TL;DR Parque La Mexicana in Santa Fe is a thoughtfully designed 28–29 hectare urban park built on a former quarry. Open daily with free entry, it offers lakes, bike lanes, running tracks, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and sustainable systems (rainwater, solar). Great for families, runners, and culture lovers; arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds, bring small change for restrooms, and use public transit (Metro + bus) or plan for paid parking. (I rely on the park’s official information and project documents for hours, layout, and sustainability details.)

Parque La Mexicana Mexico City: Your Ultimate Guide to Nature, Culture, and Fun in 2025

I first discovered Parque La Mexicana during an early-morning run in Santa Fe and kept returning — for brunch, for concerts, for a quiet walk around the lakes. Over multiple visits I’ve learned the park’s layout, busy times, and the small practical details that matter to visitors. In this guide I combine that lived experience with the park’s official information and design history so you can get the most out of a visit in 2025.

Why La Mexicana matters

La Mexicana is more than a green patch amid towers — it’s a reclamation and a modern urban experiment. Built on what was once a sand and gravel mine, the project transformed an environmental wound into a 28–29 hectare public park (developers and landscape architects document this reuse and the 70/30 land-agreement behind it) (project sources).

• Design pedigree: The park was designed by Mario Schjetnan and Víctor Márquez — respected names in landscape architecture (design sources).
• Scale: At roughly 28–29 hectares, it’s one of Mexico City’s largest urban parks outside Chapultepec (official and encyclopedic sources).
• Sustainability: Lakes collect rainwater for irrigation and lighting uses solar power; thousands of trees and large lawn areas were planted to restore ecology (park and government sources).

What you’ll find — highlights and layout

La Mexicana blends leisure, sport, and culture across distinct zones. From my visits I’d summarize the must-see spots:

• Central lake and promenades — the visual heart. Wide walkways and seating make it ideal for strolling, people-watching, and photos.
• Running track and bike lanes — clearly marked routes that attract morning runners and cycling families.
• Skatepark and sports areas — dedicated spaces for skateboarding and other sports.
• Playgrounds and family zones — shaded areas for kids, plus lawns for picnics and casual play.
• Amphitheater and cultural programming — the park frequently hosts concerts, festivals, and community events.
• Restaurants and cafés — the park has been expanding food and retail options; you’ll find brunch spots and kiosks near main plazas.

Design documentation and the park’s own descriptions confirm these elements and the park’s phased construction: initial circulation, lakes, sports infrastructure, and later commercial amenities (official project pages).

Sustainability and design — what makes La Mexicana special

As a landscape professional friend noted, La Mexicana is notable for three intertwined decisions: repairing a degraded site, prioritizing public full-time access, and embedding sustainable systems. The park uses rainwater to refill its artificial lakes and irrigate planted areas, and much of its lighting is solar-powered (official park and government sources). The plant palette emphasizes native species in large dedicated zones, improving local biodiversity.

Those sustainability choices aren’t just technical — they create a calmer microclimate in Santa Fe’s otherwise dense development, and make the park a functional refuge rather than a decorative plaza.

Practical experiences — crowds, times, and what to expect

From my experience and from the park’s visitor notes:

• Hours: The park is open daily in the early morning through evening (official site lists 05:00–21:00; some other sources report 05:00–22:00 — check the official site before you go if a late visit is planned).
• Peak times: Weekends and holidays are busiest roughly 12:00–15:00. If you want quieter mornings, arrive before 9:00.
• Cost: Entry to the park is free. Restrooms charge a small fee (the site lists a small MXN fee; amounts reported vary slightly).
• Parking and access: On-site parking is paid; consider public transit (Metro plus a connecting bus) to avoid traffic and parking fees.

Visitor tips from my visits

• Bring small change for restrooms and kiosks — some services remain cash-friendly.
• If you want photos, morning light around the lake is excellent and less crowded.
• Wear layers — Santa Fe’s elevation and exposure can make mornings cool and afternoons warm.
• Respect the green spaces: the park emphasizes preserved native planting beds — keep to paths in those areas.
• Check the park calendar before a visit — concerts and events can change traffic and entry patterns.

Comparing core facts (quick reference)

Feature	La Mexicana (Santa Fe)	Notes
Area	~28–29 hectares	One of Mexico City’s largest urban parks outside Chapultepec (project & encyclopedia sources).
Primary design	Landscape by Mario Schjetnan & Víctor Márquez	Recognition in awards and biennials for transforming a quarry (project sources).
Entry cost	Free	Restrooms and parking are paid services per official info.
Core facilities	Lakes, running/bike paths, skatepark, amphitheater, playgrounds	Phased development; commercial/food offerings expanded after opening.
Sustainability features	Rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, large native-plant zones	Designed to reuse an industrial site and reduce water/energy footprints.

How I plan a perfect 3-hour visit (my favorite itinerary)

I’m often short on time, so here’s a compact plan that I use when I have about three hours:

1. Arrive early (08:00) to beat the crowds and get a good parking spot or easy bus access.
2. Start with a 30–45 minute walk around the central lake and promenades for photos and orientation.
3. Use the running track or bike lanes (20–30 minutes) — rent a shared bike nearby or bring your own.
4. Grab brunch or coffee at one of the park cafés (30–45 minutes) and relax in a lawn area.
5. Finish with a quick stop at the amphitheater or the skatepark to people-watch, then a slow exit toward the main plaza to browse kiosks.

