Sierra de Guadalupe (Nisperos Entrance)

The Nisperos Entrance to the Sierra de Guadalupe Natural Protected Area is one of the most popular. This is because it leads to a largely paved road that makes for much easier climbing. It feels much more like an uphill walk, rather than like mountain climbing. Never-the-less, visitors are in for a strenuous walk.

From the entrance, the road continues upward to a “sometimes open” environmental education center. This has the look and feel of a mountain hideaway in some other state, or even another country. It’s a landmark along the way.

The real stars of the walk are the incredible trees. This part of the Sierra de Guadalupe is heavily forested. Trees here are principally the result of re-forestation projects that have taken place since the middle of the 20th century. They’re mostly species of eucaliptos, pine, and oak. Many are mature trees. Mexico City has planted many more trees in just the past few years, and evidence of some of the attention the protected area has been receiving will be apparent.

From the Cablebús Cuautepec station the walk is about two kilometers and takes about 30 minutes. Most of the walk, almost from the Cablebus station, will be within the Arboledas de Cuautepec neighborhood. It extends well up into the conservation area.

Visitors should dress appropriately with comfortable walking shoes. Taxis from around the Cablebús station will cut the travel time considerably and you’ll pay about $50 pesos. Like many mountainous regions in Mexico, taxi drivers still rely on rear-engine Vocho (VW Beetle) taxis for climbing. Most international visitors will find them but a curious bonus to an already interesting trip.