La Marquesa National Park Park
Protected park near Mexico City, hiking and picnic area
La Marquesa National Park west of Mexico City offers pine forests, picnic areas and hiking trails. Daytrippers come for mountain air, horseback riding and local weekend food stalls popular with families from the capital.
La Marquesa National Park (Parque Nacional Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla), commonly called La Marquesa, is a protected natural area in the State of Mexico, situated on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt between Mexico City and Toluca. It preserves montane forest and open grassland at mid-elevation.
The park offers trails, horseback riding routes, picnic areas and viewpoints across pine and oak woodland sectors, attracting visitors for outdoor recreation and family outings. It is a managed natural area with picnic facilities and marked paths in several sectors.
The park was designated to protect the highland forest and natural landscapes of this corridor and has long served as a recreational green space for the densely populated Mexico City metropolitan region and the Toluca area.
Geographically La Marquesa sits along the route between Mexico City and Toluca on the State of Mexico plateau, providing accessible mountain scenery within driving distance of both urban centres.
- Recreational activities: Located on the high plateau between Mexico City and Toluca, the park is a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding and picnics for residents of both cities.
- Close to Mexico City: Easily reached from Mexico City by road, making it a common day-trip destination for urban residents seeking forested mountain scenery.
How to Get to La Marquesa National Park#
From Mexico City, take the Toluca highway (Autopista México-Toluca); La Marquesa lies about 30-45 minutes west of the city center depending on traffic. Regular minibuses and tourist buses depart from the Observatorio and other western neighborhoods; driving provides the most flexibility.
Tips for Visiting La Marquesa National Park#
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and better wildlife activity.
- Combine the park with a visit to the nearby Desierto de los Leones or regional attractions if based in Mexico City.
- Bring insect repellent and sun protection for day hikes in open sections.
Best Time to Visit La Marquesa National Park#
Best in spring and autumn for hiking and outdoor activities; summer can be rainy and winter cold at higher elevations.
Weather & Climate near La Marquesa National Park#
La Marquesa National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1107 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (192 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (223 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (225 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (186 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.
