ZELZIN AKETZALLI

Zelzin Aketzalli is a pioneering Mexican thru-hiker and outdoor advocate from Mexico City, best known as the first Mexican to complete the “Triple Crown” of hiking—the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. She began hiking in 2017 with no prior backpacking experience and quickly rose to international recognition for her endurance and resilience. Known by her trail name “Quetzal,” Aketzalli uses her platform to inspire others—especially in Mexico, where long-distance hiking is less common. Beyond her personal achievements, she is dedicated to expanding outdoor culture in her home country, including leading efforts to create Mexico’s first major long-distance trail across Baja California and promoting environmental awareness and community engagement through hiking.