Covering an area of more than 1,600 acres, Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park) is Mexico City’s largest oasis and one of the loveliest places to visit. Chapultepec Park, divided into three sections, is home to forests, lakes and several important sights and attractions, most of which are located in the first section near the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s main thoroughfare.
Situated at the end of a long paved path near the main entrance to the park, the Monumento a los Niños Heroes (Monument of Young Heroes) is one of Mexico City’s most important monuments. Built in 1952, it honors six young cadets who refused to surrender to American troops during the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847.
From the monument, follow the road leading to the top of Chapultepec Hill and you’ll arrive to the Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle), formerly an imperial palace and presidential residence. Today, Chapultepec Castle houses the country’s National History Museum. Outside you’ll have marvelous panoramic views overlooking Mexico City.
More attractions located within this first section of Chapultepec Park include the Chapultepec Zoo, Botanical Gardens and several interesting museums such as the Modern Art Museum, Tamayo Museum and National Museum of Anthropology. The greatest museum in Mexico—and arguably one of the finest archaeology museums on the planet—the National Museum of Anthropology is so vast that it’s often difficult to tour all of the exhibits during a single visit. Plan accordingly.
Another of the top tourist attractions is a cultural performance known as the rite of the voladores (flyers). This ancient ritual, believed to have originated in the state of Veracruz, is performed daily just outside the main entrance to the National Museum of Anthropology. It involves four men wearing traditional costumes and playing instruments while "flying" from the top of a tall pole to which they are attached by ropes. A fifth man remains at the top of the pole playing a flute and drum.
After visiting Chapultepec Park, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Paseo de la Reforma. Several interesting Mexico City sights and attractions are located along this main boulevard including the Monumento a la Independencia, La Diana Cazadora and El Caballito, as well as numerous high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, shopping centers and the U.S. Embassy. A wide pedestrian promenade extends along the middle of the boulevard, making it easy to explore this area of the city on foot. On Sunday mornings the Paseo de la Reforma is closed to traffic to accommodate the city’s cyclists.