Jardín Hidalgo

The Jardín Hidalgo is the main gardened and tree-planted area of the Cuajimalpa esplanade. That’s the broad and relatively complicated series of plazas and walkways surrounding the alcaldía administrative buildings for the local government. The surrounding plaza borders the government buildings, the Cuajimalpa Cultural Center & Theater, and the Foro Pedro Infante. The Miguel Hidalgo Museum is here too. The garden is sometimes considered a part of, or a sort of “atrium” to the museum. In fact, it’s the former atrium of the San Pedro Apóstol Church.

With the broader esplanade, the garden will sometimes host public events, especially around the time of El Grito (September 15), and during the Christmas season. Sometimes the little park may seem even overun. But by and large, the garden is the peaceful refuge from the busy comings-and-goings. In some large measure, it’s the very center of civic life in this part of the City.

The famous Cuajimalpa market is just about a block to the south on the Avenida Veracruz. By the time one arrives to the the very center of San Pedro Cuajimalpa, one will be familiar with the area’s rugged landscape. You’ll want to be comfortable walking the many hilly street. It’s part of what makes a trip here so curious. It’s also part of why the level esplanade and the Jardín Hidalgo are such good places for a rest and a bit of reflection. The region’s long history harvesting wood and timber is apparent everywhere. Always colder than Mexico City proper, it’s a ruddy and windswept place and a treasured part of the City.