Chapultepec Lake

Chapultepec Lake is one of several bodies of water in the park. The namesake lake was built in the late 19th century over what had been a mining site. It’s technically the Lago Menor, that is the smaller lake. Lago Mayor is in the second section of the park and is far less visited. The Casa del Lago was constructed at the same time as the lake, and remains a popular spot for events, as well as a very active culture and arts center.

Shallow with an average depth of a little over one meter, the lake is understandably one of the park’s premier attractions.

In 2006, a 15 meter crack was found and the lake was temporarily closed and drained. At the same time an overpopulation of carp and tilapia was remedied and researchers were surprised to find axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). An endangered salamander endemic to Xochimilco, the population was a boon to preservation efforts.

You can arrive to the lake easily from Paseo de la Reforma or, perhaps easier still, from Metro Chapultepec. The lake is popular for its paddleboats and for feeding the ducks. Nearly year round, it’s one of the central attractions in the park.