20 Best Hiking Trails in Mexico
Mexico is an absolute paradise for outdoor lovers, offering stunning volcano summits, lush jungle trails, dramatic canyons, and crystal-clear lagoons. Whether you're a super duper avid hiker or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, the country’s stunning landscapes provide tons of opportunities for exploration.
But planning the perfect trip—finding the best trails, arranging logistics, and ensuring an exciting, seamless experience—can be overwhelming. That’s where Competitours comes in.
Competitours specializes in putting together and curating unique, surprise-filled itineraries that push travelers outside their comfort zones in the best way possible - everything from hiking in the USA to mystery trips and many more mystery ideas for you enjoy.
Ready to lace up your boots? Here are 20 of the best hiking trails in Mexico that could be part of your next adventure.
Competitours Will Help You Start Hiking in Mexico Today!
1. Nevado de Toluca Summit Trail
- Location: Nevado de Toluca National Park, Estado de México
- Distance: 8 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–April
- Highlights: Mexico’s fourth-highest volcano (15,354 feet), with stunning crater lakes at the summit.
- Tip: Start early to avoid altitude sickness and bring layers for freezing temperatures.
2. La Malinche Volcano Trail
- Location: La Malinche National Park (Tlaxcala/Puebla)
- Distance: 9 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
- Best Time to Hike: October–May
- Highlights: A dormant volcano reaching 14,636 feet, offering 360-degree views of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
- Tip: Expect a mix of pine forests, rocky slopes, and high-altitude conditions.
3. Iztaccíhuatl "La Mujer Dormida" Route
- Location: Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park (Puebla/Estado de México)
- Distance: 10 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–April
- Highlights: The third-highest peak in Mexico (17,126 feet), with snow-capped ridges and glacier views.
- Tip: Acclimate to high altitudes before attempting this challenging trek.
4. Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) Urique Route
- Location: Chihuahua
- Distance: 30+ miles (various routes)
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Best Time to Hike: October–April
- Highlights: Larger than the Grand Canyon, featuring deep gorges, Tarahumara villages, and waterfalls.
- Tip: Go with a local guide—this remote area has rugged terrain and extreme weather.
5. Hierve el Agua Trail
- Location: Oaxaca
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Best Time to Hike: Year-round
- Highlights: Petrified waterfalls, natural infinity pools, and stunning Sierra Madre mountains.
- Tip: Bring swimwear—you can soak in the mineral-rich pools at the top.
6. Peña de Bernal Hike
- Location: Querétaro
- Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Best Time to Hike: Year-round
- Highlights: One of the largest monoliths in the world, offering panoramic views from the top.
- Tip: The last section requires rock scrambling, so wear good grip shoes.
7. Sierra Gorda Canyon Trails
- Location: Querétaro
- Distance: Varies (5-15 miles)
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Best Time to Hike: November–April
- Highlights: Hidden waterfalls, cloud forests, and limestone caves in a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- Tip: Expect humid conditions and lots of wildlife—bring bug spray and rain gear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMyeRolo2F4&pp=ygUaU2llcnJhIEdvcmRhIENhbnlvbiBUcmFpbHM%3D
8. El Tepozteco Pyramid Trail
- Location: Tepoztlán, Morelos
- Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
- Best Time to Hike: October–March
- Highlights: A steep jungle hike leading to an Aztec pyramid with epic valley views.
- Tip: Start early to avoid crowds, as this is a popular weekend hike.
9. Cumbres de Monterrey Matacanes Canyon Route
- Location: Nuevo León
- Distance: 12 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
- Best Time to Hike: April–October
- Highlights: Waterfalls, caves, river crossings, and turquoise pools.
- Tip: Bring water shoes—you’ll be swimming and wading through canyons.
10. Ajusco Summit Trail
- Location: Mexico City
- Distance: 4.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
- Best Time to Hike: October–May
- Highlights: The highest peak in Mexico City (12,894 feet), offering stunning city views.
- Tip: Expect rocky terrain, cool temperatures, and strong winds.
11. Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Hill) Trail
- Location: Monterrey, Nuevo León
- Distance: 6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
- Best Time to Hike: October–April
- Highlights: Iconic saddle-shaped mountain with breathtaking views of Monterrey.
- Tip: The last stretch is steep and rocky, so use trekking poles for stability.
12. Pico de Orizaba Base Camp Hike
- Location: Puebla/Veracruz
- Distance: 8 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–April
- Highlights: Mexico’s tallest peak (18,491 feet), featuring glaciers, alpine terrain, and breathtaking vistas.
- Tip: If not summiting, the base camp hike offers unreal sunrise views.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xa-I3GbxIg&pp=ygUeUGljbyBkZSBPcml6YWJhIEJhc2UgQ2FtcCBIaWtl
13. Sótano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows) Trail
- Location: San Luis Potosí
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet (steep descent)
- Best Time to Hike: November–March
- Highlights: A 1,100-foot-deep vertical cave where thousands of swallows fly in and out at dawn.
- Tip: Go early to witness the birds’ dramatic morning departure.
14. Volcán Paricutín Lava Fields Trail
- Location: Michoacán
- Distance: 12 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–May
- Highlights: Hike over frozen lava fields to see the buried church ruins of San Juan Parangaricutiro.
- Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots—the sharp volcanic rock is rough on shoes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfjbfcLzHWo&pp=ygUkdm9sY8OhbiBQYXJpY3V0w61uIExhdmEgRmllbGRzIFRyYWls
15. Cabo Pulmo Coast Walk
- Location: Baja California Sur
- Distance: 5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Best Time to Hike: October–April
- Highlights: A coastal trek along turquoise waters, passing desert landscapes and hidden beaches.
- Tip: Bring snorkel gear—Cabo Pulmo is a UNESCO-protected coral reef area.
16. Laguna de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Lagoon) Trail
- Location: Bacalar, Quintana Roo
- Distance: 6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Flat
- Best Time to Hike: Year-round
- Highlights: A surreal turquoise lagoon, known for its seven shades of blue and limestone formations.
- Tip: Visit early in the morning for glass-like water reflections.
17. El Chorro Waterfall Trail
- Location: Near San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
- Distance: 4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–April
- Highlights: A secluded jungle hike leading to a stunning waterfall and natural pools.
- Tip: Best after the rainy season (September–October) when the waterfall is at full force.
18. Sumidero Canyon Rim Trail
- Location: Chiapas
- Distance: 5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–March
- Highlights: One of Mexico’s deepest canyons, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping jungle views.
- Tip: Combine with a boat tour on the Grijalva River to see crocodiles and waterfalls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6yKiz6lZXA&pp=ygUZU3VtaWRlcm8gQ2FueW9uIFJpbSBUcmFpbA%3D%3D
19. Volcán Tacaná Summit Hike
- Location: Chiapas/Guatemala border
- Distance: 14 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
- Best Time to Hike: November–April
- Highlights: A bi-national volcano (13,320 feet) with lush cloud forests and epic sunrise views.
- Tip: Start at 4 AM to catch the sunrise at the summit.
20. El Cielo Biosphere Cloud Forest Trails
- Location: Tamaulipas
- Distance: Various routes (3–10 miles)
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Best Time to Hike: November–March
- Highlights: A UNESCO-protected cloud forest, home to jaguars, toucans, and rare orchids.
- Tip: A guide is recommended to help spot wildlife and hidden caves.
