10 Best Outdoor Adventures in and Around Mexico City

Parque Tezozómoc is a park near the center of the city that features preserved natural areas and an array of recreational activities. One of the central features here is the large pond that has an island inside acting as an untouched nature reserve.

Around the central pond, you can take part in a variety of different activities including walking and cycling. Several playgrounds are located here if you're traveling with your family, and you'll also find sports courts and a skating rink. You'll find the park between Prados del Rosario and Providencia.

Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec is a vibrant botanical garden that dates back centuries, though it was officially inaugurated in its current form in 2006. When you visit, you'll find 13 acres of native and exotic plants across 22 designated spaces.

Taking a walk through this garden means seeing 300 different varieties of plants including edible plants, 14 unique species of dahlias, cacti, and much more. You can see it all in Rincón del Bosque just north of Chapultepec Castle.

Bosque de Chapultepec is a massive city park stretching 1,695 acres that's packed with vibrant greenery and enough trees to replenish oxygen to the Valley of Mexico. With its impressive size, you'll find twice as much protected space as you would in New York's Central Park.

When you visit, you'll find plenty of sights to see in addition to the vibrant greenery with a zoo, several museums, and historic ruins. The walking paths around the park let you see it all while staying active outside. You'll find it a few miles south of the Museo Soumaya.

Lago de Xochimilco is an ancient lake where you'll find numerous aquatic activities primarily centered around boating through the remaining canals. Many of the ancient lakes in Mexico City have been drained to reduce flooding, so this lake is primarily canals in the modern era.

When you visit, you'll find yourself with the opportunity to take a ride on trajineras, which are special rafts that often host tours of the area. This lake is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll find it on the east side of San Lorenzo La Cebada.

Cerro de la Estrella National Park is on the mountain of the same name, and it offers numerous activities to enjoy alongside historical sites to explore. Petroglyphs and temple ruins of the Teotihuacán culture can be found here, with some dating back thousands of years.

If you're looking for a more active outdoor experience, you'll find hiking paths throughout the park that will take you to a breathtaking viewpoint from which you can see an elevated view of Mexico City. You'll find it on the mountain on the southeast side of town.

San Nicolás Totolapan Ejido Park is a nature park that features a sprawling forest and vibrant grassland that let visitors relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Among its walking paths you'll find oak trees and firs, which are the characteristic flora of the Ajusco region.

When you visit, you'll find a wide variety of things to do outdoors including hiking and biking. You'll even find a farm here perfect for kids and adults with animals like sheep, cows, chickens, and goats. Don't forget to check out horseback riding as well. You'll find it all southwest of the city near Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco.

Los Dinamos is a natural protected area with various eco-paths you can explore through hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Some of the other local activities available include zip lining, rappelling, fishing, and rock climbing, which are perfect if you're looking for a more active outdoor adventure.

When you visit this park, you'll find some truly spectacular natural features like forests, waterfalls, and the cascades of the Magdalena River. Whether you're looking to relax or go on an adventure, the scenery will always be stunning. The park is located southwest of downtown near La Loma.

Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco is a national park known for its high elevation and mountainous terrain with nature paths and scenic views. Its highest point reaches 12,795 feet, which is why it's visible from virtually anywhere in Mexico City.

When you visit this park, you'll find numerous paths to explore that showcase the various flora, which are mostly coniferous species. The sacred tree is among the most populous species you'll encounter here. Various mammals like opossum, rabbits, shrews, squirrels, and weasels also live here. You'll find it southwest of the city along the border of the State of Mexico.

Parque Nacional Iztaccíhuatl - Popocatépetl is a huge national park that covers over 98,000 acres and features 2 of the tallest mountain peaks in Mexico surrounded by forest and grassland. While the 2 tall mountains tend to be the most popular, you'll find 119 named mountains in total throughout the parkland.

Several fun activities are available throughout the park, though it's mostly ideal for hiking and biking. The hiking can be particularly rewarding, as several scenic viewpoints are available throughout the mountain peaks. You'll find this park southeast of the city about halfway to Puebla.

Parque Estatal Sierra de Guadalupe is a park among a natural protected mountain range that's home to rich vegetation and several species of animals. This is an especially popular spot for bird-watchers thanks to the presence of eagles and owls.

When you visit, you'll find all sorts of animals here including squirrels, tlacuaches, and frogs. Most of the flora is composed of xeric shrubland vegetation like legumes and cacti. You'll find it a few miles north of downtown and east of Buenavista.