In the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park , in the Tlalpan district in southern Mexico City , lies an imposing volcano that erupted approximately 1,635 years ago. Due to the high temperature and low viscosity of the lava, tunnels were formed that are preserved to this day and can be visited. For this reason, Tlalpan used to be known as San Agustín de las Cuevas.

It was named Xitle because of the sunken shape of its crater, which measures approximately 250 meters in diameter. Its flora is composed primarily of cacti and conifers. Its fauna also includes snakes, eagles, hawks, skunks, opossums, and ringtails, among others.

This hike is based in the part of the volcano where most of the lava was deposited. (Paraje del Xitle )

During the hike, you'll observe the flora and fauna, which is undoubtedly phenomenal, as in a short distance, we move from an alpine ecosystem to a semi-desert one with a wide variety of shrubs and cacti.