Parque La Mexicana ... Mexico City's Coolest Urban Park

Plan a trip to Parque La Mexicana in Mexico City's upscale Santa Fe neighborhood ... this cool, urban park is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in CDMX!

Looking for something unique to do in Mexico City?

Head to beautiful Parque La Mexicana in the city's upscale Sante Fe district. This one-of-a-kind park is a pleasant oasis in a busy, urban area filled with towering office buildings and stylish residences.

I loved visiting this park on a recent CDMX trip. It's modern, off the beaten tourist path, and fun way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Since I couldn't find much written about the park in English (or even Spanish) before our visit, I thought I'd change that. I've rounded up everything you need to know about La Mexicana Park before visiting. Keep reading for all the details!

Parque La Mexicana

Believe it or not, I first learned about Parque La Mexicana via Instagram.

I followed a few Mexico City Instagrammers before my trip, and one of them (I think it was @virroylola) posted a photo of this new-to-me park. Although I'd read about the Santa Fe area before, I'd never been. Now I was intrigued and had to go.

La Mexicana Park is relatively new. It opened in 2017, and although I believe it's mostly finished, there is still some construction going on around the edges. (That shouldn't affect your visit though.)

The large, 28-hectare park (about 69 acres) was designed by landscape architect Mario Schjetnan, and it's known for its technological innovation and sustainable design.

One interesting thing about the park, is that it was built on a former sand mine. It actually reminds me a lot of U.S. parks (like the High Line in NYC and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas) that were also built on reclaimed land or in unused spaces.

Although you can't see them, the park has many eco friendly features. There's a system for collecting rainwater and solar energy lights the park, for example.

You'll also find over 3,000 trees and other native landscaping. There are large sections of grass for playing and relaxing, paths for running, biking, and walking, two lakes, playgrounds, hammocks, free WiFi, and so much more!

And then there are those stunning views of the Santa Fe skyline! The distinctive, contemporary buildings that surround the park will delight architecture lovers and casual observers, too. (Although the area has also been called soulless ... ha.)

There is so much to do in Parque La Mexicana ... are you ready to start exploring? Then, keep reading to learn more, plus get lots of helpful tips for planning your visit.

Things to Do in Parque La Mexicana

Before we get to the practical info, let's talk about exactly what there is to do in La Mexicana Park.

From playgrounds to bars to running tracks, this urban park really does have something for everyone!

Wander the Park's Paths

You'll find many paths in La Mexicana. They cover the entire park and follow its natural landscape, giving you many unique vantage points.

One of our favorite paths was the one built atop the restaurant building. You can walk right over the cafe where you just ate, as you can see below! This is the ideal place to see beautiful, sweeping views of the park and the surrounding skyline.

As you make your way around the park, keep an eye out for signs telling you where you can and cannot walk. Certain paths, like the dark one below (marked solo corredor), are meant for runners only.

Test Out the Playground

The park has a really cool playground, making it a great destination for families from Santa Fe or as a day trip. In the playground, you'll find special areas with slides, swings, bridges, sandboxes, and more.

There's also a zipline. I'm not sure it was made for adults, but my husband tested it out. And now I have video footage should I ever need to blackmail him ... ha!

Get Your Game on at the Sport Courts

The park will feature a large area with basketball, beach volleyball, and soccer courts. I didn't spot these on our trip, so I believe this is one of the areas that is still being built.

Check Out the Public Art

As you explore the park, you'll find public art scattered throughout.

I especially loved checking out the Jardín Oculto (hidden garden), with its interesting land art (see it in the top right pic below). We spotted lots of sculptures in the park, as well.

Eat Your Way Through the Restaurants and Kiosks

One of the things that makes La Mexicana such a great destination are all the places to eat and drink.

In the Centro Gastronómico, you'll find options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus, cocktails and dessert!) from some of Mexico City's best known restaurants. The park even has a Starbucks!

I'm sharing more info on the park's restaurants at this end of the post, so keep reading to learn more.

