La Marquesa National Park

La Marquesa National Park is a large, developed, urban park that straddles the boundary of Mexico City and Mexico (state). It goes by several names, the only one of which nobody ever actually uses is its official name, Parque Nacional Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Just call it "La Marquesa" and everyone will know what you mean (the official name is not even used on highway signs or maps). The park is a popular spot for family outdoor activities. It includes a horse riding stable, a go-kart track, picnic areas, a lake for fishing, restaurants, and more remote areas for hiking, rock climbing, rapelling, camping, and nature watching.

Understand
The park covers a wooded area of hills and valleys in southwest Mexico City. The twin highways to Toluca (MEX 15 and its companion toll road, MEX 15D) pass through the park. It is a large park covering an area of 1,760 hectares. Six mountains lie within the park boundaries.

History
The park is a historical site of national significance. On October 30, 1810, the Battle of Monte de las Cruces took place here between Mexican nationalists seeking independence from Spain. Commemorative bronze statues of three heroes of the battle are presented on horseback looking east toward the capital. The three statues are Miguel Hidalgo, Ignacio Allende, and José Mariano Jiménez.

Landscape
The park itself is overused with trampled dead grass, dirt paths and excessive trash throughout. Around the park are private lands cluttered with street food vendors, souvenir vendors, motorcycle rentals and anything else that might make a buck. If you want beautiful landscapes, there are many better parks in Central Mexico.

The west side of the park is more natural and mountainous. It has some dense forests and natural springs.

Get in
From Mexico City, take federal highway MEX 15/15D towards Toluca and exit at La Marquesa. Follow signs into the park.

From Toluca, take federal highway MEX 15/15D towards Mexico City and exit at La Marquesa.

Do

 * Horseback riding - horses can be rented at the Tourist Information Center as well as from several private businesses near the park
 * Zip line
 * Dirt bike
 * Go-kart
 * Paintball (called "Gotcha" in Mexico)

Go next

 * Nevado de Toluca National Park