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Expedition

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Altitude: 3,754 meters (12,316 feet)
  • Elevation gain: 660 meters (2,165 feet)
  • Total distance: 16 kilometers (9,16 miles)
  • Total time: 6 hours (ascent 3.5 hours, descent 2.5 hours)
  • Terrain: easy
  • Two hours of aerobic exercise per week 
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Description

In Mexico City's lush Desierto de los Leones, the highest point is the 3,754-meter Cerro de San Miguel.

The ascent takes between three and three and a half hours, through a beautiful forest, and the elevation gain is 660 meters. This hike is accessible to anyone in normal physical condition, and who performs an average of two hours of exercise per week. It is a technically simple mountain.

We drive towards Toluca, and take the Contadero exit, which takes us to the Cruz Blanca parking lot, where we leave the cars and start the hike.

From the top, where we will find a rustic chapel dedicated to San Miguel, we will enjoy a beautiful panorama of the capital, and the nearest volcanoes: Nevado de Toluca, Ajusco, Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl.

We usually make the descent by an alternative, wilder route, to avoid the mountain bike trails. In just over two hours we reach the starting point, and an hour later we arrive in downtown Mexico City.

Equipment list

  • Warm pants and jacket (polartech type)
  • Polartech-like pants and jacket
  • Goretex or similar pants and jacket
  • Bandana or Buff (optional)
  • Helmet (provided by AdvenCulture)
  • Crampons (provided by AdvenCulture if needed)
  • Walking poles (can be rented from AdvenCulture)
  • Sun glasses
  • Sun & lip screen
  • 2 liters of water
  • Lightweight backpack (about 30 liters capacity)
  • Your favorite snacks (for instance, sandwiches, chocolate, dried fruits, protein bars, cookies, etc)
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"
Coaching, adventure and culture in one trip; AdvenCulture exceeded my expectations. I grew as a person in a fun and safe environment"
Latika Kohli
India
"
A special thank you to our guide Pachi, who has not only pampered us gastronomically and protected us in the mountains, but has taken the time to bring us closer to Mexican culture, there is no better than this!"
Tom & Simone Berner
"
AdvenCulture's expeditions stand out for their good design, excellent ambiance, and a truly gourmet meal proposal"
Meghan Driggers
USA
"
I ascended the Nevado de Toluca with Pachi and it was wonderful. It was very cold and windy, there was poor visibility, but Pachi's professionalism helped us overcome the difficulties. His experience is remarkable, and his sense of humor is infectious!"
Dominique Stril
France
"
I love AdvenCulture's philosophy: outdoor activities in dreamlike places, with a focus on personal growth and a unique cultural plus"
Carolina van der Meulen
Argentina
"
Pachi is a first-class guide, the winter expedition to Almanzor was meticulously organized, and every step we took Pachi was nearby to encourage us, he was able to convey great security to the entire group, he made everything go great."
José Puga
Spain
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