TL;DR Parque Bicentenario is a 55‑hectare urban park built (2010) on the reclaimed grounds of the old Refinería 18 de Marzo. It’s free, open roughly 7:00–18:00, and famous for its orchid farm (1,300+ species, ~7,000 plants) plus themed gardens (Natura, Agua, Viento, Tierra, Sol), a lake, walking routes and cultural programming. I’ll walk you through the park’s history, top sights, practical steps to plan a visit, and tips from my own visits so you leave prepared and inspired (sources: Mexico City government, park organizations, and archival coverage).

Parque Bicentenario Mexico City: A Complete Guide to Nature, History, and Fun Activities

I first fell in love with Parque Bicentenario because it felt like a city learning to breathe again. Visiting a place that used to host an oil refinery and is now a green refuge changed how I think about urban recovery. In this guide I combine what I’ve seen on multiple visits with official facts and historical context so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your time there.

Why Parque Bicentenario matters

Parque Bicentenario is not only a public park—it’s an environmental rehabilitation success story. Built on the former Refinería 18 de Marzo, a heavily polluted site closed in 1991, the area was remediated and transformed into a major urban green space that opened in 2010 as part of the bicentennial commemorations (sources: government pages, historical reports).

Today it serves multiple roles:

• Ecological recovery and public health: a large “lung” for western Mexico City (the park is quoted as one of the city’s largest green spaces).
• Conservation and education: an orchid farm and botanical gardens that prioritize native species and cultivation practices.
• Community recreation: walking paths, lake views, sports zones and cultural spaces for events and workshops.

Quick facts I always check before visiting

• Size: about 55 hectares (roughly reported by official park sources and cultural registries).
• Opened: officially inaugurated in 2010 during the bicentennial festivities (source: park and encyclopedia entries).
• Admission: free (official listings).
• Typical hours: many listings state public hours around 7:00–18:00—always confirm current hours before you go.
• Where: on the western edge of CDMX, near the boundary of Azcapotzalco and Miguel Hidalgo (Refinería metro access is nearby).

Highlights: What I make sure to see

Orchid Farm and Botanical Gardens

The orchid collection is the park’s crown jewel. The curated displays and conservation programs house more than 1,300 orchid species and thousands of individual plants (commonly reported figures put the collection at ~7,000 plants). About 40% of the species are native to Mexico, which makes the garden both beautiful and scientifically important (official park materials and cultural coverage).

When I’m there I slow down—orchids photograph beautifully at diffused light in the morning and late afternoon. Staff and signage explain cultivation and conservation efforts; if you care about botany, spend the time reading the panels.

Themed Gardens (Natura, Agua, Viento, Tierra, Sol)

The park is organized into thematic ecosystems that reference Mexica cosmogony and a classic elements scheme. These zones are designed to hold different plant communities and microenvironments—each offers a distinct experience and photo opportunities (park documentation and cultural guides).

Lake, promenades, and public art

The lake and the surrounding walking routes are ideal for relaxed strolls, short runs, and photography. I like a circuit that combines the lake loop with a stop at the Natura garden—smooth paths make the walk comfortable.

Sports, kids’ areas and cultural programming

The park supports fitness activities (running, cycling), family outings, and cultural events. There are spaces used for workshops and exhibitions, plus basic services like restrooms and parking in official listings. For groups and schools, the park offers guided visits and programming through its cultural offices (public site details).

Activities and practical tips from repeated visits

From watching birdlife to attending a weekend family workshop, here are the activities I recommend and how to approach them:

• Morning orchid photography: arrive within the first two hours after opening for soft light and fewer people.
• Guided tours: the park runs guided visits for school groups and visitors—call ahead if you want an official walk (contact info available on cultural listings).
• Picnic and rest: bring a blanket and pick a shaded area in the central greens; be mindful of park rules and use trash bins.
• Exercise: the park has wide promenades for runners and casual cyclists—if you bike, keep a slow pace near the botanical areas.
• Attend events: check the park’s social channels for workshops, concerts and seasonal programming.

Comparing the park’s main features

Feature	Highlight	Best time to experience	Accessibility
Orchid Farm	1,300+ species; conservation-focused displays	Morning (soft light, less crowd)	On paved routes near main entrances
Themed Gardens (Natura, Agua, Viento, Tierra, Sol)	Distinct ecosystems and plant communities	Late morning to afternoon (explore at leisure)	Paths vary—most are walkable
Lake & promenades	Relaxed walks, photography, birdwatching	Sunrise or sunset for best reflections	Paved promenades, wheelchair accessible sections
Sports & play areas	Open lawns and fitness routes	Early morning or late afternoon	Easy access from main plazas
Cultural spaces & events	Workshops, guided visits and performances	Check event calendar; weekends often busier	Most event spaces are near entrances

