El Tepeyac National Park

El Tepeyac Overview

El Tepeyac National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional El Tepeyac, is a protected natural area located in the northern part of Mexico City, primarily within the Gustavo A. Madero borough, with a small portion extending into the municipality of Tlalnepantla de Baz in the State of Mexico.

Established on February 18, 1937, the park originally covered approximately 5.8 square miles (15 square kilometers). It serves as one of the few green spaces in the northern suburbs of Mexico City, offering a natural retreat amidst the urban landscape.

The park encompasses several notable elevations, including the Tepeyac Hill (Cerro del Tepeyac), Cerro de Guerrero, and Cerro de Santa Isabel, all part of the eastern Sierra de Guadalupe mountain range. These hills, composed mainly of volcanic soil, rise to elevations between 8,038 and 8,202 feet (2,450 and 2,500 meters) above sea level.

The terrain features igneous rocks, tuffs, and basaltic andesite formations. The soil, primarily eutric regosols, is fertile yet prone to erosion with low moisture retention. The climate is temperate semi-dry, with most rainfall occurring during the summer months. From the summit of Tepeyac Hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Valley of Mexico. Historically, the area was bordered by Lakes Texcoco and Zumpango, but today, no significant water bodies exist within the park.

The park’s flora is dominated by eucalyptus trees, a result of reforestation efforts in the early 20th century aimed at restoring vegetation and preventing soil erosion. Other tree species present include cedar, oak, and various pines such as radiata and patula. In smaller areas, grasslands and xerophilous scrub with species like zaluzanias and opuntias thrive, particularly in the more arid northern sections.

The fauna has diminished over time, with current wildlife primarily consisting of small rodents and species introduced by nearby residents, such as domestic dogs and cats. Historically, the area supported a more diverse range of wildlife, but urban encroachment and habitat loss have significantly impacted native species.

A prominent feature within the park is the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located at the base of Tepeyac Hill. This site holds profound religious significance, as it is believed to be the location where the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to the indigenous Juan Diego in 1531.

Today, the basilica is one of the most visited religious sites globally, attracting millions of pilgrims annually, especially on December 12th, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The park also offers facilities such as kiosks, playgrounds, picnic areas with grills, and a small shelter, making it a popular destination for family outings and recreational activities.

Visitors to El Tepeyac National Park can engage in various activities, including hiking, walking, and cycling along its numerous trails. The park’s natural beauty and historical landmarks provide a serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual reflection.

The main entrance is accessible via Insurgentes Avenue, passing through the town of Santa Isabel Tola. Despite its urban surroundings, the park offers a respite from city life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and explore significant cultural sites.

However, the park faces several conservation challenges. Urban sprawl has led to illegal settlements within its boundaries, resulting in deforestation and habitat degradation. Vandalism, waste accumulation, and forest fires further threaten the park’s ecological balance.

Efforts by local and federal authorities aim to address these issues through reforestation programs, waste management initiatives, and increased surveillance to protect and preserve this vital green space for future generations.

Park Map

El Tepeyac National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

El Tepeyac National Park’s dry forests, rocky outcrops, and urban-adjacent location provide a refuge for various bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and ground-dwelling birds.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
A large and powerful raptor, the red-tailed hawk is often seen soaring above the park, hunting for rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The smallest falcon in North America, the American kestrel is a skilled hunter that preys on insects, small mammals, and birds.

Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
A medium-sized bird with a long, curved beak, the curve-billed thrasher forages in the park’s dry landscapes, searching for insects and seeds.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
A large dove species commonly seen in trees and open areas, the white-winged dove feeds on seeds and fruits.

Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
A desert-adapted bird, the cactus wren builds its nests in cacti and shrubs while foraging for insects and small fruits.

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
A small, reddish songbird frequently found in open areas and along the park’s trails, the house finch feeds on seeds and berries.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
A powerful nocturnal predator, the great horned owl hunts rodents, rabbits, and small birds, using its sharp talons and excellent night vision.

Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
This small finch, with its bright yellow plumage, flits among trees and shrubs in search of seeds and small insects.

Inca Dove (Columbina inca)
A small, ground-dwelling dove with scaly-patterned feathers, the Inca dove is commonly seen foraging for seeds along pathways and open spaces.

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)
A striking blue songbird, the blue grosbeak is often found near shrubs and woodland edges, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

El Tepeyac National Park, located in the northern part of Mexico City, is a protected area known for its dry forests, rocky hills, and urban green spaces. Despite being surrounded by one of the world’s largest cities, the park provides a habitat for a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that have adapted to the semi-arid environment and urban pressures.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
A highly adaptable predator, the coyote roams the park’s open spaces and wooded areas, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small, omnivorous fox is a nocturnal hunter that feeds on insects, rodents, fruits, and small vertebrates. It thrives in the park’s dry forests and rocky terrain.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A burrowing mammal with tough armor, the nine-banded armadillo is mostly nocturnal and digs in the soil for insects and larvae.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Although not as common as in larger forested parks, white-tailed deer can still be found grazing on vegetation in more secluded areas of El Tepeyac.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
A common sight in the park’s grassy areas, this rabbit is an essential prey species for predators like hawks and foxes.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal, raccoon-like mammal, the ring-tailed cat is an expert climber that hunts for insects, rodents, and small birds in the park’s rocky cliffs and forests.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)
Adapted to dry environments, this hare uses its large ears to regulate body temperature and relies on speed to escape predators.

Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)
A medium-sized lizard that thrives in the park’s rocky terrain, the desert spiny lizard feeds on insects and small invertebrates while basking in the sun.

Mexican Plateau Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare)
Well-camouflaged and slow-moving, this horned lizard primarily feeds on ants and can squirt blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous snake that blends well into the rocky landscape, the black-tailed rattlesnake preys on small mammals and birds.