Relax by a Lake

Parque Santa Fe has two small lakes with a walkway between them.

One of the lakes has an amphitheater in it. This lake also reflects the surrounding architecture (at least as the sun sets), making it the perfect place to capture a striking photo of the park.

The other lake has a fountain in the middle. Grab a seat on the bank of either lake ... they're a great spot to sit, reflect, and relax!

Attend an Event

Parque La Mexicana has a beautiful amphitheater on a lake (check it out below) for events and concerts, and the park also hosts other activities, like runs.

There really isn't a park website, so finding these events in advance may be a challenge (unless your Spanish is better than mine, which is entirely possible).

Your best bet for up-to-date info is the park's Twitter feed, but you can also check this event calendar for general CDMX happenings, as well as Eventbright.

Show Off  Your Skateboarding

The skate park is another cool element you'll find in Parque La Mexicana.

It features a volcano, stair sets, manual pads, quarter pipes, hubba ledges, and a large flow bowl, and it's been certified for international competitions by Street League Skateboarding. Helmets are required, and everyone we saw was wearing them.

Even if you're not skateboarding yourself, stop by to watch the skaters perform tricks.

If you're interested in the development of the skatepark, check out this interesting article (in Spanish) ... it also has some great overhead shots of the park's skate terrain.

Bring Your Pup

Don't leave your dog behind when you visit the park!

La Mexicana Park has a large dog park for your best friend. And there's even a Petco, should you need to stock up on pet supplies while you're there.

Capture a Colorful Instagram

From the bright pink gates to the La Mexicana sign and the soaring skyline backdrop, if you like photography or Instagram, you'll find many wonderful photo locations in the park.

We went during the week, and the park wasn't that crowded (although weekends are busier). So no fighting anyone for that perfect shot!

I'd suggest visiting the park in the afternoon or during the golden hour, then sticking around for the sunset. The late afternoon light and vibrant sunset were beautiful during our visit.

Go Cycling

If you like biking, you'll be happy to know the park has 4.3 kilometers of cycling trails.

There's also a place to rent bikes by the La Mexicana sign near the park's east entrance (to the left of the pink gates). You'll find a bike store in the park, too.

Simply Relax

Pack a picnic (or buy something at one of the restaurants), then grab a bench or spot on the lawn.

Parque La Mexicana is a wonderful spot to enjoy a little peace and quiet in bustling Santa Fe. You won't find anything else quite like it in Mexico City, or anywhere else, for that matter!

Planning Your Visit to Parque La Mexicana

I hope you enjoyed reading about this beautiful Mexico City park. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if you live or work in Santa Fe, have kids, or want to see a different side of CDMX!

For more information about this park, you can check out this government website (in Spanish). And use these tips to help plan your visit:

Location (Ubicación)

La Mexicana Park is located in Santa Fe, a large, upscale business district in Mexico City. The address is Lomas de Santa Fe, Contadero, 01219 Álvaro Obregón, CDMX, Mexico.

Cost (Costo)

Admission to La Mexicana Park is free, although there is a charge for parking. Other costs you might encounter are transportation to the park (more info below), any food and drinks you purchase, and a small fee if you need to use the bathrooms.

Getting to Parque La Mexicana (Directiones)

Figuring out how to get to the park can be a little tricky. Unless you're in Sante Fe for business, you'll probably find that this area is pretty far off the beaten tourist track.

If you're driving, use your GPS. Otherwise, know that the Metro does not reach Santa Fe, and you'll have three main options:

• Uber - It's very inexpensive to use Uber in Mexico City (compared to the U.S.), so that's how we chose to get to the park. It was affordable, and our driver took us exactly where we wanted to go. If you don't speak Spanish this is probably your best option.
• Taxi - If you choose to take a taxi, make sure to use a sitio (or authorized cab). Do not hail a cab on the street. You will find stands throughout the city. If there's no meter, make sure to ask for the cost before you get in.
• Bus - We were initially going to take a bus, but decided that Uber would be much easier and quicker. The closest Metro stations are Balderas and Metro Miguel Ángel de Quevedo. From the Balderas Station, take Route 34-A. From the Quevado Station, take the 34-B. In both cases, get off at the Luis Barragán Roundabout. Make sure to confirm this info before leaving, because routes may be subject to change.

