A Guide To Cuajimalpa, Mexico City

Cuajimalpa
Louise
Louise 
Published
| 5 min read

Cuajimalpa or Cuajimalpa de Morelos is a vibrant borough in Mexico City. It is a highly urbanized metropolis that is home to various commercial establishments, exquisite dining spots, bustling recreational areas, and well-trafficked attractions. Additionally, you’ll find the Desierto de Los Leones on this side of the city. It is an enchanting national park with lots to offer. Aside from the stunning views, it has hiking trails and horseback riding sites. A 17th-century convent can also be found in the national park. If you are planning to visit any time soon, here is an in-depth guide to Cuajimalpa, Mexico City. Feel free to check it out and learn from it below.

Things to do / Highlights

Desierto de los leones
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rage against used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Mexico City is a charming highly urbanized and densely populated city. It is home to 16 vibrant boroughs, including Cuajimalpa de Morelos. If you plan to explore this side of the city in the near future, here are some things that you should not miss.

Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones

One of the most popular attractions you’ll find in Cuajimalpa is Parque Nacional Desierto de Los Leones. It is found between the boroughs of Cuajimalpa and Alvaro Obregon, in the western part of the city. This lovely national park covers 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres) of land, comprising a small fraction of Mexico Valley. It boasts, not only majestic forested areas and spectacular nature views, but also a fascinating 17th-century convent that is another sight to behold. More so, lots of people do not only come for the picturesque views but also to take the scenic hikes or go on a horseback riding adventure.

Parque La Mexicana

If you are not a fan of countryside vibes, there’s another spectacular park in Cuajimalpa that is ideal for you - Parque La Mexicana. It is a stunning urban park in the middle of the bustling concrete jungle. Its landscape is characterized by paved trails and water features, and towering skyscrapers serve as its backdrop. An oasis in the middle of the metropolis, Parque La Mexicana features lush forested areas that are a breath of fresh air. Sculptures adorn the entirety of the park, and it has a skate park, a site for cycling, a playground, and cardio trails. More so, it has a gourmet garden that offers lots of delicious culinary delights.

Iglesia de San Juan de Dios

Are you the type of tourist who likes city walks and visiting important landmarks while on vacation? If so, be sure to add Iglesia de San Juan de Dios to your well-planned itinerary. Situated in the historic center of the city, close to local businesses and superb restaurants, Iglesia de San Juan de Dios is a quintessential Catholic church that was built in the 18th century. Originally, the church was established to serve a hospital order, called Juanino Brothers. As time went by, Juanino Brothers was suppressed and the church opened its doors to the public.

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What to eat

Empanadas de carne
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Oskari Kettunen used under CC BY 2.0

Cuajimalpa has an overwhelming number of exquisite restaurants that are scattered across the area. Here are some of them:

Dante

Dante is an upscale steakhouse in Calle Edgar Allan Poe. It showcases a lovely modern rustic interior design with expansive windows that let in natural light. Aside from sumptuous steaks and barbecue specialties, this gastronomic destination serves palatable Argentinian, Spanish, and International cuisines. Its empanadas and quesadilla are some of Dante’s other blockbuster eats.

Nana

If your palate craves for French food, Nana is the best dining spot for you. It is a sophisticated restaurant in Calle Pased de Los Tamarindos. Its interiors speak classic Parisian elegance, with sleek furnishings and earth-toned hues. Nana’s is ideal for all types of guests as it has vegetarian and gluten-free options for people with stricter diets. Aside from mouthwatering French dishes, Nana’s is a go-to for seafood lovers.

Cabanna

Make the most of your food crawl in Cuajimalpa by swinging by Cabanna for some jaw-dropping tacos. It is located in Avenida Juan Salvador Aguaz, and it is popular among locals and tourists alike. It offers fantastic Latin and Mexican specialties that will surely make you cry happy tears. Aside from the food, you will fall in love with its colorful interiors and relaxing ambiance. Plus, there is a little play area in the restaurant where kids can play and enjoy.

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Things to buy

Mercado Artesanal
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jorge Akio Olvera... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Planning on going on a shopping spree in Cuajimalpa? Here are some shopping places you can check out.

Antara

Antara is an upscale scenic shopping mall in Cuajimalpa. It is a popular destination for people who like to treat themselves or their loved ones to luxurious stuff. Some of its retail stores include Tory Burch, Nike, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Adidas, Sephora, and a lot more. More so, this outdoor mall is also a delightful place to dine as it has numerous eateries that offer various culinary specialties.

Mercado de Artesanías de Coyoacán

If it’s souvenir shopping you’re after, Mercado de Artesanías de Coyoacán is the right place for you. It is a vibrant flea market with a multitude of arts and crafts products that will surely make you go over your budget. Everything is affordable here, and its offerings vary from garments to accessories to paintings, toys, and even delicacies. Plus, it is open every day of the week, so you can swing by any day you like.

Mercado de Artesanías la Ciudadela

Another fantastic souvenir shop you’ll find in Cuajimalpa is Mercado de Artesanías la Ciudadela. Aside from traditional souvenir items, you can buy home decor, bags, pieces of clothing, and accessories here. The best thing about Mercado de Artesanías la Ciudadela is most of its products are within affordable price brackets.

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Traveler tips

Casual wear
Source: Pixabay

Wear appropriate clothes

Cuajimalpa is a vast borough in Mexico City with diverse offerings, from parks to architectural wonders to bustling shopping districts and exceptional dining spots. If you want to experience everything it has to offer and you plan to explore it and immerse yourself in its culture, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and footwear that is ideal for city walks and sightseeing. Casual breathable clothes are the most ideal for hours under the sun, and a pair of comfy rubber shoes will surely come in handy.

Be mindful of your belongings

Just like any other city in the world, there are a few pickpockets in Cuajimalpa. To avoid being robbed and potentially ruin your whole Cuajimalpa vacation, be sure to carry only important items when touring the city, and always be mindful of your belongings.

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How to get there

Mexico City transport
Source: Pxfuel

Getting around Mexico City is a piece of cake. There are several options on how to get to Cuajimalpa when you get to the city.

By Subway

If you prefer an affordable transport method, you can take the subway to travel to Cuajimalpa. Line 1 passes through the borough, and you can find the station in Merced.

By Night bus

A night bus also operates in Mexico City. If you’re en route to Cuajimalpa, be sure to hop on a bus with a sign 76-A, 76-A-X, or 76-X. It snakes through the city from Paseo De La Reforma to Metro to Vasco De Quiroga to Sanborns

By taxi

Mexico City is heavily trafficked by cabs, which are convenient for tourists who have no idea of getting around the city.

Book an Uber

If you’re the type of traveler who relies heavily on tech, you’ll be delighted to know that Uber operates in Mexico City. You can book anywhere in the city and have a ride pick you up and drive you to Cuajimalpa, any time of the day.

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Cuajimalpa information

A Guide To Cuajimalpa, Mexico City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sarumo74 used under CC BY 3.0

Address: Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Official website: CDMX

Department of tourism: Visit Mexico

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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