Chapultepec Park: A Historic Gem in Mexico City

Overview

Chapultepec Park, covering nearly 1,700 acres, stands as a premier destination in Mexico City, making it the largest urban park in Latin America and one of the most expansive in the Western Hemisphere. Named from Nahuatl, which translates to 'the hill of the grasshoppers', this historic park served as a sacred ground in pre-colonial times. Visitors to Chapultepec can explore the iconic Chapultepec Castle, a former royal residence and witness to Mexico's rich history. The park is thoughtfully divided into three sections, each offering unique attractions. The oldest section is the most frequented, with its gates closing at night, while the remaining areas are accessible round-the-clock. Within these lands, guests find celebrated institutions like the Rufino Tamayo Museum, the Anthropology Museum, and the Mexican Zoo. Ecologically, the park flourishes as a vital green space for the city, hosting migratory birds from North America and housing over 165 tree species, including monumental Montezuma cypress. For archaeology enthusiasts, the grounds are a treasure trove, showcasing pre-Columbian Toltec altars, a colonial aqueduct, and the Aztec Baths of Moctezuma. Welcoming around 15 million visitors annually, Chapultepec Park also offers free museum access every Sunday, making it a treasured cultural and recreational resource for all.