Where is Nevado de Toluca?

Nevado de Toluca, a dormant volcano in Estado de México, is a must-see! Just a short hop from Mexico City, you can find yourself driving up to an incredible 4,254m (13,956ft) – making it one of the highest roads around.

Nestled in the Nevado de Toluca National Park, the road to the summit (also called Xinantécatl) is a bit rough and rugged, thanks to rain and volcanic rock. This unpaved road lets you get super close to the crater, but you can no longer drive all the way, as it's been gated 2 km before the lakes. You'll need to pay an access fee at a couple of checkpoints to get up there. Heads up: in winter, the upper parking area might be closed, so be prepared to park lower down.

The road stretches for 20.5 km (12.73 miles), kicking off from Raíces. Most 2-wheel drive vehicles can handle it when it's dry. Expect some steep sections with gradients up to 7%! You'll climb about 784 meters from Raíces, with an average gradient of 3.82%.

Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the road without stops. The drive is stunning, winding through dense pine forests as the snow-capped volcano gets closer with every turn. You'll pass a few places to stay along the way. About six kilometers from the crater, there's a gate, a café, and a basic shelter if you need it.

Thinking of visiting in winter? From November to March, the summit often gets snow, which is great if you love off-piste cross-country skiing. But keep in mind, the park might close during heavy snowstorms for safety.