Rio Frio had its origins with the establishment and development of the Camino Real (Royal Road) linking Mexico City and Veracruz via Puebla, during the colonial era and renamed Camino Nacional (National Road) in the early years of the independent Mexico when there was no other major roadway to the capital from the east coast.
It provided food and lodging for the huge number of travelers and riches that were transported along this road, since it was often necessary stay to over night in this place.
It was historically recorded as a place of pilgrimship during precolonial times, intended to the adoration of the Mesoamerican rain deity Tlaloc.
Today there are still followers of these traditions, most notably people who believe the site to be the Tlalocan, a mythological utopia referred in various ancient Toltec and Aztec codexes.
The town is also famous for its alpine architecture and for having one of the lowest average temperature rates in central Mexico; the surroundings of the town are also famous for having a large number of weekend alpine style farms and cabins, and for the High Mountain food style stands along the main roads between Mexico City and Puebla.