10 Best National Parks in Mexico
Escape to Mexico's Most Beautiful Natural Landscapes
Use our guide to the best national parks in Mexico to find out where to explore ancient ruins, climb volcanos and see the wonders of the coral reefs. The landscape of Mexico is filled with mountains, canyons, lakes and forests. Cacti grow in drier spots, while the tropical climate makes it the ideal home for all kinds of bright and colourful wildlife on land, in the air and underwater.
Nature lovers, history buffs, adventurers and photographers alike will all find the beautiful country ideal. The dramatic Mexican landscape is bound to astound you at every turn and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Desierto de los Leones
A verdant mountain forest and home of a 17th-century monastery
Ideal para: Foto, História, Aventura
You might be surprised to find that Desierto de los Leones, or the Desert of Lions, is full of trees, not sand. This 4,600-acre park is a lush mountain forest, high above sea level. There aren’t any lions, either, but don’t be disappointed, there’s still plenty of wildlife to be found beneath the verdant canopy. Perhaps you’ll see a Mexican Volcano Mouse or a white-tailed deer.
Also within the park is the famous Monastery, home to Carmelite monks from the 17th to 19th centuries. History lovers will enjoy a tour of the library, cells and orchard where these monks once spent their days.
Localização: Álvaro Obregón, 01864 Mexico City, Mexico
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Desierto de los Leones
2. Parque los Dínamos
A park near Mexico City popular with outdoor sport enthusiasts
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Just southwest of Mexico City you’ll find the protected area of Parque los Dínamos. There are 26 miles (42 km) of trails around this hill that are popular with bikers, joggers and hikers and take you beneath the shade of trees. It’s also a popular destination for rock climbers, trout fishers, campers and horse riders.
If you head uphill, breathtaking views out over the city and the surrounding countryside will reward you for your efforts. Take your time to enjoy the journey as well, though. In addition to the trees and views, you might see a hummingbird or wild rabbits along your way.
Localização: Cam. a Los Dinamos, Reserva de los dinamos, La Carbonera, La Magdalena Contreras, 10930 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Abre: Daily from 6 am to 6.30 pm
Telefone: +52 800 008 9090
Parque los Dínamos
3. Cumbres de Monterrey
A northern park with a variety of landscapes and wildlife
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Dramatic, sheer peaks jutting from the landscape, spectacular waterfalls and awe-inspiring canyons categorise the astounding Cumbres de Monterrey national park. Here you can get a glimpse of much of what Northern Mexico has to offer. Its wide variety of landscapes and wildlife make it a must-visit for any nature lover in the area.
Within the park, the Chipinque reserve is a great place for people who want a more accessible area. There’s a visitor centre to provide you with information about the area and its native wildlife and plants. Then you can head out and see it for yourself.
Localização: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Cumbres de Monterrey
4. Cascada de Basaseachi
Home of the tallest waterfalls in Mexico
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Famílias
The Cascada de Basaseachi National Park is named for the stunning waterfalls that are the most popular attraction in this beautiful area. The 2 tallest waterfalls in Mexico are a jaw-dropping sight, displaying the sheer power and majesty of nature to its best advantage. On sunny days, the falling water splits the light into rainbows, sure to delight people of all ages.
You’ll find Cascada de Basaseachi in Chihuahua, to the northwest of Mexico and just south of the town of Basaseachi itself. As well as the iconic waterfalls, this park is known for its high cliffs, so be careful as you wander the trails.
Localização: Chihuahua, Mexico
Abre: Wednesday–Monday from 5 am to 8 pm, Tuesday from 1 am to 8 pm
Cascada de Basaseachi
5. El Tepozteco National Park
Ancient Aztec ruins atop a volcanic landscape
Ideal para: Foto, História, Aventura
Near Mexico City you’ll find the national park of El Tepozteco. This landscape was forged by volcanos while the park itself was created in 1937 with areas dedicated to preservation, traditional use, recovery from human interference and parts to human settlement.
You’ll also find the impressive El Tepozteco Aztec ruins within the park. This archaeological site is perched atop one of the Sierra de Tepoztlan mountains and features an Aztec temple that used to attract pilgrims from far and wide and still has rituals performed in it. It’s a tough climb that might not be suitable for small children or people with mobility difficulties, but for those who feel comfortable with the climb, we recommend the trip.
Localização: Morelos, Mexico
El Tepozteco National Park
6. Palenque National Park
Monkeys and more in these Mayan ruins reclaimed by nature
Ideal para: Foto, História, Aventura
Another fascinating archaeological site can be found in the Palenque National Park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Within the lush jungle, you’ll find the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilisation that once lived here. These ruins are over 1,000 years old and include a palace, a temple and the tomb of an ancient Mayan ruler.
The nature here is also awe-inspiring, with the biodiversity being one of the many reasons for the park’s UNESCO status. Cedar and mahogany trees have reclaimed the area along with monkeys, toucans and iguanas. Make sure to remember your camera as there’s plenty to take photographs of.
Localização: Ruinas-Palenque, 29960 Chis., Mexico
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Palenque National Park
7. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
A chance to see the world’s second largest coral reef
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is a little different from the rest, as rather than being on land, it’s underwater. The name translates to Cozumel Reefs and these reefs are just off the coast of Yucatan state in the Caribbean Sea.
The second largest coral reef in the world, a diving trip here will reveal the mysteries of life in the tropical waters of the Caribbean. The bright colours of the native fish zip around bright coral and turtles. While the turquoise waters may appear serene from above, there’s a lot going on beneath the waves.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
8. El Cimatario
A volcano populated by birds and cacti
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Famílias
The heart of El Cimatario National Park is the volcano Cerro del Cimatario. The plant life here is a mix of cacti and tropical trees, and many birds make their homes here. Bird watchers will find the area particularly good during the migration season. But even the stone beneath your feet can be fascinating. The volcanic rock is rich and is known to contain many fossils.
A hike up to the peak will provide incredible views that stretch across the Mexican landscape. The city of Santiago de Querétaro sprawls down below. Take the time to recover from your trip up and admire the vista. The park is less busy than some others, so you might have the place to yourself.
Localização: Edo de Mexico 4660, La Ceja, Qro., Mexico
Telefone: +52 442 248 8992
El Cimatario
9. Lagunas de Montebello
Multi-coloured lakes hidden between the trees
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Lagunas de Montebello, right on the Guatemalan border and almost a mile (1.6 km) above sea level, boasts 59 multi-coloured lakes. As you hike through the pine forests, the waters of the lakes emerge between the tree trunks. The lakes vary in both size and colour, ranging from emerald-green to reds and purples as well as the more common blue. This fascinating phenomenon is caused by the minerals in the water and makes for amazing photographs.
You can stay in the park itself, with multiple accommodation options available, particularly around Lake Tziscao, the largest of the lakes.
Localização: Chiapas, Mexico
Abre: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Lagunas de Montebello
10. Cañón del Sumidero
An awe-inspiring canyon that you can float along
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
The main draw of the Sumidero Canyon National Park is the Cañón del Sumidero it’s named after. The canyon cuts through the landscape, 2,600 ft (800 metres) deep and 8 miles (13 km) long. Its steep, rocky sides plunge down to the wide El Sumidero river, where greenery clusters around the base of the cliffs.
This impressive natural wonder can be viewed from above, where you can see the canyon stretch into the distance. Alternatively, you can take a boat along the river to look up the cliff walls and witness the majesty of nature looming above you. Or you can do both. Whichever you choose, you’ll find Cañón del Sumidero breathtaking.
Localização: Chiapas, Mexico
Cañón del Sumidero
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.