Mexico City truly has plenty to offer to every type of traveler, even an avid runner. The city gets a bad rap for its pollution, but Mexico’s capital city is full of parks and plazas that are perfect for a jog.
It’s important for runners to remember that Mexico City is 2,250 meters above sea level and the altitude may affect your stamina. Pollution has been reduced in recent years, but smog is still an element that runners should keep in mind. As long as you consider these two factors, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy one of many scenic runs through Mexico City.
Here are a few ideas of where to run beyond the hotel gym during your trip to Mexico City:
Bosque de Chapultepec
One of the largest public parks in Latin America at more than 1,600 acres, Chapultepec Park sets a pristine backdrop for a morning run. A 5-kilometer-loop known as El Sope is a favorite of the city’s runners. But there are many different corners of the park to explore. Loop around one of the park’s lakes or end your run at the 18th-century castle, one of the park’s main attractions.
Paseo de la Reforma
The iconic Angel of Independence is on most tourist’s sightseeing lists and it can also be a part of your morning running routine. Sundays are great for a run or bike ride down Paseo de la Reforma, because the street is roped off for pedestrians, runners and bikers. During the week, early mornings are best for this route before the pollution and chaos of the city kicks in. Avoid evenings from around 6 to 7 p.m. when most office workers will be getting off. Streets will be crowded and your tranquil run could be ruined by the honking of frustrated drivers stuck in Mexico City’s infamous traffic.
Parque México
This centrally located park in the city’s hipster Condesa neighborhood provides a scenic run without having to wander too far outside the city’s centric zone. This is undoubtedly an urban park, where you won’t forget that you are in the middle of a bustling city. Parque Mexico is often full of life, with a playground and dog park that are often packed, particularly on the weekends. Take a few laps around the 1-km circle surrounding the park to start your day off right.
Bosque de Tlalpan
This park in the south of the city is runner-friendly, with five different tracks for joggers to follow. It provides a tranquil escape from the city, where you can enjoy a run removed from the traffic and bustle among shade trees. You’ll even pass by a zoo. Keep in mind that evening runs aren’t possible here. The park is only open from 5 a.m to 5 p.m.
Cuemanco Canal
This can be a great run to combine with a boat ride in Xochimilco, the famous floating gardens in the south of the city. Otherwise, this route is a bit far away for tourists staying in the city’s more centric zones. But it’s worth the trip so you’ll be able to run alongside a piece of Olympic history. The 5-km loop traces the route of the same canals where Olympic rowers competed during the 1968 Olympics hosted in Mexico City.
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