What is there in the former convent of the Desert of the Lions?

Just a few minutes from the chaos of the city you find the silence and peace of a dream place, do not miss this post “What is there in the former convent of the Desert of the Lions?”, with all the info to know where you can find it…

Chosen as an advertising spot by many famous brands and also by brides and quinceañeras to portray their celebration, the beauty of the Desierto de los Leones National Park is indisputable.

The place was declared a forest reserve in 1876 and some time later it was crowned as the first National Park of Mexico City, a distinction granted by Venustiano Carranza in 1917.

In the park you will find 1860 hectares of forest that surround the former Holy Desert Convent of Our Lady of Carmen de los Montes de Santa Fe, an architectural work from 1611, rebuilt in 1705 that belonged to the Order of the Barefoot Carmelites, who created a convent spiritual retreat on the outskirts of the city.

Today it is a site that receives many visitors who come to enjoy a day in contact with nature.

How to get to the Desert of the Lions National Park?

The Desert of the Lions is located 30 km from the Zócalo of Mexico City, in Cuajimalpa de Morelos, La Venta.

The best way to get to the park is by car; One of the most recommended routes is the Mexico – Toluca highway and take the exit to Acopilco, a few meters further on, take the return to the left and after a few kilometers on the Toluca – Mexico highway, you will find the entrance sign to the park.

Once you take the deviation, the entire Desert of the Lions road offers a unique landscape with forests on both sides and you go up until you reach Santa Rosa de Xochiac.

It is important to keep in mind that the route that crosses the Desierto de los Leones has a schedule for entry, there is a pen that controls access.

What is the cost of admission and what hours is Parque Desierto de los Leones open?

The Desert of the Lions Park is open from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., an ideal time to go very early and enjoy the charms that nature offers in this place.

Admission to the Ex Convento is $35 and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is in the Desert of the Lions?

activities

Walking through the park before the convent is fascinating, the enormous size of the trees make it an imposing forest, you can also find some shops in the La Venta area.

In the former convent of the Carmelitas Descalzos, you can take a tour of the facilities and it is a good idea to hire a guided tour that will make you travel back in time and learn much more about what you experienced there.

Inside the former convent you will find a large church but without luxuries inside since it is abandoned; there is also the Zapata Museum, with different objects from the revolutionary era and the Bicentennial Museum.

Likewise, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens, enter the catacombs and learn about the legends, there is also an international food restaurant and several locations that are used for events, concerts, fairs and more.

And you can not miss visiting the 8 hermitages hidden in the forest, go for a walk along the trails and discover why these places were chosen as places of peace.

It is a tour that will leave you amazed and if you want a little more adventure, ask about the night tour of the facilities and be even more amazed.

In the surroundings of the Ex Convent there is also a white-tailed deer sanctuary, another activity that you will surely enjoy if you go with children.

On the other hand, the place welcomes those who enjoy mountain biking and hiking; There you will find a path that makes the route very pleasant with viewpoints and rest spaces, and if you like challenges, go ahead and follow the route to Cerro San Miguel, with incredibly beautiful views and a peace that will comfort you.

Services

The services offered in the National Park area are those necessary to enjoy the day; Since you enter the road that takes you to the Ex Convent, you will find a variety of shops, bars and restaurants in what is called La Venta.

A few kilometers further on, reaching the Ex-Convent, there is a food court with restaurant service to taste delicious dishes at very affordable prices, there are also souvenir shops and a children’s play area.

Another option is to prepare your food and relax in the grills and spaces set up next to the route, ideal for enjoying nature and a quiet picnic day.

Likewise, the place has parking areas, comfortable facilities to take a break, etc.

It is not allowed to camp or make bonfires in the park, it is only valid to enjoy the day until 5 in the afternoon.

If you are interested in doing more outdoor activities near CDMX, you can visit the Animal Kingdom Theme Park or you can tour Coyoacán if you are looking for something closer, two proposals that you will like in this time of pandemic.