Chapultepec Forest is one of the most emblematic and beloved places in Mexico City.
Not only it's the primary green lung of the Mexican capital, but in its more than 680 hectares, you can find all kinds of historical sites, museums and recreational spaces, as well as lakes and many green areas.
Chapultepec Forest is divided into 4 sections, each with its own charm. The first and second sections are the ones that offer the most attractions and activities for the public, so in this article, we will focus on telling you about the main things you can see and do in these areas.
First Section of Chapultepec Forest
The first section is the most historic part of the forest. Its main attraction is the Chapultepec Castle, which is the only monarchic castle located on the entire American continent. It is located at the top of Chapulín Hill, so the views from its terraces and patios are incredible. It currently houses the National Museum of History.
The famous Chapultepec Lake is also located in this section. It is an excellent place to relax and have a nice time, either taking a boat ride or having a picnic in the surrounding gardens. Tip: In some seasons of the year, night picnics are held here that completely change the experience, so when you visit CDMX, don't forget to ask about this.
On the shores of the lake, you can find Casa del Lago, a cultural center where all kinds of artistic activities take place in the middle of a wooded environment that will make you feel like in a movie set.
The Museum of Modern the Tamayo Museum, and the National Museum of Anthropology are the cultural treasures of the first section of Chapultepec Forest and should not be missed.
You can also visit the Chapultepec Zoo and the Botanical Garden if you like animals and plants.
Another must-do activity in this section is to visit the temporary photo exhibitions that are installed on the railings of Chapultepec, on Paseo de la Reforma, as well as simply walk around or ride a bike (in the area you will find bike rental kiosks) along this street considered the most beautiful in the city.
Second Section of Chapultepec Forest
Avenida Periférico separates the first and second sections of Chapultepec Park. Here, you will find places like the Papalote Children’s Museum and the Museum of Natural History, and the and some luxury restaurants located by the lake.
A real jewel of the second section is the Cárcamo de Dolores, which once served as a water storehouse and where Diego Rivera painted the mural "Water, Origin of Life", which remained underwater for a while as it was conceived. Today this place is a cultural precinct that, together with other facilities and spaces, form the Jardin del Agua Museum.
Another must-see site here is Lago/Algo, the most recent cultural space in Chapultepec Forest, which fuses the architecture of the building with the works of art and installations of the exhibitions presented here. It is divided into 2 spaces: Lago, which is a pleasant restaurant serving contemporary Mexican cuisine on the shores of Lago Mayor, and Algo, which is a cultural venue promoted by the renowned OMR gallery.
In addition to all these art spaces, it is enjoyable to simply walk through the different green areas and paths of this part of the forest, which, although it attracts many visitors, is much less crowded than the first section.
If you are visiting Mexico City, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Chapultepec Forest and discover its fascinating corners full of history, culture and art. From the Historic Center it is a quick 20-minute drive that is well worth it.
For your lodging, remember that we are waiting for you at Zócalo Central and Histórico Central to offer you an authentic Mexican stay in the heart of the city.
See you soon!
Travel, culture and traditions in Mexico City.
