Chapultepec is not only the main green area of Mexico City, but every day it is full of visitors that have made it the main recreational area of the Mexican capital.
Chapultepec is a magnificent place that allows us, among other things, to relax thanks to its extensive natural spaces, take a bath of culture in its museums and enjoy its excellent restaurants.
Join us and meet with us all the attractions that this beautiful space has that Mexican nature allows us to know and enjoy.
What is the Bosque de Chapultepec?
It is an urban park in Mexico City with an immense green space, the largest of its kind in Latin America and one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, with a total area of 678 hectares.
It is divided into three sections. It houses various species of flora and fauna, bodies of water, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Chapultepec castle, fountains, monuments, sports facilities and other facilities.
It is the most important plant lung in Mexico City and one of the most frequented places by residents of the capital and tourists.
Where is the Bosque de Chapultepec?
It is located in the Miguel Hidalgo delegation of Mexico City and is crossed by Paseo de la Reforma, the most emblematic avenue of the Mexican capital.
Other important thoroughfares in Mexico City that run through the park are Avenida Chapultepec and Avenida Constituyentes.
The first section of the forest is delimited by the Constituents Avenue, the Paseo de la Reforma, the Chivatito Calzada and the Peripheral Ring.
How to get to the Chapultepec Forest?
There are some subway stations and many bus and minibus routes that serve or stop in the Bosque de Chapultepec.
The closest metro stations to the main attractions of the Bosque de Chapultepec are the Chapultepec station on line 1 and the Auditorio and Constituyentes stations on line 7.
Among the most important bus and minibus stop areas are:
First section
Paseo de la Reforma, Lake Chapultepec, National Museum of Anthropology.
Second section
Bulevar Adolfo López Mateos, Papalote Museo del Niño.
Third Section
Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL).
How much does it cost to enter the Bosque de Chapultepec?
The entrance to the Bosque de Chapultepec and the enjoyment of its open spaces are free.
To visit the closed spaces located in the forest, such as the National Museum of Anthropology, the Chapultepec Castle and the Papalote Children's Museum, you have to pay an entrance ticket.
How to visit the Chapultepec Forest?
The walk you do in the park and its multiple spaces (open and closed) will depend on your interests and it will take several days to fully know it. A basic tour by many visitors takes up to a full day and consists of the following:
Children heroes
When you leave the Chapultepec subway station, you will find the monument dedicated to the Niños Héroes and next to it is the road to go to the Chapultepec Castle.
Cerro del Chapulín
Chapultepec Castle is located on this hill. The ascent on foot to the castle allows you to have spectacular views of the surroundings.
Castle chapultepec
It is the headquarters of the National Museum of History in which a huge sample of objects related to Mexican history is exhibited.
In other sections of the castle, furniture and decoration from when it was a presidential residence are preserved, as well as beautiful wall paintings and objects alluding to historical Mexican events, such as the occupations by France and the United States.
From the summit there are magnificent views of the Paso del la Reforma and the Angel of Independence, a symbolic monument of the city.
Lake Mayor of Chapultepec
When you go down from the castle you can go to this lake, a beautiful body of water where you can rent boats to walk along its calm surface. In front of the lake is the Casa del Lago, a beautiful 19th century mansion that is currently used as a cultural center.
Anthropology National Museum
After strolling along the lake, head to this museum, the most important in Mexico and one of the most relevant on the planet in terms of anthropological issues. Among its most famous pieces is the Stone of the Sun, better known as the Aztec Calendar.
What are the Main Attractions of the Chapultepec Forest?
Of the three sections of the urban park, the most important is the first, since it contains the most significant places. The main attractions of each section are:
First section
Museums and Other Cultural Places
Chapultepec Castle (headquarters of the National Museum of History), National Museum of Anthropology, Museum of Modern Art, Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art, Museo del Caracol, National Auditorium, Casa del Lago, Audiorama, Kiosco del Pueblo, Quinta Colorada.
Monuments
Puerta de los Leones, Altar of the Homeland, Niños Héroes, Ahuehuete de Moctezuma, Monument to José Martí.
Sources
Nezahualcóyotl, of the Bride and Groom, Ornamental, of Don Quixote, of Temperance.
