The Best Places to Go Hiking in and Around Mexico City

The crowded, busy capital may not seem like an outdoorsy destination. But nearby national parks, forests and volcanoes mean there are plenty of places to hike from Mexico City. Here are the best.
Coming to the capital? Explore it fully with Culture Trip’s immersive, five-day adventure around Mexico City. Led by our Local Insider, you’ll discover hidden corners of the city and enjoy unforgettable activities with a small group of like-minded travelers.
Desierto de los Leones National Park
Park, Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

Nevado de Toluca National Park
Park

The jewel in the crown of Nevado de Toluca National Park is Nevado de Toluca itself, an inactive volcano. Arguably the most striking volcano in Mexico, it’s popular with day trippers from Mexico City, who come to see the often snowy peaks and the two bright-blue lakes that lie in its craters. The park is easily reachable via car, just remember to wrap up warm and take it easy with the altitude.
El Tepeyac National Park
Park

In northern Mexico City, this undulating national park, which includes part of the Guadalupe Mountains, is the perfect place to admire the capital. It also contains the high and low parts of the Tepeyac, Guerrero and Santa Isabel hills, which makes it a great hiking and cycling spot. And for a post-walk adventure, you can visit the nearby Basílica de Guadalupe, one of the must-visit attractions in Mexico City.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Park

The Cumbres del Ajusco is one of the top national parks in Mexico City. Dominating half of the capital, it’s home to the highest peak in Mexico, Pico de Águila, plus a range of colorful flora and fauna. It’s also where you’ll find the vegetation-covered dome of the Xitle volcano, which erupted in the early half of the first millennium, destroying the city of Cuicuilco.
Los Dinamos National Park
Park

El Tepozteco
Park, Ruins, Archaeological site

El Paso de Cortés
Hiking Trail

La Malinche National Park
Park

Pico de Orizaba
Natural Feature, Park

Additional words by Sam Murray.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.