Best Outdoor Adventures Less Than An Hour From Mexico City

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Save a day or two on your vacation to Mexico City for an outdoor excursion. Mexico is warm and beautiful and is the ideal place to hike, boat, do yoga or even take a hot air balloon ride. Even a restful vacation can be made better with a a bit of adventure. So get outside and enjoy the Mexico City area's beautiful parks.

Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec
Avenida Paseo de la Reforma s/n.
Mexico City, 11560
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5211 6093

In Mexico City

Although the Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec is within the Mexico City limits, it is actually one of the largest parks in the country. It is a culturally important green space that draws over 15 million visitors per year. It is a great place to go for a hike or a low-key nature walk if you're short on time during your vacation since it is so close by. Nature lovers are sure to enjoy this space as it is a magnificent example of biodiversity - there are literally hundreds of species of trees. The park is so green and fresh that it is known as one of Mexico City's lungs.

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
Salitre, San Cristóbal,
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico

In Mexico City

A visit to the floating gardens is an absolute must-do outdoor activity for anyone visiting Mexico City - especially families. The neighborhood of Xochimilco has over 50 miles of canals, so there are plenty of places to rent a boat or go on a guided tour. Plan a picnic lunch or get some exercise by rowing through the gardens. The gardens themselves are actually remnants of Aztec chinampas, and are a popular destination for locals as well as tourists. Enjoy a day in the sun at your own pace while taking in these beautiful and historically significant sites.

Related: Top 10 Reasons To Vacation In Mexico City

Vivero Coyoacán
Av. Progreso # 1
Coyoacán, Del Carmen, 04100
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
www.viveroscoyoacan.gob.mx

In Mexico City

Vivero Coyoacán is a Mexican national park right in Mexico City. There are great dirt paths for hikers and runners and it is one of the safer parks in the city. The park is mainly used by locals so it is a great way to really get to know the city and get immersed in Mexico's wildlife without dealing with crowds. There is a metro stop nearby, making a hike here an easy activity to plan for even the laziest vacationers. The park is extensive, but trails are well marked, so don't worry about getting lost if you are new to trail hiking.

Adventure Hunters Hot Air Balloon Ride
Pick up at your hotel
adventurehuntersmexico.com

The Adventure Hunters lead lots of outdoor guided adventures in and around Mexico City, but one of its most popular activities is a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Pyramids. Typical hot air balloons hold between two and eight people, so this is the perfect day activity for couples or families. Though this outdoor activity isn't physically rigorous, it will certainly give everyone a serious adrenaline rush. Seeing one of Mexico's most picturesque landmarks from above is a thrill no one will ever forget.

Hiking Yoga Mexico
Bosque de Tlalpan
Esquina Zacatepetl
Camino a Santa Teresa
Parque Nacional Bosque del Pedregal, 14010
Ciudad de México, D.F.,Mexico
www.hikingyoga.com

45-minute drive from Mexico City

Experience the growing global trend of "hiking yoga" in one of Mexico's beautiful national parks. At Bosque de Tlalpan, Hiking Yoga Mexico (HYM) leads a two-hour hike every Tuesday and Thursday morning starting at 7 a.m. New hikers will be able to find the group by looking for the HYM signs, and finding the starting marker at the 0 meter mark. Hiking yoga is a fun way to learn about the park's natural beauty in a guided group. It combines the cardio vigor of hiking with the familiar, challenging poses of yoga for the ultimate workout in the fresh air.

Related: Best Breakfast Spots In Mexico City

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.