Parks
Gandhi, Infantil, la Hormiga, Líbano and Tamayo Parks.
Chapultepec Zoo
It is the most important in Mexico, with animals of more than 250 species.
Second section
Museums
Papalote, Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History, Technological Museum.
Sources
Tláloc, Myth of Water.
Other Sites of Interest
Chapultepec Mágico Fair (amusement park with mechanical games, roller coaster, Casona del Terror and other entertainment possibilities), El Sope Athletics Track.
Third Section
Equestrian Center of Mexico City, Foro Orquesta de los Animalitos, Rancho del Charro, Alfonso Reyes Theater.
What to do in the Bosque de Chapultepec?
In Chapultepec you can walk breathing in the cleanest air in the city, run and practice other sports on land, take a boat ride on the lakes and observe impressive collections of flora and fauna.
You can also make a deep cultural immersion visiting the museums located in the forest, where you will learn about the Mexican past from prehistoric times to the twentieth century and enjoy the artistic manifestations of Mexico.
Children will have a great time in the museum that is dedicated to them.
Chapultepec is also an excellent place to do picnics and to eat in one of its cozy restaurants, where you can taste the most delicious dishes of national and international cuisine.
The Bosque de Chapultepec is a kind of green city within Mexico City, with the advantage that visitors adopt a conservationist behavior in its spaces that helps preserve ecosystems. In addition, part of the park is a Protected Area.
Where to run in the Bosque de Chapultepec?
In the forest there are dirt tracks and paved paths where you can walk at your own pace or run in an unbeatable environment.
The Sope
Thousands of runners visit the Bosque de Chapultepec every morning and every afternoon who go to exercise in the most splendid setting in the city for this sporting activity.
The El Sope athletics track, located in the second section of the forest, has two clay routes, the longest of which is almost 2 km long, is available every day of the year and welcomes about 4,000 runners daily.
It also has facilities for stretching exercises, lighting and restrooms. The Sope has the additional advantage that the distances are marked so that the runners control their routes.
Lake Maggiore
Many people prefer to walk and run on a circuit of paved roads that surrounds Lake Maggiore, enjoying the relaxing view of the water. In this circuit it is allowed to go with dogs and other pets.
The mile
It is a circuit that goes along the slopes of El Chapulín hill, surrounding the Castle of Chapultepec. It is a route shaded by tall trees and has ascents that allow you to complete a complete exercise.
Gandhi Circuit
It is located behind the Tamayo Museum and is used by walkers, runners, and pets. On Sundays it is somewhat congested.
Where to eat in the Bosque de Chapultepec?
The park has innumerable green areas in which to enjoy a picnic family, romantic or between friends.
The second Saturdays of each month are held picnics nights between 8 p.m. m. and 11 p. Many couples and groups spread their rugs and tablecloths to enjoy a simple meal in a setting of greenery, fresh air and camaraderie.
In the wide area of the Bosque de Chapultepec there are places to sell hamburgers and sandwiches.
It also has several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the best dishes of regional Mexican cuisine, as well as establishments specialized in international cuisine.
What are the best restaurants in Bosque de Chapultepec?
Among the groves of Chapultepec (in front of its bodies of water and in the avenues that cross it) there are several cafes, restaurants and bars to entertain the palate after an intense day of tours of the green areas, museums, monuments and other sites of wooded park interest.
Next I will mention the best restaurants:
The lake
Located on the shore of Lake Mayor, in the second section of the Chapultepec Forest. Its iconic structure, the work of the architect Félix Candela, is reflected in the water.
The menu of this restaurant includes from the most Mexican gastronomic experiences (based on chili peppers, corn, tomato, beans, nopal, turkey and insects) to world-trend culinary proposals.
Its offer includes snacks such as minced turkey, escamoles, grasshoppers and maguey worms with vinaigrette and Huanzontle pancakes, as well as a variety of main dishes based on fish, seafood, meat and poultry.
Tamayo Restaurant
It is in the Tamayo Museum building and has a pleasant terrace. It offers traditional and contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. (weekend from 9 a.m.) to 6 p.m. and accepts pets in its outdoor area.
