1

There is some remarkable scenery located between Mexico City and the Yucatan Peninsula, including many attractive places from which you could take scenic day hikes. But, those spots are rarely located within "National Parks"of the kind found in the USA.

There are many attractive places that you could visit. For example, many international travelers going from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen make stops along the way in the state of Chiapas, spending time in the highland city of San Cristobal de las Casas and at Palenque. From those places some take day tours to beauty spots such as Sumidero Canyon, Cascada Azul, and Yaxchilan.

Some of my favorite Mexican scenery is located in Puebla state's Sierra Norte, a culturally interesting area located about three hours, by bus, off of your projected route. It's a beautiful region best appreciated by people whose travels are not overly hurried. To learn more google "Cuetzalan" or take a look at a brief slide show I made after traveling a year ago to a similar town.. To display my slide show's labels click on "Show Information" on the upper right side of the screen.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris0daniel/sets/72157629140751240/show/

2

If you are going ot Playa del Carmen, you will be near the million-acre Sian Kaan preserve just south of Tutlum.

3

Visit the fantastic Monte Alban in Oaxaca. Take a trip to Yagul, south of the city, Don't miss the amazing ruins at Mitla, all day trips out of Oaxaca city.

4

Re #3...although these aren't destinations with marked trails, like in the U.S., you can traipse among ruins and at Yagul, hike up above and get views of two magnificent valleys, backdropped by mountains. Come with an open mind--not expecting the same kind of hiking experience as in the U.S. and you will really enjoy Mexico.

5

http://traveldoozie.com/visiting-the-national-parks-of-mexico

this site will help but I cant find an official national parks site.

6

#5, interestingly the link you provided says that Isla Contoy has been elevated to national park status. We went there a few years ago when it was just a wildlife preserve (which it still is). A very nice day trip out of Cancun, but there are no overnight accomodations at Isla Contoy. Still, there are frigate biards, iguanas, and semi-tame sting rays that swim up to you to be hand fed. Most tours allow time for swimming in the sandy, calm bay and stop for a little snorkeling near Isla Mujeres on the way back.

7

national park traditions in n america developed based on things like disposable income and highway/rail networks, those traqditions are just developing in mexico but have been lacking in the past.

8

I was wondering if there are an amazingly scenic national parks I should detour to while there?

I recommend both La Malinche National Park, accessible from the very pleasant capital city of Tlaxcala, two hours east of Mexico City; or Izta-Popo National Park, accessible from Amecameca, one and one half hours southeast of Mexico City.

There is a three to four hour dayhike to the summit of La Malinche that anyone in good physical shape can do; colectivos operate twice daily from Apizaco, while frequent buses serve Apizaco from Tlaxcala.

The hikes from Paso de Cortes, between Izta and Popo, are more demanding, the easiest would be an 8 km hike to Altzomoni, approx three hours; more demanding hikes start from there. Colectivos from Amecameca operate on demand only, or hire a private taxi for the day.

These are the best, most scenic, high altitude hikes near your route.