Los Remedios National Park

Los Remedios Overview

Los Remedios National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Los Remedios, is a protected area located in the far west of Naucalpan municipality in the State of Mexico, just northwest of Mexico City.

Established by federal decree in 1938, the park originally encompassed 400 hectares (approximately 990 acres). However, due to urban encroachment, its current area has been significantly reduced to less than 100 hectares.

The park’s terrain is characterized by the prominent Cerro Moctezuma, a mountain that holds historical significance as an Aztec observatory and is believed to be the resting place of Hernán Cortés and his men after their retreat from Tenochtitlan.

The landscape features a mix of clastic and volcanic rocks, with a dark, nutrient-rich soil layer supporting diverse vegetation. The climate is semi-arid with summer rains, an average annual temperature of 18°C, and annual precipitation ranging between 600 and 800 mm.

Vegetation in Los Remedios National Park includes species such as eucalyptus, white cedar, pine, ash, tepozán blanco, capulín, and grasslands. The park is home to various mammals like the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) and the red-bellied squirrel (Sciurus aureogaster).

Bird species include the long-tailed dove (Columbina inca), berylline hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina), broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris), vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), and black-backed oriole (Icterus abeillei). Reptiles such as terrestrial garter snakes (Thamnophis spp.) and spiny lizards (Sceloporus spp.), as well as amphibians like the canyon tree frog (Hyla arenicolor), also inhabit the area.

A notable feature within the park is the colonial-era aqueduct, constructed in stages beginning in 1616 under Viceroy Diego Fernández de Córdoba. The aqueduct spans 500 meters with fifty arches, each standing 16 meters high and extending 1.7 meters into the ground.

Initially designed to transport water from a spring in San Francisco Chimalpa to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Los Remedios and nearby villages, the aqueduct now serves as an architectural monument.

Visitors to Los Remedios National Park can engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching along well-maintained trails. The park’s rich biodiversity and historical landmarks offer a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Despite its attractions, the park faces significant conservation challenges. Over the past decades, illegal settlements and authorized urban developments have encroached upon the park’s territory, reducing its original size by approximately 75%.

This urban pressure has led to deforestation and habitat loss, threatening the park’s ecological balance. Efforts by federal and local authorities to address these issues have been limited, and the park currently lacks a comprehensive conservation and management plan.

Los Remedios National Park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, providing visitors with opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems and cultural landmarks. However, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to preserve this valuable natural and historical resource for future generations.

Park Map

Los Remedios National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Los Remedios National Park, located in the State of Mexico, is a protected natural area known for its rolling hills, dry forests, and riparian zones. Situated near an urban area, it serves as an important green space for wildlife, supporting a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that have adapted to its semi-arid environment.

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

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small, omnivorous fox is nocturnal and feeds on a mix of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, thriving 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 abundant as in larger forested areas, white-tailed deer are sometimes seen grazing on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves in the park’s quieter zones.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
A frequent sight in the park’s grassy clearings, this rabbit serves as an essential prey species for predators such as hawks and foxes.

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

Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)
Well-adapted to dry environments, this hare regulates its body temperature using its large ears and relies on speed to evade predators.

Mexican Plateau Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques megalops)
A non-venomous, semi-aquatic snake, the Mexican plateau garter snake thrives near the park’s water sources, preying on amphibians and small fish.

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

Mexican Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
A fast-moving lizard, the Mexican spiny-tailed iguana is often seen basking in sunny areas and feeding on plants and small insects.

Birds

Los Remedios National Park’s dry forests, rocky hills, and riparian zones provide a safe haven for various bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and ground-dwelling birds.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
A powerful raptor, the red-tailed hawk is often seen soaring over 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 songbird 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, is often seen feeding on seeds in the park’s trees and shrubs.

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.