Mexico City's Aztec History
Cultural Experience, Holy Place, Nature & Wildlife, Religious Experience, Tip - General Travel, Tip - What to See & Do
Massive Mexico City has been a power since at least the 13th century, when the awe-inspiring island metropolis of stone fortresses and lush canals was called Tenochtitlán. It was the seat of the mighty Aztec Empire, a glorious capital known for its architectural splendor, scientific advancement, and cruel religious devotion.
In 1521, Spanish forces led by Hernándo Cortés laid siege to the city. After a costly victory, they systematically leveled every pyramid and palace, using the stones to rebuild Mexico City in Spain's image. Exactly 300 years later, Mexico declared its independence and, above the Metropolitan Cathedral and vast, stone Zócalo, raised an Aztec flag: An eagle, sitting on a cactus, eating a snake.
This was the sign that Aztec seers were told to find, and upon that spot found their nation. They saw the eagle atop an island in Lake Texcaco, long since drained to slake Spanish thirst. The Aztecs built their Central Plaza on that very spot, today Mexico City's Zócalo, as well as the Imperial Palace palace (now the National Palace) and Templo Mayor, or Great Temple. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you'll learn to see past the Spanish veneer and into this city's Aztec heart.
Day tours also take in Chapultepec Park, first protected in 1325 and today a fine spot for a family picnic. It is home to the amazing National Museum of Anthropology, a must for anyone interested in Mexico's 30 tumultuous centuries. The neighborhood was once reserved for Aztec royalty, and remains home to some of the city's best hotels.
If you'd like to see what remains of old Tenochtitlán, head to the last liquid remnants of Lake Texcoco, at the southern edge of the city's sprawl. The Hanging Gardens of Xochimilco still raise traditional crops; take a colorfully painted trajinera, or flat-bottomed boat, through Xochimilco’s slow-moving canals and flower-filled islands.
The Aztecs, however, were not the first to settle Mexico's fertile central valley. Just outside their city are the mysterious Pyramids of Teotihuacán, magnificent both their bulk and precise design. This tour also takes in the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico and the Americas. Early on in the Spanish occupation, she appeared - a young, indigenous girl of perhaps 14 - to Juan Diego, a recent Aztec convert to Christianity. Her image, distinctly Aztec and surrounded by sacred roses, remains one of Mexico's most enduring symbols.
Latest Replies All Mexico City's Aztec History Reviews »
Very happy with the tour. Nice people, comfortable transportation. Manuel was very informative.
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Tour guide was awesome and the sites were well worth the visit. We had plenty of time to walk around the pyramids.
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First off this is a wonderful place, and it is a general culture must if you visit Mexico. But it is not just the trip to the pyramids that is pleasant about the trip, as you will first stop by a restaurant and souvenir shop where a man who calls himself Texacoatl (don't knowif that is really his name) will show you how his ancesters took their natural fibers, ink and even paper ourt of the Agabe plant, and then will give you a taste of the exquisite liquors they manufacture there. You can also see a few employees carving the oxidian stones and weaving these fibers into beautiful tablecloths and bags whichyou can purchase at the store. The food in the restaurant is absolutely delicious. This was a very pleasant trip all around and our Guide was knowledgeable and kind. Another important point is that even the vendors that WILL follow you around the pyramids have a tremendous sense of humor and will make you laugh (especialy if you speak Spanish). Buy silver from them, the prices are very good. The whole experience is nt only worth it, but it´s a must when in Beautiful Mexico.
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3 Days in Mexico City: Suggested Itineraries Written by Viator
Mexico City's Aztec History Written by Viator
