Wait, México Has More National Parks Than the United States?

If you ask most people in the U.S. or Canada about national parks, they’ll probably rattle off familiar names like Yellowstone, Banff, or Yosemite. And for good reason—both countries have impressive national park systems. Canada has 48 protected areas managed by Parks Canada (37 national parks and 11 national park reserves), while the U.S. boasts 63 national parks within its National Park System.

But what if I told you that México has more national parks than both the U.S. and Canada? It’s true! México is home to 67 national parks, yet many travelers from its northern neighbors don’t even realize they exist.

As someone who lives and works in México, I’ve had the opportunity to explore some of these incredible places, and I can tell you firsthand—they are worth the trip. Whether you're into deserts, mountains, waterfalls, or tropical jungles, México has a national park that will surprise you.

A Look at History: When Did National Parks Begin?

The idea of national parks isn’t a recent one. The U.S. led the way in 1872 when it established Yellowstone National Park, making it the world’s first national park. Canada followed in 1885 with Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains.

México came into the game a little later. El Chico National Park in the state of Hidalgo became México’s? first national park. It was established back in 1898. But by the 1930s, under President Lázaro Cárdenas, México began a serious push to protect its natural areas. Many of its current parks were established during this time and conservation efforts have continued to grow ever since.

Exploring México’s Wild Side: A Land of Many Ecosystems

What sets México apart is the sheer variety of landscapes its national parks protect. They can be found in deserts, jungles, mountains, wetlands, high-altitude plateaus, underground caves, and even protected underwater coral reef systems.?

Unlike the parks in the U.S. and Canada which are known for their vast wilderness areas, México’s national parks tend to blend natural and cultural significance more often than those in the U.S. and Canada. Many of México’s parks contain archaeological sites, colonial-era structures, or Indigenous heritage as a defining feature, rather than as an addition.

Of the 67 México national parks, I have listed below 7 of them to give you an idea of the geographical diversity of these protected regions:

1. Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (Mountains & Caves) - Nuevo Leon

Located in northern México, this mountainous park features dramatic peaks, deep canyons, and a network of caves that spelunkers love to explore. It's also home to waterfalls, pine forests, and some of the best hiking near Monterrey.

2. Isla Contoy National Park (Caribbean Waters & Wildlife) - Quintana Roo

If you love marine life, Isla Contoy is paradise. This tiny island off the Yucatán Peninsula is a protected bird sanctuary and home to stunning coral reefs. The government limits daily visitors to preserve its delicate ecosystem, making it an exclusive and peaceful escape.

3. Nevado de Toluca National Park (Volcanoes) - Estado de México

Just a short drive from Mexico City, Nevado de Toluca is a striking volcanic park where you can hike up to the crater rim and then hike down into it to see two alpine lakes. It’s a favorite for those looking to experience México’s high-altitude landscapes.

4. Cumbres de Majalca National Park (Rugged Desert Mountain Region) - Chihuahua

This national park sits within the Chihuahuan Desert but features a striking combination of rocky outcrops, deep canyons, and pine forests at higher elevations. The park is famous for its wind and water-eroded rock formations which create otherworldly landscapes resembling towers, arches, and sculptures. These unique geological formations are a major draw for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers. Despite being in an arid region, the park’s higher elevations provide a cooler climate.

5. Sumidero Canyon National Park (Dramatic Cliffs & River) - Chiapas

Think of the Grand Canyon but lush and tropical. Sumidero Canyon in the state of Chiapas has towering canyon walls that rise over 3300 feet (1000 meters) above the Grijalva River. Boat tours take you through the canyon, where you might spot crocodiles, spider monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

6. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (Cave & Underground Rivers) - Guerrero

This park is home to one of the largest cave systems in the world. The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa feature massive underground chambers, some as tall as 80 meters (262 feet) which is roughly the height of a 23-story building. Visitors can take a guided tour along wide, smooth, and well-lit walkways, making it accessible to almost everyone. This cave tour covers about 1.5 miles (2 km) with towering stalactites and stalagmites creating a truly surreal underground landscape. The park also has underground rivers, adding to its adventure appeal.

7. La Malinche National Park (Volcanic Peak & High-Altitude Forests) - Tlaxcala

Located between Puebla and Tlaxcala, this park is centered around La Malinche volcano, a popular hiking destination with pine and fir forests. At over 14,500 feet (4,400 meters) high, it offers challenging treks and excellent panoramic views.

Why Haven’t More People Heard About These México National Parks?

Unlike in the U.S. and Canada, where national parks are heavily promoted for tourism, Mexico’s national parks don’t always get the same level of attention. Many visitors to México focus on beaches, colonial cities, or some of the ancient ruins without even realizing that there are entire national parks filled with waterfalls, mountains, and untouched wilderness waiting to be explored.

Additionally, while México has made great strides in conservation, some of its national parks lack the “tourist infrastructure” and easy accessibility that make U.S. and Canadian parks so visitor-friendly. But that’s changing to make it easier for more national and international travelers to enjoy México’s diverse great outdoors.?

Ready for an Adventure?

If you’re an adventurous traveler from the USA, Canada, and beyond, maybe it’s time to consider adding some of México’s national parks to your travel list.?

Whether you want to hike down into a volcanic crater, kayak through mangrove estuaries, stargaze under the bright clear Milky Way sky, discover a region littered with dinosaur bones, explore underground caves, or snorkel over colorful coral reefs, México’s protected areas offer excellent outdoor adventure opportunities.

So next time you think of a national park vacation, why not look beyond Yellowstone or Banff? You might just find an unforgettable experience in one of México’s many hidden natural wonders.

What’s stopping you?

Pack your bags, bring your adventurous spirit, and start discovering the incredible geographic diversity which can be found in México’s 67 National Parks!

About the Author

Mike Vondruska is the founder and director of tour operations for Go Now Adventures LLC. He and his team specialize in creating expert-guided small group multi-day tours for curious and adventurous travelers to explore the country of México.

Mike’s tour company is registered in the United States and also has an office near the city of Pachuca in the México state of Hidalgo. His company website is MexicoVacationTours.com