What to do in one day in malinalco?

Nestled in a valley in the south of the State of Mexico, with an almost perfect climate, murals made by indigenous people almost 500 years ago and an archaeological site with a lot of history, you will find the magical town of Malinalco, a picturesque place that captivates its visitors with its colonial architecture, its ancestral traditions and its lush natural environment. This picturesque place captivates its visitors with its colonial architecture, its ancestral traditions and its exuberant natural environment. Do you want to know everything you can do in a day in Malinalco? Here's how to get there and make the most of your visit.

How to get to the magical town of Malinalco?

Malinalco is located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. The most common way to get there is by car and Hertz Mexico has several offices in CDMX for car rental. You can take the Mexico-Toluca highway (MEX-15) towards Toluca. After about 50 kilometers, look for the turnoff to Tenango del Valle. From Tenango, follow the signs to Malinalco on state highway 134. The trip usually takes about 2 hours. Another option is from Toluca, where you can also rent a car with Hertz Mexico at the airport office. To get there head south towards Tenango del Valle on state highway 55D. Once in Tenango, take state highway 134 towards Malinalco. The drive from Toluca usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Attractions in Malinalco

Malinalco is a mystical town, whose name has several meanings. However, the most talked about is "place where Malinalxochitl is worshipped", goddess of sorcery and dark arts, sister of Huitzilopochtli. Formerly, this place was inhabited by several pre-Hispanic civilizations, being the Aztec the one that prevailed until before the Spanish conquest. Today it is considered one of the Magical Towns of Mexico, visited by thousands of people, thanks to its historical and cultural richness and its majestic natural environment. Here are the places you should visit during your one-day visit to Malinalco:

Downtown Tour and Handicrafts Market.

Start your visit by walking through the picturesque cobblestone streets of downtown, where you will find colorful colonial houses, charming squares and a calm and pleasant atmosphere. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful magical towns in the State of Mexico and you can easily prove it as you walk through its streets. On the other hand, between the Parish Church and the Kiosk is the Market, where you can admire and purchase beautiful pieces of Mexican folk art, such as textiles, ceramics and more. In addition, you can find fruits and typical dishes of the area to taste.

Religious Centers

Malinalco is also an important religious center, with several churches and chapels of great historical and architectural value. Two of the places you have to visit are the Parroquia del Divino Salvador and the Convento Agustino, which are located side by side, in front of the main square. With the arrival of the Spaniards in 1543, the Order of the Augustinians built this temple in Renaissance style. The Convent was built at the same time as the temple, to convert the inhabitants of Malinalco to Catholicism. Inside the Convent there are frescoes almost 500 years old, made by indigenous artists who were dedicated to muralism. The frescoes are typical paintings of the first years of the colony and a representation of the Garden of Eden. In them you can observe ideologies of the Spanish and Mexican culture, as well as the flora and fauna of the region.

Archaeological Zone

Malinalco is famous for its impressive archaeological zone, which is reached after climbing more than 300 steps. Here you can explore ancient pre-Hispanic structures, such as the Temple of the Eagle and Jaguar Warriors, carved into the rock of a cliff. This place is very important, as warriors from various regions would go there to perform the military graduation ceremony at the temple. This area is known as "Cerro de los ídolos" (Hill of the Idols) and in ancient times only the supreme ruler and the highest ranking Mexica military elite could access it, as it was considered a sacred place where great warriors arrived. It is important to bring comfortable shoes and water, as the ascent can be a bit demanding, but the panoramic views from the top are completely worth it.

Museums and Casa de la Cultura

Malinalco's museums and Casa de la Cultura offer a window into the rich history, art and culture of this charming pueblo mágico. The Museo Universitario Dr. Luis Mario Schneider is a must for those interested in archeology and history. With a remarkable collection of pre-Hispanic pieces, this museum provides a fascinating insight into the ancient civilization that inhabited this region. It also offers temporary exhibits that explore diverse aspects of local and national culture. On the other hand, the Living Museum of Medicinal Plants is a real treasure for those interested in herbalism. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, you can learn about the medicinal properties of plants and their role in traditional Mexican medicine. It also has a botanical garden, butterfly garden and rooms for the preservation of endemic fauna. The Casa de la Cultura of Malinalco is a space that promotes and preserves the artistic and cultural expressions of the community. Here, workshops, exhibitions, concerts and cultural events are held that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. Malinalco is a destination full of surprises and unique experiences that will leave you in love with its colonial charm and rich cultural and historical heritage. What are you waiting for to discover the wonders of this magical town? Rent a car with Hertz Mexico and tour Malinalco in one day.