Parking (Estacionamiento)

There is a parking lot located under the park. Parking costs 20 pesos for the first hour, then 5 pesos for each additional hour. These fees may also be subject to change.

Restaurants and Food (Restaurantes y Comida)

One of my favorite features of Parque Mexicana was the Centro Gastronómico, basically a fancy food court with a wide range of restaurants. With so many options, there's something here for everyone!

Keep in mind that restaurant hours may differ from those of the park. And from everything I've read, the restaurants tend to get very busy on the weekend.

• Starbucks - There are other places to grab a coffee in the park, but it's good to know this is an option.
• Boulangerie 41 - Here, you'll find French-inspired cuisine, plus pastries, beer, wine, and coffee.
• Los Tulipanes - They are known for their delicious breads and pastries.
• Churrería El Moro - Come here for amazing churros, hot chocolate (I like the Español, which is super thick ... perfect for dipping your churros in), churro ice cream sandwiches, and more. This is one of our fave spots in CDMX, so we were excited to see a location in the park!
• Poh-Kay - Drop by here for a delicious poke bowl.
• Bonetta - This restaurant is known for their healthy Mexican food.
• Pieology - Craving pizza? This pizzeria is the place to get it.
• Porco Rosso - Stop by this BBQ spot if you're craving something meaty.
• Pesquera - Relax at this fish and steak house.
• Sushi Itto - Sushi lovers will want to pop in here.
• Atípico - At this restaurant, you'll find creative dishes with a healthy twist.
• La Capital - Stop in here for an upscale Mexican cantina experience with food and drinks.
• Forno di Casa - Italian Food lovers ... this place is for you.
• Nevería Roxy - This is a branch of an uber-popular Mexico City ice cream parlor. Stop by for a sweet treat!

What to Wear

It's a park ... you can pretty much wear what you want!

We mostly saw a people wearing a mix of casual clothing and athletic wear. Almost everyone was well dressed though.

Although the park has lots of trees, they're all pretty short and there's not a lot of shade. Plan on wearing sunscreen and/or a hat, so you don't get burned.

Other Things to Do in Santa Fe, Mexico City

Santa Fe is an upscale business district, and although people do live there, there's really not a ton to do in the area.

If you're into modern architecture, you'll probably enjoy visiting this area. Apart from the buildings surrounding the park, you'll also find other unique buildings, like El Pantalon (which resembles a pair of pants).

You'll also find a few malls in Santa Fe, including Centro Santa Fe (the largest shopping center in Latin America) and the sunken Garden Santa Fe (which has an interesting circular, underground design). We actually visited both, and they're really not that different from malls you'd find in the U.S.

An important thing to keep in mind: this area was not built for pedestrians. We had originally planned on visiting Centro Santa Fe, then walking to the park. On the map this looked possible, but once we tried to do it? Not so much!

We ended up getting another Uber, and it was the same driver who brought us to Santa Fe in the first place. Ha! After visiting the park, we walked to Garden Santa Fe, which was a pretty harrowing experience due to tons of traffic and lack of crosswalks. Thankfully, we lived to tell the tale.

More Things to Do in Mexico City

Make sure to check out my other guides with even more things to do in Mexico City!

• Mexico City Travel Guide ... this jam-packed guide covers everything you need to know about visiting this amazing city!
• National Palace Mexico City … the best place to see Diego Rivera Murals in Mexico city!
• Calle Regina Street Art … a great street to explore Mexico City’s Murals.
• Historic Center of Mexico City … Take a free self-guided walking tour of the Centro Histórico in the heart of CDMX.

Have you ever been to Mexico City? What was your favorite part?