Mountain 5 km north of Taxco
The forested peak above Taxco, a state park with trails, a mountain-bike track, camping and views over the Balsas and Morelos valleys.
The Cerro del Huixteco is the mountain that rises directly behind Taxco to the north, and at about 2,300 meters above sea level it is the highest point in the area. Its upper slopes are protected as the Parque Estatal Francisco Torres Moreno, a pine and oak forest that feels cool and green compared with the steep, built-up streets of the town below.
From the viewpoints near the top you look out over a huge stretch of country: on one side the hills fall away toward the Balsas basin, on the other toward the valleys of Morelos, and on clear mornings Taxco itself sits in miniature at your feet. The park has more than ten kilometers of trails and paths, used both by hikers and by mountain bikers, including a downhill track built to competition standard. Birdwatchers come for the forest species, and in the right season the trails fill with butterflies.
The park also has camping areas, grills, a children's play area and zip-line and rappelling activities that are run at certain times. It is a good half-day escape from the heat and crowds of the center, best early in the day when the air is clearest.
What to see and do
Walk up to the viewpoints for the view over Taxco and the valleys of the Balsas and Morelos.
Hike the forest trails, or bring a mountain bike for the park's tracks.
Look for birds and, in season, butterflies along the paths.
Pack a picnic or camp overnight in the park's camping area.
Getting there
The park entrance is about 3.6 km along the road from Taxco to Tetipac, around 15 minutes by car or taxi from the center. It has been listed as open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm with free entry; check before you go. Go by day and come back the same way rather than continuing on rural roads.
5 km north of Taxco
Directions from Taxco on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Cerro del Huixteco
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Tours & activities
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Weather mild
Cerro del Huixteco shares the climate of Taxco, 5 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Taxco your base
Cerro del Huixteco is an easy trip from Taxco, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Taxco
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Cascada de Cacalotenango
· Waterfall · 6 km away
An 80-meter waterfall in the pine forest just off the road to Ixcateopan, about 15 minutes west of Taxco; best after the rains. -
Pozas Azules de Atzala
· Waterfall · 8 km away
A chain of turquoise limestone pools and small cascades in the hills southwest of Taxco, bluest in the dry season. -
Taxco el Viejo
· Town · 9 km away
The original Tlachco, seat of the Aztec tribute collector before Cortés founded today's Taxco; a quiet town 10 km south. -
Mil Cascadas
· Waterfall · 10 km away
A wild canyon east of Taxco with turquoise pools, a cave pool and waterfalls for jumping and rappelling; go with a guide. -
Tlamacazapa
· Town · 13 km away
A Nahua village southeast of Taxco where most families weave palm into baskets, mats and tortilla holders; buy straight from the weavers. -
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
· Cave · 16 km away
One of Mexico's best-known show caves: a 2 km walk through giant chambers, inside a national park with underground rivers. -
Grutas de la Estrella
· Cave · 21 km away
Show caves with stalactites and an underground river, about 35 minutes north on the highway to Ixtapan de la Sal.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.