Every mega metropolis has a mega green space labeled “The Central Park of [fill in the blank]” and in Mexico City the title goes to Chapultepec Park.
Its name in Spanish, El Bosque de Chapultepec (bosque means forest), is more descriptive of how it may have looked in pre-Hispanic times, before pavers covered the soil. This is one of the oldest urban parks in the world, and the largest in Latin America.
Thanks to its sheer size, there are many attractions in Chapultepec Park: gardens, museums, squares, monumental fountains, art galleries, and even a castle that was a Royal residence.
It’s one of those places I come back to again and again every time I visit Mexico City.
Chapultepec Park is divided into three contiguous but separate sections (a landscaped bridge connects sections I and II), so I grouped what to do by section -all activities are concentrated in Section I and II.
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These are the top things to do in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City
SECTION I (Eastern side)
Table of Contents
Explore the Squares, Sculptures and Walking Paths at Chapultepec Park
There’s plenty of all of the above in this place.
Art plays an important role in the park and it served as inspiration to create themed promenades with tree-lined pathways and sculptures, like the Poets’ Alley, with benches at the edge of the lake.
Or the pathway inspired by Don Quixote, with a quirky sculpture and an even quirkier fountain.
It’s a huge park so you can spend an entire morning or afternoon doing nothing else than walking around seeing outdoor art.
As an added bonus, especially if you go on the weekend, you’ll enjoy free concerts, open-air markets, performances in open-air theatres, and other cultural activities.
See Hundreds of Varieties of Plants at the Botanical Garden
Plants and flowers galore wait for you at the Chapultepec Park Botanical Garden. In this small garden you’ll see many succulents and cacti, in addition to pollinator gardens, edible plants, and marshes.
The use of painted barrels, cement blocks, and precast concrete pipes as displays give this garden a less formal and a more urban and playful feel.
You’ll also find interactive outdoor art installations, and a greenhouse with orchids and bromeliads.
Av. Paseo de la Reforma 126, Bosque de Chapultepec Sección I; Closest subway station: Chapultepec; Open Tue. to Sun.:9AM-6PM (greenhouse closes at 3PM); Free admission.
Visit the Chapultepec Park Museums
This massive park is home to nine museums that cater to different interests. Modern art, history, decorative arts, and archaeology, are some of the subjects of the exhibits. These are the museums you can visit at Chapultepec Park:
-National Museum of Anthropology: ranked among the best in the world, with an outstanding collection of pre-Hispanic objects. If you only have time to visit one museum in the park, go to this one.
-Tamayo Museum: where you can see works to renowned artist Rufino Tamayo.
-Museo del Caracol
-Museum of Modern Art: lovely pieces and exhibits focusing on art from the 20th and 21st century.
-National Museum of History
-Site Museum
-Cárcamo de Dolores Museum: you’ll learn about water as a precious resource and you’ll find a couple of wonderful works by Diego Rivera.
-Museum of Natural History
-Papalote Children’s Museum: ideal if you travel with little ones.
Read my post about the Chapultepec Park museums for more details that will help you decide what museums are best for you.
Enjoy the Gardens and the Panoramic View from Chapultepec Castle, a Historic Site
It would be awesome to build a castle up on that hill, wouldn’t it? said the viceroy in 1785. The construction of what was planned as a royal retreat started shortly thereafter but they blew up the budget and the project came to a halt.
It would be awesome to put a military school up on that hill, wouldn’t it? said the president of Mexico in 1838. And in 1847 a few cadets of that school fought in the Battle of Chapultepec against the American invasion.
It would be awesome to spend summers up on that hill, wouldn’t it? said another president, and the castle of Chapultepec became the presidents’ summer house from 1858 until 1939.
During that time it was briefly occupied by royalty when Maximilian of Habsburg became the emperor of Mexico. From 1864 until 1867 he renovated the castle and hired gardeners from Austria to do the landscaping.
To add on to the gardens’ European flair, president Porfirio Díaz hired gardeners from France and Belgium and did further renovations to the interiors. Big fountains, impressive iron work, sculptures, and wonderful views of the park and the city complement the beauty of the gardens.
In 1944, the castle became the home to the National History Museum, where you can learn about the history of Mexico while you walk around the beautiful interiors and see many objects.
