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Photo: Lee Siebert (Smithsonian Institution), Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Hiking trails go up to the top of the dormant volcano and also lead through cool forests to a natural cave, an historic ranching areas, and other natural attractions in the park. The Xitle volcano erupted in 245 AD, destroying the Mesoamerican city of Cuicuilco and burying the entire area of what is today the Pedregal district of Mexico City under a thick layer of lava flow. The eruptions continued for 70 years until 315 AD. After Mexico City was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, settlers built many structures in Tlalpan and Pedregal using black volcanic stone cut from Xitle's hardened lava flow.
Xitle is a monogenetic volcano in the Ajusco range in Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. It is located in the Tlalpan borough in the southwestern part of Mexico City. It is an ash cone volcano with a conical form, round base, altitude of approximately 300m, and a slope between 30° and 40°.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Containing the highest peak in Mexico City (3,900 meters), the Ajusco National Park is a dense pine and oak forest that is home to small mammals, reptiles, and several dozen bird species. It covers an area of just under 1,000 hectares and natural mountain springs provide the source of the Lerma and the Balsas rivers. The park can be accessed by going South along the Picacho-Ajusco road from the Periférico. The road leads to a circuit where one can drive all the way around the mountain and towards the State of Mexico. It is a popular day trip for people from Mexico City. In the winter, there is often snow on the mountain and the circuit road may be closed when conditions are icy.
St. Andrew the Apostle Church
This parish church was built between 1770 and 1773, it was refurbished in 1965. The church attracts pilgrims who come to celebrate the feast of St. Andrew in November each year.
The largest amusement park in Mexico City. Roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and more.
Tlalpan Forest National Park
Large forested area with walking paths. 5km jogging path. Picnic areas available. Sunday flea market. No dogs, bicycles or scooters allowed.
A national forest (Natural Protected Area), it is a hilly forest 1 km west of the Centro Histórico. There are plenty of free courses and activities at the Casa de la Cultura (cultural centre). The impressive building facade was once located in the Condesa and was a pumping station used to bring water from Xochimilco to Mexico City.
Fuentes Brotantes National Park
Forested area with natural springs just across Insurgentes Sur from the Centro Histórico.