Explore Mexico: The Best Hiking Trails
Home to tropical beaches, pre-Columbian ruins, and some of the world’s most celebrated cooking, Mexico has long captivated visitors. Its hiking trails, however, remain little known, which is great news for those eager to experience the nation’s diverse scenery without the crowds.
Mexico’s trails can take you through astonishing landscapes, from newly formed lava fields to jaw-dropping canyons, as well as cloud forests teeming with wildlife. Experienced mountaineers can plan a trip around the country’s famous mountains, like the challenging ascent up 18,491ft (5636m) Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest peak.
Hiking here isn’t just about the panoramic backdrops. You can also embark on treks through local communities, with indigenous guides shedding insight on the rich cultures that date back many centuries. Here are the top hikes in Mexico for an unforgettable adventure:
Pico del Águila
Best Hike for Views
2.8 miles (4.5km) roundtrip, 3 hours, difficult
Less than 25 miles (40km) south of Mexico City, the Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco immerses you in a world of forested slopes and rocky peaks that seem a world removed from the bustling capital. The challenging but rewarding climb to the top of Pico del Águila will take you through forests of oaks, firs, and pines up to alpine terrain, where the views over the rolling valleys and the distant metropolis grow more dramatic with every step.
Although the hike is relatively short, the ascent is steep as you gain more than 2200ft (671m) to the lofty summit, which sits at 12,795ft (3900m) above sea level. Keep an eye out for the teporingo, also known as the volcano rabbit, a rare species. The trail begins near El Abrevadero restaurant, a great place to treat yourself to a meal after the hike.
Volcán Paricutín
Best Hike for Volcano Encounters
12 miles (19km) roundtrip, 5 to 7 hours, moderate
Most of earth’s geologic wonders are measured in eons, but Volcán Paricutín has emerged within the last 80 years. In 1943, a farmer was plowing his fields in Michoacán when rumbling began, leading to the formation of the Paricutín volcano that now rises approximately 1350ft (411m) above the surrounding valley.
Today, this large black cone is mostly dormant, and you can witness its formation firsthand on a walk from the village of Angahuan. From there, you can traverse lava fields and explore the ruins of the Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro amidst the volcanic landscape. Your trek will lead you to the summit, where steam vents serve as a reminder of the volcano’s activity.
Bacajipare Trail
Best Hike for Indigenous Culture
2.5 miles (4km) roundtrip, 3 hours, moderate
The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico isn’t a single canyon, but rather a system of six separate canyons that are larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The rugged mountainous terrain is also home to the Rarámuri, an indigenous group renowned for their long-distance running traditions.
You can experience breathtaking panoramas of the Sierra Madre while also learning about Rarámuri culture on a guided hike along the Bacajipare Trail. Led by Rarámuri members, this memorable walk takes you along ancient paths past remote communities.
Pueblos Mancomunados
Best Hike for Adventure
6 to 60 miles (10km to 100km) roundtrip, 4 hours to 4 days, moderate
In Oaxaca state, eight remote villages are linked by approximately 62 miles (100km) of high-country trails in one of Mexico’s premier ecotourism projects. You can plan a variety of hikes here, from half-day excursions to multi-day treks, with overnight stays in Zapotec villages. Highlights include misty cloud forests, suspension bridges over ravines, and scenic views of snow-capped Pico Orizaba.
Pueblo Fantasma
Best Desert Hike
3 miles (5km) round trip, 2 hours, moderate
The mines of San Luis Potosí turned towns like Real de Catorce into pueblos fantasmas (ghost towns) following the silver market’s collapse in the early 20th century. In recent years, boutique hotels and restaurants have revived Real de Catorce, preserving its ghostly character.
This small city serves as an excellent base for hikes to abandoned sites, including a hilltop ghost town hidden in the desert landscape. Ascend over 850ft (259m) for sweeping views of Real de Catorce and surrounding mountains. Inside the pueblo fantasma, eerie 200-year-old houses and open mine shafts await exploration (watch your step).
Cerro Don Lauro
Best Spiritual Hike
2.7 miles (4.3km) round trip, 2 hours, easy
Surrounded by traditional Tsotzil and Tzeltal villages, San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas is at the heart of one of Mexico’s most deeply rooted indigenous areas. Residents take pride in their Mayan ancestry, especially around the sacred Cerro Don Lauro, a pine-covered mountain towering above the city.
An uphill hike through pine and oak forests, past small farms, leads you to an altar and an area for temazcal ceremonies, led by Chiapaneco shaman Don Lauro. At the summit, you’ll enjoy mesmerizing views of San Cristóbal, framed by lush peaks.
