Spread across more than 678 hectares in the heart of Mexico City, Chapultepec Forest is one of the most important urban parks in the world. Divided into four sections, it brings together lakes, gardens, monuments, museums, cultural centers, playgrounds, sports circuits, and even a castle on a hill. Whether you are visiting the city for the first time or you live here and want to explore it more deeply, Chapultepec is a place you can return to again and again and still find something new.
This guide walks you through what to do in Chapultepec Forest: how to get there, what to see in each area, and how to make the most of your time in this green lung of Mexico City.
Chapultepec Forest is located in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City, bordered by Paseo de la Reforma (near Anatole France) and Avenida Constituyentes (near José María Velasco). It’s very easy to reach using public transport.
If you travel by Metro, the closest station is Chapultepec on Line 1 (the pink line). Look for the exit marked for Castillo de Chapultepec to access the First Section of the park.
If you prefer the Metrobús, take Line 7 and get off at Chapultepec. From there, walk to Puerta de los Leones, the main gateway into the forest.
For the Second and Third Sections, entrances are mainly along Avenida Constituyentes. From Metro Chapultepec, you can take local public transport for a small fare. If you’re driving, there are some parking options around the perimeter.
First Section: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5:00–20:00 in winter and 5:00–19:00 in summer. It has 12 different entrances.
Second to Fourth Sections: Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday.
Recently, the traditional Chapultepec train has returned, offering a narrated route through 15 key sites in the First Section—a fun and easy way to get an overview of the park’s main attractions.
One of the biggest reasons to visit Chapultepec Forest is its impressive concentration of museums and cultural spaces—some of the most important in all of Mexico.
Perched on a hill with sweeping views of the city, Chapultepec Castle is officially the National Museum of History. Over the centuries it has been:
Today, its halls, murals, and terraces tell the story of Mexico from the colonial period to the 20th century, all while offering some of the best viewpoints in the city.
On the forest’s edge along Reforma stands the National Museum of Anthropology, the most famous museum in the country and one of the most important in the Americas. Inaugurated in 1964, it houses 24 exhibition halls with extraordinary collections from pre-Hispanic cultures such as the Mexica, Maya, and many more.
It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand Mexico’s ancient roots.
Art lovers should not miss:
Together, they make Chapultepec one of the cultural hearts of Mexico City.
Chapultepec Forest also includes:
Despite being in one of the busiest cities in the world, Chapultepec Forest feels like a true escape into nature.
The iconic Chapultepec Lake is an artificial body of water built in 1962, ideal for strolls, boat rides, and picnics. In the Second Section, the Lago Mayor and Lago Menor provide additional green spaces for walking, running, and spending time with family or pets.
The Chapultepec Botanical Garden, near the Museum of Contemporary Art, is a peaceful oasis with around 400 plant and tree species, including ahuehuetes up to 300 years old, plus a 500-square-meter orchid house.
The park also features the Moctezuma Aviary and a butterfly house, where 50 butterfly species coexist in a climate-controlled garden of about 400 square meters.
Throughout Chapultepec, you’ll encounter historic monuments and sculptures such as the Puerta de los Leones, the Altar a la Patria, the Obelisk to the Niños Héroes, the Baños de Moctezuma, the Canadian Totem, and the Korean Pavilion. Several fountains, including the Nezahualcóyotl Fountain, the Fountain of the Frogs, and the Fountain of the Templanza, add to the park’s charm.
Founded in 1924, the Chapultepec Zoo is home to around 1,800 animals over 17 hectares and is one of the most beloved attractions for families.
For a quieter experience, the Audiorama de Chapultepec offers a shaded refuge for reading and listening to music, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00—a hidden gem for book lovers.
Between the Anthropology Museum and Museo Tamayo, you can also watch the Voladores de Papantla, a traditional ritual performance recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Chapultepec is also a major hub for outdoor exercise.
Popular spots include:
Children can also enjoy spaces like Parque La Hormiga and La Tapatía, a carefully designed play area with 13 modules for kids aged 2 to 12.
To fully enjoy Chapultepec Forest and the rest of Mexico City, staying in a well-located apartment makes a big difference:
Yes. Chapultepec is one of the city’s most visited public spaces. As always, it’s wise to visit during the day, keep an eye on your belongings, and stay in well-populated areas.
You can see a few highlights in half a day, but to visit major museums, lakes, and trails calmly, it’s worth dedicating at least one full day—or visiting several times.
Absolutely. Between the zoo, lakes, playgrounds, Papalote Museo del Niño, and open green areas, it’s one of the best places in Mexico City for families with children.