Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico
Lagunas del Sol y la Luna
Explore the Sun and Moon lakes inside Nevado de Toluca’s volcanic crater, with a lake-focused route distinct from the summit ascent.
Private treks, available on request. Full trek details, inclusions, equipment recommendations, availability and a personalized quotation are provided upon request.
Reference itinerary: 1 day
Hiking · Crater lakes
- Published level
- Beginner
- Route distance
- ≈ 6 km
- Route altitude
- ≈ 4,300 m
- Elevation gain
- ≈ 150 m
Reference route measurements are not a confirmed itinerary. Your proposal specifies permitted access, walking start and private group arrangements.
Overview
Inside Xinantécatl’s broad crater, the Sun and Moon lakes give the mountain a different focus from the rocky summit. The landscape is open and spare: water, volcanic slopes and changing cloud above the rim.
A lake-focused route may involve less climbing than a summit ascent, but the altitude remains significant. Current park rules determine where vehicles stop and walking starts; access to the crater rim by vehicle is not assumed.
- Sun and Moon crater lakes
- Xinantécatl volcanic landscape
- Lake route, not summit ascent
- High-altitude walking
The route experience
Route overview
The walking experience
- Check the permitted walking start and current protected-area rules.
- Approach the crater on foot from the agreed access and follow the permitted lake route. Wind, altitude and closures may change the plan.
- Return to the agreed trailhead with time in reserve. Transport, meals and any equipment supply follow your written proposal.
An overview of the destination, not a fixed departure itinerary. The selected trails, walking stages and transport are set out in your personalized proposal.
Inclusions & route planning
Guiding, access, transport, meals, equipment and overnight arrangements are defined in your written quote. None are implied by this proposed route.
The published route measurements are reference data. The final walking start, difficulty, access and any additional activities are reviewed for your dates and experience.
What to bring
- Daypack with hip/chest straps (not a tote or shoulder bag)
- 2–3 litres of water
- Trail snacks: nuts, dried fruit, bars
- Hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support and grippy soles
- Sports clothing: quick-dry shirt, jacket, hiking trousers
- Warm insulated layer, beanie and gloves — it is cold above 4,000 m
- ID and cash for lunch
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and cap
- Rain jacket
The day before: no alcohol, a carb-rich dinner, plenty of water and a good night's sleep.
Preparation
Share your recent hiking experience, fitness and time at altitude. Train for both the climb and the descent, break in your footwear and check the final packing list for your dates. Seek medical advice for health concerns before high-altitude travel.
Safety & access
Weather, trail access and the group’s condition may change the plan. Ask for guide arrangements, emergency communication, evacuation planning and insurance requirements for your selected route. A viewpoint or summit is never guaranteed.
Planning & safety →On the trail
Trip facts
- Duration
- 1 day · reference
- Difficulty
- Beginner · reference route
- Max altitude
- Defined by the selected route
- Distance
- ≈ 6 km · reference route
- Elevation gain
- ≈ 150 m · reference route
- Price / quote
- Request a Quote
- Departures
- Private departure · on request
- Group size
- Specified in your route proposal
- Meeting point
- Set out in your trip proposal
- Guide & supervision
- Ask for the guide profile for your route
- What's included
- Only agreed services in your written quote
- What to bring
- See the packing list above
- Acclimatization requirements
- Planned around altitude and experience
- Cancellation policy
- Provided with your quote before booking