Tonatico is a little spa town. Some 10 minutes south of far-better-known Ixtapan de la Sal, it's very different, and yet shares much of the same history and traditions. Tonatico is more arid and dry, and so the spas here are that much cooler and more inviting. Crowds here are really during festival times and major holidays. The Feast of Our Lady of Tonatico coincides with the Candelaria festivals at the end of each January.

For those who've tired of the spas and thermal baths, day trips take off for the Grutas de la Estrella, and the Salto de Tzumpantitlán waterfall in the Parque del Sol to the south of town. The Niltze ecotourism park is just a bit further.

Right in town, strollers take off for the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Tonatico. Built in 1660, it's still the center of town and the colorful interior remains resplendent even for the most church-weary traveler. The church has long been the subject of legend and fantastic local lore. Said to be the most miraculous Marian church in the country, much of this legendary past can be imagined from the Pueblo Viejo ruins of the old Lord Santiago church to the southeast of Tonatico. Some ruins go back even into the ancient period.

Tonatico is often visited in combination with Ixtapan to the north. Most visitors from either the Mexico City Observatorio station, or from Toluca, will need to take a taxi from Ixtapan. Fortunately, Flecha Roja runs regular buses to the Ixtapan.