Hiking in Mexico
Including Agua Azul Waterfalls, Cascada de Tamul, and Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre). On the map.
The vibe
Puffing up volcanic slopes and ancient forest ridges here brings a wild, high-altitude solitude unlike the manicured paths of the Alps or North America. The dry months from late autumn through spring offer crisp morning air and clear views across vast highland basins before the afternoon clouds roll in. You mostly move independently here, occasionally joining local hikers on weekend trails or checking in at a park station for a basic registry stamp.
You drop a small cash fee at occasional park gates.
Agua Azul Waterfalls
Chiapas
diego_cue / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A series of cascading turquoise waterfalls set within a lush jungle environment. The trails follow the river, offering gentle walking paths with constant views of the falls.
Access. Located in Chiapas, accessible by road from Palenque or San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Notes. Can get crowded; best visited early in the morning.
Cascada de Tamul
San Luis Potosí
Eduardo Ysla / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A spectacular waterfall hike and river journey located in the Huasteca Potosina region. The trail leads to the edge of a massive turquoise waterfall dropping into a deep canyon.
Access. Access is typically via a boat trip up the Tampaón River followed by a short hike, or via trailheads near the village of Tanchachín.
Notes. Water levels vary significantly by season; best visited outside of heavy rain periods.
Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre)
Chihuahua
Ian Shackleford / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A vast network of canyons deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon, offering rugged trekking routes through dramatic cliffs and indigenous Tarahumara landscapes. The trails range from steep rim-to-floor descents to long-distance canyon traverses.
Access. Best accessed via the Chepe train to Divisadero or Creel; local guides are highly recommended for remote trails.
Notes. Extreme heat in the canyon floor during summer; navigation can be difficult without a guide.
Cumbres de Monterrey (La Huasteca)
Nuevo León
Hari Seldon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A dramatic limestone canyon park near Monterrey featuring sheer rock walls and challenging trail routes. It is a favorite for those seeking rugged canyon topography and high-intensity day hikes.
Access. Located on the outskirts of Monterrey; easily accessible by car for day trips.
Notes. Flash flood risks in canyon bottoms; avoid during heavy rain.
El Triunfo Cloud Forest
Chiapas
J. Paulo Carbajal-Borges from Morelia, México / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A remote and lush cloud forest trek in Chiapas, home to the rare Quetzal and ancient ferns. The trails offer a dense, misty, and immersive rainforest experience for serious hikers.
Access. Requires a multi-day trek and mandatory permits; access is strictly regulated through local conservation offices in Jaltenango.
Notes. Permits required well in advance; high humidity and steep terrain.
Huatulco National Park
Oaxaca
MexBoss / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A series of coastal trails winding through dry tropical forest and secluded bays. The paths offer stunning ocean views and access to pristine, undeveloped beaches.
Access. Accessible from the town of Santa Cruz Huatulco; trails are well-marked within the protected park zones.
Notes. Hot and arid; carry plenty of water.
Iztaccíhuatl Volcano
Puebla
Parkywiki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This iconic high-altitude trek takes hikers along the ridgeline of the 'Sleeping Woman' volcano. It offers a challenging alpine experience with breathtaking views of the neighboring active Popocatépetl volcano.
Access. Accessible via the La Joya trailhead, reachable by car from Mexico City or Puebla; high-altitude acclimatization is essential.
Notes. Extreme altitude (over 5,000m); requires professional mountain guides and proper gear.
Lagunas de Montebello
Chiapas
Araceli Santana / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A beautiful park featuring a chain of multi-colored lakes surrounded by pine-oak forests. The trails offer gentle walking loops around the lake shores and through the surrounding forest.
Access. Accessible by road from Comitán; trails are easy to navigate for casual hikers.
Notes. Null
Nevado de Toluca
State of Mexico
eurimaco / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A unique hike leading to the crater of a dormant volcano, housing two stunning alpine lakes known as the Sun and Moon lagoons. The terrain is rocky and high-altitude, providing a dramatic landscape unlike anywhere else in the country.
Access. Accessible by road to the upper parking area, followed by a moderate hike to the crater rim.
Notes. High altitude; weather can change rapidly; check for seasonal snow closures.
Pico de Orizaba
Puebla
Nick Moyes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The highest peak in Mexico, offering a serious mountaineering trek to the summit of a dormant stratovolcano. The route involves glacier travel and steep volcanic scree slopes.
Access. Access via Tlachichuca; requires 4x4 transport to the base camp and professional mountaineering equipment.
Notes. Requires significant mountaineering experience, glacier gear, and acclimatization.