List of archaeological sites in Mexico City Facts for Kids

The sixteen municipalities (Alcaldías) of Mexico City proper.

This article is about the amazing ancient places you can still visit in Mexico City. These are special spots where people lived and built things long, long ago, even before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas (that's what "Pre-Columbian" means!).

These aren't just old objects in a museum. They are actual places, like old buildings or parts of towns, that are still standing. They are protected by the Mexican government because they are a big part of the country's history. Some of these places, like parts of the Historic center of Mexico City, Xochimilco, and the main campus of the UNAM, are even recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO! This means they are important to the whole world.

This list only includes sites found within the 16 main areas (called Alcaldías or municipalities) of Mexico City itself, not the bigger area around it. Let's explore some of these cool historical spots, starting with the oldest ones!

Exploring Mexico City's Ancient Sites
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Exploring Mexico City's Ancient Sites

Mixcoac Archaeological Site

The ruins at Mixcoac.

The Archaeological site of Mixcoac was once a settlement of the Tepanecs, who were part of the city-state of Coyohuacan. Later, for a short time, the Mexicas (also known as the Aztecs) lived here too. This site dates back a very long time, from around 900 BC all the way to 1521 AD. You can find it in San Pedro de los Pinos, at the corner of San Antonio avenue and Periférico.

Cuicuilco

The circular pyramid at Cuicuilco.

Cuicuilco is one of the oldest cities ever found in the Valley of Mexico. It was a powerful city-state that existed from about 800 BC to 400 BC. It's famous for its unique circular pyramid. This ancient city is located in Tlalpan.

Cerro de la Estrella Archaeological Site

View from Cerro de la Estrella.

The Archaeological site of Cerro de la Estrella was a village connected to the Cuicuilco culture. It was a very important place for special ceremonies. This site dates back to around 200 BC and is located on Cerro de la Estrella in Iztapalapa.

Copilco

A view of the Copilco site.

Copilco was an important ceremonial center for several ancient groups, including the Chichimecas, Tepanecas, and Cuicuilcas. It was active around 500 AD. You can find this site on the west side of Coyoacán.

Cuahilama

Ancient rock carvings at Cuahilama.

Cuahilama was another ceremonial center used by different cultures. It was active between 1200 and 1500 AD. This site is located southeast of Santa Cruz Acalpixca, in Cuahilama.

Templo Mayor

A part of the Templo Mayor ruins.

The Templo Mayor was the most important temple in Tenochtitlan, which was the capital city of the mighty Aztec Empire. It was built and expanded between 1325 and 1487 AD. You can visit this incredible site right in the Plaza del Zócalo, in the center of Mexico City.

Tlatelolco Archaeological Site

The main temple remains at Tlatelolco.

The Archaeological site of Tlatelolco shows the remains of the city-state of Tlatelolco, which was another Aztec state. It was founded around 1338 AD. This site is located in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, in Tlatelolco, also in the center of the city.

Baths of Chapultepec

Remains of the ancient baths in Chapultepec.

The Baths of Chapultepec are unique because they include both Pre-Columbian (before Columbus) and Spanish colonial baths. They date back to the 14th century. You can find these historical baths in the Forest of Chapultepec.