1. Sierra Norte Mountains (Xalapa trail)

• Where: State of Puebla, Mexico
• Starting point: The town of Cuetzalan in Puebla.
• End point: The summit of the Xalapa Mountain.
• Time needed: 4-5 hours.
• Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike the Xalapa trail is from November to March when the weather is cooler and drier.
• Where to Stay: You can stay in the town of Cuetzalan or in one of the nearby mountain villages, such as Zacatipan or Xochicuautla.

The Xalapa trail is a challenging hike that takes you through the heart of the Sierra Norte Mountains. You’ll start in the town of Cuetzalan and climb steadily up the mountainside, passing through dense forests and rocky outcroppings. The trail is well-marked but can be difficult in places due to the steep inclines and rocky terrain. Once you reach the summit of Xalapa, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The descent can be just as challenging as the ascent, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Overall, the Xalapa trail is a great choice for experienced hikers looking for a challenge in the beautiful Sierra Norte Mountains.

2. Nevado de Toluca

• Where: State of Mexico, Mexico
• Starting point: The lower parking lot at the base of the volcano.
• End point: The summit of Nevado de Toluca, which is also known as Xinantécatl.
• Time needed: 4-6 hours.
• Distance and Type: 14 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike Nevado de Toluca is from November to March when the weather is cooler and drier. Avoid hiking during the rainy season (May to September) when the trail can be muddy and slippery.
• Where to Stay: You can stay in the nearby city of Toluca or in the surrounding towns of Valle de Bravo or Malinalco.

The hike to the summit of Nevado de Toluca takes you through a beautiful landscape of pine and oak forests, high-altitude meadows, and rocky slopes. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and crater lakes. It’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast and come prepared with warm clothing and plenty of water.

3. Hierve el Agua

• Where: Oaxaca, Mexico
• Starting Point: Hierve el Agua parking lot
• End Point: Hierve el Agua waterfall and pools
• Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Distance: 6 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• When to Hike: Year-round, but best in dry season (November-April)
• Where to Stay: Oaxaca City or nearby hotels and accommodations

This hike takes you to the stunning Hierve el Agua waterfall and pools, located in the mountains of Oaxaca. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with some uphill and downhill sections. Along the way, you will see beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Once you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the natural pools or relax and take in the scenery. The trail is open year-round, but it’s best to hike during the dry season (November-April) to avoid slippery and muddy conditions.

4. Paricutín Volcano

• Where: Michoacán, Mexico
• Starting Point: Angahuan village
• End Point: Paricutín Volcano summit
• Time Needed: 6-8 hours.
• Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Best during the dry season (November-April)
• Where to Stay: Uruapan or nearby accommodations

The Paricutín Volcano is a cinder cone volcano that emerged suddenly in a farmer’s field in 1943. This hike takes you to the summit of the volcano, where you can see the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail starts in the village of Angahuan and is well-marked but steep and rocky in some parts. The hike takes about 6-8 hours to complete and is best done during the dry season (November-April) to avoid slippery and muddy conditions. It’s recommended to hire a guide or join a guided tour for safety reasons. After the hike, you can explore the nearby town of Uruapan and its attractions.

5. Copper Canyon

• Where: Chihuahua, Mexico
• Starting Point: Divisadero Train Station
• End Point: Creel
• Time Needed: 2-3 days.
• Distance and Type: 50 kilometers point to point
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Best time to hike is during the dry season, from October to April.
• Where to Stay: There are several lodges and guesthouses in Divisadero and Creel, as well as camping options along the trail.

The Copper Canyon trail is a challenging and rewarding hike that takes you through one of Mexico’s most scenic natural wonders. The trail begins at the Divisadero Train Station and winds its way through the rugged canyon landscape, passing through small indigenous villages and offering breathtaking views of the canyon and its surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna, including towering cacti and elusive wildlife. The trail is marked and maintained, but hikers should be prepared for steep inclines and rugged terrain. The trail can be completed in 2-3 days, with camping or lodging options available along the way. The trail ends in the charming town of Creel, where hikers can rest, refuel, and enjoy the local culture.

