A city hike that feels like a reset. I like the small group and the way the guide connects the forest to the ex-convent in the middle of it all, with smooth pickup and transport. The main catch is that it is still a real walk, and you also need cash for food and onsite purchases since cards are not accepted.

You spend your day moving through pine forest, warming up first to help you avoid injuries, then stopping at the former convent to tour the spaces and gardens. Lunch is on your own at local spots near the convent, but you may get a chance to taste pulque if conditions allow.

Key points before you go

• Small group of up to 6 means more questions time with your guide in Spanish or English
• Forest hike inside Greater Mexico City so you get nature without flying anywhere
• Warm up before the trail to help prevent injuries on uneven ground
• Ex-convent visit with spaces and gardens plus stories of myths and legends
• Snack and water included for the road, but food is not included

A forest hike that starts with city pickup

This is one of those Mexico City day plans that swaps traffic stress for clean air. You get picked up at your lodging, then you ride out roughly 1 to 2 hours before you start walking in Desierto de los Leones National Park.

What I like is how the day is paced. The drive gives you time to settle in, and the tour team handles the entry and logistics so you can focus on the walk and the history talk. You are not stuck figuring out routes or ticket lines on your own.

The overall vibe is outdoorsy, but it is guided and story-based. As you hike, you hear why a monastery ended up out here, plus myths and legends tied to the area.

Pickup, road time, and what you get for the ride

Your day begins at pickup, and you are also given a water and snack for the road before you head into the park area. That sounds small, but it matters when you are traveling across Mexico City traffic in the morning. It also helps you avoid the classic mistake of arriving hungry and rushing the first part of the trail.

Once you arrive, there is a warm up session first. That is one of those details that makes the difference between enjoying the hike and feeling beat up early.

On the way back, you get another hour to two hours of driving to your lodging, so you can cool down after the walk. You can use that ride to rest, check your photos, and plan your next stop.

What the hike feels like on a beginner route

The hiking route is described as beginner level, with only a little physical condition needed. Still, it is not a stroll on flat ground the whole time. You are walking for about 1.5 hours on the way in, then doing about another 1.5 hours on the way back.

The guide keeps things manageable with a warm up and pacing, but you should bring the right footwear. Expect uneven natural terrain and some parts that may feel more effort than you imagined, even if the trail is not extremely steep.

If you have knee issues, back trouble, or limited mobility, this is where you need to think carefully. The tour is explicitly not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, recent surgeries, pregnancy, and altitude sickness. Children under 8 are also not recommended.

Entering Desierto de los Leones National Park with a plan

Once the warm up is done, the hiking starts right away into the forest. As you move, your guide talks about the place as more than a pretty trail.

You learn about the monastery connection and why a religious site appears in this natural setting. You also get stories tied to myths and legends, which adds meaning to what you are walking through instead of treating the park like just a photo stop.

This is the part that can make or break the experience for some people. If you enjoy nature plus context, you will get more out of the day than just exercise. If you only want silent scenery, you might still enjoy it, but you will not be fully off-grid.

The ex convent visit: spaces, gardens, and story time

After you reach the ex convent area, the tour shifts from walking to exploring. You get to enter the convent spaces and see the gardens, which gives you a break from the trail while still staying active.

This is a good moment to slow down, look around, and take photos. Entrance fees are included, and photos are also part of what you get, so you do not need to worry about arranging everything yourself.

The ex convent is also where the earlier forest stories start to make more sense. Hearing about myths and legends while surrounded by trees prepares you for the feeling of stepping into something that used to serve as a refuge in the wilderness.

If you like architecture, courtyards, and old stone spaces, this stop is where you will likely spend your most time lingering.

Lunch near the convent, pulque tasting option, and cash rules

After the convent portion, you transition into the food time. There is a regional food window built into the experience, but the important detail is this: food is not included.

So what does that mean for you? Plan on budgeting extra for lunch at the nearby spots that serve typical food of the area. The payoff is that you are not eating far away, and the restaurants are close to where the hike ends, which saves time and energy.

You might also have the chance to taste pulque if you have the opportunity. The key word is might, so do not build your expectations around guaranteed tasting.

Here is the practical warning that can save your day. Bring cash. There are no ATMs and card payments are not accepted. Even if you think you can just pay with a card later, plan as if you will need cash for lunch and small purchases.

