The Toluca snow-capped mountain is a volcano also known by the name of Xinantécatl, whose meaning comes from the Nahuatl language and means ”naked man”. It was so named because of the mountain’s resemblance to the silhouette of a man lying down.

This peak is located in the state of Mexico and is the next destination we are going to tell you about. If you are a lover of extreme adventure and mountain nature, we thought you will love to know this mountain located in the valley of Matlatzinco.

Getting to know the Xinantécatl of Toluca

This Mexican volcano is still active today, causing the area to have regular seismic movements. At 4680 meters high, this mountain is the fourth highest in the country. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, formed by important areas of seismic and volcanic activity.

Although there are lagoons and natural pools in this area, bathing is prohibited in order to preserve the area. It is not that much to dive into its waters, since the weather changes very quickly and it is advisable to wear warm clothes and sunscreen for when there is a lot of sun and not get burned. When in doubt, comfortable clothing is the best option.

As we mentioned a few lines above, if you like sports you have several options to practice, such as mountaineering, cycling, marathons … There are several routes available depending on the level you have.

Routes through the snow-capped mountain of Toluca: The lagoons of the sun and the moon

You will have to walk to the top to find different species of plants and animals, and then be able to observe the green and blue lagoons of the sun and the moon. The sun lagoon is larger with a dimension of 400 meters. The lagoon of the moon is 200 meters long, and if you prefer to see the lagoons from the heights, you will have to climb to the viewpoint of the Humboldt Ridge.

Ancient archaeological artifacts have been found around the lagoons, on their shores and even inside them, confirming that religious rites took place in these places.

If you would like to do a route a little more focused on getting to know and bathing in natural pools and lagoons, then we recommend you to take a look at the route of the cenotes that we have prepared for you.

Legend around the Xinantécatl in Toluca

The sacred mountain where ceremonies and rituals were held, owes its name to the legend of Tlanchana de Metepec. History explains that before the Spaniards arrived, the place was inhabited by a Mexica priest named Xinan.

One day, strolling through the lagoons, he observed a creature that was said to reign in the area. She was Tlanchana (half woman and half aquatic serpent) and he fell in love with her. Xinan thought that to get her heart the best thing to do was to go into the lagoon to live with her. He took off his clothes, and entered its waters to make his beloved fall in love.

Tlanchana did not like the act at all. After a few days, enraged by his presence, she threw him into the air. Xinan, embarrassed and hurt by this treatment, decided to end his life and committed suicide. The creature observed that where the priest fell, a volcano began to grow, which devastated part of the territory with its lava.