The "Magic Town" of Valle del Bravo

In January of 2013, on one of my visits to Mexico City, my friend Alejandro and I took an excursion to the town of Valle del Bravo.  Valle del Bravo is located to the southwest of Mexico City, and it is a two to three hour drive from the capital.

(image from the web)





In 1947 a dam was contructed nearby to supply Mexico City with electricity and water.  The resulting reservoir, Lake Avándaro, flooded a large portion of the valley, and the hillside town of Valle del Bravo suddenly became a lakeside town.  Although you will not see many "gringo" tourists there, it is a very popular resort with Mexican families from Mexico City and Toluca.  Many wealthy Mexicans have built beautiful weekend homes along the shore of the lake.  In 2005 the town was declared a "Pueblo Mágico" (Magic Town) by the secretariat of tourism for its scenic, historic and cultural atmosphere.

 

 

 

The most popular activity for visitors to the town is to take one of the lake cruises that leave from the docks at the lakefront.  It was a pleasant, relaxing cruise, and provided good views of the town, and the lovely weekend homes along the lake.

 

 

 

 

 

One would be remiss not to climb the hill and explore the old town of Valle de Bravo.  It is a very picturesque colonial town.

 

 

 

 





            The pretty plaza is dominated by the parish church of San Francisco de Asís.

 

 

We found a wonderful restaurant in the old town called "La Michoacana".  From its terrace in one direction there is a view down toward the lake, and in the other direction you see the spires of the parish church.

 

 

 

 

The view was spectacular, the food was delicious, and there was a musician playing traditional music.  Ahhhh!  This is Mexico!

 

(Photo taken by Alejandro)

Valle del Bravo truly is a "magic town"!