National park · Mexico
Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán
Enter the reserve for a short canyon hike (≈2 km (1.2 mi), moderate) for MXN 50–70 per person, or a full‑day trek (≈12 km (7.5 mi), hard) with a guide for MXN 300–400; go in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid rain and crowds.Enter the reserve for a short canyon hike (≈1.2 mi (2 km), moderate) for MXN 50–70 per person, or a full‑day trek (≈7.5 mi (12 km), hard) with a guide for MXN 300–400; go in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid rain and crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
960 km² (371 sq mi)371 sq mi (960 km²)
approximate
Established
2002
Best months
Nov–Mar
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 960 km² (371 sq mi)371 sq mi (960 km²)
- Approximately 960 km² (96,000 ha) of semi‑desert canyon landscape (check).
- Established
- 2002
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán protects steep canyons, dry forests and the Ramsar‑listed Laguna Metztitlán, offering canyon hikes, wildlife viewing and cultural sites such as the Ex‑convento de los Santos Reyes.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2006UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Ramsar wetlandLaguna Metztitlán wetland.
Size and age
960 km² (371 sq mi)371 sq mi (960 km²) · national park since 2002
Approximately 960 km² (96,000 ha) of semi‑desert canyon landscape (check).
Why go
- Steep canyons and dramatic cliffs in a semi‑desert landscape.
- Diverse wildlife, including pumas, lynx and over 250 bird species.
- Cultural sites such as the Ex‑convento de los Santos Reyes monastery.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool.
- FebDry, cool.
- MarDry, warming.
- AprEnd of dry season.
- MayFirst rains.
- JunRainy, may close trails.
- JulRainy, heat.
- AugRainy, heat.
- SepRainy, possible storms.
- OctDry returning.
- NovDry, mild.
- DecDry, cool.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puma, lynx, bobcatAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (271 species)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Mexico City
Take toll highway MEX 85D to Pachuca, then MEX 105 north to Acalome, turn onto Hidalgo 37 to Vega de Metztitlán.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Pachuca
Drive north on MEX 105 and then Hidalgo 37 to the reserve gate.
1–1.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance area | Visitor centre, ticket office, short canyon loop trail. | Open with ticket. |
| Cañón del Río Venado | Steep canyon trail, viewpoints, rock formations. | Guided only for full‑day trek. |
| Laguna Metztitlán | Ramsar wetland, bird‑watching spot. | Open, no fee. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on reserve centre.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry ticket (general access) | MXN 50–70 (≈ US$3–4) | person | Covers short canyon trail. |
| Guided full‑day trek | MXN 300–400 (≈ US$17–25) | person | Guide required for long routes. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit permit or guide
Guided trek permit permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$50–70≈ US$3–4
- MX$300–400≈ US$17–25
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on UNESCO Biosphere Reserve list before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Not allowed in the reserve.
- Camping
- Only in designated areas; otherwise prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires forbidden; use stoves only.
- Guides
- Required for any trail beyond the short loop.
Where to stay
Near the park
Vega de Metztitlán town
Small hotels and guesthouses 10 min from the gate.
Near the park
Pachuca
Larger hotel options, 1 h drive.
Safety
Heat and dehydration medium
Lost on remote trails high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance area reachable by car; short loop has short, uneven sections.
- Long trek not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in local guesthouses to support the community.
- Leave no trace; pack out all waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán?
Entry tickets cost MXN 50–70 per person; a guided full‑day trek costs MXN 300–400 per person.
What are the best hikes in Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán?
The short canyon loop (≈2 km, moderate) is good for a few hours, while the full‑day guided trek (≈12 km, hard) offers deeper exploration.
When is the best time to visit Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán?
The dry season from November to April provides clear trails and good weather; avoid the rainy months June‑September.
Are there facilities for camping inside the reserve?
Camping is only allowed in designated sites; otherwise stay in nearby towns.
Do I need a guide for any part of the reserve?
A guide is required for the full‑day trek and any trail beyond the short loop.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán
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