They serve craft beer and among their most praised dishes are the red snapper in parsley, the plantain sopes and the duck tacos with Jamaica.
Gloutonnerie
It is located on Avenida Campos Elíseos de Polanco and its cuisine is defined as a "Restored French" line, combining contemporary trends with retro details.
It works in a warm and spacious home, with elegantly simple furnishings that include touches of Art deco.
Its wine list offers the best of French viticulture and its menu includes Foie gras, tempuras, escargots, Tatars, carpaccios, salads, soups, risottos, pasta.
The menu also includes fish, meat and poultry prepared with the most delicate recipes, served with some delicacies made in a wood oven.
Chapultepec Bistro
This type restaurant bistroWith a country atmosphere in a Mexican-European style, it is proclaimed as the best host in the Chapultepec Forest.
Located in a privileged location, in front of Lake Maggiore. It has a closed area and open space; It serves Mexican breakfasts with European touches, as well as European lunches and dinners with Mexican touches.
At Bistró Chapultepec you can delight yourself with a chili-crusted tuna, confit duck or horse mackerel with citrus sauce, accompanied by the best breads, salads, contours and desserts of French cuisine.
Madero Port
It is located on Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Polanco, and specializes in Argentine cuisine, with a wine list from that country and Chile.
The stars of the menu are its grilled meats, with the juiciest cuts at their exact cooking point.
Its wine labels include:Lagarde, Rows of the Sun, Family Cassone, Amicorum and Mauricio Lorca, from the best wine regions of Argentina and Chile.
What are the best hotels near the Bosque de Chapultepec?
In the Bosque de Chapultepec area there are hotels to settle in the best environmental conditions in Mexico City, which is why you enjoy a category of accommodation, close to the main attractions of the capital.
The hotels are as follows:
JW Marriott
This luxury hotel features an outdoor pool, spa, gym and other amenities; its comfortable rooms are decorated in a modern style.
In your restaurant Xanat They prepare exquisite dishes of Mexican gastronomy and in their lobby bar they offer a variety of 100 tequila-based cocktails.
Hyatt Regency
It is located next to the National Auditorium, in the first section of the Bosque de Chapultepec and has elegant modernly decorated rooms, 2 bars, 3 restaurants and a business center.
Your Japanese restaurant Yoshimi it has the charming detail of a garden Zen. The Rulfo Paraje Latino restaurant serves Latin American dishes and the Teppan Grill It is a seafood restaurant.
The Alcoves
It is close to Lincoln Park in Polanco, just a five-minute drive from Paseo de la Reforma and the National Museum of Anthropology.
Its spacious, elegant and wonderful rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and have all the comforts, including a spa bath.
Dispose of spa and 2 restaurants (Dulce Patria and el Anatol). Dulce Patria restaurant focuses on high-quality Mexican cuisine and Anatol is international cuisine.
Includes a continental breakfast in the rate.
Pug Seal Feelings
This accommodation with beautiful architecture and furnishings is just a 12-minute walk from the National Museum of Anthropology and a short distance from other important attractions of the Bosque de Chapultepec.
It has a pleasant terrace and its spacious rooms, decorated with the utmost taste, have everything you need, including a hairdryer.
Its breakfast, prepared à la carte, is highly praised.
What days does the Chapultepec Forest open and at what time?
The park is open Tuesday through Sunday, between 5 a.m. and 5 p. m .; but closed attractions, such as museums and restaurants, may have other hours. It is common for the closing time to lengthen according to the season, all to take advantage of the greater availability of natural light.
On Mondays it closes for maintenance, although the circulation of bicycles in transit is allowed.
When do they close the Chapultepec Forest?
El Bosque de Chapultepec is open most days of the year, including Christmas and New Year holidays, except Monday, when it is closed for maintenance reasons.
Is the Chapultepec Forest a Protected Area?
Due to its biodiversity and its status as the most important plant lung in Mexico City, part of the Chapultepec Forest is governed by the Protected Area legislation. In 1992, almost 60% of the third section of the forest was protected.