Practical Guide

I structure every visit with a simple checklist. Here’s a step‑by‑step plan you can follow to arrive relaxed and ready:

1. Confirm hours and any special closures. Official listings commonly show free admission and morning–early evening hours, but times can change for events—check the park’s website or social media first (source: official cultural pages).
2. Decide how to get there:
   • Public transit: the Refinería metro station is the closest major connection; several surface routes and buses serve the area (local transit guides list multiple options).
   • Car/taxi: there’s parking on site per cultural listings; allow time for event crowds on weekends.
3. Pack smart:
   • Water, light snacks or a picnic (respect park rules about placement and waste).
   • Sun protection—hat and sunscreen—as many areas are open sun.
   • Comfortable shoes for walking the 55 hectares; a small tripod or camera if you’re photographing orchids or landscapes.
   • Binoculars for birdwatching (I always bring mine).
4. Plan your route (my recommended loop for a first visit):
   1. Enter by the main plaza and orient yourself with a park map (signage is usually available).
   2. Head to the orchid farm first for cooler light and less crowding.
   3. Walk the themed gardens in sequence—Natura, Agua, Viento, Tierra, Sol—so you appreciate the design intent.
   4. Finish with a lakeside walk and a rest at a shaded bench or picnic area.
5. If you want a guided experience, contact the park office in advance—Mexico Es Cultura and official park contacts list phone and emails for bookings.
6. Respect conservation rules: don’t touch or remove plants (especially orchids), keep dogs leashed if allowed, and follow staff instructions during events.

Accessibility & safety

Many routes are paved and wheelchair accessible, especially around main plazas, the orchid farm and the lake promenades. Still, some garden paths can be narrower or textured—if you require specific accommodations, I recommend calling ahead to the park contact numbers listed on official pages (Mexico Es Cultura and park sites provide contact details).

For safety: daytime visits are best; bring a charged phone and be mindful of traffic on streets around park entrances. When I visit late in the afternoon I avoid isolated paths and stick to main promenades.

My personal route for a 3‑hour visit

Based on several short visits, here’s a 3‑hour plan that maximizes highlights without feeling rushed:

• 00:00–00:30 — Enter, grab a map, coffee at a nearby vendor and stroll to the orchid farm.
• 00:30–01:30 — Orchid displays and botanical signage; photograph and read about native species.
• 01:30–02:15 — Walk the themed gardens in sequence, pausing where a bench and shade invite a rest.
• 02:15–02:45 — Lake circuit and light snack.
• 02:45–03:00 — Browse event noticeboards; decide if you’ll return for a performance or workshop.

FAQs

Is admission to Parque Bicentenario free?

Yes—official sources commonly list the park as free to enter. However, special events or specific guided programs may have fees; check event notices or the park’s contacts in advance.

What are the park’s opening hours?

Public listings often state hours around 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but hours can vary for events or seasonal changes. I always check the park’s official channels before I go.

How do I get to Parque Bicentenario by public transit?

The nearest major transit point is the Refinería metro station; buses and local routes also serve the area. Use a real‑time transit app for the best routes from your location (local transit guides and park pages mention these access points).

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are commonly allowed in urban parks but must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Specific rules can vary—if bringing a pet is important, contact the park office to confirm current pet policies.

When is the best time to visit the orchid farm?

I recommend morning hours for softer light and fewer visitors. The orchid greenhouses and shaded displays feel coolest early in the day; late afternoon also offers good light but can be busier on weekends.

Are there guided tours or educational programs?

Yes—the park offers guided visits and educational programs, particularly for school groups and organized tours. Mexico Es Cultura and park contact listings provide phone numbers and emails for scheduling visits.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Many of the main promenades, plazas and areas around the orchid farm and lake are accessible. Some smaller garden paths may be less even—if you need specific accommodations, call ahead to the park office.

Where can I find official contact information?

Official cultural registries and the park website list contact emails and phone numbers for general information and guided visits. I recommend using those official channels for reservations or accessibility questions.

Final notes and my top tips

Parque Bicentenario is a place where urban history and ecological restoration meet. Because the park was created on the grounds of a former refinery and opened as part of bicentennial projects, there’s an added layer of civic meaning—this isn’t just a pretty garden; it’s a reclaimed landscape that represents change (historical and governmental sources describe the remediation and inauguration timeline).

My top three practical tips:

• Arrive early to enjoy the orchid farm in quiet light and beat weekend crowds.
• Plan a loop: orchids first, themed gardens next, finish at the lake for a relaxed exit.
• Bring water and sunscreen and be mindful of conservation rules—don’t touch the orchids.

If you want, I can draft a printable one‑page itinerary for a family visit, a photography walk, or a school group—including which entrances to use and where to park. Say which one you’d prefer and I’ll prepare it.