.
7. Museo del Alfeñique is a museum dedicated to traditional candy-making in Toluca, with exhibits on the history of confectionery in Mexico.
8. Teatro Morelos is an iconic theater that hosts music, dance, theater performances and other cultural events throughout the year.
9. Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca- A national park located just outside of Toluca that features scenic hiking trails and stunning views of snow-capped mountains
10. Centro Cultural Mexiquense- The largest cultural center in Mexico State which includes museums, galleries, theaters, libraries etc showcasing Mexican culture & history

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• The Toluca Football Club, also known as Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club or simply Toluca, is the most prominent sports team in the city of Toluca, Mexico.
• The club was founded in 1917 and has a rich history of success in Mexican soccer.
• Toluca has won ten Liga MX championships, making it one of the most successful teams in Mexican soccer history.
• The team’s colors are red and white, and its home stadium is the Estadio Nemesio Diez.
• Other notable sports teams in Toluca include:
• Diablos Rojos del México: A professional baseball team that plays in the Mexican League. The team was originally based in Mexico City but moved to Toluca in 2019.
• Potros UAEM FC: A professional soccer team that plays in Ascenso MX, the second-tier league of Mexican soccer. The team represents Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), a public university based in Toluca.
• Osos Grises de la UAEMex: A college football (American football) team that represents UAEMex. The team competes at the highest level of college football competition in Mexico and has won multiple national championships.
• Overall, sports play an important role in the culture and identity of Toluca with many residents passionately supporting their local teams.

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Cultural Events

1. Feria del Alfeñique: This is a traditional festival that takes place in Toluca every year during the month of November. It is a celebration of the Day of the Dead and features colorful displays of sugar skulls, altars, and other decorations.
2. Festival Internacional de Cine de Toluca: This is an annual film festival that showcases independent films from around the world. It takes place in October and includes screenings, workshops, and other events.
3. Festival Cultural y Deportivo del Barrio de San Sebastián: This festival celebrates the neighborhood of San Sebastián with live music performances, dance shows, sports competitions, food vendors, and more.
4. Feria Nacional del Libro Infantil y Juvenil: This is a national book fair for children and young adults that takes place in Toluca each year. The event features book signings by authors, storytelling sessions for kids, workshops on writing and illustration, and more.
5. Festival del Mariachi y la Charrería: This event celebrates Mexican culture through music (mariachi) and horsemanship (charrería). It includes concerts by mariachi bands from all over Mexico as well as rodeo competitions featuring skilled charros (horsemen).
6. Festival Cultural Universitario de Toluca: This annual cultural festival organized by Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México features concerts by local musicians as well as theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibitions.
7. Expo Feria Estado de México: Held annually at the Centro Dinámico Pegaso exhibition center in Toluca, this fair showcases local products including handicrafts, furniture, textiles, clothing, and food products from across Mexico. The event also includes live music shows, carnival rides, and games for all ages to enjoy.

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Cuisine

1. Tacos de canasta – small, steamed tacos filled with beans, potatoes or meat.
2. Chorizo verde – a green sausage made with pork and herbs.
3. Sopa de hongos – mushroom soup.
4. Carnitas – slow-cooked pork served with tortillas and salsa.
5. El Portal del Marqués – a traditional Mexican restaurant serving dishes like chiles en nogada and mole poblano.
6. La Antigua Hacienda de San Lorenzo – a historic hacienda turned restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine.
7. El Charco de las Ranas – a trendy bar and restaurant known for its craft beer selection and gourmet burgers.
8. La Pila Seca Taquería y Mezcalería- a casual taqueria specializing in tacos al pastor (marinated pork).
9. Los Girasoles Restaurant Bar- an upscale dining option offering Mexican fusion cuisine.
10. Mercado Juárez- an open-air market where visitors can sample local street food such as tamales, quesadillas, and tlacoyos (stuffed masa cakes).

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Parks and Recreation

1. Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca is a national park that boasts hiking trails and breathtaking views of the volcano and lakes.
2. Parque Metropolitano Bicentenario is a vast park with a lake, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths.
3. Alameda Central is an iconic public park in the heart of Toluca that features fountains, gardens, and monuments.
4. Parque Sierra Morelos is an ecological park that offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and picnic areas.
5. La Marquesa National Park is situated just outside of Toluca and provides visitors with horseback riding options, zip-lining adventures, hiking trails as well as camping facilities.
6. Club de Golf San Carlos presents golf enthusiasts with an 18-hole course located in the city center that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Paseo Tollocan provides drivers with a scenic route connecting several parks including Alameda Central to Plaza Sendero Mall.
8. Centro Deportivo y Recreativo Maguey Blanco serves as a recreational center offering various outdoor activities such as soccer fields, basketball courts, etcetera.

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Pack Your Bags!

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