Cerro de la Estrella National Park

Cerro de la Estrella Overview

Cerro de la Estrella National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Cerro de la Estrella, is a significant natural and cultural landmark situated in the eastern part of Mexico City, within the borough of Iztapalapa.

The park encompasses the Cerro de la Estrella mountain, which rises to an elevation of 2,460 meters (8,070 feet) above sea level, standing approximately 224 meters (735 feet) above the surrounding cityscape. Originally established in 1938 with an area of about 1,100 hectares (4.25 square miles), urban expansion has since reduced the park’s size to less than 200 hectares (0.77 square miles).

The terrain of the park is dominated by the volcanic Cerro de la Estrella, also known by its Nahuatl name, Huizachtepetl, meaning “mountain of thorns.” This mountain is part of the Sierra de Santa Catarina range and features numerous small caves formed by ancient volcanic activity.

The park’s landscape offers a mix of natural and archaeological attractions, including the remnants of pre-Hispanic structures and petroglyphs. The vegetation primarily consists of reforested species such as eucalyptus, Pinus patula (a type of pine), and white cedar, as the original flora has been largely replaced due to urbanization and deforestation.

Wildlife within the park has also been affected by urban encroachment. The original fauna has largely disappeared, with current inhabitants mainly comprising small mammals like rodents and squirrels.

Bird species observed in the area include the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) and the Inca Dove (Columbina inca). Efforts are ongoing to preserve and study the existing biodiversity within this urban natural reserve.

A prominent feature of the park is the archaeological zone near the summit of Cerro de la Estrella. This area includes the remains of a pyramid temple associated with the ancient New Fire Ceremony, a significant ritual performed by the Aztecs every 52 years to mark the end of a calendar cycle.

The last known ceremony took place in 1507. Visitors can explore these historical structures and learn about their cultural importance at the Museo del Fuego Nuevo, located within the park. The museum offers insights into the site’s history and the ceremonial practices that once took place there.

Visitors to Cerro de la Estrella National Park can engage in various recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring the archaeological sites. The park provides picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, and a lookout point offering panoramic views of Mexico City.

Trails leading to the pyramid and other points of interest have been restored to enhance the visitor experience. The park is accessible via public transportation, with nearby Metro stations including Cerro de la Estrella and Iztapalapa.

Despite its cultural and historical significance, the park faces conservation challenges. Urban sprawl has led to illegal settlements, agricultural activities, and deforestation, reducing the park’s original size and threatening its archaeological treasures.

Efforts to protect the area have included constructing perimeter walls to prevent further encroachment and implementing reforestation projects. In recent years, initiatives have focused on restoring native vegetation, improving infrastructure, and promoting environmental education to preserve this vital green space within the metropolis.

Cerro de la Estrella National Park stands as a testament to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of historical significance and recreational opportunities, making it a valuable asset for both locals and visitors seeking to connect with the region’s past and natural environment.

Park Map

Cerro de la Estrella National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Despite its location within Mexico City, Cerro de la Estrella National Park provides a refuge for many bird species, particularly those adapted to dry forests and urban edges.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
A common raptor in the park, the red-tailed hawk soars high above, scanning for rodents, reptiles, and small birds to hunt.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The smallest falcon in North America, the American kestrel is often seen perching on trees and utility poles, hunting insects and small vertebrates.

White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis)
A small hummingbird with a bright white stripe behind its eye, this species flits among flowering plants, feeding on nectar.

Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
Easily recognized by its long, curved beak, this bird forages through leaf litter and soil in search of insects and seeds.

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
A small songbird with a reddish head and chest, the house finch is a common sight in open areas and along the park’s edges.

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

Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
This small finch, with its bright yellow plumage, is frequently seen flitting through the trees in search of seeds and small insects.

Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
Adapted to arid environments, the cactus wren builds its nests in shrubs and cacti, feeding on insects and small fruits.

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)
A striking blue songbird with a stout beak, the blue grosbeak is often found near shrubs and open woodland areas within the park.

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 in the park.

Cerro de la Estrella National Park, located in the southeastern part of Mexico City, is a protected green space within an urban environment. Despite its proximity to the city, the park’s forests, scrublands, and rocky hills provide a habitat for a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that have adapted to the region’s dry and temperate climate.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
A highly adaptable predator, the coyote thrives in the park’s open areas and forests. It primarily hunts small mammals and birds but can also scavenge for food.

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small and agile fox is a nocturnal hunter that feeds on rodents, insects, and fruits. It is one of the few fox species capable of climbing trees.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A burrowing mammal covered in tough, protective armor, the nine-banded armadillo forages at night for insects and larvae hidden beneath the soil.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
This small rabbit is commonly found in the park’s scrublands and grassy areas, where it feeds on vegetation and provides prey for local predators.

Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
The only marsupial in North America, the opossum is a nocturnal scavenger that feeds on fruits, small animals, and carrion. It plays a vital role in controlling insect populations.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A secretive, raccoon-like mammal with a long, striped tail, the ring-tailed cat is a skilled climber that hunts for insects, rodents, and small birds at night.

Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)
A medium-sized lizard with rough, spiny scales, this species thrives in the park’s rocky areas and is often seen basking in the sun.

Mexican Plateau Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare)
Well-camouflaged and slow-moving, this horned lizard primarily feeds on ants. It has a unique defense mechanism of squirting blood from its eyes when threatened.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous but reclusive snake, the black-tailed rattlesnake is an important predator in the park, helping to control rodent populations.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A species of salamander found in small water sources, this amphibian is an indicator of the park’s water quality and plays a role in local aquatic ecosystems.