Lagunas de Zempoala National Park

Lagunas de Zempoala Overview

Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, known in Spanish as Parque Nacional Lagunas de Zempoala, is a protected natural area located in central Mexico, spanning the states of Morelos and Mexico.

The park covers approximately 13.73 square miles (35.5 square kilometers) and is situated at an altitude ranging from 2,800 to 3,600 meters above sea level. The name “Zempoala” originates from the Nahuatl language and means “place of many lakes,” a fitting description for a park distinguished by its seven interconnected lagoons—Zempoala, Tonatihua, Seca, Prieta, Ocoyotl, Hueyapan, and Quila. These bodies of water, set within a mountainous landscape, are among the park’s defining features, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

The park’s terrain consists of dense forests, rolling hills, and volcanic formations, shaped by the geologic activity of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Towering pine, oak, and fir trees dominate the vegetation, forming an essential part of the region’s ecosystem.

The thick forests provide a lush, green canopy, which contrasts beautifully with the blue-green hues of the lakes. During the rainy season, the park becomes particularly vibrant, with mist often settling over the water, adding to its mystical allure.

In drier months, some of the lagoons shrink in size, emphasizing the seasonal changes that affect the park’s hydrology. The region’s high-altitude climate results in cool temperatures year-round, with occasional frost and even snowfall in winter.

Lagunas de Zempoala is home to a diverse array of wildlife, benefiting from its well-preserved forested environment. Among the notable mammals found in the park are white-tailed deer, bobcats, and coyotes, while smaller species such as squirrels and rabbits are frequently spotted.

The presence of a variety of birds makes it an attractive location for birdwatching, with species including hawks, owls, and woodpeckers. The park also serves as a seasonal refuge for migratory birds, which rely on the lakes as a temporary habitat. Amphibians and reptiles, including salamanders and small lizards, are also present in the ecosystem, further contributing to the park’s biodiversity.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is its namesake lagoons, where visitors can enjoy the tranquil scenery and engage in water-based activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding. Hiking trails meander through the forests, offering opportunities to explore the park’s landscapes on foot while encountering scenic viewpoints and diverse flora.

Horseback riding is another favored activity, allowing visitors to experience the park in a traditional and leisurely manner. The park is also well-known for its camping areas, where visitors can spend the night immersed in nature under clear, star-filled skies. The combination of water, mountains, and forests makes Lagunas de Zempoala an inviting destination for both adventure seekers and those looking for peaceful relaxation.

Despite its protected status, the park faces challenges related to conservation, including deforestation, illegal hunting, and pollution from tourism. Conservation efforts have focused on reforestation projects and environmental education to encourage sustainable visitor practices.

Local communities and conservation organizations work together to maintain the park’s ecological balance while promoting responsible tourism. The park’s accessibility from Mexico City and Cuernavaca makes it a popular escape for city dwellers, but its proximity to urban areas also requires ongoing management efforts to prevent habitat degradation.

Overall, Lagunas de Zempoala National Park remains a treasured natural sanctuary, offering a blend of scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and outdoor recreation while highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.

Park Map

Lagunas de Zempoala National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s mix of pine-oak forests, high-altitude wetlands, and open meadows creates an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars over cliffs and open landscapes, hunting small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare nocturnal predator, the Mexican spotted owl thrives in the park’s dense forests, preying on small mammals and birds.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A highly social woodpecker, the acorn woodpecker is known for storing acorns in tree trunks and is commonly found in the park’s forests.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
This striking blue-and-black bird is known for its intelligence and raucous calls. It is commonly seen scavenging and foraging in the park’s forests.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
With its emerald green back and red belly, the mountain trogon prefers the park’s dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
A vital scavenger in the park, the turkey vulture soars high on thermal currents, using its keen sense of smell to locate carrion.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and rocky outcrops, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air with precision.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
A small but striking bird, the western bluebird features bright blue plumage and a rusty-red chest. It thrives in the park’s open meadows and forest edges.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor, the broad-winged hawk is seen soaring above the park during seasonal migrations, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, located in the states of Morelos and Mexico, is a high-altitude protected area known for its interconnected lagoons, pine-oak forests, and mountainous terrain. The park’s cool, humid environment provides a home for a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians adapted to montane ecosystems.

Mexican Gray Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi)
Although extremely rare in the wild, conservation efforts aim to restore populations of the Mexican gray wolf, a top predator that once roamed the region.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
An apex predator in the park, the elusive cougar hunts deer, peccaries, and smaller mammals, helping to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
Highly adaptable, the coyote thrives in the park’s forests and open areas, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, playing an essential role in the local food chain.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These pig-like mammals move in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, contributing to seed dispersal.

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

Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
Often seen on rocky outcrops and forest floors, this ground squirrel collects seeds and berries, helping with forest regeneration.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A large, non-venomous constrictor, the Mexican pine snake is important for rodent population control and thrives in the park’s wooded and rocky habitats.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous but reclusive species, the black-tailed rattlesnake blends into the rocky terrain and preys on small mammals and reptiles.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A high-altitude salamander found in the park’s streams and ponds, this species serves as an important indicator of water quality and ecosystem health.