Trailhead
La Joya
The trailhead at 12,990 feet (3,960 m) where the beginner routes end with coffee and quesadillas and the high-altitude routes keep climbing.
At a glance
- Kind
- Trailhead
- Getting there
- 2 hours 15 minutes from Mexico City
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes with a good grip
- Layers for the altitude and the wind
- Water and a snack for the trail
- Appetite for coffee and quesadillas at the top
La Joya is the end of the road inside the park and the start of every trail we walk. Buses and private cars stop here at 12,990 feet (3,960 m), about two hours and fifteen minutes after leaving Mexico City, and from the parking area the route continues on foot.
For the beginner hikes, La Joya is the destination: a scenic mountain trail with no technical gear required, and at the highest point of the route a stop with hot coffee and freshly made quesadillas before heading back. For the advanced route to the Refugio de los Cien, La Joya is only the beginning.
Good to know
- Elevation affects anyone regardless of fitness, especially if you just arrived from lower ground
- The trail is well marked, but signal is unreliable above the treeline
- Your guide carries the first-aid kit and briefs you on altitude before you start
More destinations
The rest of the map, from the pass between the volcanoes to the mountains of Oaxaca. Transportation and a certified guide are always included.
All destinations
