Sure, you could spend your vacation drinking cocktails on the beach. Or, you could go hiking in Mexico, and see a side of the country few other tourists have seen!
7.86 million Americans visited Mexico between January and October last year. This is an increase of 12% from the previous year. While many of them were letting loose in Cancun, many were also enjoying some of the most popular hikes in the world.
If you’re looking for an adventure, Mexico is the place to go. It’s easy to see the country as just a destination for frolicking on the beach. But if you’re willing to go a little “off-the-beaten-path,” you’ll be rewarded.
Here are our top favorite hikes in Mexico:
Why go Hiking in Mexico?
The United States has plenty of amazing hiking trails. But Mexico is an ideal destination for hiking for a number of reasons. The country has plenty of mountain ranges to explore, along with excellent weather too.
The best time to go hiking in Mexico is from October to May, which is the dry season. The weather is temperate, and you’ll enjoy some incredible hiking experiences.
The Best Hiking in Mexico
There are plenty of breathtaking hikes throughout Mexico, whether you’re a beginner hiker, or have been hiking for years. Here are some of the best hikes to choose from:
Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon is so massive it could easily swallow the Grand Canyon. Unlike the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon is jam-packed with fig, oak, fir, and pine trees. This is a much greener, lush place to hike.
Feeling intrepid? National Geographic ranked this 5-day hike as one of the best in the world!
Chipinque
You’ll find this northern natural park in Nuevo Leon, and it has plenty of hiking trails to introduce newbies and delight experienced hikers.
There are three recommended trails if you’re new to the area, but there are also far more that you can try, covering 50km within the natural park.
Los Tuxlas Biosphere Reserve
This reserve is located in the south Veracruz state. If you consider yourself a fitness fiend, this hike is for you. You’ll also enjoy vibrant culture along with your hike.
The reserve covers more than 155,000 hectares and is known for a number of areas populated with healers. Legend says that before you start hiking you should first be cleansed. There are plenty of hikes starting here, whether you’re looking for mountainous hikes or simple lakeside walks.
Tepozteco
If you’re short on time, this is the hike for you. Located just an hour from Mexico City, you can grab a bus to Tepozlan and head up the mountainside.
You’ll need to be fit for this hike, as the trail is steep. You’ll ascend 1,200 ft, and you’ll do it in less than a mile. Once you get to the top, you can take in the 30-foot-high pyramid. This site dates back to the 12th century and you can sit on top while enjoying incredible views of the valley.
Ready for an experience of a lifetime?
Before you go hiking in Mexico, you’ll need to make sure you have the right gear.
Check out everything you need here. Enjoy your trip!
