Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Metepec is a town adjoining Toluca in the State of Mexico, famed across the country for its pottery and especially its árboles de la vida, elaborate clay trees decorated with figures, flowers and biblical scenes. It holds Pueblo Mágico status, and its historic center keeps a colorful, small-town feel despite the growth of modern Toluca around it.
The Ex-convento de San Juan, a Franciscan foundation, stands at the heart of town, and steps lead up the Cerro de Maguey to the Capilla de El Calvario with views across the valley. The Capilla de La Santa Cruz and the Parroquia de San Mateo are other local landmarks. The Museo del Barro presents the town's ceramic tradition, and many family workshops welcome visitors to see the Tree of Life being shaped and painted. The Mercado de Artesanías and weekly tianguis offer pottery, crafts and regional snacks.
Zacango Ecological Park, a zoo set on a former hacienda, makes a family outing. Toluca's Cosmovitral and its arcaded Portales are a short drive away. Metepec suits craft lovers and visitors exploring the Toluca Valley. Evenings bring a lively restaurant scene, and festivals in honor of San Isidro bring decorated oxen and parades in spring.
WiserMap travel guideMetepec Mexico Tree of Life Pottery and Craft MarketsPlan a trip to Metepec: Tree of Life pottery workshops, a 16th century convent, craft markets, the Museo del Barro and easy day trips to nearby Toluca.Read the guide
The large Franciscan church and former convent of San Juan Bautista in the center of Metepec, dating from the colonial era, with a richly decorated facade and an atrium facing the main square. It is the town's main parish and a good starting point for a walk through the Pueblo Mágico.
A bright yellow church on top of Cerro de los Magueyes, reached by a long colorful stairway from the streets below. The hilltop gives the best view over Metepec, Toluca and, on clear days, the Nevado de Toluca volcano. Go in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler air.
A fountain and sculpture of the Tlanchana, a half-woman, half-serpent water spirit from local legend who has become the symbol of Metepec. The figure also appears in many clay pieces sold in town. It sits close to the historic center and is a popular photo stop on a walking tour.
A museum dedicated to the pottery tradition that made Metepec famous, with clay figures, Trees of Life, suns, mermaids and prize-winning pieces from local families of potters. It explains the techniques and the history of the craft. Visit it first, then look for similar work in the shops nearby.
Metepec potters are known for the Árbol de la Vida, an elaborate painted clay tree full of figures from the Bible, history or daily life. Several family workshops near the center welcome visitors to watch the modeling and painting. Pieces are fragile, so ask about packing before you buy.
The town's crafts market and nearby craft corridor sell glazed and painted clay pottery, Trees of Life, suns, candleholders and decorative tiles from local makers. Prices are often better than in Mexico City shops. Compare a few stalls first and check pieces carefully for cracks.
The compact historic center of Metepec, with cobbled streets, colorful facades, restaurants and cafés around the main square and the convent church. It has the relaxed feel of a small town even though Toluca is next door. Weekends are lively, with families out walking and food stalls.
Metepec's best-known festival, held each spring in honor of San Isidro, patron saint of farmers. Decorated ox teams, floats made from seeds and flowers, and costumed groups parade through town. It draws large crowds, so arrive early and expect traffic and closed streets around the center.
An international cultural festival held in Metepec each autumn, with concerts, dance, theater and art across stages and plazas in town. Many events are free and outdoors. Check the program before you go, as headline concerts can fill up and the dates change slightly each year.
A large public park in Metepec with lakes, walking and running paths, playgrounds, sports fields and green space, popular with local families on weekends. It is a pleasant break from the busy roads of the Toluca valley. Bring a jacket, as mornings at this altitude can be cold.
A zoo and ecological park in the countryside south of Metepec, set around a former hacienda, with lions, tigers, giraffes, bears and a petting area for children. It makes an easy half-day trip from Metepec or Toluca. Weekdays are quieter, and the grounds involve a fair amount of walking.
No reviews yet. Been to Metepec? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Metepec? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Pedro Eduardo Ávila Fernández, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: AmbarPM, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Baezadany, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Darin Allen Jensen, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ppalex1994, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Octavio Alonso Maya …, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Octavio Alonso Maya …, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Álvaro de la Paz Franco, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
