Hiking in El Cimatario National Park in Queretaro, Mexico

El Cimatario National Park in Santiago de Querétaro is a nature reserve located only a twenty minute drive from the city center. Hiking in El Cimatario in Queretaro is my favorite place to visit close to town, and today I’m sharing my best tips for your hike. Even from the center of town, you can spot the candelabra of transmission towers on the top of the 6 million year old, inactive volcano!

Not to be confused with the more haunted cementerio…the word cimatario means coyote. Maybe you will even hear some howls during your visit.

The historic center of Queretaro is full of perfectly landscaped plazas. But I started to crave a day in nature where there is a little less concrete. Going hiking in El Cimatario National Park in Queretaro is a great place to enjoy all the green trees and cacti in this area. You will have time to reconnect with the Earth, plus it’s close enough to take a cheap uber.

BTW, I stayed for FREE while I was traveling in Queretaro. Read here to find out how.

The other peak in the park is also an old volcano called Santa Teresa.

Before you go, call and make a reservation to enter

They created this rule due to Covid, but they will likely continue requiring reservations for the foreseeable future. It doesn’t hurt to call and check just in case.

There is a sign on the entrance providing the reservation hotline phone number along with other guidelines: 3 people maximum per reservation, only people over 18 allowed, and other typical Covid measures.

The available reservation times are between 7-10am and 10:30-1:30pm. They close in the afternoons.

Make your reservation by calling 442 248 14 91 or 442 248 49 98.

entrace to el cimatario in queretaro — The entrance to the park is visible from the road. Spot the transmission towers in the background.

Map of the hiking trails in El Cimatario in Queretaro

The trails are obvious, and there’s clear signs along the way with the name and color of the trail.

I followed the shortest path to the top which is about 3km one way. This route begins on the blue trail (Ruta Coyote) and turns onto the purple trail (Ruta Tlacuache) which leads all the way to the mirador. It is quite an easy hike, suitable for anyone who can climb stairs.

map of the hiking trails in el cimatario in queretaro — Map of the hiking trails in the park.

The trail starts out on a wide road-size path covered in cobblestones. On the purple trail, the ground abruptly changes into a rocky, dirt path. It’s pretty easy but not smooth. Finally, when you reach the stairs, you know you’re almost there. Keep climbing!

Stairway to the top means you’re almost there!

Enjoy the serenity in the park

The park was not busy while I was there on a Friday morning. I passed only three other people in total, and there was no one else at the mirador while I took in the view. Plus, two workers in pickup trucks drove by me on the blue trail which is as wide as a road.

Overall, I enjoyed a quiet hike, while taking comfort in the fact that others were around if I happened to run into any trouble.

Beware the wildlife…well, mostly just grasshoppers

Immediately upon entering the park, I noticed a truly enormous grasshopper. Then, I noticed there was an infinite amount of these enormous grasshoppers.

I even accidentally crushed one that made a loud crack under my shoe…oops. Every three steps I watched another one hop across my path. A couple of them even bumped into my leg.

While these giant grasshoppers were definitely a notable part of my hiking experience in El Cimatario National Park, they were not swarming or in the way. They simply hopped away as I approached.

Sidenote: did you know people eat them in Mexico? They are called chapulines, and they are often used as a guacamole topping or coated in chocolate.

What kind of cactus is that?

Aside from the chapulines and a singular, staring cow, I didn’t see any more wildlife. I didn’t hear any howls either. However, the park is full of cacti and other plants.

Depending on the time of year, you will see plenty of pink tuna fruit on the prickly pear cacti. Also, try to spot palo dulce trees and huizache as you hike. The cactus with multiple, tall, skinny stalks is called Mexican giant cardon.

plants in el cimatario queretaro — Prickly pear cactus with pink tuna fruit

A must-visit symbol of Queretaro

The park and the old volcano have become a symbol of Queretaro with its transmission towers on show for the entire city.

I highly recommend going hiking in El Cimatario National Park in Queretaro. Take advantage of this beautiful nature reserve! The hike is fun and easy, and you can choose to take the short path like me, or enjoy a longer walk. Plus, you’re rewarded at the top with a beautiful view of the entire city and the surrounding hills.