Las Monjas Trail

The Las Monjas Trail starts near the Diego Mateo area of Parque Nacional El Chico, reached by private vehicle to the park entrance close to Mineral del Chico village; a paved access road leads to the sector's parking area, and the trail itself begins on a signed forest path with no separate permit required beyond the park entrance fee. The round trip covers about 6 kilometers with 250 meters of cumulative elevation gain, a moderate distance and climb that takes most hikers two to three hours, with sustained but non-technical uphill sections through dense pine forest. The surface is mostly packed dirt and exposed tree roots, well shaded for the majority of the route, though the final approach to the Penas Las Monjas rock formation crosses open rocky ground with more sun and wind exposure. Landmarks along the way include several viewpoints over the Canada sector before reaching the base of the tall rock spires that give the trail its name; hikers who do not want to continue onto the exposed rock can turn around at the last forested viewpoint, about two-thirds of the way in. There are no water sources, shelters, or refuge huts along the trail, so all supplies must be carried in. Because the park sits above 2,700 meters, weather can shift quickly, and afternoon rain or fog is common even in the dry season.