Practical Guide

Below are the concrete steps I follow and recommend so you spend less time planning and more time enjoying the park.

Step 1 — Choose your transport

• By Metro + bus: Take Line 9 (Tacubaya) or Line 1 (Observatorio) and transfer to the Contadero/Parque La Mexicana buses — this avoids Santa Fe traffic (park directions page recommended this approach).
• By car: Navigate to Av. Luis Barragán 505. Expect paid parking and weekend congestion.
• Rideshare: Drop-offs near main pedestrian entrances are convenient and can be faster than parking on busy days.

Step 2 — Pack essentials

• Water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes.
• Small cash for restroom fees and some vendors (official site notes restroom fee and paid parking).
• Portable phone charger if you plan long photo sessions.

Step 3 — Arrival and first 30 minutes

• Stop by the information kiosk or grab a park map — there are printed maps and a downloadable map on the official site.
• Plan your route: lake loop first for photos, then active areas if you want sports or playgrounds.

Step 4 — Activities and timing

• If you’re exercising, use the dedicated running track and separate bike lanes to avoid collisions.
• For families, head to the playgrounds during mid-morning to secure seating in shaded areas.
• Check the park’s events page in advance if you want to attend concerts or workshops.

Step 5 — Leaving the park

• Allow 10–20 minutes to reach your car during peak exit times; consider staggered departure.
• If you used public transit, check bus timetables for return trips — evenings can be busy.

Safety, accessibility, and rules

La Mexicana is designed to be a safe public space with clear circulation. From my visits and the park’s official guidance:

• Opening hours are supervised; offices maintain lost & found and basic security services (park admin information).
• Accessibility: Main promenades, plaza areas, and some restrooms are accessible; check the official accessibility map for specifics if you require ramps or accessible restrooms.
• Pets: The park supports pet-friendly areas but follow posted leash rules. If you need an official policy citation, check the park rules page (I recommend confirming before visiting with larger dogs).

If you need precise medical or emergency procedure details, I’m not an official park authority — the park administration can confirm up-to-date protocols.

Culture and programming — what’s on in 2025

The amphitheater and plazas host a variety of cultural events: concerts, family festivals, fitness classes, and seasonal markets. The park also coordinates with neighborhood groups and cultural institutions — so festival announcements and weekend programming often appear on the official site and municipal cultural calendars.

When I timed a visit to coincide with an outdoor concert, the park’s logistics (signage, extra kiosks) made the experience smooth, but traffic in surrounding Santa Fe increased — plan transit accordingly.

Food and nearby amenities

La Mexicana’s food offerings have expanded since opening: there are cafés and restaurants around the main plaza, plus mobile vendors during events. If you want a full meal, the Santa Fe commercial area nearby has many restaurants; for a casual park experience, bring a picnic or enjoy park cafés.

When La Mexicana is not the right choice

If you’re looking for large forested trails or historic monuments (museums and castles), Chapultepec is a better fit. La Mexicana excels at modern landscape experiences, family recreation, and events — not dense woodland hiking or historic architecture tours.

FAQs

Is entry to Parque La Mexicana free?

Yes — general entry to the park is free. Some services like restrooms and parking use small fees (official park information lists restroom and parking charges).

What are the park hours?

The park is open daily in the early morning to evening. The official park site lists 05:00–21:00; some other sources report hours until 22:00, so check the park’s website or social media for the latest schedule before planning a late visit.

How do I get there by public transit?

Typical public transit routes involve taking the Metro to Tacubaya (Line 9) or Observatorio (Line 1) and transferring to buses bound for Contadero or that specifically list Parque La Mexicana. The park’s directions page provides current route tips.

Are there places to eat inside the park?

Yes. There are cafés and restaurants around the main plaza and permanent vendor spaces. Food options have grown since the park opened, and event days often add pop-up vendors.

Is the park dog-friendly?

The park is pet-friendly in designated areas but enforces leash and clean-up rules. If you have concerns about specific dog amenities or off-leash zones, consult the park rules or administration for the most current policies.

Can I cycle or skateboard in the park?

Yes — there are bike lanes and a skatepark. Use designated lanes and respect pedestrian areas. For shared bicycles or rental services, check local vendors; the park supports safe circulation through marked paths.

Is the park accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Main promenades and plazas are accessible, but facilities vary. If you require specific accessibility features (accessible restrooms or ramped routes), contact the park administration in advance to confirm arrangements.

Final thoughts — why I recommend a visit in 2025

Parque La Mexicana is a model of contemporary urban parkmaking in Mexico City: it reconverts a heavily impacted site into a vibrant, usable public realm. The combination of water, planted areas, routes for activity, and cultural programming gives visitors multiple reasons to come back. Whether you want a quick run, a family morning, a concert night, or a peaceful lakeside coffee, the park delivers — as long as you plan around peak weekend hours and check the park’s official notices for events and small service fees.

If you’d like, I can put together a one-day Santa Fe + La Mexicana itinerary, or map the best running loop inside the park based on distance and surfaces. I’ve measured the lake loop on multiple runs and can share precise distances if that would help.