Mountain 2 km southeast of Mineral del Chico
El Chico's highest crags, about 3,090 meters up: a rock-climbing classic with an easy trail to a windy lookout.
Las Ventanas is a cluster of volcanic rock towers in the southern part of El Chico National Park, and at about 3,090 meters it is the park's highest point. Its name, "the windows," comes from the gaps between the crags, which frame views over the forest and down toward the valley. Its walls and pillars, sometimes compared to a small Yosemite, have made it one of the most popular places in central Mexico for rock climbing and rappelling.
You don't need ropes to enjoy it. A short trail of about a kilometer leads through fir forest to the lookout known as La Ventosa, and other paths approach the top of the formation without technical climbing, with views over the whole park.
The area has picnic spaces, a campground with a fee and food stands, as well as the Miguel Hidalgo alpine lodge, built in the 1970s for climbers, though it is not always open. The weather can turn quickly up here, with fog and cold wind, so dress in layers and start early.
What to see and do
Walk the short forest trail to the La Ventosa lookout.
Scramble along the paths toward the top of the crags for views over the park.
Climb or rappel the rock walls with a local guide.
Have a picnic or camp in the meadow below the rocks.
Getting there
Las Ventanas is about 9 kilometers from Mineral del Chico, roughly 15 minutes by car on the road back toward Pachuca; the turnoff is signposted inside the park. There is parking near the trailhead, and a fee is usually charged for camping.
2 km southeast of Mineral del Chico
Directions from Mineral del Chico on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Las Ventanas
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Weather cool
Las Ventanas shares the climate of Mineral del Chico, 2 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Make Mineral del Chico your base
Las Ventanas is an easy trip from Mineral del Chico, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Mineral del Chico
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Parque Nacional El Chico
· Nature reserve · 2 km away
Fir forest and giant rock crags around Mineral del Chico, protected since 1898; hiking, climbing, dams and viewpoints. -
Presa El Cedral
· Lake · 2 km away
A forest reservoir run by the local ejido, with rowboats, trout fishing, cabins, horses and zip lines. -
Mirador Peña del Cuervo
· Viewpoint · 3 km away
A stone stairway up a crag in the middle of El Chico park, with the best view over the forest and the town. -
Presa El Jaramillo
· Lake · 4 km away
A small dam on the park's southern edge near San Miguel Cerezo, a quiet spot for a walk and a picnic. -
Actopan
· Town · 22 km away
Home of a fortress-like 16th-century Augustinian convent famous for its murals, including scenes of hell in the open chapel.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.