Town 14 km north of Ixtapan de la Sal
The heart of Mexico's flower-growing region, surrounded by greenhouses of roses, carnations and chrysanthemums.
Drive north from Ixtapan de la Sal toward Toluca and the hillsides turn white with plastic: these are the greenhouses of Villa Guerrero, the town at the center of Mexico's cut-flower industry. Roses, carnations, gerberas, chrysanthemums and lilies grow here in huge quantities, and a large share of the flowers sold in Mexico City's markets, and many that are exported, start their trip in this municipality. Fertile volcanic soil from the Nevado de Toluca, plenty of water and a mild climate make it possible.
The town was called Tecualoyan until 1867, when it was renamed in honor of the help its people gave the liberal side in the Reform War. Flower farming took off in the mid-20th century, when Japanese immigrants brought greenhouse growing techniques to the area, and today it employs thousands of local families.
The town center is small, with a parish church and a garden with an old kiosk, but the real attraction is the flower trade itself: the wholesale flower market, roadside stands selling armfuls of blooms for little money, and the patchwork of greenhouses that covers the surrounding hills.
What to see and do
Browse the wholesale flower market, where growers sell by the bunch and by the bucket.
Buy flowers from the roadside stands on the way in; prices are far below city florists.
Ask locally about greenhouse visits to see how roses and gerberas are grown and packed.
Try regional food such as pepeto, a seasonal stew of squash, corn and beans.
Combine it with Tenancingo, a short drive east, for rebozos and its weekend market.
Getting there
Villa Guerrero is about 22 km north of Ixtapan de la Sal, roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car on the Toluca highway (Highway 55). Buses running between Ixtapan de la Sal and Toluca pass through or near the town, so it is also easy to reach by public transport.
14 km north of Ixtapan de la Sal
Directions from Ixtapan de la Sal on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Villa Guerrero
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Villa Guerrero.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Villa Guerrero.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Photos
Weather mild
Villa Guerrero shares the climate of Ixtapan de la Sal, 14 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Ixtapan de la Sal your base
Villa Guerrero is an easy trip from Ixtapan de la Sal, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
More around Ixtapan de la Sal
-
Grutas de la Estrella
· Cave · 12 km away
Caves with stalactites and an underground river, about 20 minutes south past Tonatico. -
Coatepec Harinas
· Town · 13 km away
A tile-roofed farming town on the Nevado de Toluca's southern slopes, known for fruit, flowers and the seasonal dish pepeto. -
Desierto del Carmen
· Nature reserve · 15 km away
A forested national park around a secluded 18th-century Carmelite convent, beyond Tenancingo. -
Tenancingo
· Town · 16 km away
A market town famous for its handwoven rebozos, with a big Thursday and Sunday tianguis. -
Zacualpan
· Town · 18 km away
One of New Spain's earliest silver-mining towns, high in the hills southwest of Ixtapan, with colonial churches and mountain views. -
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
· Cave · 26 km away
Huge show caves in a Guerrero national park, about 40 minutes south on the road toward Taxco.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.