Description
Chapultepec Lake is a man‑made lake in the first section of Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest), near Chapultepec Castle and the zoo. The lake offers pedal boats, rowboats, and swan‑boats for rent. The surroundings are green, with trees, paths, and cafés/restaurants nearby, making it a popular spot to relax, people‑watch, take in nature, or see the city from the water. It’s very accessible by public transport or walking from central areas like Polanco or Condesa.
You don’t need to have any special skills; beginners, families, couples all use the lake. There are no major height limits, though children should be supervised. You’ll need to be able to board/down into small boats and paddle or row, depending on the boat type. Swimming isn’t involved. The lake is shallow in some parts (around 1‑2 meters), which helps with safety and comfort. Boats may require a valid ID to rent, especially for some of the swan or special pedal boats.
Rentals cost roughly between 60 and 120 Mexican Pesos per hour depending on boat size and type (for example 2‑person pedal or row boats). For a relaxing paddle you might spend about 30 to 60 minutes on the lake, though many visitors combine the lake ride with walking in the park, visiting the nearby museums or zoo, so plan for 2‑3 hours if doing several activities. Bring swimwear or just clothes that can get a bit wet, sunscreen, a towel, maybe insect repellent. Arriving early helps avoid crowds, especially at weekends, and don’t forget to check opening hours—some parts may close for maintenance (often the first section of the park is closed on Mondays).