Chapultepec

Chapultepec Park in Mexico City is one of the largest parks in the Western Hemisphere, covering an area of just over 686 hectares. Chapultepec is located in the Miguel Hidalgo neighborhood. Given that the Mexican capital is home to up to twenty million people, according to various estimates, and ranks eighth among the most congested cities in the world, it is difficult to overestimate the ecological importance of the park for the citizens, who rightfully call it the “lungs” of the metropolis.

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Video: Chapultepec Park from above

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History of Chapultepec

According to research by archaeologists, the presence of humans in the park has been noted since the time of the Toltecs, an Indian people who inhabited Central America in the 8th century. It is to them belongs the name “Chapultepec”, which in translation from the Nahuatl language means “on the hill of grasshoppers”. The Aztecs, who later conquered this land, turned it into a sacred place where they buried the remains of their leaders. The hill was also of strategic importance, as its springs supplied the city with fresh water.

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Gradually, the territory of the park began to be given to the ruling and religious elite. In the 20s of the XV century under Nesahualcoyotl here built the first palace. Later Montezuma I ordered to dig tanks-pools, which served as a place for breeding exotic fish and storing water supplies, as well as planted around trees and plants from different parts of the Aztec Empire. In 1465, the ruler decided to immortalize himself by ordering his portrait to be carved into the rock at the foot of the hill. On the emperor’s orders, a three-kilometer aqueduct was also built to bring water to the capital.

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In 1521, during the conquest of the Aztec state on the hill Chapultepec was a battle between the army of Hernan Cortez and the Indians led by Cuauhtemoc. It ended with the defeat of the Aztecs and the destruction of the capital of their state. It was announced that the city would be taken over by the Spanish king. Soon Cortes appropriated the park for himself, giving its northern part to Captain Julian Jaramillo. However, in 1530, by decree of Charles V, Chapultepec Park was given to the city and opened to all. Initially, this area was outside Tenochtitlan (as Mexico City was called in Aztec times), connected to it by an embankment and aqueduct. After the Spanish drained the lake, the park became part of the city.

The colonial period marked the construction of the Chapultepec Palace, which served as the official residence of the heads of state. It was also the site of the famous Battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican War, in which the American army won and captured the city. Thomas Mein Reid, the future author of adventure novels, many of which are in one way or another related to Native American life, took part in this battle as a war journalist.

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Currently, Chapultepec Park is a favorite destination for citizens and tourists from all over the world. It is home to the official residence of the President of Mexico, moved from the Chapultepec Palace to “Los Pinos” in 1934.

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‘ General layout of the 3 sections of Chapultepeque, Pantheon Civil de Dolores, and Tacubaya Polanco Miguel Hidalgo Delegation. In Spanish.

Structure of the park

Chapultepec did not always occupy such a vast area. It grew to its present size already in the twentieth century, and was divided into three parts.

The first is the historic part of the park, the oldest and most visited. It is fenced around the perimeter with a wrought iron fence, and at the entrance tourists are greeted by the same gate. On the hill that gave its name to the park, there is a magnificent palace, which currently houses the exposition of the National Museum of History. In addition, there are four other museums and the most famous attractions of Chapultepec: monuments, fountains, cultural sites and, of course, the famous zoo.

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The second part of the park, with an area of 160 hectares, was created in 1964 from land that was previously used for farms. Here visitors can wander through the exhibition halls of the three museums, sit by the fountain, have fun in the amusement park, and have a bite to eat in one of the restaurants or cafes on the shores of Lago Mayor.

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In 1974, they also opened the third part of Chapultepec, a reserve for various species of flora and fauna. This is the least known part of the park, which is a corner of wild nature and pristine silence. Here visitors can also go archery or enjoy horseback riding.

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Chapultepec sights

Familiarizing yourself with the park’s landmarks begins at the plaza in front of the entrance. Here there is a monument to the Motherland, the Altar a la Patria, behind which rise six snow-white columns decorated at the top with bronze sculptures of eagles. This is the famous Monument to the Child Heroes, erected in honor of the six cadets of the military academy who, during the battle of Chapultepec, refused to retreat and died defending the palace. One of the cadets, in an attempt to prevent the flag from being captured by the enemy, wrapped it around himself and jumped off the wall of the watchtower.

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Going around the monument on the left, you will see the People’s Kiosko (Kiosko del Pueblo), built just over a hundred years ago. On weekends, musicians play here, bringing together art lovers. Walking a little further, you can take a photo at the Fountain of Lovers. However, whichever angle you choose, you’re bound to get a kissing couple in the frame.

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Walking along the path, the tourist gets directly to the Chapultepec Hill. At its foot is another monument to the fallen cadets, whose names are carved on the stone. On the opposite side you can see a spring that has existed since Aztec times. You will not be able to draw water here, as the place is fenced with a net, but you will be able to take a photo against its background. Not far from the spring is the portrait of Montezuma, carved in the rock.

