Colonial buildings and picturesque old houses with red-tiled gabled roofs line the cobbled streets in this lakeside town. The beautiful lake provides recreational activities for tourists from all over Mexico and beyond, while the dam that created it is part of the Miguel Alemán hydroelectric complex that supplies residents with electrical power. 

Valle de Bravo, originally called San Francisco del Valle de Temascaltepec, is located in Mexico State about 95 miles from Mexico City. Valle de Bravo is a paradise for parasailing, water skiing, boating and fishing. The dam can be seen from La Peña, an impressive peak that rises out of the wooded slopes surrounding the town.

A number of streams run through the forests that surround the lake. The El Crustel, Los Gavilanes and Capilla Vieja streams flow into the El Molino River, which divides into two currents that cascade over the rocks forming the El Molino Waterfall. Two other beautiful waterfalls are the Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil Falls) and the Cascada Avándaro.

Among the most interesting sites are the town's main square, the market and the Santa Maria church, where the Cristo Negro (Black Christ) is venerated. There are several lovely vacation villages situated among splendid scenery near the town of Valle de Bravo, including Avándaro, La Peña and San Gaspar Lago.

Valle de Bravo is famous for its beautiful handcrafts, and you can buy them at the Sunday market, including traditional and kiln-fired pottery, textiles, and embroidery, woodwork and wrought iron pieces.

It is no wonder that this Pueblo Mágico is part of Mexico’s Magical Villages program; its extensive lake offers many options for recreation, but there is much more to discover, especially if you have a taste for adventure and the good life.

There are so many ways to have a good time in Valle de Bravo; from mountain hiking and climbing to delta wing or hang glider soaring, not to mention the great golf courses, or relaxing in one of the many spas. And once night falls, you can enjoy yourself in grand style at a fiesta.