Cofre de Perote
Nauhcampatépetl
A shield volcano 4,282 metres high west of Xalapa, with a road that reaches close to the summit, views over the Gulf coastal plain and Pico de Orizaba.
Cofre de Perote, also called Nauhcampatépetl, is the eighth-highest peak in Mexico. It takes its name from a square rock formation near the summit that resembles a "chest" (cofre), and it is a national park. From the town of Perote, a dirt road runs almost to the summit, near the TV tower, and the last section can be walked. Along the way is a high-altitude pine forest, and on clear days you can see Pico de Orizaba and the cloud sea over the Gulf of Mexico. The summit is high and cold, so take care of altitude sickness and bring warm clothing. Road conditions are poor, so it is best to hire a car or a local guide. The round trip takes a full day.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime visits recommended)
Nearby sights
- Xico
- Texolo Waterfall
- Coatepec
- Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Garden
- Parque Los Tecajetes
- Xalapa Museum of Anthropology
- Pinacoteca Diego Rivera
- Parque Juárez