Best trails in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park
The creation of La Malinche National Park was decreed in 1938 to protect this magnificent volcano that is still active, although it has been dormant for the last 3,100 years. It is the sixth highest peak in Mexico at approximately 4,461 meters above sea level, and is frequently used by mountaineers to train and acclimatize to the altitude before climbing the highest volcanoes in the region.
In its lower parts, it is home to a beautiful forest of pine, oak and oyamel trees, with a variety of wildlife, including many endemic species.
The mountain was very important to the indigenous Tlaxcaltecs, and they called it Matlalcueitl, or "Lady of the Blue Skirt" and they believed that she was the goddess of rain and song. Her current name, "La Malinche", honors the native translator who helped Hernan Cortés during the conquest of the Aztecs by the Spanish.
Top trails
- (862)•Hard•7.5 miLa Malinche is a still active volcano, also known as Malintzin, and in the pre-Hispanic culture, it was of utmost importance for the rituals of the aquatic cult. It has an altitude of 4420 meters above sea level, and in its lower parts, it has a beautiful mixed forest that shelters wildlife such as rabbits and lynx. You will need proper boots, lots of layers as the weather is constantly changing, and sun protection to prepare. Crampons and an ice axe are necessary if it has snowed lately,...
- (17)•Hard•13.9 miLa Malinche is a still active volcano also known as Malintzin, and in pre-Hispanic culture, it was of great importance for the rituals of the aquatic cult. It has a height of 4420 meters above sea level, and in its lower parts, it has a beautiful mixed forest that is home to wildlife such as rabbits and lynxes. To prepare you will need proper boots, plenty of layers as the weather is constantly changing, sun protection, food, and water. It is better to hire a guide, they have a lot of...
- (13)•Moderate•5.5 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis route is made for cycling, and since it follows a paved road, it is suitable for bikes with thin wheels. You could also do it on foot, or as a scenic drive. It will take you through the lush forest to a natural viewpoint with some antennas. You will enjoy opportunities to observe the flora and fauna of the region, and views of the famous volcanoes that surround you such as Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and Pico de Orizaba. La Malinche is a still active volcano also known as Malintzin, and...
- (9)•Moderate•7.1 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrLa Malinche, or Matlalcueye as it is known by the Tlaxcalans, is an active volcano. In pre-Hispanic culture, it was of the utmost importance for the rituals of the aquatic cult. It has a height of 4420 meters above sea level, and in its lower parts, it has a beautiful mixed forest that is home to wildlife such as rabbits and lynxes. This route explores the slopes of the impressive mountain through a ravine on its northeastern slope. You will start your hike from the Pluma 5 spot, which you...
- (6)•Hard•9.7 miLa Malinche, or Matlalcueye as it is known by the Tlaxcaltecs, is an active volcano. In pre-Hispanic culture, it was of great importance for the rituals of the aquatic cult. It is 4420 meters above sea level, and in its lower parts, it has a beautiful mixed forest that shelters wildlife such as rabbits and lynx. This route climbs the impressive mountain along a ridge over a gorge on its northeastern slope. You will start your hike from Pluma 5, which you can reach on dirt roads (which are...
- (9)•Moderate•3.4 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrTlalocan, which means place of Tlaloc, is a crater of a small, non-active volcano located on the slopes of La Malinche volcano and near the town of Teolocholco. It is a beautiful area, very green and surrounded by tall trees; the locals say that here, in a water hole, sacrifices were carried out in honor of Tlaloc, the god of rain. The trail to reach this place is wide, not very steep, and in excellent condition, and it goes through a forest full of trees and plants. Teolocholco is about 30...
- (1)•Hard•13.1 mi•Est. 10–11 hrConquer the summit of La Malinche, or Matlalcueye, ascending its west face from Tlaxcala. This route is a classic challenge that takes you through diverse ecosystems as you gain altitude. You will start in a lush forest of pine, oyamel and oak, home to birds such as the woodpecker and small mammals such as the wild rabbit and the tlalcoyote. As you climb, the forest gives way to alpine pastures, revealing increasingly spectacular views of the Tlaxcala-Puebla valley. The final part confronts...
- (3)•Hard•4.3 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis route will take you to the top of Cerro El Filete, a volcanic prominence on the northeast slope of La Malinche, the sixth-highest mountain in Mexico. You will start your walk from the Pluma 5 spot, which you can reach on dirt roads (which are not advisable for sedans). The trail is not very long, but it has some very steep parts, and proper boots or shoes with a good grip are necessary. You will enjoy the beautiful mixed forest of oaks, oyameles, and pines, with opportunities to observe...
- (2)•Hard•11.0 mi•Est. 7.5–8 hrThis forested route will take you to the volcanic prominence of Tlachichihuatzi which lies to the north of the active volcano La Malinche. The trail starts at booth 4 Altamira by Prolongación Hidalgo. Once at the top, you will be able to enjoy the wonderful views, including the other famous volcanoes in Mexico such as Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. The dense vegetation provides long stretches of shade, making the walk cool. Take a good pair of walking boots, no tennis shoes, appropriate...
- (3)•Hard•9.5 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrThe Camino Mejía begins on the outskirts of the small community of Colonia Altamira Guadalupe, and explores the northeastern slopes of Malinche, a magnificent active volcano with a height of 4,420 meters above sea level. The trail is made of dirt and is suitable for mountain bikes, or for running or hiking. You won't reach the top of the mountain, but you will be able to enjoy views of it, as well as many opportunities to observe flora and fauna in this beautiful mixed forest. The dense...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park is La Malinche, which has a 4.8 star rating from 862 reviews. This trail is 7.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,192 ft.
What is the longest trail in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park is Tlaltelulco - Malinche. This trail is estimated to be 19.4 mi long.
How many trails are in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
There are 22 trails in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 959 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park has you covered. Malinche From the West boasts the most elevation gain with 5,698 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is La Malinche Sur, which will get you 5,511 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park which is La Malinche with an average 4.8 star rating from 862 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 running trails in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park and the most popular is Antenas Malinche with an average 5.0 star rating from 13 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 biking trails in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park and the most popular is Antenas Malinche with an average 5.0 star rating from 13 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with scenic mountain peak views in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park, including La Malinche via Pluma 5, El Filete, Circuito La Malinche, Huintitepetl Loop, and Ixtenco - Malinche.
Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with volcano viewpoints in La Montaña Malinche o Matlalcuéyatl National Park, including La Malinche, La Malinche Sur, La Malinche via Pluma 5, and Malinche From the West.
