Browse the many stalls of artisanal handicrafts, try delicious homemade Mexican cuisine and visit some of the impressive colonial churches.

Metepec is a charming town with an alluring historic centre full of cafés and artisanal stores. It is known for its array of markets selling handicrafts, including the town’s emblematic Tree of Life model. Glimpse the fascinating local culture as you stroll through the town centre.

The Church of Calvary is among the highlights of this quaint region. Clamber up the outdoor stairway that zigzags above a pleasant hilly lawn. Enjoy the excellent view of the historic centre from the vantage point of the chapel entrance. Enter through the main portal and admire the oil paintings flanking the walls of the small nave.

Gaze up at the grand yellow façade of the San Juan Bautista Church. It is of Baroque concave design. Search the inside for works of art along the walls, vaults, arches and columns.

Browse nearly 100 permanent stalls displaying artisanal treasures in the Centro de Exposición y Venta Artesanal. See the iconic Tree of Life clay sculptures, colourful models depicting biblical passages. Chat with local vendors and negotiate prices for some of these handmade crafts.

Wander along the cobbled alleys of the town centre and purchase artisanal furniture and home decorations. Enjoy meals of typical Mexican cuisine at family-run restaurants. You can sit outside year-round, due to the pleasant climate. The dry season runs from November through March, while the region is fairly wet from June to September.

Note that the Nahuatl name of the town translates to Hill of the Agave Plants. Metepec is in the southeastern outskirts of Toluca in central Mexico. Fly to the Mexico City International Airport and drive west for 1 to 2 hours to get here. The nation’s capital is about 45 miles (70 kilometres) away, while the charming town of Tepotzotlán is just a little further. Ride a bus to Metepec’s Juarez Terminal or take a taxi from downtown Toluca.

Metepec is a quaint town full of colonial architecture, with streets of bright façades and enchanting churches.