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Mexico City's Best Parks

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Mexico City may be the most populous city in North America, but it has its share of green space. Wherever a trip may lead you within the city, there is sure to be a park nearby. These parks provide hiking trails, picnic areas, gardens and open, multi-use space. They provide much-needed relief from the busy city hustle and bustle.

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

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.

Related: Best Outdoor Adventures Less Than An Hour From Mexico City

Parque Tezozomoc
Av. Manuel Salazar S/N, Azcapotzalco
Prados del Rosario 02410
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5382 7209

In one of Mexico City's northwestern neighborhoods is Parque Tezozomoc, a beautiful and popular city park. This park is convenient to visit for tourists since it is located close to two of the city's most popular art museums: Museum of Three Dimensional Art and Museum of Regional Art. However, the space is not simply a tourist destination. Locals make great use of this park space at the onsite playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and food vendors. This is a great picnic space for families and large groups and will keep members of your party of all ages entertained for hours.

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

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.

Related: Best Hiking Near Mexico City

Parque Mexico
Av. México s/n Cuauhtemoc
Hipódromo, 06100
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
www.mexicocity.gob.mx

Mexico Park is a more traditional city park with well-manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures and landscaped gardens. It also has paved walkways so it is great for a leisurely stroll. The park was originally built in the 1920s and the history is evident in the art deco architecture and art around the area. The park also has free wifi, so it is a great place to take an outdoor break from business and still have access to e-mail.

El Tepeyac National Park
Gabriel Hernández
Gustavo A. Madero, 07080
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico

In the northern suburbs of Mexico City, El Tepeyac is one of the most beautiful parks in the city. It is mostly protected through the federal government as part of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas and the rest is privately owned. Visitors will love seeing the wild eucalyptus plants and mixture of forest and grasslands. There are small mountains within the park that provide great hiking for tourists and local nature lovers. 

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.

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