Nevado de Toluca Crater Lakes Hike

The route

Parque de los Venados to the crater and the Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna, on the foot-only access model announced by CONANP.

Under the model CONANP announced in October 2025, cars go no further than Parque de los Venados, which has parking and food stalls, and you continue on foot. CONANP describes the approach from Toluca as 38 km on the Toluca to Ciudad Altamirano highway followed by 13 km of dirt road, served by buses, taxis and private vans.

When to go

The rainy season runs from May to October with frequent fog, and November to April is drier with better visibility, but frost and snow can come in any month; CONANP kept the area closed through winter 2025-26 because of fog, wind, ice and snow.

Permits and fees

CONANP lists a fee of MXN 125 per person per day (50% off for Mexican nationals and residents, free for under-12s and seniors) and hours of Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00-15:00, but the area is closed until further notice. The announced reopening rules include no vehicles beyond Parque de los Venados, no pets in the crater and no entry for children under 8.

Before you go

• Check CONANP's official channels for a reopening date before you travel; the reopening set for 18 October 2025 was cancelled a day after it was announced.
• Do not use informal side routes around the closure; CONANP warns they raise the risk of serious accidents.
• CONANP recommends sunglasses, a hat, a buff or scarf, a thermal jacket, gloves and thermal base layers even without snow, plus boots with good grip.
• Going into the water of the crater lakes is not allowed.

What to bring

• Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
• At least 1.5 litres of water
• Food you will actually want to eat
• A warm or waterproof layer
• The route, saved offline
• Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.

Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.

Staying safe

• Altitude: the lakes are at about 4,200 m, and CONANP says people with heart or breathing conditions should not go up to the crater.
• Fast-changing weather: fog, strong wind, hail, sub-zero temperatures and ice on the tracks were the reasons given for keeping the area closed in 2026.
• Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
• Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.