Mexico City: Desierto de los Leones Hike & Ex-Convent Tour

Thinking about escaping the buzz of Mexico City for a day? This tour promises a blend of nature, history, and local flavors, all wrapped into an 8-hour adventure. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the details available, it sounds like a well-rounded option for those wanting a taste of Mexico’s scenic and cultural side outside the city.

What stands out most? First, the chance to explore Mexico’s first national park—a lush, green space with trails that lead you past lakes, waterfalls, and old convent ruins. Second, the opportunity to taste pulque, a traditional Mexican beverage often called the “drink of the gods,” which adds a genuine local touch to the experience. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the moderate physical effort involved; if you’re not used to hiking, the elevation and length might be a bit challenging.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, are curious about local history, and want a break from urban sights. It’s a good fit if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and want a day filled with scenic views, cultural insights, and authentic flavors. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth checking that they’re ready for a few hours of hiking, but overall, it offers a family-friendly rhythm if everyone’s up for some outdoors time.

Key Points

• A blend of nature and history in Mexico’s first national park and an old convent.
• Includes pulque tasting, offering a taste of local tradition.
• Guided hikes provide insight into the landscape and cultural sites.
• Comfortable transportation from Mexico City, with small group size for a more personalized experience.
• Moderate physical activity means some hiking experience is helpful.
• Cost-effective at $119, considering transportation, guides, entrance fees, and tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The tour kicks off with a pickup from a central location in Mexico City—specifically near the Angel of Independence—making it convenient for most travelers staying downtown. From there, you’ll hop into a vehicle (the exact type depends on your group size, but it’s likely a minivan or similar) and head straight out to the Desierto de los Leones National Park. The drive itself is part of the journey, giving you a moment to relax and prepare for the nature-filled day ahead.

The Hike and Sites

Once at the park, your guide will lead a guided walk through lush landscapes that last about four hours. The trails are designed to be accessible for those with moderate fitness levels, but be prepared for an elevation gain of approximately 400-700 meters—so, some stamina helps. The scenery is stunning, with views over lakes like Lago de los Gansos and vistas that highlight the area’s natural beauty. You might find the terrain varies from gentle slopes to more challenging sections, but the overall experience is rewarding and peaceful.

A highlight is visiting the old Ex Convento Desierto de los Leones, a centuries-old monastery managed by Discalced Carmelite nuns. The site combines history with a serene atmosphere, perfect for wandering around and absorbing the quiet charm of this religious complex. Some reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable and engaging, giving context about the convent’s history and significance, which makes the visit more meaningful.

Extra Vistas and Optional Exploration

If energy permits, the group can hike further to a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These moments are a real treat for photography lovers or anyone who appreciates sweeping vistas. The guide will gauge the group’s energy, so you can decide whether to push on or relax a bit at the main viewpoint.

Food, Drink, and Local Flavors

After the hikes, you’ll circle back to the starting point and have some time to enjoy local street food—think tacos, tamales, or other Mexican snacks. But what really makes this tour special is the pulque tasting included in the package. This traditional drink, often made from fermented agave, is sometimes called the “drink of the gods.” It’s an acquired taste, but definitely an authentic experience. Guides usually encourage tasting and learning about its cultural significance, which adds depth to your visit.

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Return Journey

Post-tasting, you’ll head back to Mexico City, with drop-offs at either the hotel area or another central location like El Ángel de la Independencia. The entire day lasts around 8 hours, so it’s a solid day out but not overly exhausting—perfect if you want a full, rewarding day without feeling rushed.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $119 per person, the tour includes round transportation, a multilingual guide, entrance tickets to the convent, and the pulque tasting with snacks. When you factor in the convenience of transportation and guided insights, it’s a reasonable deal for a day that combines outdoor activity, cultural exploration, and local flavors. The reviews suggest the guides are well-regarded, which can make or break the experience, so that’s a big plus.

Practicalities and Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking.
• Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat—the sun can be strong, even in the shade.
• Carry some cash for snacks or souvenirs, and your passport or ID.
• Since the tour involves reaching over 4,400 meters at times, some travelers might experience altitude effects. It’s wise to stay hydrated and take it easy if you’re sensitive to altitude sickness.

The Bottom Line

This tour is a solid choice if you’re after a day outside the city that offers beautiful scenery, cultural insights, and authentic local tastes. The guided nature of the experience, combined with a manageable group size, means you’ll get personalized attention and learn about the sites rather than just passively observing them. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy moderate physical activity and are curious about Mexico’s natural and spiritual heritage.

While the hike requires some stamina, the breathtaking views and historical sites justify the effort. If you’re interested in traditional beverages and want to see a different side of Mexico City’s surroundings, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and culture.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
This tour involves about 5-6 hours of hiking with some elevation, so children should be comfortable with moderate physical activity. It might be best suited for older kids or active families.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, cash, and a passport or ID card are recommended. Travel insurance is also advised.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 8 hours, including transportation, hiking, food, and return.

Where does the tour start?
You’ll meet your guide outside the Hotel City Express Plus by Marriott, near the Angel of Independence—make sure not to enter the hotel but meet outside.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Mexico City is included, making logistics easy.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, the tour involves moderate hiking with some elevation gain, so good physical condition is recommended. Be mindful of altitude effects since the tour reaches over 4400 meters.

If you’re after a balanced day of nature, history, and local flavor, this Desierto de los Leones hike and convent tour could be a rewarding addition to your Mexico City adventure. Just come prepared for some walking, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this vibrant region.

You can check availability for your dates here: