Parque Agua Azul

If you live in or are visiting Guadalajara, you can’t miss Parque Agua Azul — one of the city's most emblematic and historic parks. Just a 15-minute drive from the Historic Downtown, located along Calzada Independencia, this park has become a must-see destination for both locals and visitors.

With more than a century of history, Parque Agua Azul is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. Its beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational areas make it ideal for a peaceful and scenic day outdoors.

A Bit of History

Parque Agua Azul has witnessed the transformation of Guadalajara. It was built between 1946 and 1952 and named after a lagoon that once existed on the land where the park now stands — an area that was once filled with orchards and farmland, far from the urban core.

From the very beginning, the park became one of the favorite leisure spots for Tapatío families. Decades ago, visitors would explore its grounds by carriage or horseback, and at one point, the lake even featured boat rides.

Parque Agua Azul Today

A wonderful place for outdoor recreation and cultural enrichment, Parque Agua Azul offers a variety of activities and spaces for the whole family. Here’s what you can enjoy:

Aviary and Orchid House

Take a guided tour through the park’s aviary and orchid house, where you can learn interactively about a variety of living species.

Orchid house tours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 12:00 p.m.; additional tours on Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Aviary tours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 11:00 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

The Parthenon

This historical space regularly hosts cultural activities for all ages, including environmental education workshops and art exhibits.

Guadalajara’s Paleontology Museum

Located within the park, this museum is perfect for science and prehistory lovers. It features a fascinating collection of regional fossils, as well as guided tours, lectures, workshops, and more.

The Acoustic Shell

Designed by renowned Austrian architect Alejandro Zohn, this unique open-air venue hosts cultural events, music festivals, and concerts featuring emerging artists throughout the year.

Green and Recreational Areas

Spread across approximately 10.3 hectares, the park includes large gardens, wooded areas, children’s playgrounds, a lake, and fast soccer courts.

CECAM

Managed by the Guadalajara Metropolitan Forest Agency (AMG), Parque Agua Azul is part of a network of urban parks that offer cultural programming and environmental education activities. For more information, call 33 2258 0535.

A Great Plan for a Day Off

If you enjoy outdoor activities and want to explore the beauty of Guadalajara — the "Perla Tapatía" — plan a visit to Parque Agua Azul with your family, friends, or even solo. Saturdays are especially recommended, as the Tianguis Cultural (Cultural Street Market) sets up in Plaza Juárez, right outside the park.