Stop at the Altar a la Patria Monument
The Altar a la Patria, meaning “Altar to the Motherland” is also known as the Monument to the Boy Heroes (Monumento a los Niños Héroes).The six Carrara marble columns with bronze details represent the six teenagers who lost their lives when the United States invaded Mexico in 1847.
During the Battle of Chapultepec the U.S. attacked the area and six cadets died in combat.
The next day the American forces deployed the American flag in the National Palace, located in the Historic Centre. To negotiate their retreat, Mexico had to give up New Mexico, Arizona, and part of California.
The remains of the young cadets lie under each column, surrounding a statue of a mother carrying a dead child on one arm, with a defiant kid standing next to her on the other side.
Enrique Aragón Echegaray was the architect in charge and Ernesto Tamíz was the sculptor.
Go Back in Time at the Baths of Moctezuma
In the 15th century, a spring filled the pool you see above. The shape and depth aren’t exactly the same as centuries ago, but the stones are original and it was part of the hydraulic system built in the park during pre-Hispanic times.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards there was already an aqueduct that provided water to the city, and was expanded after colonization. There were also aquariums, tanks, and baths (like spas).
Rumour has it that this one wasn’t a water reservoir but a swimming pool for the Aztec rulers, however this hasn’t been confirmed.
The site per se is nothing to write home about; it’s more about the historical significance. If you’re a history and archaeology buff you’ll appreciate it. If not, skip this one.
Walk Around, Paddle Around, Eat Around the Lakes at Chapultepec Park
Or just sit and relax.
There are three man-made lakes at Chapultepec Park: one located in Section I named Chapultepec Lake, and two located in Section II: Lago Mayor (Bigger Lake) and Lago Menor (Smaller Lake). You’ll see many ducks, egrets, and other birds in all of them.
At the two bigger lakes you can rent a pedal boat or a canoe by the hour (you must leave a photo ID), and you can also stroll or run along the paved, tree-lined walkways surrounding all the lakes.
Hungry after all that walking? You’ll find several restaurants and cafes around the Lago Mayor and Lago Menor on Section II -some more formal and expensive than others- with views of the lake.
Bike Around Chapultepec Park
You can spend an entire day walking around the park or you can rent a bike to save some hours.
There are several bike paths (ciclovías) and bike trails around Chapultepec Park so you can explore it either by renting a shared bike at one of the many docking stations around the city (you’ll need to download the app and have a credit card) or by renting it on site (you must leave a photo ID).
There’s also Bicigratis, with several kiosks near the park, where you can ride a bike for free for up to three hours (you must bring your original passport, though).`
Or you can also take a guided bicycle tour of Chapultepec Parc and its vicinity, focusing on the history of the area.
Book this tour, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 70 reviews
Get Inspired at the Open-Air Art Galleries Exhibits
Find art beyond the walls of the park museums by checking out the temporary exhibits at the open-air art galleries across the park. The artwork, mainly consisting of photography, posters, and prints is displayed at these locations:
-Galería Juventud Heroica: along the Juventud Heroica walkway, close to Puerta de los Leones (Lions’ Gate) entrance, at the east tip of Section I.
-Galería Calzada de Los Compositores: along Avenida de Los Compositores, a walkway you’ll find in Section II.
-Galeria Grutas (Rejas de Chapultepec): along the outer side of the park fence on Avenida Reforma (at Av.Grutas intersection) in Section I.
See the Fountain of the Frogs
Where have I seen this before? You may ask when you see the Fountain of the Frogs (Fuente de las Ranas). If you’ve been to Parque de María Luisa in Seville, Spain, that’s where you’ve seen it.
This beautiful fountain, with yellow, green, and blue glazed tiles, with a bird and a turtle in the centre surrounded by eight frogs, is a replica of the original one from Spain. It bears the same name, and was made by the same manufacturer more than 100 years ago.
Walk Along the Monumental Fountain of Nezahualcoyotl
The Monumental Fountain of Nezahualcoyotl truly lives to its name: measuring 1,250 sq.mt. (13,455 sq.ft.), it is monumental.
The fountain, created by sculptor Luis Ortíz Monasterio, is dedicated to Nezahualcoyotl -the Aztec ruler of Texcoco during most of the 15th century- in recognition of the remarkable hydraulic system he developed during his reign.
