Mexico city: Hiking tour to Desierto de los leones

If you’re looking for a day outside the hustle of Mexico City, a guided hike through Desierto de los Leones offers a refreshing escape into nature and history. This tour promises a blend of scenic walking, a touch of legend, and a visit to an ancient monastery—all in a manageable seven-hour package. It’s an excellent option for travelers eager to connect with Mexico’s natural beauty without extensive planning or strenuous trekking.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its inclusive nature: transportation, guide, tickets, and even snacks are all covered, making it straightforward to enjoy the day. Plus, the small-group format ensures a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. On the downside, the tour doesn’t include meals, so bringing cash for lunch is a must. This trip suits those who want a manageable, well-organized outdoor adventure with plenty of storytelling and stunning forest scenery.

If you’re someone who enjoys light hikes, historical sites, and authentic regional food, this tour is a great fit. It’s especially suited for travelers with basic physical condition who appreciate guided insights and want to avoid the hassle of navigation or planning.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, tickets, guide, snacks, and photos are included, simplifying your day.
• Short but Scenic: A 7-hour trip, with about 3 hours of walking, offers a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.
• Authentic Learning: Your guide shares stories, myths, and legends about the site, enriching the experience.
• Beautiful Nature: The forest scenery is accessible and manageable for most travelers, with beginner-level trails.
• Historic Highlight: The visit to the ex-convent is a window into Mexico’s spiritual and architectural past.
• Cultural Tasting: Enjoy regional food and, if possible, the traditional drink pulque, adding flavor to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Guided Day in Nature and History

This hiking tour to Desierto de los Leones offers a wonderful way to see a different side of Mexico City—one where lush forests and historic ruins take center stage. Although we haven’t tried this trip ourselves, it’s easy to see why travelers are drawn to it. The blend of stunning natural views and a visit to a centuries-old monastery makes it both educational and scenic.

Two aspects we really like are the comprehensive organization—from transport to snacks—and the small-group setting, which tends to foster more meaningful interactions with your guide. Another highlight is the chance to learn about the myths, legends, and history that surround this unique area. However, keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include meals, so budget for lunch and bring cash, as no cards are accepted on-site.

This experience is ideal for those who want to combine light outdoor activity with cultural enrichment, especially travelers who enjoy guided storytelling and authentic regional flavors.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Scenic Forest Walks: The route through Desierto de los Leones is designed for beginners, meaning it’s accessible yet still beautiful. Expect to meander along well-maintained trails, soaking in the sounds of the forest, and perhaps catching glimpses of local wildlife. The trail ends at the old convent, a perfect spot for reflection and exploration.

Historical and Cultural Insights: The old monastery is a highlight—an impressive structure with gardens and spaces that reveal Mexico’s spiritual past. Your guide will share stories, myths, and legends that give depth to the site, making the visit more than just a walk in the woods.

Authentic Regional Food and Drinks: After visiting the convent, the tour typically includes a stop for lunch featuring regional dishes, which you’ll pay for separately. If the opportunity arises, tasting pulque—a traditional fermented drink—is a memorable way to connect with local traditions.

Guided Experience with Photos: The tour emphasizes personalized attention, with a guide capturing moments and sharing insights in both Spanish and English. This makes it easier to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or logistics.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Travel: The day begins with a pickup from your lodging in Mexico City. The transport, which takes about one to two hours, is smooth and comfortable, giving you time to relax or ask questions. Having snacks and water provided ensures you start the day well-hydrated and energized.

Arriving at Desierto de los Leones: Once there, your guide will lead a gentle warm-up to prevent injuries before heading into the forest. The first walk, lasting about 1.5 hours, takes you through lush trails, where your guide will narrate the history, myths, and legends of this forested area. The scenery is notably scenic, with towering trees and peaceful paths that are suitable for most fitness levels.

Visit to the Ex-Convent: The trail concludes at the ex-convent, a striking historical building surrounded by gardens. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the spaces, learn about its history, and take photos. It’s a peaceful spot that offers a sense of stepping back in time.

Lunch and Tasting: After the tour of the convent, there’s a chance to enjoy regional food at nearby restaurants. Keep in mind that this isn’t included in the tour price, so bring cash. If available, sampling pulque adds a cultural touch, though it’s optional.

Return Journey: The walk back through the forest is about 1.5 hours, giving you a chance to reflect on the day. Once back in the vehicle, another one to two hours of travel awaits, providing a good opportunity to rest, nap, or chat about your experience.

Transportation and Group Size

The transportation included ensures a stress-free day without the hassle of navigating public transit. The small-group format, limited to six participants, fosters a relaxed atmosphere and personalized interactions. It also means you get the guide’s full attention, which enhances the storytelling and answers to your questions.

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What to Bring and Practical Tips

Travelers should pack comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and potentially getting a bit dirty. Bringing a camera or smartphone for photos is a no-brainer, and don’t forget biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to stay comfortable outdoors. Since there are no ATMs on-site, cash is essential for meals and souvenirs, if you wish.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for light hikers and curious travelers who enjoy stories behind historic sites. It’s perfect for those seeking a half-day escape into nature, with a cultural twist. The tour’s beginner-friendly trail makes it accessible to most, but not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health issues.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers craving a manageable outdoor experience close to Mexico City, this guided hike offers excellent value. The inclusion of transport, guide, tickets, and snacks means you can focus on enjoying the scenery and learning without worrying about logistics or extra costs. The scenic trails, combined with stories of myths and legends, give this trip a genuine sense of discovery.

The visit to the old monastery adds a special historical dimension, making it more than just a walk in the woods. With positive reviews praising knowledgeable guides and stunning views, it’s clear that many find this tour both enriching and enjoyable. It strikes a good balance between activity and relaxation, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

If you prefer a structured, informative, and scenic outing that lets you breathe fresh air and learn about local legends, this tour will serve you well. Just remember to bring cash for food, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for a memorable day out of Mexico City.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, transportation from your lodging in Mexico City to Desierto de los Leones and back is part of the package.

How long does the entire tour last? The tour takes about 7 hours, including travel, walking, and free time at the monastery.

Are meals included? No, lunches are not included, but there are nearby restaurants where you can pay separately for regional food.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, clothes that can get dirty, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, charged smartphone, and cash for food and souvenirs.

Is the trail suitable for beginners? Yes, the route is considered beginner level, requiring only basic physical condition.

Can children join this tour? It’s not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Are guides bilingual? Guides are available in Spanish and English.

What’s the maximum group size? The group is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour accessible to pregnant women or those with health issues? No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with certain pre-existing conditions.

To sum it up, this guided hike to Desierto de los Leones offers a good mix of nature, history, and culture in a manageable format. It’s a perfect day trip for curious travelers who want to step outside the city for fresh air and fascinating stories, all while keeping things simple and well-organized. Whether you’re a solo explorer or traveling with a small group, it’s a chance to enjoy Mexico’s natural beauty and uncover a piece of its spiritual past—without any fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: