Highlights
Escape to Nature
With over 1,600 acres of forest, twice the size of New York’s Central Park, Chapultepec feels a world away from the traffic-clogged streets, pollution and urban sprawl that characterizes much of Mexico City.
A walk through the park passes idyllic lakes, neatly paved pathways for jogging or cycling, and an abundant forest.
Inside the park, the Botanical Garden contains over 300 species of plants from across Mexico’s landscapes. Over forty tree species in the forest help maintain a healthy biodiversity, with the park home to several giant Montezuma Cypress trees considered sacred in indigenous culture.
Chapultepec Forest makes a vital contribution to the environment of Mexico City, stabilizing the climate, reducing air pollution, and providing a home to dozens of species of birds and other wildlife.
World Class Urban Park
In 1895, President Porfirio Díaz established a commission to transform Chapultepec Forest into a recreational park.
As with many of Mexico City’s constructions from this era, the plans for the park took inspiration from Paris, in this case the Bois de Boulogne park near the Eiffel Tower. The park’s two artificial lakes were constructed and the terrain landscaped.
Throughout the 20th century, crowds of Mexico City’s residents eager to escape the chaos of the city for an afternoon flocked to the green open spaces of Chapultepec Park.
Just outside of the park gates, the opening of several world-class museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology, as well as the Auditoria Nacional concert hall helped to define the area as a preeminent cultural center in the city.
In the 1960s and 70s, the park expanded westwards with the opening of the second and third sections. In the 21st century, significant investment in renovating the park over two decades resulted in Chapultepec being awarded the World Urban Parks’ Gold Award in 2019.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours| Monday: | Closed | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday - Sunday: | 05:00 AM | — |
06:00 PM |
The Botanical Garden has shorter opening hours: 9am - 4pm
Getting There
WalkIf you are traveling to Chapultepec Park from Roma, Condesa or the Centro Histórico districts, Puerta de los Leones (Gateway of the Lions) on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma is the most convenient entrance.
From this gate, a short walk across a bridge takes you to the Monumento a los Niños Héroes with a view of Chapultepec Castle above.
From here, either head up the hill to visit Chapultepec Castle, or follow the path to the right. Passing along a row of characterful stalls selling souvenirs and Mexican candy, don’t miss the Botanical Garden, the entrance to which is signposted to the right of the path.
If you are traveling to Chapultepec Park from Polanco, the most convenient entrance is next to the Starbucks cafe on Avenida Grutas. This is on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma opposite the National Museum of Anthropology.
This entrance is a short walk from Chapultepec Lake. Once you have reached the main promenade along the lakeside, you can turn left to visit the Botanical Garden and the Monumento a Los Niños Héroes. Alternatively, turn right to head further into the park or to explore Chapultepec Zoo.
BikeChapultepec Park can be safely reached on bicycle. There is a dedicated bike lane separated from the traffic which runs along Avenida Paseo de la Reforma.
If you are riding to Chapultepec Park from the east, either from the Centro Histórico or the major hotels on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, the most convenient entrance is Puerta de los Leones (Gateway of the Lions).
If you traveling from Polanco in the west, the most convenient entrance is next to the Starbucks cafe on Avenida Grutas. This is on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma opposite the National Museum of Anthropology.
Every Sunday morning, Avenida Paseo de la Reforma is closed to traffic, which makes this the perfect time to explore Chapultepec Park and the surrounding districts on bicycle.
Bikes can be hired by the minute using the Ecobici app, with hundreds of stations located on almost every major street corner in this region of Mexico City. Download the app, find an Ecobici station, and unlock any bike by scanning the QR code printed on each bike.
UberRideshare apps Uber and Didi are widely used across Mexico City.
There are a number of possible drop-off points on all corners of the park. For the most picturesque entrance and a great a starting point to walk around the park, head to Puerta de los Leones:
- Puerta de los Leones, Paseo de la Reforma, Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección, Miguel Hidalgo, 11580, Mexico City
For quicker access to the Botanical Garden, select:
- Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec, Paseo de la Reforma 126, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Ciudad de México
Or for Chapultepec Lake, select:
- Lago de Chapultepec, Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección, 11580, Ciudad de México
DriveThe center of Mexico City is clogged with traffic and difficult for visitors to navigate when driving. But for those choosing to self-drive, there are several parking lots close to Chapultepec Park.
The best options are:
TuribusTuribus is a convenient way to tour all of Mexico City’s major sights in a short time. Open-top buses offer great views of the city, while the driver takes care of navigating the chaotic streets.
The Turibus Centro Historico route runs down Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. Two stops offer easy access to Chapultepec Park:
- Modern Art Museum / Tamayo Museum
- Anthropology Museum
This circuit covers many of the city’s other major points of interest, including:
- The Zócalo & Metropolitan Cathedral
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- The Angel of Independence & Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
- Monument to the Revolution
Full details of the route and pick-up points are available from Turibus.
Tickets can be purchased in-person at the bus stops, or prebook online from Turibus, Viator or Get Your Guide
MetrobusChapultepec Park is easily accessed along Line 7 of the Metrobus network, which runs along Avenida Paseo de la Reforma.
The stations Chapultepec, Gandhi and Antropología are all conveniently located close to the park gates.
To the east, this line heads past the hotels and monuments of Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, which is a short walk from the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods. It continues towards the station Hidalgo, which is a short walk from the sights of the Centro Histórico.
To the west, the route continues for a short distance to Auditorio and Campo Marte, which are conveniently located near the heart of Polanco.
MetroThe nearest Metro stations are:
- Auditorio on Line 7, which is one stop away from the center of Polanco
- Chapultepec, however, this is currently closed for major renovations