Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City (must see)

Chapultepec, also called Chapultepec Forest (Bosque de Chapultepec), is one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere, covering over 686 hectares (1,695 acres). It's an ecological sanctuary in Greater Mexico City, known as the city's primary "lungs," with historical significance dating back to the Pre-Columbian era. The park houses Chapultepec Hill and Chapultepec Castle, which was the official residence of Mexican heads of state until 1940 when it was moved to Los Pinos within the park.

Chapultepec Park is one of the world's largest urban parks, along with Central Park in New York City, Bois de Boulogne in Paris, and the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. Its name comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning "at the grasshopper hill." Originally a sacred forest outside Tenochtitlan, it is now surrounded by the city and divided into three sections. The park features museums, amusement parks, pathways, sculptures, lakes, and fountains. Paseo de la Reforma cuts through a part of its northern side.

Chapultepec Park is an essential part of the city's ecological health. It replenishes oxygen, recharges aquifers, and helps mitigate the "heat-island" effect. The park is a sanctuary for migratory birds and supports various native species. It is also home to endangered species and has a diverse range of flora, including Montezuma cypress trees.

Chapultepec Park holds immense cultural, historical, and recreational value. It features archaeological treasures dating back to the Toltecs, including ruins from pre-Columbian to colonial times. Among them are the remarkable Baths of Moctezuma, an intricate system built by the Aztecs. The park and Chapultepec Castle atop the hill are recognized as a Mexican heritage site by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia. They were also proposed for consideration as a World Heritage Site in 2001.

With an estimated 15 million annual visitors and over 250,000 daily visits, Chapultepec Park is a beloved destination. Sundays are particularly popular, as museums offer free entry, allowing visitors to spend the entire day exploring various sections, enjoying picnics, or having barbecues.