Cofre de Perote National Park

The park was created by presidential decree in 1937. The park is mountainous, with rocky crags and deep gorges, particularly on the eastward approach to the mountain. Most of the terrain is blanketed in pine forest with bare rock at upper elevations. Snow and ice are possible, particularly in late fall and early winter. The park covers an area of 11,700 hectacres. The park is heavily forested with mostly pine. Several species of pine are found in the park, as well as piñon and juniper. Almost 100 species of bird live in the park, as well as a number of reptiles and mammals. An endemic reptile found in this park is the transvolcanic rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus). Mammals include coyote, lynx, skunks, cacomixtle, and an endemic squirrel species called ardilla de perote (Spermophilus perotensis). The easiest way to get to this park is to travel to Puebla, then rent a car or take a taxi to the town of Perote. It will take about 2 hours to drive the 130 km distance. Once in Perote, use Google maps or a similar GPS app to wend your way through town to the village of El Conejo. You can also take a taxi from Perote to the park (it's only about 20 km but the route is complicated and the travel time slow). Two lakes are particularly scenic, and because they are not accessible by car, they're lightly visited and can be a great place to escape crowds and find some natural solitude for backcountry camping or nature watching....