Nature reserve 5 km southeast of Real del Monte
Towering basalt rocks with boulders balanced on top, in a pine forest near Real del Monte; zip lines and climbing.
Peñas Cargadas, "the loaded rocks," is a group of tall basalt formations in the pine forest southeast of Real del Monte, on the border with the municipality of Epazoyucan. Each column ends in a huge boulder that seems to rest on its top by luck, which makes it look as if the rocks could tip over at any moment. The tallest stand several tens of meters high.
The area belongs to the local ejido, which runs it as an ecotourism park. Its best-known attraction is a long circuit of zip lines strung between the rocks and over the forest, reported at around 40 lines in all, and the ejido also offers rappelling, climbing, horseback riding and space for camping and picnics. Climbers come for the rock, and walkers for the quiet trails between the formations.
It makes an easy half-day trip from Real del Monte, and it is a good contrast to the town's mines and Cornish heritage: fresh air, pine needles underfoot and views back over the Sierra de Pachuca.
What to see and do
Ride the zip-line circuit between the rocks.
Walk the forest trails around the base of the formations.
Try rappelling or climbing with the ejido's guides and gear.
Ride horses through the woods or have a picnic.
Getting there
From Real del Monte, drive past the English Cemetery (Panteón Inglés) on the road to Tezoantla; the park is about 3.5 kilometers beyond Tezoantla, roughly 20 minutes from town. Some microbuses from Real del Monte drop passengers on the road nearby, but a car or taxi is more practical.
5 km southeast of Real del Monte
Directions from Real del Monte on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Peñas Cargadas
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Tours & activities
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Weather cool
Peñas Cargadas shares the climate of Real del Monte, 5 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Make Real del Monte your base
Peñas Cargadas is an easy trip from Real del Monte, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Real del Monte
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Omitlán de Juárez
· Town · 4 km away
A small, colorful town just north of Real del Monte, known for its row of food stalls and the old Velasco hacienda. -
Parque Nacional El Chico
· Nature reserve · 10 km away
One of Mexico's oldest protected forests, with towering rock crags, dams and viewpoints over the fir woods. -
Prismas Basálticos
· Nature reserve · 15 km away
A canyon of giant basalt columns and waterfalls past Huasca, the region's most famous natural sight.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.