Iztapalapa Parks

Iztapalapa is widely understood as the most densely populated area of Mexico City. It's not as famous as a place for recreation, trees and sports fields.

But Iztapalapa, uninterruptedly inhabited since the 8th century, grew in the shadow of the Cerro de la Estrella. A 60-million-year-old monogenetic volcano, it was declared a National Park way back in 1938. It's been a center of religious and ceremonial veneration since time immemorial.

Practically the entire southwestern border (with Coyoacán) is today a giant chain of parks. These make up the increasingly important area of the old National Canal. On both sides of the canal, today cleaned and rehabilitated, there are areas for recreation, sports, and more.

Of course, the southern border of the municipality extends along a chain of volcanoes: the Sierra de Santa Catarina. Although much of the area is imposing and, frankly, too rugged even for hiking, it's an extraordinary protected area. From line 2 of the Cablebús one gets the perfect view.

Like the public markets and the original settlements, the Parks of Iztapalapa are among Mexico City's most important, and the fastest growing. And they're supplemented by the magnificent Utopia community, sports, and cultural centers.