The return walk: reset your legs and take the long view

The return hike goes back through the forest. The walking portion is about 1.5 hours again, guided and structured like the first leg.

I like the way this is built. You get one concentrated nature segment going in, a calm convent visit in the middle, then another nature segment back out. It makes the day feel like a complete loop, not a chopped-up collection of random stops.

Use the return time smartly. Take slower photos, listen for guide stories you might have missed the first time, and hydrate. You have water provided, but if you tend to drink a lot, consider how much you will want during the warmer parts of the day.

What’s included, what’s not, and why the price can make sense

The price is $163 per person for a 7 hour outing. Whether that feels fair depends on what you value.

Here is what you get for that price:

• Pickup and transportation included
• Tour guide included (Spanish and English)
• Tickets and entrance fees included
• Snack and water included
• Photos included
• Limited to a small group of 6 participants

What you do not get:

• Food (you will pay for lunch)
• Souvenirs

Value-wise, the included transport and entry fees are the biggest factors. If you tried to do this on your own, you would still pay to get in, figure out transport timing, and lose the guided storytelling that makes the convent visit richer.

The best way to think about the cost is to treat it as paying for a smooth day with a guide and organized movement. Then add your lunch budget on top.

Small group energy: more questions, less waiting

One reason people enjoy this type of tour is that the group stays small. This one is limited to 6 participants, which means you are less likely to feel like you are being dragged along in a crowd.

That size also helps during the history and myth explanations. You can ask questions in English or Spanish, and you get more personal attention during the warm up and walking moments.

If you dislike big bus tours and prefer a calmer pace, this small-group format is a strong reason to book.

What to bring for a comfortable forest day

The tour provides water, a snack, and photos, but you should come ready for the hike and the environment. Bring:

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes
• Comfortable clothes that can get dirty
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Biodegradable insect repellent
• Charged smartphone (for photos)
• A camera (optional but helpful)
• Cash (no ATMs, cards not accepted)
• Clothes that can handle sun and possible bugs

I also recommend bringing something light in case the forest air feels cooler when you start walking. Dress layers if you run hot or cold easily.

Who should book this Mexico City hike (and who should skip it)

This works best for you if you want:

• A guided forest hike close to Mexico City
• Time inside an ex convent with spaces and gardens
• A day that mixes nature with stories about myths, legends, and the monastery’s place in the wilderness
• A small group setting with pickup and transport handled

Skip this tour if any of these apply:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes
• People with altitude sickness
• People with recent surgeries
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• People over 230 lbs (104 kg)

The reason I take those restrictions seriously is simple. The hike is not long in distance, but it includes real walking time and uneven outdoor terrain. Health limits should be your main decision factor, not convenience.

Should you book the Desierto de los Leones hike?

You should book it if you want the feeling of Mexico City turning into forest, with a guide who explains why the ex convent is there and what stories people attach to it. The ex convent visit plus gardens is a clear highlight, and the hike ends at dining close by, so your food plan is easy as long as you bring cash.

You might pass if you need guaranteed lunch included, hate paying extra once you arrive, or want a fully flat, zero-effort walk. Also take the health restrictions seriously, because the tour lists several medical reasons it is not suitable.

If you like your day trips organized, calm, and outdoorsy, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much of it is walking?

The total duration is 7 hours. The guided walking portions are about 1.5 hours to reach the ex convent and about 1.5 hours back.

Is transportation included from Mexico City?

Yes. Pickup is included from your lodging, and transportation to and from the park is part of the experience. The drive is roughly 1 to 2 hours each way.

What is included in the price?

Transportation, the tour guide, tickets and entrance fees, photos, a snack, and water are included.

Is lunch included?

Food is not included. Lunch is part of the day schedule, but you will need to pay for typical food at the places near the ex convent.

Can I taste pulque on this tour?

There may be an opportunity to taste pulque. It is not guaranteed, but it is something the tour may offer if conditions allow.

Do I need cash?

Yes. There are no ATMs, and card payments are not accepted. Bring cash for lunch and any small purchases.

What hiking level is it, and who should avoid it?

The hiking route is beginner level and requires only a little physical condition. It is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, diabetes, altitude sickness, high blood pressure, recent surgeries, or other pre-existing medical conditions, and it also has a weight limit of 230 lbs (104 kg).