What to do and how to get to desierto de los leones?

Desierto de los Leones What to do and how to get there?

The Desierto de los Leones is one of the oldest and most emblematic national parks in Mexico, located in the capital of the country. Its curious name and vast extension make it a destination of nature, history and culture not to be missed.

If you are in the CDMX and you feel like making a plan outside the city, keep reading this article from Hertz Mexico and discover how to get there and everything you can see and do in the Desierto de los Leones, a place that will take your breath away.

Desierto de los Leones

The Desierto de los Leones is a park that encompasses more than 1,500 hectares of forests, trails and mountains. It was declared a national park in 1917, making it one of the first in the country.

Despite its name, it is not a desert as such, but an area rich in biodiversity, with coniferous forests that serve as the lungs of Mexico City. It is one of the ideal places in the city for ecotourism and outdoor activities, due to its cool climate, natural landscapes, and historical relevance.

The park also houses the Ex Convento del Desierto de los Leones, a former Carmelite monastery, which is still in good condition and open to the public.

Park hours are from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, although it is advisable to arrive early to make the most of the day, especially if you plan to do various activities such as hiking or picnics.

During the season for special events, such as night visits or guided tours of legends, the hours are extended. These nighttime activities are extremely popular, as they offer a different experience of the park, surrounded by mystery and with a completely different atmosphere.

Where to go, how to get there and weather

Getting there by car is quite easy and takes approximately 40 minutes. From downtown, you can rent a car with Hertz Mexico and take Avenida Constituyentes to the west. As you continue along this road, you will see signs directing you to the park. Once you take the road to the Desierto de los Leones, you will be greeted by dense vegetation and tall trees.

The road is paved, but there may be some curves and narrower areas as you ascend into the park, so it is advisable to drive with caution, especially during the rainy season. Once you arrive, you will find the parking lot to leave your car.

The climate in the Desierto de los Leones is temperate and humid, with cool temperatures throughout the year due to its altitude, which is around 3,000 meters above sea level. In summer, temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C and rainfall is common, keeping the environment cool and the landscape green.

In winter, temperatures can drop to 0°C or below, especially at night, with the possibility of frost. Warm clothing is recommended, regardless of the season, as the weather can be unpredictable and nights are cold.

Activities to do in Desierto de los Leones

The park offers a great variety of activities for the whole family, to enjoy history, nature and outdoor sports. Some of them are listed below:

Visit the Ex-Convent

This is one of the main attractions of the park. It was built in the 17th century by the Carmelite monks, who were looking for an isolated place for prayer and contemplation.

Today, you can tour its facilities and learn about monastic life in past centuries. The convent also organizes cultural events, exhibitions and night tours.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Desierto de los Leones has several well-marked trails, ideal for hikes of different levels of difficulty. For cyclists, the park also has trails for mountain biking.

The trails will take you through dense pine and oyamel forests and you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.

Desierto de los Leones Flora and Fauna Viewing

The park is home to a rich biodiversity that varies depending on altitude. Coniferous forests are predominant, with species such as pine, oyamel and cedar.

In terms of fauna, Desierto de los Leones is home to diverse species of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Among the most common mammals are white-tailed deer, foxes, opossums and squirrels.

In the denser and more secluded areas, it is possible to spot some species of rodents and small predators.

Night visits and special events

As mentioned above, night tours are one of the park's most attractive activities. These tours usually focus on legends and myths of the place, adding a supernatural touch to the experience. Open-air concerts and cultural events are also organized at the convent.

Eating at the Desierto de los Leones

At Desierto de los Leones there are several places to eat, both inside and in the immediate vicinity of the park.

If you prefer to have a picnic, there are designated areas inside the park to enjoy an outdoor meal, so it is possible to bring your own food and drinks.

On the other hand, near the Ex-Convent you will find small fondas and restaurants that offer typical Mexican food, such as quesadillas, tacos, tlacoyos and antojitos (snacks) prepared on the spot.

Another option is to go with your rental car to the areas surrounding the park, such as La Marquesa, where you will find restaurants and food stands offering local specialties, such as fresh trout, grilled meats and broths.

Take advantage of the proximity and car rental in CDMX with Hertz Mexico, for a quick and revitalizing getaway to Desierto de los Leones, a jewel worth visiting.