THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a half-day foraging, tasting and learning permaculture techniques inside Desierto de los Leones. This guided urban-orchard visit blends hands-on gardening, local food culture and accessible nature just outside Mexico City.
Spend a half-day foraging, tasting and learning permaculture techniques inside Desierto de los Leones. This guided urban-orchard visit blends hands-on gardening, local food culture and accessible nature just outside Mexico City.
A cool, pine-scented morning greets visitors as the city falls away and the road climbs toward Desierto de los Leones. Birds thread the air; a patchwork of fruit trees, hügelkultur beds and dense vegetable plots opens like a working palette. The orchard invites curiosity—leaves you can crush for scent, chard you can taste, and chickens that cluck their approval as you dig your hands in.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Huerto Benque · Mexico City, Ciudad de México
A cool, pine-scented morning greets visitors as the city falls away and the road climbs toward Desierto de los Leones. Birds thread the air; a patchwork of fruit trees, hügelkultur beds and dense vegetable plots opens like a working palette. The orchard invites curiosity—leaves you can crush for scent, chard you can taste, and chickens that cluck their approval as you dig your hands in.
The site sits inside a historic national park that began as a 17th-century Carmelite retreat; its volcanic soils and temperate, high-elevation climate have long supported gardens and woodlands. Geologically, the area is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, with rich, well-draining soils ideal for mixed orchards and permaculture techniques. Culturally, the project channels Mexico’s long relationship with seasonal food: milpas, seed saving, and communal harvests.
Practically, expect a gentle, mostly flat walk of roughly 1 km on maintained paths with under 100 m of elevation change; the orchard sits around 2,700 m (8,860 ft). The five-hour program includes a 45–60 minute drive from central Mexico City, guided plant talks, hands-on foraging, and a simple preparation of freshly harvested bites.
Bring closed-toe shoes, a refillable water bottle and a light layer for sudden mountain breeze. Follow guidance when tasting or harvesting—this is a guided, conservation-minded foraging experience, not wild harvesting. The visit suits plant lovers and curious eaters who want to learn practical gardening and seasonal food traditions without steep trails or technical skills.
easy.
5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, easy walking on gentle terrain at high elevation—those with severe cardiovascular issues should consult a doctor.
The experience includes a roundtrip drive from the designated pickup point in Mexico City in an air-conditioned vehicle; travel time is typically 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes—tasting and a simple preparation of freshly harvested produce are part of the program, but only items approved by the guide should be consumed.
Children are welcome; the activity is family-friendly. Service animals are allowed, but pets should not be brought to protect wildlife and gardens.
No prior experience is required—guides demonstrate techniques and supervise hands-on activities appropriate for beginners.
The area began as a 17th-century Carmelite retreat and later became one of Mexico City’s first protected forest parks, with a long history of communal gardens and mountain agriculture.
The orchard practices low-impact foraging, composting and water-wise cultivation; guided visits limit disturbance and emphasize seed saving and biodiversity.
Huerto Benque operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cool, pine-scented morning greets visitors as the city falls away and the road climbs toward Desierto de los Leones. Birds thread the air; a patchwork of fruit trees, hügelkultur beds and dense vegetable plots opens like a working palette. The orchard invites curiosity—leaves you can crush for scent, chard you can taste, and chickens that cluck their approval as you dig your hands in.
A cool, pine-scented morning greets visitors as the city falls away and the road climbs toward Desierto de los Leones. Birds thread the air; a patchwork of fruit trees, hügelkultur beds and dense vegetable plots opens like a working palette. The orchard invites curiosity—leaves you can crush for scent, chard you can taste, and chickens that cluck their approval as you dig your hands in.
The site sits inside a historic national park that began as a 17th-century Carmelite retreat; its volcanic soils and temperate, high-elevation climate have long supported gardens and woodlands. Geologically, the area is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, with rich, well-draining soils ideal for mixed orchards and permaculture techniques. Culturally, the project channels Mexico’s long relationship with seasonal food: milpas, seed saving, and communal harvests.
Practically, expect a gentle, mostly flat walk of roughly 1 km on maintained paths with under 100 m of elevation change; the orchard sits around 2,700 m (8,860 ft). The five-hour program includes a 45–60 minute drive from central Mexico City, guided plant talks, hands-on foraging, and a simple preparation of freshly harvested bites.
Bring closed-toe shoes, a refillable water bottle and a light layer for sudden mountain breeze. Follow guidance when tasting or harvesting—this is a guided, conservation-minded foraging experience, not wild harvesting. The visit suits plant lovers and curious eaters who want to learn practical gardening and seasonal food traditions without steep trails or technical skills.