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Zempoala National Park
Country: Mexico.

The National Park Lagoons of Zempoala is shared among the states of Morelos and the State of Mexico. This National Park was decreed on May 19, 1947. It has an extension of 4,669 hectares, covered by pine, oyamel, grass and in some places with oak.

It is an excellent place for excurisons, cycling, to fish in the main lagoon (in allowed season) and camping. It is mainly a pilgrimage route toward Chalma in the time of Holy Week. Cycling routes can be made from the Ajusco (near the Mexico City). Another activity that Zempoala invites us to carry out is to ride horses, and if you like the observation of the fauna it is a good park for the observation of small birds.

The climate that prevails in this area is cold and humid. The flora in general one can speak of coniferous (pine "ocote" and "oyamel"), ferns and oak trees.

With regard to the fauna there are shrews, bats, rabbits, squirrels, field rat, gray vixen, weasels, skunks, teporingo, cacomixtles. It is spoken of the presence of white-tailed deer, but that is not in the areas of common use.

In weekends and vacations there are food stands (quesadillas, beans, cured meat, sausage, etc). You can also rent horses for half hour or one hour.

Ecoturismolatino's Opinion

Our experience in this National Park is very pleasing, we have camped in the valleys of the lagoons of Zempoala, Quila and Hueyapan. In the last two lagoons although there is no longer lake they are beautiful places. Zempoala in the past has had reputation of being an insecure place to camp, but the conditions have changed and now there exists a constant presence of rangers and state police. For excursions it is always advisable to go accompanied, but I have hiked by myself in the mountains without any incident to report.

Getting there?

From Cuernavaca take a bus "Tres Estrellas del Norte" going to Santiago and Toluca (Av. Morelos - Terminal Estrella Blanca). They start to go out from 5:00 until 19:30 hrs with buses leaving every half hour. When getting on the bus remind the driver that you want to get off in the "Lagunas de Zempoala". It costs between $13 pesos and $15 pesos.

Where to stay?

If you have an adventurous spirit the best thing would be to camp in Zempoala, but if not it is a day-trip that is worthwhile making from Cuernavaca.

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Mexico: Natural Areas
	Zempoala National Park Country: Mexico. The National Park Lagoons of Zempoala is shared among the states of Morelos and the State of Mexico. This National Park was decreed on May 19, 1947. It has an extension of 4,669 hectares, covered by pine, oyamel, grass and in some places with oak. It is an excellent place for excurisons, cycling, to fish in the main lagoon (in allowed season) and camping. It is mainly a pilgrimage route toward Chalma in the time of Holy Week. Cycling routes can be made from the Ajusco (near the Mexico City). Another activity that Zempoala invites us to carry out is to ride horses, and if you like the observation of the fauna it is a good park for the observation of small birds. The climate that prevails in this area is cold and humid. The flora in general one can speak of coniferous (pine "ocote" and "oyamel"), ferns and oak trees. With regard to the fauna there are shrews, bats, rabbits, squirrels, field rat, gray vixen, weasels, skunks, teporingo, cacomixtles. It is spoken of the presence of white-tailed deer, but that is not in the areas of common use. In weekends and vacations there are food stands (quesadillas, beans, cured meat, sausage, etc). You can also rent horses for half hour or one hour. Ecoturismolatino's Opinion Our experience in this National Park is very pleasing, we have camped in the valleys of the lagoons of Zempoala, Quila and Hueyapan. In the last two lagoons although there is no longer lake they are beautiful places. Zempoala in the past has had reputation of being an insecure place to camp, but the conditions have changed and now there exists a constant presence of rangers and state police. For excursions it is always advisable to go accompanied, but I have hiked by myself in the mountains without any incident to report. Getting there? From Cuernavaca take a bus "Tres Estrellas del Norte" going to Santiago and Toluca (Av. Morelos - Terminal Estrella Blanca). They start to go out from 5:00 until 19:30 hrs with buses leaving every half hour. When getting on the bus remind the driver that you want to get off in the "Lagunas de Zempoala". It costs between $13 pesos and $15 pesos. Where to stay? If you have an adventurous spirit the best thing would be to camp in Zempoala, but if not it is a day-trip that is worthwhile making from Cuernavaca.