How about a refreshing escape right in the heart of Mexico City? This is Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan. It is one of the city’s precious green lungs.
Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan spans 252 hectares. It sits south of the city near the Perisur shopping center. Imagine this area once belonged to Fábricas de Papel Loreto y Peña Pobre S.A. The Mexico City government acquired it in 1968. It was used as a park and zoological area until 1988.
Designated as a protected natural area in 1997, Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan boasts significant biological importance. It actively captures carbon. It also helps in water infiltration. Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan controls erosion and conserves native flora and fauna within the San Ángel ecological reserve.
Interestingly, the area once connected to the Xitle volcano and Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan also holds cultural significance. It features an archaeological zone from the pre-Hispanic Cuicuilca culture. A circular pyramid stands as a testament to this civilization. The Cuicuilcas helped form the roots of all pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico. They stood alongside Calakmul, Teotihuacan and Xochicalco.
Within Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan, you can discover around 206 plant species. Some are under protection. These include colorín, fresno, palmita and an orchid species. There are also 134 recorded fauna species. Keep an eye out for the cincuate, gavilán pechirrufo and the rattlesnake.
Since 2007, Fundación Lince has provided environmental education. They conduct tours and guided visits in Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan. They host summer courses and school visits. These programs educate children about the importance of forests. They teach about deforestation and global warming. They also cover biodiversity and endangered animals.
Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan has been a key space for conserving native flora and fauna. It is a refuge for runners and cyclists. Families can enjoy nature here. Reforestation efforts continue to combat urbanization.
The forest’s history dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It was part of the ecosystem surrounding the Valley of Mexico. Later, it served for agriculture and livestock during the viceroyalty. Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan then became a recreational area.
Today, Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan offers jogging tracks, playgrounds and picnic areas. You can enjoy sports, recreation and ecological activities. On Sundays, visit the organic market. It features local products. Área Natural Protegida Bosque de Tlalpan is a vibrant natural area. It is perfect for those seeking an escape in an urban environment.