Overview
The Desierto de los Leones Hike offers a tranquil retreat into the lush outskirts of Mexico City! Feel the fresh forest air as you explore historical trails leading to ancient convents and serene lakes. After navigating beautiful and historical paths, enjoy a traditional pulque. Let’s discover this hidden natural gem together!
Highlights
- Hike through Mexico's first national park, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich history.
- Visit an ancient convent once run by Discalced Carmelite nuns, steeped in history and tranquility
- Taste a traditional Mexican beverage, often called the "drink of the gods," for a true cultural experience.
- Enjoy breathtaking views, capturing the natural beauty and serenity of the area’s landscapes.
Itinerary
Gear up for the Desierto de los Leones Hike! A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. This tranquil nature getaway offers the opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors, uncovering the beauty of forests, history, and breathtaking vistas.
We begin the day with a pick-up from your accommodation, followed by a drive to the Desierto de los Leones National Park, a protected area nestled in the mountains just outside Mexico City. As we arrive, you’ll immediately feel the peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the city’s energy. The park’s lush landscapes and crisp air are perfect for a day of exploration and adventure.
Our guided hike will lead us through lush forests of pine and oak, where you’ll discover the natural beauty that this area is known for. Along the way, we’ll visit the Ex Convento Desierto de los Leones, a historic 17th-century convent built by Carmelite monks, offering a glimpse into the past with its tranquil courtyards and stone walls. The convent’s serene ambiance and rich history make it a must-see stop on this journey.
After soaking in the historical beauty of the convent, we’ll continue our hike to the picturesque Lago de los Gansos (Lake of the Geese). This peaceful lake is the perfect spot to pause, take in the beauty of nature, and even enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection by the water’s edge.
For those feeling extra adventurous, we’ll venture onward to a stunning viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to snap some photos and fully appreciate the scale of the surrounding wilderness.
After our hike, we’ll head back to the starting point, where you can unwind and savor a bite at a local food stand. You can sample traditional Mexican dishes, and don’t forget to try pulque, a unique, ancient drink made from fermented agave. It’s a refreshing and authentic part of Mexico’s culinary heritage!
With hearts full of adventure and memories of the stunning landscapes, we’ll return to Mexico City, ready to dive back into the excitement of city life. Ready for an escape into nature? Let’s go!
How is this tour different?
Read morePrices
- This tour is private: only your group will participate.
- The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).
Inclusions
Included ✅
Local Expert Guides
Service of a multilingual guide:
- Small-group tour: English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual).
- Private tour: Spanish & English + other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese) upon prior request (based on availability).
Transportation
Round transportation from Mexico City:
- Small-group tour: shared (with other participants in the group tour) pickup from a defined location.
- Private tour: private (just for your group) pickup from your accommodation or another place of choice in Mexico City.
Meals
Pulque tasting and snacks.
Activities
Entrance tickets to Ex-Convent and a guided hike to Desierto de los Leones.
Excluded ❌
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included: find the one exactly for you.
Personal expenses
Flights
Flights are not included: check our partner deals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.
Tips
Details
Minimum number of participants |
Automatic confirmation (your departure is automatically confirmed and 100% guaranteed). |
Meeting Point |
Pickup included: your accommodation or another convenient place of your choice.
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Departure Time | 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM |
Languages |
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What to take with you? |
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Accesibility | 🛑 Not wheelchair accessible. |
Pets | 🛑 Not permitted. |
Ages |
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Things to know before booking |
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Cancellations
1-Day Tours: With Prepaid Services
Cancellation fees depend on the number of days before the Tour start date:
- 30+ days before: 0% of the remaining payment
- 20-29 days before: 25%
- 10-19 days before: 50%
- Less than 10 days before, or no-show: 100%
No cancellation fee applies if a substitute participant is arranged. See full text of the cancellation policy here.
Frequently asked questions:
You can book this tour by clicking the "Check Availability" button, selecting a date, filling in the participant details, and completing your payment securely online. Afterward, you will receive a confirmation email.
We use Stripe to process payments safely, accepting Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other local payment methods available in your country.
If your group exceeds the allowed number of participants, please contact us directly. We will provide a customized quote and make arrangements to accommodate your group.
The tour organizer's contact phone number and email will be provided in your booking confirmation email. If you have any further questions, you can also contact us directly. Unless explicitly stated that the "Tour Organizer" is Vibe Adventures, the tour and activity providers ("Tour Organizers") are independent third parties and not affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Vibe Adventures is not liable for any injuries, accidents, delays, fraud, weather conditions, or expenses related to the Tour Organizers or their tours. Travelers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance and ensuring they have valid passports, visas, and necessary vaccinations if not included in the tour.
Each tour has its own cancellation policy listed in the tour description, which you should review before booking to understand refund eligibility and deadlines. Most 1-day tours can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund if done up to 48 hours before the tour. Later changes may be possible, depending on availability. To cancel or modify your booking, contact the organizer directly using the contact details provided in your confirmation email. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and the organizer’s terms and conditions.
Yes, all our tours follow strict safety protocols, and guides are trained to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers of all ages. Check the tour description for age limits or recommendations.
Some tours may have specific recommendations or restrictions depending on the activity level. These details are provided in each tour description.
It depends on the tour. Some include pick-up and drop-off at the meeting point, while others meet at a specific location. Check the tour details to see what is included.
Yes, most meeting points can be reached by public transport. You can check directions online (e.g., via Google Maps) based on your starting location.
The meeting point is listed in the tour description and in your booking confirmation. Guides may also contact you in advance with instructions and directions.
For most tours, we recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, some cash (for snacks or souvenirs), and any personal items you may need.
Some tours may suggest specific clothing or gear depending on the activity. Details are provided in the tour description to ensure your safety and comfort.
Yes, if safety or operational issues prevent the tour from happening, you will receive a full refund. While most tours run in light rain or snow, we prioritize your safety.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
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