A tall statue of the ruler with what seems to be seals in the background marks the starting point.
Walk along the long fountain to see scenes of the ruler’s life carved in stones evenly spaced by 21 spouts framed by stone circles. The circles are carved with pre-Hispanic symbols and names of significant places within his domain.
Hop On the Chapultepec Park Trolley Bus
Boarding the Chapultepec Park trolley (Trenecito de Chapultepec) is the fastest and easiest way to see some landmarks on Section I. Even if you have time and energy, it’s always fun to hop on a trolley.
The zero-emission electric trolley bus looks like a cute old train and drives you through 15 places of interest including some of the fountains and monuments I mention here. The trip lasts 30 to 40 minutes, starting at the Site Museum (Museo de Sitio).
However, the train doesn’t stop at every attraction. It only makes three stops (where you’ll find the ticket booths): at the Altar a la Patria Monument (which is the start of the route), at Los Pinos, and at Las Ranas (near the Fountain of the Frogs).
Hours of operation: Tue.to Sun.: 11AM-4:30PM (7PM-9PM only on Wed.); Cost: MXN$40 p/p.
SECTION II (Western Side)
Check Out the Myth of the Water Fountain
From afar you may not realize at first glance that the Myth of the Water Fountain (Fuente Mito del Agua) is a fountain. Perhaps because the 10 big concrete monoliths, inspired in the Olmec culture, may grab your attention first. But after a second look you notice along the long stretch the fish sculptures and the water spray against the mosaic background depicting pre-Hispanic symbols.
Of all the fountains in Chapultepec Park, to me the Myth of the Water Fountain is the quirkiest one.
See Diego Rivera’s Artwork at the Tlaloc Fountain
It may not be the biggest or the oldest or the longest, but I think the Tlaloc Fountain (Fuente de Tlaloc) is the most spectacular fountain in Chapultepec Park. I’m a fan of Diego Rivera’s work so I may be biased but, come on, look at it.
Diego was invited to add his artistic touch to the construction of the Cárcamo de Dolores (a pit that is part of a hydraulic system that provided water to Mexico City), where he visually connected the fountain made with tiles and stones to the murals he painted inside the museum (the building with the big dome).
What’s Tlaloc got to do with it?
Tlaloc was the god of rain for the Aztecs, the provider of the precious liquid.
The picture below shows a -sort of- full view of Tlaloc from an elevated point, where you can see the face that turns to the sky (the other face is turned towards the museum). His right hand offers two ears of corn and his left hand plants corn seeds.
The curves on his body resemble mountains. Under his huaraches (traditional sandals) there are references to the hydraulic project. On the left one you see a hand and an eagle over a nopal (cactus) working to cross over a mountain, and on the right one the water finds a path under the mountain.
The mosaic on the floor shows fish and rivers and springs in the form of swirls and depicts Quetzacoatl as the feathered serpent and deity who turned corn into food.
To me, this is one of the best places to visit in Chapultepec Park as it’s a unique chance to see a large sculpture from Diego Rivera.
Stroll along the Composer’s Passage and the Xochipilli Fountain
In the Aztec world, Xochipilli was the “Prince of Flowers”: god of music, dance, poetry and love. What a better place for a fountain dedicated to this deity than the Composer’s Passage (Paseo de los Compositores).
Bronze busts of famous Mexican composers who sang and wrote about love and all things that made Xochipilli happy adorn a short section of the 650-metre (0.4 miles) promenade that follows a watercourse and 165 spouts.
Towards the middle of the Composer’s Passage you’ll see the largest element of the Xochipilli fountain, designed by architect Leónides Guadarrama. It resembles a big, low-height pyramid with pre-Hispanic symbols and with Aztec-style men’s faces in stone, inside eagle heads.
The walkway is lined up with trees and many benches, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
Take a day trip from Mexico City to visit Teotihuacan and learn how they inspired the Aztec civilization.
Hotels Near Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is next to a desirable area with many cafés, restaurants and a fun vibe. There are many options steps away from the park, from 5-star hotels with nearly 5-star reviews like the Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton, to other options like the Wyndham.
