Balneario Elba

Where it is and where it comes from. The pools sit at the foot of Peñón Viejo, the hill that was an island when Lake Texcoco covered this part of the valley and that was known for centuries for its waters. The site stood abandoned for around thirty years and reopened in 1997. It is visible from Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza, the road out towards Puebla, which makes it an easy stop on the east side of the city.

What is there. Six pools, paddling pools for small children, water slides, playgrounds and lawns with room to picnic. This is a neighbourhood balneario rather than a big water park: the appeal is the price and how close it is, not spectacular rides.

Hours and advice. Open daily 9:30 to 16:30, so the day ends early: aim to arrive before 11:00 to make the most of it. Weekends and hot days get busy; weekdays are far quieter. Bring cash, a towel, sandals, a swim cap in case the pools require one, and sunscreen —at this altitude the sun is strong even when the air feels cool. Peñón Viejo station on metro Line A is a little over a kilometre away, with local transport from there along Zaragoza.

What else is around. The same side of the city has free public alternatives: Utopía La Cascada Xicoténcatl, with its own pools, is about four hundred metres away, and the Peñón del Marqués hill is a short walk further. If Elba is full on a hot Sunday —which happens— those are the fallback, and between them you can still make a day of it without crossing the city.