La Malinche National Park

La Malinche National Park is a protected area spanning Tlaxcala and Puebla states with mountainous terrain and varied ecosystems across different elevations. The landscape includes pine and oak forests that shift in composition as altitude increases, creating distinct habitats for wildlife and vegetation.

The park was established in 1938 and protects a dormant volcano that has held significance for local communities since pre-Hispanic times. The mountain's importance to early inhabitants continues to shape the region's identity today.

The park takes its name from a significant 16th-century figure who mediated between indigenous peoples and Spanish conquistadors. This name carries deep meaning for local communities and shapes how visitors understand the region's complex past.

Visitors can stay in cabins or camping areas at Centro Vacacional IMSS La Malintzi, which also offers recreational facilities for exploring the park. This infrastructure makes it possible to spend multiple days in nature and access different parts of the protected area.

From the summit, visitors can observe three major Mexican volcanoes: Pico de Orizaba, Iztaccíhuatl, and Popocatépetl. On clear days these distant peaks become visible, offering a rare view of the region's volcanic geography.