Lagunas de Zempoala National Park: planning guide
Alpine lakes and fir forest in the mountains between Morelos and Estado de México. Cool weekend hiking above Cuernavaca.
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park is in Morelos / Estado de México, Mexico. The nearest town is Cuernavaca — roughly 17.2 km (10.7 mi) out, about 29 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Full seasonal breakdown for Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cuernavaca | 17.2 km (10.7 mi) | 29 min |
| Jiutepec | 24.5 km (15.2 mi) | 38 min |
| San Diego | 35.5 km (22.1 mi) | 50 min |
| La Joya | 45.9 km (28.5 mi) | 1 hr 1 min |
| Cuautla | 46.9 km (29.2 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Puente de Ixtla | 49.1 km (30.5 mi) | 1 hr 4 min |
| Jojutla | 51.2 km (31.8 mi) | 1 hr 7 min |
| Tetela del Volcán | 64.7 km (40.2 mi) | 1 hr 21 min |
Where Lagunas de Zempoala National Park sits
Official Lagunas de Zempoala National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park sits close enough to Cumbres del Ajusco National Park, El Tepozteco National Park, Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park, and Desierto de los Leones National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cumbres del Ajusco National Park | 18.9 km (11.8 mi) | 32 min |
| El Tepozteco National Park | 23.8 km (14.8 mi) | 37 min |
| Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park | 25.5 km (15.8 mi) | 39 min |
| Desierto de los Leones National Park | 28.6 km (17.8 mi) | 43 min |
Parks close by
- Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Pine–oak highlands on the south edge of Mexico City. Popular weekend hiking and cold nights above the capital.
- El Tepozteco National Park
A pyramid-topped cliff above Tepoztlán, Morelos. Steep day hike through tropical forest to Aztec ruins and valley views.
- Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park
Woodland and meadows in La Marquesa, west of Mexico City on the Toluca highway. Busy weekend hiking and picnic country.
- Desierto de los Leones National Park
An ex-convent and conifer forest in the mountains west of Mexico City. One of the capital’s oldest protected woodland areas.
Common questions
Where is Lagunas de Zempoala National Park?
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park sits in Morelos / Estado de México, Mexico. Cuernavaca, about 17.2 km (10.7 mi) away — roughly 29 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Lagunas de Zempoala National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.