We examined a specimen of Neotoma nelsoni collected in the Mexican state of Puebla, which represents the third known record for the species and the first one for the state. The distribution of the species is restricted to the eastern slopes of the volcanoes Pico de Orizaba and Cofre de Perote, mainly within the cloud forest. The specimen of N. nelsoni has external and cranial characteristics that are different from other species of the genus. The distribution of the species is small, the sizes of populations are small, and the populations exist in geographic isolation. None are located within legally protected areas, which presents problems for the conservation of the species.