Great places to hike in Mexico
Anyone who enjoys walking is a potential hiker. It is perhaps one of the easiest sports to practice -at first sight- because to do so you need a pair of legs and good shoes. The truth is that although we rarely take it into account, hiking is gaining more and more followers and of course, we must realize the benefits it brings to the body and mind.
As it is an aerobic exercise, it helps to keep your heart in shape; if you go out of town, you will find places where you can breathe fresh air; it will make you a happier person, as exercise helps to release endorphins. These and other reasons make it a great sport. Here are the best places to go hiking in Mexico.
Pico de Orizaba in Veracruz
Pico de Orizaba -located on the border of Veracruz and Puebla- is the highest peak in Mexico at 5610 meters above sea level. It is also one of the most visited destinations by hikers, perhaps because of the diversity of its landscape, the endemic flora and fauna of the place; and of course, because of its international fame.
The experts recommend being very careful with mountain sickness and going little by little to conquer this giant, step by step, as well as climbing the southern slope, which is the least difficult.
Do not take it lightly, we recommend training a few weeks before your trip to ensure that your arrival at the top is a success.
Guadalupe Canyon in Baja California
Less than 30 kilometers from Mexicali – in the Sierra Cucupah – you’ll find the Guadalupe Canyon, a great destination for hikers. Known for its unique rock formations, this canyon has several singularities, among them its thermal waters, alternated with cold water pools.
You’ll also find beautiful waterfalls that will fill your ears with the sounds of the waterfall and you’ll understand why they call it a desert oasis.
Besides, it is said that this is a privileged place to appreciate star showers, so wait for the sun to set and make a wish.
Copper Canyon in Chihuahua
The Copper Canyon in Chihuahua offers several options for trekking lovers who can choose from those that last a couple of hours to those that last several days.
The view of impressive canyons alternates with that of beautiful lagoons, waterfalls and pine forests, so it is recommended to walk them at the beginning of winter to avoid being subjected to the extreme weather that occurs in other months.
Matacanes in Monterrey
The Matacanes Canyon is located approximately two hours from Monterrey, in the Sierra Madre Oriental and is known as the best canyon in Mexico, thanks to the beauty of its underground rivers, waterfalls and the blue water that fills its pools.
There are guided tours that include a tour of some of the waterfalls where if you have the courage, you can jump more than 10 meters to immerse yourself in their delicious waters.
Plan your next route in Matacanes and fall in love with this regiomontana jewel, book your flights to Monterrey and from there, the adventure begins!
A tour of the caves and waterfalls of Cuetzalan
When you arrive to Cuetzalan you will have the sensation that time stopped long ago; its singular architecture, its paved streets and the town floating in the fog, are just some of the reasons for the fame of this Magical Town that rises over the Puebla Mountain Range.
Very close to Cuetzalan you will find waterfalls, pools and countless trails to walk. If you feel like practicing some extreme sport, this is the right place.
Izta-Popo National Park
The Izta-Popo National Park offers its visitors different trails according to the level of those who visit it, their objectives and their needs. It is advisable that before entering these trails, you make a stop to adapt your body to the altitude, which can reach 3,900 meters.
The park also has a designated picnic area. Be careful of the sun, because on some trails it can become very hard.
And because in this kind of adventure it is difficult to find a friend who dares, here are some tips for traveling alone, so forget the excuses and start your next adventure today!
The Lacandon Jungle in Chiapas
Without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges for a hiker can be a jungle, and if it is like the Lacandona – full of fearsome species like the boa constrictor and the coralillo – it is even more so.
The Lacandon Jungle is recognized as one of the most beautiful and exuberant in the world, which makes it a place of care. We recommend that to explore this jungle you seek the company of a local guide, as you will be entering an area of more than 17 thousand square kilometers.
We know it sounds like a dangerous adventure, but we assure you that if you prepare yourself and go with the right people, your journey will be a success. Meet the home of the wonderful jaguar, book your flights to Tuxtla now.
The Huasteca Potosina
The Huasteca Potosina is one of the most diverse areas of our country; you will find waterfalls, pools, protected natural areas and even a surreal garden.
You can visit the Tamasopo Waterfalls or some of its rivers to navigate them at great speed or make the descent in the Swallows Basement. If you are new to hiking, this is the ideal destination to get started in this art. Dare to let yourself be surrounded by the imposing nature of Potosi.
The Huentitan Canyon in Jalisco
The Barrancas de Huentitan are located at the exit of Guadalajara; therefore, to get there you must take the Guadalajara-Saltillo highway or the Tonalá-Matatlán peripheral road. In this paradise you can forget about the hectic pace of the city and get into the vegetation.
The Barrancas de Huetitan were declared a protected natural area in 1997 with the aim of caring for and studying the biogeographical corridor formed by gallery forest, tropical deciduous forest and rocky vegetation. Next time you take a trip to Guadalajara, escape to the Barrancas de Huentitan!