Mexico is one of the most populated countries on the planet and the biggest Spanish speaking one as well. People come from all over the world to see Mexico and its amazing beaches, beautiful weather and to eat its delicious food. What many don’t realize is just how big and biodiverse the country really is with the Pacific on one side, the gulf on the other and range of rain forests, deserts and mountains in between. Because of its amazingly diverse environment, the many national parks in Mexico all offer something unique and cool to see and discover. So if you’re taking a trip, here are the best national parks in Mexico.
1. Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is one of the most popular national parks in Mexico and is a great adventure worth discovering. The park is mostly known for the amazing cave system that runs underneath the park and Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is actually one of the biggest caves systems in the world with subterranean rivers even flowing through it. Above the ground, there is a botanical garden, camping area, zip-lining, and even rock climbing.
Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
Address: Guerrero, Mexico, Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa,
Website: Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 1.50 USD
2. Nevado de Toluca National Park
The park here was established in 1936 and simply traveling through the grounds is really an amazing sight to behold. The mountains here all form part of a volcanic range and although the volcano has been dead for quite some time the nearby natural landmarks like the two large lakes are remnants from the last times the volcano erupted. Horseback riding and skiing are popular things to do here and there are numerous archaeological sites from the pre-Hispanic era.
Nevado de Toluca National Park
Address: Nevado de Toluca National Park, State of Mexico
Website: Nevado de Toluca National Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Cabo Pulmo National Park (from USD 186.55)
Cabo Pulmo National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an absolutely beautiful park that is both practical and marvelous to explore. Located on the eastern side of the Baja peninsula just north of Cabo San Lucas, the park is home to one of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America. The reef is estimated to be at least 20,000 years old and conservation efforts have been in place here since the early 2000s.
From Cabo: Cabo Pulmo Marine Park Snorkeling and Kayaking
Duration: 9.0 hour
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4. Basaseachic Falls National Park
If you’re visiting Basaseachic Falls National Park make sure to bring a camera because the views here are amazing. Located on the western side of the state of Chihuahua the waterfalls here are among some of the tallest in the entire country and formed after millions of years of rock formation and erosion. There is a great variety of flora and fauna in the area as well making it a perfect spot for bird watching in both the winter and summer months.
Basaseachic Falls National Park
Address: Cascada de Basaseachi, Chihuahua, Mexico
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
5. Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park has been one of Mexico’s oldest parks before Mexico was even a thing. People have been coming to the area since 1200 B.C.E. Indigenous people have lived here for a long time and with Mexico City being pretty close by the people who lived here would have been familiar with the pre-Hispanic societies that lived there. Old Spanish Missions and settlements can still be found in the area. The park is known for its high elevation as the majority of the park is located in the mountains.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Address: Magdalena Contreras, Mexico City, Mexico
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Located right off the beautiful and lush Yucatan Peninsula, the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is home to the second-largest coral reef in the world. The park is technically right off the coast of the Cozumel island and is a great place for people into diving and snorkeling. The park has a lot of biodiversities allowing guests to view some of the most exotic marine wildlife around in gorgeous aqua blue water.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Address: Calle Quinta Avenida 5 A, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Lagunas de Montebello National Park is a huge recreational area located at the very southern end of Mexico bordering Guatemala. The park is incredibly beautiful with its location being high in the mountains of Chiapas and comprising of over 50 crystal blue lakes surrounded by pine trees and lush biodiverse forests. There are also pre-Columbian Mayan ruins on-site with many sites not even uncovered yet as they are hidden under the vegetation.
Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Address: San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Bahia de Loreto National Park
Located on the east coast of the Baja Peninsula, the Bahia de Loreto National Park is just north of the nearest city of La Paz. The environment is interesting here as it is tucked in between the Mexico mainland as the peninsula behind it, essentially making it blocked off from other sea life. This gives the Bahia de Loreto National Park a very unique and pristine ecosystem. There are numerous islands around the park which is home to tons of marine life including animals and submarine canyons
Bahia de Loreto National Park
Address: Baja California Sur, Mexico
Website: Bahia de Loreto National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. La Marquesa National Park
La Marquesa National Park is one of the more “recent” parks with less of a focus on nature and fauna and more dedicated to Mexican history. The park is the former site of a famous battleground during the Mexican War of Independence. The battle that occurred here was the 1810 Battle Monte de la Cruces which saw a major victory for the Mexicans. The park is characterized by many paths and trails for hiking as well as statues of the heroes of the battle.
La Marquesa National Park
Address: Parque La Marqueza, Parques Nacionales, 50100 Toluca de Lerdo, Méx., Mexico
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Located on the edge of the area of Monterrey, the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park was established as a means of protecting local flora and fauna and served as a barrier for the city of Monterrey to make sure the urban sprawl was kept in check. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the area was inhabited by indigenous people with many cave paintings and artifacts having been discovered in the area’s caves and mountains. The mountains here are enormous with waterfalls and plants surrounding the towering mountains, make sure to pack some good hiking shoes and a camera.
Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Address: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 1 USD
Admire the natural beauty in Mexico
There are plenty of national parks in Mexico that offer so much beauty and diversity. Showcasing what every corner of the country has to offer, the national parks of Mexico offer some unparalleled views of mountains, deserts, lakes, and even animals, so pack some hiking shoes and your camera and head out.
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