mountain pass
Paso de Cortés
The 3,600-m saddle between the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, reached by a paved mountain road from Amecameca: the route Cortés marched into the Valley of Mexico in 1519.
18 km · about 20 min drive
North AmericaMexicoMéxico
San Rafael
México, Mexico · North America
About San Rafael
San Rafael is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Atzingo, 25km from Popocatépetl.
San Rafael is in México, Mexico, with about 21,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Atzingo, about 5 km away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near San Rafael?
Within an hour or so of San Rafael: Paso de Cortés (18 km), Popocatépetl (25 km), Xochimilco Floating Gardens (37 km), Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (41 km).
Are there any good drives near San Rafael?
The nearest famous roads are Paso de Cortés.
Where is San Rafael?
San Rafael is in México, Mexico, about 5 km from Atzingo.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 20,873
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- Mexico
- Region
- México
- Timezone
- America/Mexico_City
- Coordinates
- 19.2096, -98.7564
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Mexico
Green Angels (free tourist roadside assistance on federal highways): 078.
Full driving guide for MexicoTags
Worth the detour from San Rafael
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Popocatépetl
An active 5,426 m stratovolcano southeast of Mexico City, visible from the Puebla highway; the Paso de Cortés road runs on its saddle.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Xochimilco Floating Gardens
A network of ancient Aztec canals and artificial islands where colorful trajinera boats glide past floating gardens and mariachi bands.
37 km · about 45 min drive
racetrack
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
The Mexico City circuit hosting the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, built around the Foro Sol stadium section.
41 km · about 50 min drive
landmark
Tepoztlán
A Morelos town under sheer volcanic cliffs, with a hilltop 13th-century pyramid to the pulque god reached by a steep hour's climb, a fortress-like Dominican convent, and a market known for exotic ice creams.
44 km · about 50 min drive
museum
Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
The vibrant blue house where Frida Kahlo was born, lived, and died, filled with her art, personal objects, and Diego Rivera's collection.
46 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
One of the largest public plazas in the world and the historic heart of Mexico City, surrounded by the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral.
47 km · about 55 min drive
cathedral
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
The largest cathedral in the Americas, built over three centuries on the north side of the Zócalo in central Mexico City.
47 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near San Rafael
- 18 kmPaso de CortésThe 3,600-m saddle between the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, reached by a paved mountain road from Amecameca: the route Cortés marched into the Valley of Mexico in 1519.
When to drive here
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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