Mexico city: Hiking tour to Desierto de los leones

This hiking tour to Desierto de los Leones offers a peaceful escape from bustling Mexico City, blending nature, history, and local culture into a memorable day. While the itinerary is straightforward, what makes this experience stand out is the quality of the guides, the stunning views, and the chance to learn about the fascinating stories behind the monastery and the forest.

We love that this tour is designed for beginners, making it accessible without sacrificing the beauty of the landscape. The inclusion of transportation, snacks, and entrance fees offers good value, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day. That said, it’s worth noting that lunch is not included, so you’ll want to budget for a meal. This experience suits those who appreciate gentle hikes, historical sites, and authentic regional flavors, especially if you’re looking for a full day of nature and culture in one.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Visit a historical ex-convent and learn its myths and legends from an engaging guide.
• Convenient Logistics: Transportation and entrance fees are included, simplifying your day.
• Balanced Hiking: The route is beginner-friendly, ideal for those with a casual interest in hiking.
• Cultural Highlights: Taste regional food and, if available, the traditional drink pulque.
• Small Group: Limited to six participants, fostering a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Practical Tips: Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, cash, and a charged smartphone.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Insightful Day in Desierto de los Leones

This tour offers a wonderfully manageable way to experience the natural beauty and history of Mexico’s Desierto de los Leones, a lush forest park that feels miles away from the city’s hustle. Starting with a pickup from your lodging, the journey lasts about one to two hours. During this drive, guides like Dielinguue’s team create a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to nap, ask questions, or take in the scenery through the window.

Once you arrive, the tour kicks off with a warm-up, an often overlooked but essential part of hiking that helps prevent injuries and gets your muscles ready. From here, the real adventure begins. You’ll walk into the woods, guided by knowledgeable storytellers sharing the history, myths, and legends associated with the area. One reviewer, Yaakov from the US, remarked that “the hike was great, not exactly easy but not too steep either,” which suits most casual hikers. The forest trails are gentle, winding through trees that seem to stretch endlessly, making for a peaceful and scenic walk.

Exploring the Convent and Gardens

After about 1.5 hours of walking, you’ll reach the ex-convent of Desierto de los Leones — a hauntingly beautiful relic of Mexico’s religious past. The monastery’s stone walls and quiet gardens are a photographer’s dream, providing ample opportunities for photos and reflection. Guides typically take the time to explain the significance of the monastery, including its myths and legends, so you leave with a deeper appreciation of the place.

In reviews, many travelers appreciated the guided aspect, noting guides like Dielinguue’s team are “very knowledgeable and engaging,” often sharing stories that bring the history to life. Visitors often find the mix of nature and history especially captivating, as it offers a sense of tranquility combined with cultural insight.

Tasting Regional Flavors and Lunch Options

Post-visit, the tour usually includes a stop for lunch at local eateries near the park. While lunch isn’t part of the package—meaning you’ll need to pay yourself—many guests find this part of the experience rewarding. The area offers traditional Mexican dishes, with some tasting the regional specialty pulque, a fermented drink made from cactus. The availability of such local flavors helps deepen your connection to the region.

Some reviews highlight the affordability and quality of the food around the park, noting that “several restaurants have amazing and very affordable food.” It’s a wonderful way to recharge before the hike back through the forest.

The Return Journey

After lunch, you’ll embark on another walk of about 1.5 hours, retracing your steps through the forest. The guides are great about sharing additional stories and pointing out flora and fauna along the way. Once back at the vehicle, you’ll settle in for the roughly one to two-hour drive back to Mexico City, perfect for resting or processing the day’s sights.

It’s worth noting that the entire experience lasts around 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip, especially considering the care taken to ensure comfort and convenience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Pickup from Mexico City:
Your day begins with a pickup at your accommodation, which is a significant plus. The guides contact you after booking to confirm the exact location and time—just leave a WhatsApp number. Expect a relaxed start, with some snacks and water provided for the road.

First Walk in the Park:
Once at Desierto de los Leones, the guided walk lasts about 1.5 hours. Expect gentle trails, shaded by lush trees, perfect for a casual stroll. The guides are skilled at weaving in stories about the area’s myths, legends, and history, adding a layer of intrigue to the scenic walk.

Lunch and Food Tasting:
While not included, the local restaurants serve regional specialties, and many travelers enjoy sampling pulque if available. Keep in mind you’ll need cash, as card payments aren’t accepted in most places around the park.

Second Walk & Return:
The second walk, also about 1.5 hours, takes you deeper into the forest. This loop offers different views and more opportunities to spot wildlife or just appreciate the peaceful ambiance. The guides are attentive and keep the group engaged with local stories and nature facts.

Back to Mexico City:
After the hikes and food, the bus takes you back to your lodging, leaving you with relaxed, refreshed, and full of stories to tell.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Footwear: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
• Clothing: Dress in casual, breathable clothes that can get dirty — layers work well if weather changes.
• Essentials: Bring a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and a fully charged smartphone.
• Physical Level: The route is beginner-friendly, so most with average fitness should be fine; however, avoid if you have back, heart, or altitude issues.
• Group Size: Small groups (up to 6 people) create a more intimate experience, so booking early is recommended.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. One visitor from Canada simply described the experience as “nice,” but that belies the richness of the day. The mention of the hike being “not exactly easy but not too steep” hints at a manageable pace that allows for enjoyment rather than exhaustion.

The highlight for many is the history of the monastery and the stories shared by guides like Dielinguue, who make the experience informative and fun. The park’s serene atmosphere, combined with the stories of myths and legends, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in culture and nature.

The Sum Up

This hiking tour to Desierto de los Leones offers a thoughtful combination of gentle adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, enjoy learning about local legends, and want a relaxed walk through nature without strenuous climbs. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and snacks makes it convenient and great value.

If you’re after a peaceful escape with a touch of history and authentic regional flavors, this tour delivers in spades. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a personalized experience, and the knowledgeable guides will enrich your understanding of the area’s secrets.

For anyone who’s curious about Mexico’s natural landscapes and the stories behind historic sites, this tour is a charming, accessible choice.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from your lodging to Desierto de los Leones and back is included, making the day stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel, hikes, and breaks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, a charged smartphone, and clothes suitable for getting a bit dirty are recommended.

Can I participate if I’m not an experienced hiker?
Absolutely. The route is beginner-level, with gentle trails suitable for most casual walkers.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are local restaurants nearby where you can try regional dishes and pulque.

What is the group size?
Groups are small, limited to 6 participants, which allows for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old, and pregnant women or those with certain health conditions should consider their suitability.

What is the best time to do this tour?
Check the availability, as starting times vary; generally, mornings are popular to enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.

This tour balances the scenic beauty of Mexico’s forests with engaging historical storytelling, making it a rewarding day for curious travelers. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful break from city life, Desierto de los Leones awaits.

You can check if your dates are available here: