Just 50 years ago, Valle de Bravo was just a farming village on the banks of a river. But in 1947, a dam was built. This created a massive lake now known as Lake Miguel Aleman, and is the center of life and activity in Valle de Bravo.

Boating and sailing are now ways of life in this part of the State of Mexico. There are 42 nautical clubs and more than a dozen international sailing events take place year round. Local restaurants float near the shore, so it’s easy to pull up for a dockside meal.

It’s also a great place to rent a boat and take in views of the mountains and woodlands around the shoreline. Check out Peter’s Hidden Gem adventures in and around the lake.

Tune into The Travel Detective with Peter Greenberg each week on public television to watch more of Peter’s Hidden Gem adventures.