In its almost 700 hectares, which contain more than half of the green areas of the D.F., this forest is home to a rich flora, which includes ahuehuetes, conifers, poplars, cedars, thunder, rose bushes, lilies and hydrangeas.
Chapultepec's natural spaces are home to more than 220 species of birds and mammals, while fish and reptiles live in the lakes.
The wide green expanses that make up the 105 species of trees that the park has are essential for the generation of oxygen, the capture of water and the damping of noise in Mexico City.
Do they allow dogs to enter the Bosque de Chapultepec?
Yes, in Chapultepec there are areas where you can go for a walk and play with your dog, which I mention below:
Rufino Tamayo Park
Many people go for a walk with their pet on the circuit for walkers and runners that is near the Tamayo Museum and its surroundings.
Meadows between the Fuentes de las Ninfas and Xochipilli
This open space is ideal for restless dogs, as they will have ample possibilities for movement.
Surroundings of Lake Maggiore
It is an area very frequented by runners and pet walkers. The time it is least congested is at noon.
When was the Chapultepec Forest Founded?
The forest as such exists since Pre-Hispanic times and the Mexica occupied it to provide themselves with water. Moctezuma planted trees, mainly ahuehuetes (Moctezuma cypress).
During the Second Mexican Empire, Maximiliano ordered the construction of the Paseo de la Emperatriz, current Paseo de la Reforma, to facilitate communication between the city and the Castle of Chapultepec, seat of government.
In 1943 the Rancho del Charro was inaugurated; in 1952, the Altar of the Fatherland and the National Auditorium; and in 1964 the National Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Modern Art.
In 1964 the first perimeter fence of the first section of the park was also erected and the second section was created, whose first major installation, the Museum of Natural History, was released in 1969.
The third section was created in 1974 with the purpose of allocating it to a reserve area.
Who Designed the Chapultepec Forest?
The first important works in the forest were by Nezahualcóyotl and Moctezuma, who built the aqueduct to provide water to Tenochtitlán, developed groves and erected baths for ritual purposes.
Emperor Moctezuma created a botanical garden by bringing in plants from other parts of Mexico.
Chapultepec Castle was built by the Spanish in 1785 by order of Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid.
It was a presidential residence during the French occupation and then during the Republican era, until President Lázaro Cárdenas appointed it to be the headquarters of the National Museum of History.
The two lakes of Chapultepec are artificial and were built during the Porfiriato and it was President Porfirio Díaz who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laid the foundations for the development of the forest in its current conception.
The National Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Modern Art were designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vásquez in the early 1960s.
How was the Bosque de Chapultepec Before?
In Chapultepec there were always forests during the Pre-Hispanic Era, although the flora was enriched by Moctezuma with plants from the rest of Mexico.
It was an area highly appreciated and cared for by the indigenous peoples before the arrival of the conquerors because it was a source of water and a place for hunting.
The Spanish took over the forest, but did not do much in it until in the late 18th century they built the Castillo de Chapultepec.
During the War of Independence, the castle (the main vital center of the forest) was abandoned, until the military college was installed in 1843.
During the French occupation, the forest was given new life, when Maximiliano built a boulevard, the current Paseo de la Reforma, to go faster from the castle to the city. At this time many people were attacked by the wild beasts of the forest.
Porfirio Díaz, a great admirer of France and its wide public spaces, such as the Bois de Boulogne, was the one who initiated the conversion of Chapultepec into a park, during his long tenure from 1884 to 1911.
What is bigger, the Bosque de Chapultepec or Central park?
The famous New York park has an area of 341 hectares, so that the Bosque de Chapultepec doubles it in size.
The Mexican park is also much more complete in terms of quantity and variety of attractions.
Another important difference is that Central park It was created entirely as an urban park, while Chapultepec was developed from a pre-existing forest.
Although the Bosque de Chapultepec is visited annually by about 19 million people, it does not reach the Central park, which receives more than 35 million visitors a year.
As we have seen, the Bosque de Chapultepec has many attractions that will make us admire and take care of our natural spaces much more, all while we share with family and friends.
Share this article with your friends on social networks, especially with those who are not Chilangos, so that they also know everything they can do and find in the majestic Bosque de Chapultepec and so that they do not miss it when they come to Mexico City.
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