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Chapultepec Castle

Climbing the hill on foot or on a small train, you can admire the famous palace up close. Its construction began in 1785 by order of Bernardo de Gálvez, the Viceroy of New Spain, who wished to erect this magnificent house for himself. In the first half of the XIX century, the castle was home to a military academy. In 1864, Chapultepec Palace became the country residence of Emperor Maximilian, who ordered the building to be remodeled and a botanical garden to be built on the roof. After the execution of the ruler, the castle was reorganized as an observatory. Now the National Museum of History is open here.

Chapultepec Palace is open on all days except Monday. You will have to pay about 3 USD to enter, children under 13 are admitted free of charge.

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Fountains and Monuments

Going around the hill on the left, in the archaeological area of Chapultepec Park you will find time-damaged stone water tanks and the beginning of an aqueduct. Walking further along the path, you will come to a small plaza in front of the memorial that was erected in honor of the Mexican pilots of the 201st Squadron who participated in World War II on the side of the Allied Forces. The withered trunk of a Mexican Taxodium, one of the majestic trees planted back in the days of Necahualcoyotl, towers over the plaza. The cadets at the military academy jokingly called this tree “sergeant” – El Sargento. The name has survived since the nineteenth century.

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Opposite the memorial is the Fuente de la Templanza, a beautiful fountain where artists have taken a place in the shade of the majestic trees. If you’re tired of walking, stop here for a minute or two to enjoy the coolness of the fountain and admire the paintings. You can order your portrait for a token price: haggling is common here.

After resting and continuing around the hill, the tourist will find an obelisk made of cedar on a hillock. It is a gift from the Canadian people in honor of the 150th anniversary of Mexican independence. It is carved with the animals honored by the Indians: beaver, whale, eagle and falcon.

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A walk along Calzada Maatma Gandhi, the longest street in Chapultepec Park, which encircles the park, will lead you to a stone-tiled square, the center of which is decorated with the Frog Fountain (Fuente de las Ranas). Not far away is the Fountain of Nesahualcoitl, hidden in the greenery of trees. It can rightfully be called monumental because of its size: a stone statue of the Aztec ruler rises majestically above the two levels. On the “walls” can be seen the ancient emblems of the three allied city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan.

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Zoological Garden

Chapultepec Zoo is one of the most favorite attractions of citizens and tourists. It was founded in 1923 by the biologist Alfonso Herrera, who wanted to recreate the famous Montezuma II zoo. There are about 2,000 animals belonging to more than 200 species. The collection includes mammals, birds and reptiles. There is also a large aquarium. It is worth noting that there are no cages here, which we are so used to. The animals are separated from the visitors by a strong glass, which allows you to get a better look at them, as well as to make a wonderful photo session. You can admire the birds in the aviary, where tourists are allowed in small groups of up to 9 people. The zoo is known for its program to save endangered species such as giant pandas, California condors and Mexican wolves.

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The gates of the Chapultepec Zoo are open from 09:00 to 16:30, Monday is a day off. What’s great: you don’t have to pay to enter!

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Museums

It would take a long time to describe the attractions of the historic part of Chapultepec Park. Among them – the National Museum of Anthropology, a visit to which will take more than one hour, Caracol, Museum of Modern Art. Their expositions are open on all days except Monday. In some museums, photography and videography are allowed for an additional fee. The average ticket price is 3 USD.

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Amusement Park

Those who want to have fun always head to La Feria de Chapultepec, an amusement park located in the second section. Thrill-seekers can tickle their nerves on one of the roller coasters. The highest of them covers the dolphinarium with its “loops”, where performances are organized for visitors. The park can accommodate up to 15,000 vacationers and is visited by about two million people annually.

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The second part of the park (as well as the first) has two lakes. On the island in the center of Lago Mayor you can see the largest fountain in Latin America. Boat and catamaran rentals are also organized here. The price of an hour-long boat ride is 3 USD, while a catamaran or kayak ride costs 2.5 USD and 2 USD per hour, respectively.

It is recommended to combine fun with a visit to museums: Papalote, the Museum of Technology with Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History. If the walking tour of Chapultepec’s sections proves tiring, take the pleasure train that runs along the park’s shady paths. Bike rentals are open for bicycle enthusiasts.

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Where to eat in Chapultepec

Chapultepec’s vast territory offers many cafes and restaurants to please any gourmet. Some of them are located around lakes, so you will not only dine here, but also admire the surrounding scenery. The most famous and favorite tourist places are Mexican cuisine restaurant “El Bosque” (about 20 USD per person), restaurant “Lago de Chapultepec” (about 25 USD), cafe “Bistro Chapultepec” (about 10-15 USD). Be sure to visit here for a cup of morning coffee or a full lunch.

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How to get there

There are several ways to get to Chapultepec. The most comfortable one is a cab (of course, if you don’t get caught in traffic). Any cab driver will take you directly to the park for 5-10 USD.

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Chapultepec can also be reached by metro: take the pink line #1 to Chapultepec station to enter from the palace side; take the orange line #7 to Constituyentes station to visit the Children’s Museum, or to Auditorio station if you decide to start exploring Chapultepec with the zoo or the Museum of Anthropology. A subway ride costs 0.2 USD.

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