Mountain 34 km northwest of Bernal
A 3,340-meter forested volcano on the Guanajuato border, sacred to the Otomí and a classic all-day hike.
El Zamorano is the great forested mountain on the border between Querétaro and Guanajuato, northwest of Colón, and with its summit at about 3,340 meters it is one of the highest points in the state. It is an old volcanic complex, made up of several peaks with names like La Mina, El Garbanzo and El Pelón, covered in oak forest that feels a world away from the cactus country around Bernal.
For the Otomí-Chichimeca communities of Tolimán it is a sacred hill: together with the Peña de Bernal and El Frontón it forms the triangle at the center of their traditions, recognized by UNESCO, and pilgrims carry crosses to its heights.
For hikers it is the classic big climb of the region. The usual route starts early from the village of Los Trigos and climbs through the woods, with rest stops along the way, to a final stretch of several hundred steps that leads to the summit antennas. On clear days the views stretch across the Bajío and the Sierra Gorda.
What to see and do
Hike to the summit from Los Trigos, starting at first light.
Climb the final stairway to the antennas for the widest views.
Walk the oak forest, cool and green compared with the semi-desert below.
Go with a guide or group if you do not know the trails, and bring warm layers.
Getting there
The usual trailhead is the village of Los Trigos, in the municipality of Colón, roughly an hour or more from Bernal by car via Colón and then north on rural roads. The hike itself takes most of a day, so leave very early.
34 km northwest of Bernal
Directions from Bernal on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Cerro El Zamorano
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Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Cerro El Zamorano.
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Weather mild
Cerro El Zamorano shares the climate of Bernal, 34 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov.
Make Bernal your base
Cerro El Zamorano is an easy trip from Bernal, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.