Mexico is brimming with stunning ecosystems, and among them are its lush forests, boasting abundant greenery, unparalleled views, and a touch of mystery. Mexico’s wide array of forests offers an excellent opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world and immerse yourself in nature.
The diversity within Mexico’s forested regions is impressive, featuring cloud forests, temperate forests, mangroves, mountains, and more. These are places where you can embark on everything from long hikes and bike rides to rappelling, campfires, or staying in a cozy cabin, depending on your surroundings. Are you curious about where to find these forests in Mexico?
Enjoy Mexico’s Best Forests
Prepare to be amazed by Mexico’s impressive forests. Here’s just a tiny glimpse of the 65.7 million hectares of this remarkable ecosystem found within the country.
Las Cañadas
Let’s start with an unexpectedly warm, yet beautiful cloud forest: Las Cañadas, in Veracruz. It’s a type of forest in Mexico that deviates from the norm, as it’s perfect for learning about interesting topics such as agroecology and sustainable living. To get there, take a bus to Huatusco (or to Córdoba, and then another to Huatusco). Once there, you can catch a taxi that will take you to this cloud forest. Veracruz await.
El Manto Forest
For those seeking forests in Jalisco, consider spending the night in a cabin and then waking up to a day of wildlife encounters and lake views. This experience is available at El Manto, one of Mexico’s coniferous forests. To reach it, take a bus from Expo Guadalajara to El Molino, and then a taxi to El Manto, a gem among Mexico’s temperate forests.
Mazamitla
Another forest in Jalisco, this mountainous, semi-arid area is home to a charming magical town where you can take leisurely walks, explore the Sierra del Tigre, or even go ziplining. You can reach Mazamitla by bus from Guadalajara, with a direct route from the Central Nueva. You can also drive here, following the Guadalajara-Morelia highway.
Nanacamilpa
Tlaxcala is one of the states with remarkable forests, and one of the best times to visit is in mid-year when you can witness the incredible nocturnal spectacle of fireflies, when the entire forest is bathed in tiny green lights. It’s also one of the best forests for camping, making it an excellent choice among the temperate coniferous forests.
To get there, take a bus to Calpulalpan, and from there, you’ll find direct transportation to Nanacamilpa. If you’re driving, take the Texcoco highway to Calpulalpan and then head south to reach your destination.
El Chico
Hidalgo is another state known for its famous forests, and El Chico is one of the most enchanting natural parks near Mexico City. El Chico is ideal for camping and hiking enthusiasts. Take a bus to Pachuca, then transfer to transport heading to the Benito Juárez market. From there, you can find another mode of transportation to this temperate forest.
Esmeralda Forest, Amecameca
When it comes to forests in the State of Mexico and its somewhat chilly weather, you’ll find Esmeralda Forest. Amecameca is home to this site, where you can admire fireflies, sleep in a cabin, and enjoy activities like crossing hanging bridges. You can reach it by car via the Chalco-Cuautla highway. You can also take a bus to the Amecameca terminal and then a taxi to the forest.
Peña de Lobos
For those interested in the paranormal, this forest near Mexico City is perfect for you. Rent a cabin or bring a tent and join the nighttime tours where you can hear the legends that add an eerie atmosphere to the experience. Buses to Ixtlahuaca depart from Cuatro Caminos and can drop you off at Peña de Lobos, one of the most enigmatic forests for camping.
La Marquesa
Featuring a semi-cold climate, this option is among the forests near Mexico City. Bring your family for a picnic, go trout fishing, horseback riding, or ATV riding. This area in the State of Mexico is quite famous. If you’re looking for natural parks near Mexico City, La Marquesa is a perfect choice. You can get there by car or by taking a bus to Ocoyoacac.
Tlalpan Forest
“Where are the forests in Mexico?” you might ask. Well, they’re right in Mexico City and its surroundings. Tlalpan’s forests (Tlalpan and Ajusco), are fascinating places to go for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and escape the urban chaos. They offer versatile options within Mexico’s coniferous forests. You can reach the Tlalpan forest by walking from the Villa Olímpica metrobus station (line 1). To visit Ajusco, take a bus from the Tasqueña or Copilco metro stations.
Chapultepec
The iconic spot among Mexico’s forest areas, Chapultepec, is a temperate and award-winning park in Mexico City. Visit its lake, museums, the zoo, the castle, and admire its flora and fauna. You can reach this enormous park by metro (line 1) or metrobus (line 7) at the station of the same name. Explore and enjoy!
With this list, you can chart your own map of Mexico’s forests so that you don’t miss a single one. Make it happen by visiting the city with Viva Aerobus, and see for yourself just how many forests Mexico has to offer.
Travel with Viva
Remember that we offer flights to Mexico’s best forest destinations. Look for your flights on our website and enjoy the best fares with Mexico’s greenest airline.