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Wondering what to do in Mexico City that isn’t in most tourist guides? Desierto de los Leones National Park is the most underrated place for picture perfect natural beauty, history, and great eats!

When people think of the parks and green areas of Mexico City, what usually comes to mind first is Chapultepec Park. While Chapultpec is on most tourist’s to-do list alongside other modern and ancient attractions, what usually is overlooked is Desierto de los Leones National Park. It is hands down my absolute favorite getaway located just outside the business district of Santa Fe, inside the limits of Mexico City (Cuajimalpa). A true sight of natural beauty and fresh air, it is a refreshing contrast to the bustling life of the millions that engulf the megalopolis every day.

It was appointed Mexico’s first ever national park in 1917 and rightly so with it’s many mile span of oaks, firs and pines. Desierto de los Leones translates to “Lion Desert” but is neither a desert nor related to Lions! The park is elevated at an even higher altitude than the majority of the metro area, making the temperatures always colder and damper than the surrounding areas. The chilly drop in temperature, combined with the plethora of living trees, makes the air incredibly refreshing to breathe in and savor.