Viveros de Coyoacán
The Ultimate Arboretum Breathing Life into Mexico City
Mexico City is filled with parks and manicured public spaces. First time visitors are sometimes shocked at how incredibly green the city is, but efforts have escalated over the years to increase the number of parks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, green urban areas, offer more walking and biking options and to preserve native animal species. Viveros de Coyoacán contributes to those efforts and improves the urban experience of this incredibly massive city. Read on and find out why.
Cactus Garden, entrance to the Garden Center (Exposición Permanente de Floricultura y Viverismo)
I’m a Pisces ruled by Jupiter who loves to combine things in a useful, cohesive way. I love a library that doubles as a community center or a mode of transportation that doubles as a tourist attraction. Viveros de Coyoacán is an arboretum that produces trees to green up the surrounding city…but is also a park. It’s a green space that breathes life into the public, private, municipality and organizational spaces that surround it for miles and miles.
Labeled Pine trees
Zona Arida (Dry Zone)
A tree hugger and herbalist’s dream, the pathways are labeled with the names of the trees that are propagated in that area. Dead or downed trees are recycled, carved into interesting sculptures and displayed throughout the park.
This skeleton seems to guard the Pollination Garden
A BIT OF HISTORY
Donated in 1901, it became a national park in 1938. By propagating trees here instead of purchasing and importing them, it enabled the government to save huge sums of money and in turn, able to green up and supply forestation for the entire metropolitan district.
Jardín Biocultural
WHY IS VIVEROS UNIQUE?
What’s so incredibly special about Viveros de Coyoacán is that its mere purpose so closely mimics the hearts of its citizens. As you stroll through the park, you will encounter at least one of the propagation areas. Let it serve as a reminder that the space is not simply for recreation, but to enhance the lives of all humans and animal species that the city hosts. Engineer Miguel Angel de Quevedo, who donated the space, devoted his life to reforestation, earning him the nickname “Apostle of the Tree ”. Miguel was an activist, defender of wildlife and in his lifetime drastically increased the number of public parks in Mexico City.
Pollination Garden ground talisman
Pollination Garden’s eclectic features
PARK USAGE
In addition to fostering a sense of community, Viveros de Coyoacán also promotes environmental awareness. Throughout the year, the park hosts events and activities from guided nature walks to horticultural workshops, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and festivals to promote community cohesion and celebrate the arts. There are several incredible gardens on-site including Zona Arida (or the Dry Zone, which is a cactus garden), Jardín Biocultural, a teaching garden, and an eclectic ornamental pollination garden, where you will see sculptures, hummingbirds, butterflies, squirrels and even ritualistic talismans in the ground.
Connected to the park is a substantial garden center to purchase plants and accessories for your own garden. Be prepared to be tempted by the variety of plant specimens and adorable pots, and bring cash in case the vendor does not accept cards.
Vendor’s booth in the Garden Center
Garden Center’s flower pot shop
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE GREEN SPACES
The importance of green spaces like Viveros de Coyoacán cannot be overstated. Our responsibility to protect and preserve the environment is fundamentally impacted by these pockets of nature in the face of urbanization and the ever-expanding concrete jungle. The Viveros de Coyoacán project is a model of harmony between urbanization and nature serves as our beacon of hope.
Fallen or dead trees are recycled as sculptures throughout the park
Propagation area
THE ZEN FACTOR
Need a place in the city to meditate and unwind? Viveros de Coyoacán can serve as your sanctuary providing a much-needed escape from the fast-paced urban life. Its serene ambiance and abundant greenery creates a soothing atmosphere that rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit. Utilize the park's winding trails to reconnect with your spiritual side, breathe in the fresh scent of pine and earth, and let the gentle rustling of leaves wash away your worries. The park's tranquil environment offers a respite from the noise and stresses of daily life, allowing you to connect with nature and find inner peace.
Pathways are named for the trees that the section hosts.
BE SURE TO VISIT
When you find yourself in Mexico City, be sure to carve out time to visit Viveros de Coyoacán. Allow yourself to be captivated by its beauty, inspired by its history, and transformed by its serenity.
The pathways at Viveros de Coyoacán are serene, quiet and reflective.
ADDRESS AND HOURS:
Viveros de Coyoacán
Del Carmen, 04100 Mexico City, CDMX
Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm
Free admission
Dogs are not allowed
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