6. Monte Albán

• Where: Oaxaca, Mexico
• Starting Point: Monte Albán Archaeological Site
• End Point: Monte Albán Archaeological Site
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
• Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Easy
• When to Hike: Best to hike in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat, and any day of the year is suitable for hiking this trail.
• Where to Stay: Oaxaca City is the nearest city where you can find plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

The Monte Albán trail is a perfect hiking opportunity for those interested in the rich history and culture of Mexico. The trail takes you through the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, which was built around 500 BC and served as the political and economic center of the region for many centuries. The trail covers about 5 km, and along the way, you can explore the numerous ancient structures, including pyramids, temples, and ball courts. The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, and it provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

7. Sumidero Canyon

• Where: Chiapas, Mexico
• Starting point: Chiapa de Corzo or Tuxtla Gutiérrez
• End point: The Grijalva River
• Time needed: 6-8 hours.
• Distance and Type: 35 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Best time is during the dry season (November to May)
• Where to Stay: Tuxtla Gutiérrez or San Cristobal de las Casas

The Sumidero Canyon hike is a combination of hiking and boat tour that takes you through the majestic canyon carved by the Grijalva River. The hike starts at the park entrance in Chiapa de Corzo or Tuxtla Gutiérrez and follows a well-maintained trail that leads to various lookout points offering stunning views of the canyon walls, waterfalls, and wildlife. The trail ends at the banks of the Grijalva River, where a boat tour takes you further into the canyon, allowing you to experience the sheer scale and beauty of the canyon walls towering up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the river. The hike is moderately difficult, with steep sections and uneven terrain, but the views and experience are worth the effort.

8. La Malinche

• Where: Tlaxcala, Mexico
• Starting Point: La Malinche National Park entrance
• End Point: Summit of La Malinche volcano
• Time Needed: 5-6 hours.
• Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Best time to hike is during the dry season from October to May.
• Where to Stay: There are no accommodations within the park, but there are nearby hotels and hostels in Tlaxcala City.

La Malinche is a stratovolcano located in the eastern part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The hike to the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. The trail starts at the park entrance and leads through forested areas and open meadows, with steep inclines and altitude changes. Hikers should be prepared for high altitude, cold temperatures, and strong winds at the summit. The hike is recommended for experienced hikers with good physical fitness.

9. Cumbres de Monterrey National Park

• Where: Nuevo León, Mexico
• Starting Point: Trailhead at La Cima
• End Point: Trailhead at La Cima
• Time Needed: 5-6 hours.
• Distance and Type: 11 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Best from October to April, avoid rainy season (May to September)
• Where to Stay: Monterrey or nearby towns like Santiago or Villas de Garcia

The La Cima trail at Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is a beautiful and challenging loop trail that takes hikers to the highest point of the park at an elevation of 2,600 meters. The trail starts and ends at La Cima, a popular camping and picnic area in the park. The trail is steep and rocky, with several sections that require scrambling over rocks and boulders. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and hikers can see as far as the city of Monterrey on clear days. The trail is best hikes in the cooler months from October to April when the weather is drier and more pleasant. It is recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks and wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.

10. Peña de Bernal

• Where: Querétaro, Mexico
• Starting point: The trailhead is located near the base of Peña de Bernal, in the town of Bernal.
• End point: The summit of Peña de Bernal
• Time needed: 2-3 hours.
• Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season, from November to April. Avoid hiking during the rainy season (May to October).
• Where to stay: There are many accommodation options in the nearby town of Bernal, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

Peña de Bernal is a monolithic rock formation that towers over the town of Bernal. The hike to the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the town below. The trail is well-maintained but steep and rocky in some places, so good hiking shoes are recommended. There are several resting spots along the way, including a cave that provides some shade. The final section of the trail involves climbing a steep rock face using a fixed rope, so hikers should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable with heights. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views and is a great spot for a picnic lunch or some quiet reflection.