Ixtapan de la Sal

About

Ixtapan de la Sal is a town and municipality located in the State of Mexico, Mexico. It is 60km south of Toluca, the state's capital, and 120km south of Mexico City by the Federal Road 55. The word Ixtapan comes from Nahuatl. There are two theories as to the origin of the name. The first theory states that it is composed of iztal, which means 'salt', and pan, which means 'over' or 'in'.

What to expect

Size

Small village

Altitude

Moderate altitude

Accessibility

Close to Cuernavaca (49 km)

Best for

Cultural and historical immersion

Local tips

• Cash recommended — many local vendors don't accept cards
• Comfortable shoes essential — cobblestone streets
• Try local artisan crafts — each town has regional specialties
• Ask locals for off-the-path recommendations
• Respect local customs, especially at religious sites
• Mornings are best for photos and fewer crowds

Regional cuisine