Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote

Park Volcanic national park centered on Cofre de Perote

A Mexican national park centered on the Cofre de Perote volcano, with high-elevation pine and alpine meadows; visitors hike volcano trails, camp and view volcanic terrain and occasional snow.

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Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote is a national park in Veracruz that protects the slopes and high-altitude ecosystems of the Cofre de Perote volcanic dome. The park’s defining feature is the Cofre de Perote summit, a prominent volcanic peak rising above surrounding valleys.

Visitors come for high-altitude hiking, montane forests, and birdwatching along trails that access the mountain’s slopes and ridgelines. The park contains areas of pine and fir forest at higher elevations and more open landscapes lower down.

The area was set aside under Mexico’s national park system to conserve the mountain and its forests; it has been managed by federal authorities to protect habitat and regulate recreational use. Over time access and conservation measures have been adjusted to balance recreation with protection of forested slopes.

Geographically it lies in central Veracruz near the town of Perote and forms part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, west of the coastal plain and east of the high Mexican plateau.

  • Summit elevation: 4,282 metres above sea level is the commonly cited elevation for the Cofre de Perote summit.

What to See #

  • Cofre de Perote summit: The volcanic summit reaches about 4,282 metres above sea level and is the park's dominant landmark; it is a volcanic dome within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.
Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote
Cofre de Perote National Park, Veracruz, Mexico
19.4846, -97.1524

How to Get to Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote #

The park is northwest of the city of Xalapa and accessible via highway from Veracruz and Mexico City. The nearest towns with services are Perote and Xico; from those towns local roads lead to park trailheads. A car or guided tour is the most practical access.

Tips for Visiting Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote #

  • Check park advisories before attempting the volcano summit - weather and safety rules can change rapidly.
  • Hire a local guide for crater-area hikes; terrain can be steep and confusing.
  • Bring layers and sun protection - high-altitude conditions can be deceptively cold and sunny.

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote #

Best in the dry season for clearer skies and safer trail conditions; be prepared for cold temperatures at higher elevations.

Dry season
Nov-Feb · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Cooler, clearer days - better visibility for crater views but cold at altitude.
Spring
Mar-May · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Milder temperatures and good trail conditions before summer rains.

Weather & Climate near Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote #

Climate

Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1675 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (277 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

277 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (322 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

322 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (303 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

303 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (300 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

300 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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