Hiking came into her life almost by chance, but it quickly became her greatest passion.
What began as a spontaneous adventure to Cerro del Chupón turned into a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and connection with nature.
Despite the obstacles — including a fracture that kept her away for months — her determination led her to face her fears and return to the mountains stronger than ever.
For our colleague Verónica Martínez, Treasury Manager, each hike has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy the immense beauty nature has to offer.
My Passion for Hiking
I discovered hiking in July 2019, almost by accident. At the gym, some friends were talking about their hike to Cerro del Chupón, and without thinking too much about it, I signed up.
It was my first climb, and although I struggled to keep up, something was awakened in me — the joy of walking, climbing a mountain, and admiring nature from above. The view of the city, the trees, the rocks — everything felt like a fascinating spectacle.
But fate had other plans. A few months later, a foot fracture forced me to stop. It was a difficult time, but I learned to be patient.
When I finally returned to hiking, I faced a new challenge: fear. A short climb at La Estanzuela Park made me hesitate, but at that moment, I knew I had to push forward, break through barriers, and overcome my fears.
In July 2021, for my birthday, I decided to go back to Cerro del Chupón. However, my confidence wasn’t the same, and when the time came to climb the iconic rock for a photo, fear froze me.
That’s when Nena, a hiking guide, appeared. She encouraged me and helped me conquer my fear. That encounter marked the beginning of a new chapter: I joined her group, learned climbing and descending techniques, and started exploring more and more peaks.
Hiking became my passion. It has helped me improve my physical condition, make new friends, and above all, enjoy the beauty of nature.
Today, after almost four years, I’m still amazed with every hike. I’ve climbed peaks in different regions, faced physical and mental challenges, and even completed a 42-kilometer trek between Galeana and Coahuila — a goal I never imagined I’d reach.
Each mountain is unique, every experience unrepeatable. And on every trail, I thank God for allowing me to fully live this wonderful discipline.
🥾 Before You Head Out
- Choose beginner-friendly trails: Start with places like La Estanzuela, Río Ramos, or El Pinal Trail in Chipinque. These spots offer well-marked paths, security, and basic services.
- Check the weather: Avoid days with extreme heat or rain. Monterrey’s weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out.
- Don’t go alone: Especially when you’re just starting, it’s better to go with someone experienced or in a group. You can also join local hiking communities.
🎒 What to Bring
- Proper footwear: Running shoes with good grip can work at first, but if you fall in love with hiking, invest in boots.
- Water and snacks: Bring at least one liter of water per hour of hiking and some light snacks.
- Sun protection: A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are your best allies.
- Comfortable, layered clothing: Weather can change quickly, especially in higher altitudes.
🌿 On the Trail
- Listen to your body: It’s not a race—it’s about enjoying the experience. If you’re tired, take a break.
- Respect nature: Don’t leave trash, don’t pick plants, and don’t bother or feed the animals.
- Enjoy the silence: Trails like El Pinal invite you to walk quietly and connect with your surroundings.
🗺️ Recommended Beginner Trails
- La Estanzuela – 8.4 km, 4 hours. A perfect first hike with waterfalls and turquoise pools.
- Río Ramos (Allende) – 5 km, 1 hour. A light walk through water and lush greenery.
- El Pinal (Chipinque) – 13.2 km, 5 hours. A longer trail, but with great services and spectacular views.
📱 These tools are perfect for exploring confidently and connecting with nature from your very first step.
For those new to hiking in Nuevo León, there are apps that make the experience much safer and more fun.
- 🌄 Komoot is great for planning easy routes and following them with GPS, and it also offers tips from other hikers.
- 🧭 Wikiloc lets you discover thousands of routes in the region, complete with maps, photos, and difficulty levels.
- 📊 AllTrails helps you save your hikes and find new adventures by tracking your progress.
🧭 Recommended Groups and Guides
Senderismo Monterrey
They offer guided hikes to places like Chipinque, Mitras, La Huasteca, Cola de Caballo, and more. They also share fun facts and stories about each trail.
📍 Guadalupe, N.L.
📞 81 3044 2693
GEO Aventura
Specialists in extreme experiences like Matacanes, Chipitín, and canyoning, but they also offer hiking and via ferrata routes.
📍 Monterrey, N.L.
📞 81 1234 4123
Club Explorador Cóndor
A nonprofit organization with over 80 years of promoting mountaineering, hiking, rappelling, and camping. Perfect if you’re looking for a community and training.
📞 81 3550 7545
Monterrey Tour
An agency that organizes guided excursions and hikes around Monterrey.
📞 81 2584 8406
