Here are 15 of Mexico’s most stunning national parks
Mexico is one of the most visited nations in the world because of the vast variety of attractions it offers. Aside from its wide coastline, which is home to so many magnificent beaches, this sun-kissed area also has excellent cuisine, fascinating ancient sites, and vibrant towns, making it a perfect vacation destination for everybody.
This country’s landscapes are so varied, from jungles and deserts to snowy mountains and steep canyons, that tourists will never get bored of seeing them. There is a wide variety of national parks in Mexico ready to be discovered, and this list will point you in the direction of the most breathtaking ones.
A schematic of Mexico’s national parks
This beautiful national park seems especially inviting from a distance, with its turquoise seas and sandy beaches warmed by the sun. The majority of its landmass is made up of the ocean of the Gulf of California, yet the region’s beaches, sea cliffs, and varying ecosystems are still worth seeing.
Bahia de Loreto National Park’s five isolated islands are a major magnet for visitors, in addition to the park’s gorgeous turquoise seas and sandy beaches. The park is a delight, with dolphins and sea lions on display.
This is the national park of Cabo Pulmo.
The oldest coral reef in North America is protected by Cabo Pulmo National Park, which is located on the south-eastern extremity of the Baja California peninsula. Numerous rare and endangered marine species call the marine park’s waters home, making the park’s conservation and maintenance all the more important.
When you go scuba diving in the park, you’ll be met with beautiful coral gardens and a wide variety of fish and marine creatures. This peaceful world is like something out of a dream, and it will leave you with lasting impressions.
Protected Area of Basaseachic Falls
Of course, the falls that give this park its name are the main draw, and no one who visits will be let down. This waterfall is 246 metres high and is surrounded by rugged cliffs on either side, making for a breathtaking sight.
Not only are the waterfalls beautiful, but so are the park’s woodlands, granite formations, and the plethora of wildlife and vegetation. Basaseachic Falls National Park is a sight to see, and the breathtaking vistas that can be seen from the summits of the park’s towering cliff faces further add to the park’s allure.
The National Park of Isla Contoy
This uninhabited island is a tropical paradise, complete with palm-fringed shores and clear, blue seas. Beautiful Isla Contoy, home to several species of tropical marine birds, is safeguarded inside Isla Contoy National Park. Eco-tourism on the island is highly regulated to protect the native flora and fauna as it serves as a critical nesting habitat for four different species of sea turtles.
Isla Contoy is so stunning that it must be experienced firsthand in order to be believed.
Located in the National Park of Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
Wow! This national park is home to a vast cave system that leads to an underground realm of remarkable beauty. The cave systems, which are among the biggest in the world, are wonderfully lighted and provide a variety of attractions.
Whether you’re rock climbing in Limontitla Canyon, exploring the park’s namesake gorge, or just gaping in awe at the park’s one-of-a-kind geological formations, Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park will blow your mind.
Protected Area of Nevado de Toluca
Nevado de Toluca is a park in Mexico that gets its name from the towering volcano that can be driven right up to the crater of. When viewed from the volcano’s height of more than 4,600 metres, the landscape around it becomes even more stunning.
The mountain’s bare slopes make for a striking contrast to the forested plains below, and tourists may also find lakes and archaeological ruins. The snow makes the volcano even more beautiful, as the peaks rise above the clouds and become a dominant feature of the landscape.
National Park of the San Lorenzo Marine Archipelago
This national park, which includes the San Lorenzo archipelago and the waters around it, is home to a wide variety of marine animals, seabirds, and fish due to its many distinct habitats.
Though the islands themselves are very barren due to the arid environment, the waterways are incredibly fertile. Visitors to the national park could be lucky enough to see one of many species of whales or dolphins.
Mexico’s Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
This stunning national park is home to more than just breathtaking peaks. Cumbres de Monterrey is an amazing area to visit with a tonne to do due to the beautiful canyons, rushing rivers, and waterfalls, and expansive pine woods that surround the mountains.
Spectacular mountains dominate the landscape and provide excellent opportunities for hiking and mountaineering. The enormous Garcia Caves cave system is also within the park, adding even more natural splendour to the already impressive collection.
Cann del Sumidero Park, a National Park
The spectacular cliffs of Sumidero Canyon, which plunge into the Grijalva River below, are the principal attraction of this national park. The river has carved through the rock, creating a series of beautiful rapids and waterfalls that tourists may enjoy today. The lush jungle provides a striking contrast to the rocky canyon walls.
Park of Pico de Orizaba
Pico do Orizaba, the country of Mexico’s tallest peak, stands at a staggering 5,636 metres high. Its majestic, snow-covered summit soars skyward, and nine glaciers dot its upper reaches. The panoramic views it provides of the plains below are mesmerising, and the caldera of this stratovolcano is certainly a sight to see.
The mountain attracts climbers from all over the world to the national park, and hikers may enjoy the scenery on the many routes that wind around its lower slopes.
The National Park of the Lagunas de Montebello
All eyes will be drawn to the lakes that give this national park its name. There are 59 of these lakes scattered around a vast pine forest, and visitors can swim in them or paddle a kayak on their placid waters.
There is also a cave system worth exploring, and the ancient Mayan ruins at Chinkultic are among the most impressive due to the breathtaking vistas it provides over the surrounding lakes from the top of its tallest pyramid.
Tulum Biosphere Reserve
The ruins of the Mayan civilisation surround you on all sides as you explore this remarkably well-preserved archaeological site. The seaside site is fascinating to explore, and the temple dedicated to the God of Winds, perched high above the waves, is a sight to behold.
Having such picture-perfect beaches below simply enhances the overall image. The complex’s iconic pyramid draws many visitors, and the abundance of interesting architecture and artefacts on display adds to the attraction.
This is the national park of Izta-Popo Zoquiapan.
The two imposing mountains that give this national park its name stand out from the rest of the landscape, their snowy peaks dominating the otherwise arid terrain.
Forests surround the lower slopes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl, the country’s second and third tallest mountains, respectively, and provide for pleasant trekking. Incredible vistas of the world below open up before you as you ascend into the mountains. The best there is.
The Protected Area of the Islands of Marietas (Islas Marietas)
It’s simple to understand why these deserted islands are such a popular tourist destination, given the abundance of exciting activities available. Boat cruises and scuba diving are excellent methods to explore the richness of the marine life in the protected seas around them.
There are several beautiful beaches to select from, but the one that emerges at low tide and has become known as “love beach” is the crown treasure. Visit Islas Marietas National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with passing humpback whales, dolphins, and manta rays.
Park of Palenque
A trip to Palenque National Park is an absolute must if you want to learn about Mexico’s rich history and culture. The Mayan ruins are impressive in size and location, erupting from the forest to provide a breathtaking sight.
In Palenque, you may see the Mayas’ architectural mastery in temples and palaces that have been painstakingly maintained. These Mesoamerican ruins are so stunning and unique that it would take a lifetime to see everything there is to see.
