What the place is
La Feria Chapultepec Mágico was an amusement park in Bosque de Chapultepec and a fixture of Mexico City life for more than five decades. It brought together rides, family attractions, and seasonal festivities, and became part of the city’s collective memory. The park closed in 2019 after a fatal ride accident. Its site was redeveloped as Aztlán Parque Urbano, which opened in March 2024 and continues the site’s amusement-park legacy with attractions and cultural programming (Wikipedia; Local.mx; Mexico News Daily).
History
Origins and early development
La Feria opened in 1964 as Juegos Mecánicos de Chapultepec, as part of broader urban renewal in Mexico City. It began with 14 attractions, including the Montaña Rusa, a wooden roller coaster that was one of the few of its kind in Latin America. Families and school groups made it a popular destination for affordable entertainment, before other major parks such as Reino Aventura existed (Wikipedia; Local.mx; mexicodesconocido.com.mx).
Privatization, expansion, and new attractions
In 1992, the government awarded Grupo CIE the park’s concession. Investment modernized the park, expanded its attractions, and enhanced safety features. The Montaña Rusa was renovated, and the Casona del Terror haunted house became a pioneer in themed horror festivals. By the mid-1990s, La Feria attracted up to 3 million visitors annually and was the most visited amusement park in Latin America (Wikipedia; Local.mx).
In the 2000s, the park added the Montaña Infinitum/Quimera steel coaster, other thrill rides, and seasonal events, including the “season of terror” and the holiday “Nevada” artificial snow festival. Management shifted to Grupo Entrete-parq in 2009 and Ventura Entertainment in 2015, which focused on maintenance and children’s attractions (Wikipedia; coasterpedia.net).
Cultural significance and closure
La Feria’s central location, affordability, and proximity to Chapultepec’s museums and green spaces made it accessible to a broad public. Generations of visitors grew up with its rides and festivals, and its presence in television, film, and local celebrations helped make it a cultural landmark (Local.mx; luna-parks.com).
On September 28, 2019, an accident on the Quimera coaster resulted in fatalities and the park’s immediate closure. Investigations revealed maintenance failures, and the city revoked its license (Wikipedia; mexicocitystreets.com). Plans for Aztlán Parque Urbano, a new theme park honoring Indigenous heritage, were announced in 2021. The Montaña Rusa was dismantled in 2022 (coasterpedia.net).
What to see at Aztlán Parque Urbano
Aztlán was developed through a public-private partnership and extensive community consultation. It opened in March 2024 following a $214.8 million investment, with a focus on safety, culture, and accessibility (Mexico News Daily; Wikipedia).
Its attractions and experiences include:
- Aztlán 360 Ferris Wheel 85 meters tall, with panoramic city views.
- Montaña Jurásica a new flagship roller coaster.
- Immersive 720-degree panorama experiences inspired by ancient Tenochtitlán.
- Virtual reality haunted house themed around local legends.
- Classic family rides including a hand-painted carousel and bumper cars, as well as skill games.
- Cultural spaces and gardens Foro Aztlán, botanical and butterfly gardens, a planetarium, and the upcoming Dolores Olmedo Museum (aztlanparqueurbano.com).
Practical visiting information
Hours
Before closing, La Feria operated Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with occasional extended hours for events.
Aztlán’s listed hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Mondays are also listed as opening during holidays, vacation periods, and school breaks (aztlanparqueurbano.com; Mexico News Daily).
Tickets and pricing
La Feria offered general admission and ride passes, with discounts for children, seniors, and groups.
Entry to Aztlán is free. Rides are paid for using a pre-paid Monedero Aztlán card. Individual rides cost 35 to 120 pesos; unlimited passes cost 625 pesos for adults and 350 pesos for children (aztlanparqueurbano.com).
Accessibility, food, and facilities
La Feria and Aztlán both emphasize accessibility. Aztlán has wheelchair access, mobility rentals, accessible restrooms, short walking distances, and open Wi-Fi (aztlanparqueurbano.com).
Dining options include Señor Burger, Los Titanes del Taco, and more. Information about food policies and guided tours is available from the official website.
Getting there
Metro Line 7 serves Constituyentes station, from which Aztlán is a short walk via the “floating” causeway (aztlanparqueurbano.com).
Events and ongoing development
La Feria was known for its “season of terror” Halloween events, Christmas festivals, and cultural fairs. Aztlán continues the tradition with staged performances, cultural festivals, educational events, music festivals, and themed celebrations throughout the year (justbemexico.com).
The park will continue adding attractions and hosting major events. These include the Feria Internacional del Libro Infantil y Juvenil Aztlán in March 2025 (justbemexico.com).
Travel tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds.
- Use public transit for easy access and to avoid parking hassles.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection; much of the park is outdoors.
- Check official websites for updated schedules, ticketing, and special-event details.
- The Audiala app offers interactive maps, real-time updates, and exclusive content.
Nearby places
Within Chapultepec Park, nearby attractions include the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Chapultepec Castle, Museo Tamayo, and the Chapultepec Zoo (Mexico City Official Tourism).
FAQ
Is La Feria Chapultepec Mágico still open?
No. It closed in 2019, and the site has been redeveloped as Aztlán Parque Urbano.
What are Aztlán Parque Urbano’s opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Mondays are also listed during holidays, vacation periods, and school breaks (aztlanparqueurbano.com).
How does ticketing work at Aztlán?
Entry is free, but rides require a pre-loaded Monedero Aztlán card. Unlimited passes are available.
Is Aztlán accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. It has wheelchair access, mobility rentals, accessible restrooms, and short walking distances.
What are some nearby attractions?
Chapultepec Castle, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Chapultepec Zoo, and Museo Tamayo.
Are there special events at Aztlán?
Yes. Events include music festivals, educational events, and themed celebrations throughout the year.
Does Aztlán have attractions for different ages and accessibility needs?
The park describes its attractions as serving all ages and accessibility needs. It also has enhanced safety protocols and international ride standards.
Where can I find information about food policies and guided tours?
See the official website for the latest information.