Chapultepec Park Facts and FAQs
Chapultepec Park Opening Hours
Section I: 5AM-7PM (open till 8PM during summer). Some attractions are closed on Monday.
Section II: open 24 hours (for your safety avoid going after dark).
How Much Is the Entry to Chapultepec?
Admission to the park is free, but some attractions charge an admission fee.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Chapultepec Park?
By subway: easiest, cheapest, and fastest. Chapultepec is the station closer to Section I on the southwest side, and Auditorio on the northwest side.
Constituyentes is the closest station to Section II.
Uber: if you want door to door service.
Turibus: the Centro Historico route goes along Avenida Paseo de La Reforma where you can get off at any of these stops: Museo de Antropologia, Auditorio, or Museo de Arte Moderno/Museo Tamayo (all on Section I).
How Big is Chapultepec Park?
Chapultepec Park is 1,695 acres (686 hectares).
What Does Chapultepec Stand For?
The word Chapultepec comes from the Nahuatl word Chapoltepec, meaning “Hill of the Grasshopper”. The grasshopper is the symbol of the park and you’ll see it everywhere.
Chapultepec Park vs Central Park
It’s common to compare every major urban park to one of the most famous in the world: New York City’s Central Park. Other than obvious differences due to their different locations (as in you won’t find any pre-Hispanic culture signs in NYC, of course), here’s a quick comparison to know what to expect using Central Park as a reference.
-With 1,695 acres, Chapultepec Park is more than twice the size of Central Park.
-Chapultepec Park dates back to the 15th century, it’s about four centuries older than Central Park.
-Both parks are the home of renowned museums. There are nine museums inside Chapultepec Park and one museum inside Central Park (the Met), although you can find six other museums right across the street.
-Both parks have trails, monuments, fountains, and artificial lakes where you can rent boats.
-Both parks have different types of eateries, from street food vendors to cafes to more formal restaurants.
-Both parks have a castle. However, Chapultepec castle is the only real one in the sense that royalty lived in it. The one in Central Park is a castle-style structure built as a lookout.
I love them both and I think they both offer a wonderful city experience.
Are There Bathrooms at Chapultepec Park?
Yes, there are several public bathrooms in the park; the entrance costs MXN$5 (bring coins).
Is it Safe to Go to Chapultepec Park?
Chapultepec Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists attracting 15 million visitors every year and in general it’s considered safe, with security cameras and emergency buttons.
However, robberies and assaults have happened every now and then. Adhere to the safety guidelines you follow when you visit big cities to avoid pickpocketing in crowded places, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t go to the park after dark (except for popular special events, but don’t wander away from the crowds).
Chapultepec Park is part of Mexico City’s identity and a beloved spot for locals. Spend a few hours (or a few days) visiting the many museums and strolling along its fountains as part of your itinerary in this wonderful city. Share this post with a friend who is planning a trip to Mexico or save it for later to make your own plans.
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What an awesome park! So much to do. It looks great. I have been to Mexico but not Mexico City. I would love to go there. Thanks for sharing!
You could spend an entire day there, and even more if you visit the museums.
I love Mexico, but I have never been to this park. This place looks great. I love art and kids will enjoy big outdoor space and many fun corners to explore. Thank you for the idea.
With kids you won’t want to miss the Children’s museum. There are also many children areas within Chapultepec Park, such as La Hormiga Park
These are great suggestions!
Enjoy!
Thank you for the insights! We will be going to Mexico City next week and look forward to visiting el Bosque de Chapultepec.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy your visit as that you have a chance to try any of the free activities they have in the park.
Thank you, great information. Since the park is larger than Central Park do they have any rickshaws that take you around the park like they do in N.Y.? It would be easier to see more of it. I havent been able to find any info on that.
thank you
Hello! They don’t have any rickshaws, but they have an electric vehicle on wheels that looks like an old train (they call it “trenecito”: little train). It operates from Tuesday to Sunday, driving you through the main attractions of Chapultepec Park, Section I. Last time I checked the ticket costs MXN$40. However, the train doesn’t stop at every attraction. It only makes three stops (where you’ll find the ticket booths): at the Altar a la Patria Monument (which is the start of the route), at Los Pinos, and at Las Ranas (near the Fountain of the Frogs). It will save you some walking!