If you’re on vacation in Mexico City, we recommend setting aside a day to explore La Marquesa or Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Insurgent Park.

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Insurgent Park

To visit this famous natural area, you’ll have to travel to the Cuajimalpa de Morelos municipality. This park, covering more than 1,700 hectares, is made up of five valleys that you’ll definitely want to visit. These are the Rabbit Valley, the Salazar Valley, the Nuns’ Valley, the Silence Valley, and the Friendship Valley.

It is home to more than 300 different species of flora and fauna thanks to its lush trees, lakes, and enviable climate, which make such a diverse ecosystem possible. La Marquesa is part of the Important Bird Area and became a National Park in 1936.

History The Marchioness

The official name given to this park is due to the battle that took place in the territory, called the Battle of Monte de las Cruces, where Miguel Hidalgo’s men defeated those of Torcuato de Trujillo’s army of New Spain.

Later, after the Spanish conquest, the area became the property of Hernán Cortés. He granted his daughter ownership of the land to establish a hacienda, which would become known as Las Cruces or La Marquesa. During the Mexican Revolution, the towns in the area disappeared. Finally, in 1936, a decree was signed establishing the more than 1,700 surrounding hectares as a national park.

La Marquesa, schedules and prices

The national park’s opening hours are Monday through Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although restaurants, bars, and businesses may have different hours. The fee is 25 pesos per car, which is used for the maintenance and restoration of various areas of the park. You’ll also find restrooms, parking, and various services within the park.

What to do in La Marquesa Park

• Horseback riding
• Party and events area
• Picnic
• Restaurants
• Hiking
• Children’s area
• Sports fields

The best outdoor activities imaginable await you at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Insurgent Park. First, we recommend a horseback ride, a pleasant adventure that also allows you to admire the scenery.

If you want to celebrate a birthday or simply enjoy some quality family time, you can do so in the national park, as there are designated areas for celebrations and events.

Although there are restaurants and shops on-site where you can buy food, you can also bring your own food and drinks to organize a picnic.

For those who enjoy walking, there are several hiking trails. These will give you firsthand access to all the areas of La Marquesa, as well as the opportunity to take photographs.

Sports enthusiasts will love the various sports fields available on the grounds. If you’re taking your children to La Marquesa, they’re sure to enjoy the play area designed for the little ones.