Sunrise and Sunsetin Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City sits in a basin at 2,240 meters elevation, surrounded by mountains and two active volcanoes. The clear high-altitude air and varied terrain, from wetlands to hilltop parks, offer a range of distinct vantage points for sunrise and sunset.

Best sunrise spots in Mexico City

1. Cerro de la Estrella

   This volcanic hill in Iztapalapa rises about 120 meters above the surrounding neighborhood and faces east toward the Sierra Nevada and Popocatépetl. Free access through the Parque Ecológico Cerro de la Estrella on Calzada Ermita Iztapalapa; the walk to the summit takes around 20 minutes.

2. Cerro del Tepeyac

   The hilltop chapel above the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Gustavo A. Madero faces east over the broad valley floor. The site is open from early morning as a place of worship; the climb from the basilica grounds takes about 10 minutes via the marked path.

3. Xochimilco

   The flat chinampa wetlands on the southeastern edge of the city face east with no skyline in the way. The embarcadero area near Nuevo Nativitas is accessible by Tren Ligero (Xochimilco station) and offers open views from the canal banks.

Best sunset spots in Mexico City

1. Cerro de la Estrella

   The western side of the hill looks out over the city toward Chapultepec and the Ajusco mountains, roughly 20 km away. Metro Iztapalapa (Line 8) is the nearest station, about 1 km from the park entrance.

2. Bosque de Chapultepec

   The lakeside area in Sección 1 faces west and southwest toward the mountains, with open sightlines across the water. Free entry; Chapultepec metro (Line 1) is at the eastern park edge, about 10 minutes' walk from Lago Mayor.

3. Torre Latinoamericana

   The observation deck on floor 44 and the open rooftop on floor 45 face west toward the Ajusco mountains as the sun sets. Tickets cost MXN 120 to 150; located at Eje Central and Madero in the historic center, metro Bellas Artes.

4. Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones

   This pine forest reserve at 2,800 to 3,000 meters on the western city edge has several clearings with southwest-facing views. About 25 km from downtown via Periférico Sur toward Cuajimalpa; free entry to the park.