Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park

Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Overview

Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park, also known as La Marquesa, is located in the State of Mexico, west of Mexico City. It covers approximately 4.6 square miles (12 square kilometers) and serves as an important natural and recreational area for residents and visitors seeking a break from the urban environment.

The park is named in honor of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a leader in Mexico’s struggle for independence, and is often referred to simply as La Marquesa due to its location within the Valle de la Marquesa. It is a high-altitude park, sitting at an elevation of around 9,800 feet (3,000 meters), offering a cool climate and a diverse range of outdoor activities.

The terrain within the park is characterized by rolling hills, dense pine and oak forests, and open meadows that provide stunning landscapes for visitors. The park is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and its topography includes rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops, and streams that flow through the valleys.

The forests are dominated by species such as Montezuma pine and sacred fir, which create a lush green environment throughout much of the year. The meadows provide open spaces that contrast with the densely wooded areas, making it a visually diverse location.

Wildlife within the park is varied, although many species are elusive due to human activity. Some of the notable mammals that inhabit the area include white-tailed deer, bobcats, and small rodents such as squirrels and rabbits.

The birdlife in the park is particularly vibrant, with species like red-tailed hawks, owls, and woodpeckers commonly sighted. Smaller songbirds, including warblers and finches, add to the avian diversity, making it a good spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

One of the most popular features of the park is its extensive range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking along the various trails that wind through the forests and hills. There are also designated areas for zip-lining and ATV riding, catering to those looking for an adrenaline-filled experience.

Many visitors enjoy picnicking in the open meadows, where numerous small restaurants and food stalls offer traditional Mexican dishes such as quesadillas and grilled meats. The park’s accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere make it a popular weekend destination for people from Mexico City and Toluca.

Engaging with the park can be done through both guided and self-led activities. There are several marked trails suitable for different levels of hikers, from easy walking paths to more challenging routes through forested hills.

Horseback riding is one of the most traditional ways to explore the park, with local vendors offering rides along scenic trails. Families often visit for a day of relaxation and play, while adventure seekers take advantage of the outdoor sports available.

Conservation in the park presents both challenges and successes. The proximity to major urban centers means that human impact, including pollution and deforestation, has been an ongoing concern.

However, local authorities and community initiatives have worked on reforestation projects and better waste management practices to preserve the park’s natural beauty. The park remains an essential green space that provides ecological benefits such as air purification and water regulation for surrounding areas.

Park Map

Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park, also known as La Marquesa, is located in the State of Mexico. It is a high-altitude park known for its rugged mountains, dense pine-oak forests, and cool climate. These diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians adapted to temperate and montane environments.

Mexican Black Bear (Ursus americanus eremicus)
Although rare, this subspecies of black bear roams the park’s forests in search of berries, nuts, and small prey. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival in the region.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
A top predator in the park, the elusive cougar hunts deer and small mammals while maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
Highly adaptable, the coyote thrives in the park’s diverse landscapes, preying on rodents, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
One of the most commonly seen large mammals in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, serving as prey for predators like cougars.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A social, pig-like mammal, the collared peccary moves in small groups and forages for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, helping with seed dispersal.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal and highly agile climber, the ring-tailed cat hunts for insects, rodents, and fruit in the park’s rocky and forested areas.

Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
Often seen in rocky outcrops and forest floors, this large ground squirrel collects seeds and berries, playing a role in seed dispersal.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A large, non-venomous constrictor, the Mexican pine snake helps control rodent populations in the park’s forests.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous but reclusive species, the black-tailed rattlesnake blends into the rocky terrain and preys on small mammals and reptiles.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A unique high-altitude salamander, this species inhabits the park’s cool, moist streams and is an important indicator of environmental health.

Birds

The towering peaks, pine forests, and open meadows of Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and woodpeckers.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of Mexico’s most majestic birds, the golden eagle soars above the park’s rugged cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare nocturnal predator, the Mexican spotted owl thrives in the park’s dense pine forests, preying on small mammals and birds.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A highly social woodpecker, the acorn woodpecker is known for storing acorns in tree trunks and is commonly found in the park’s forests.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
This striking blue-and-black bird is known for its intelligence and raucous calls. It is commonly seen scavenging and foraging in the park’s forests.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
With its emerald green back and red belly, the mountain trogon prefers the park’s dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
A vital scavenger in the park, the turkey vulture soars high on thermal currents, using its keen sense of smell to locate carrion.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and rocky outcrops, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air with precision.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
A small but striking bird, the western bluebird features bright blue plumage and a rusty-red chest. It thrives in the park’s open meadows and forest edges.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor, the broad-winged hawk is seen soaring above the park during seasonal migrations, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and birds.