Lagunas de Zempoala National Park

Lagunas de Zempoala National Park is a national park in Central Mexico that straddles the boundary between the states of Morelos and Estado de Mexico. It is a large park that protects seven highland lakes.

Understand
Lagunas de Zempoala was established by presidential decree in 1936, but was reduced in size to its current 4700 hectares in 1947. The seven lakes are named Zempoala, Compila, Tonatihua, Seca, Ocoyotongo, Quila, and Hueyapan. Four of these lakes have water for only part of the year, drying up during the dry season. The three lakes that always have water are Zempoala, Tonatihua, and Quila.

Landscape
The park consists of mixed forests at an elevation of about 2600 meters with the predominant feature being the group of lakes that give the park its name. Zempoala is the Nahuatl word for place of many waters.

Flora and fauna
The abundant forests surrounding the park include different types of trees such as oaks, cedars, pine, and firs. Mammals in the park include white-tail deer, foxes, weasels, rabbits, squirrels, and skunks. More than 100 species of birds live in the forests, including falcons, hummingbirds, and sparrows.

An unusual species found in the park is the Axolotl. This is sometimes described as "the missing link" because it has legs like a salamander but gills like a fish.

Get in
The park is about 90 minutes by car south of Mexico City. There are a couple options that are about the same, but may be more convenient for you.

From Mexico City's Taxquena bus station, you can take a Pullman de Morelos bus to Tres Marias, then use a taxi to get the last few miles into the park. The fare should be about M$200.

From Mexico City's Observatorio bus station, you can take a Flecha Roja bus to Santa Martha, then use a taxi to get the last few miles into the park. The fare should be about M$200.

If you're in Cuernavaca, just take a taxi directly to the park. It's about a 20-minute ride and will cost you about M$160.