El Tepeyac National Park

Parque Nacional El Tepeyac

The park preserves Tepeyac Hill, the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to a humble indigenous man named Juan Diego in 1531, requesting a church be built on the site. Religious faithful come to the neighborhood to worship at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and to see the miraculous cloak. Many hike to the top of Tepeyac Hill to tread in the path of St. Juan Diego, who today, is known as the patron saint of indigenous people. Sadly, the park is poorly maintained by the government and abused by local communities. The park is not patrolled and poor security makes it a questionable place for tourists to visit. The park entrance is about 4km from the Basilica. The park was declared a national park in 1937 with an area of 1,500 hectares, though today, much of that land has been lost to squatters and other illegal misappropriations. The park was completely deforested prior to its inclusion in the national parks system. No native flora or fauna are in the park, though urban wildlife such as squirrels, rats, and other rodents can be found there, along with more than 100 species of birds. Reforestation efforts involved planting eucalyptus, which is the dominant type of vegetation in the park. Visitor facilities include paths with benches, picnic tables, rest rooms, and a children's playground at one end of the park. Camping in the park is allowed: inquire at the park office.

• outdoors
• family

Address

Amp. Gabriel Hernández, Col. Gustavo A. Madero