For stunning looks into Mexico's Aztec roots, head to Mexico City. Unlike the ancient Mayan ruins, Aztec pyramids and archeological sites are mostly in central Mexico.
From the Pyramid of the Sun to underground temples in the middle of a modern city, these awe-inspiring sites in and near Mexico's capital city capture the indigenous spirit that will remain present even in today's modern Mexico.
Teotihuacan
Exploring the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan is a phenomenal experience that visitors will carry with them for a lifetime. The pure massiveness of one of Mexico's most important archeological sites shows the great power once held in this Aztec center, known in Nahuatl language as "City of Gods."
Teotihuacan dates as far back as the early part of the first century AD. Tucked in the Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan remains striking for its amazing pyramids — Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun — that draw visitors from around the world. The Pyramid of the Sun is considered the third largest pyramid in the world.
The famous Avenue of the Dead runs north and south throughout the huge complex. The awe-inspiring temples, plazas and murals give visitors a glimpse into the mysteries of the Teotihuacan civilization.
An on-site museum should not be overlooked. Remember to bring hats, water and sunglasses to Teotihuacan, located less than an hour north of Mexico City.
Unfortunately vendors surround the site, offering to sell all kinds of trinkets. The best advice is to head to the sky — literally. For a truly unforgettable and emotional experience, climb to the tops of both these ancient pyramids and the rewards will be plentiful.
Tlatelolco—Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Plaza of the Three Cultures)
Aztec, Spanish and Mexican cultures collide at this awe-inspiring plaza. Contemporary apartment buildings loom over the remains of the ancient Aztec city of Tlatelolco while a Spanish colonial-era church sits in stark contrast to its surroundings. Spanish conquistadores defeated Aztec warriors at Tlatelolco in the last battle of the Conquest, which led to the birth of Mexico.
A plaque in the plaza states in Spanish:
"On August 13, 1951, Cuahtemoc heroically defended Tlatelolco and it fell in the power of Hernan Cortes. This was neither a triumph nor a failure. It was the painful birth of the mestizo city that is the Mexico of today."
Tlatelolco once held ancient Mexico's largest marketplace, and was considered the second most important Aztec center after Tenochitlan.
In modern times, Tlatelolco was the site of a historical tragedy. Ten days before the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics, the Mexican army and police massacred an estimated 300 student protesters gathered in the Plaza de Las Tres Culturas at Tlatelolco.
The students were protesting the injustices in the university system as well as around the country. But in an effort to silence the students before the world came for the Olympics, Mexico's President Díaz Ordaz ordered the military and police to end a rally at the plaza on October 2.
The excellent Memorial 68 Museum, just next door to the Plaza de las Culturas, gives visitors an in-depth look at the Mexico City student movement in the 1960s and honors those who died in the cause.
Templo Mayor in Mexico City Zocalo
In the heart of Mexico City's bustling downtown, electricity workers in 1978 stumbled upon a stone-disc Aztec carving that led to the discovery of ancient temples underneath the city center's colonial buildings.
The Templo Mayor, part of the ancient city of Tenochitlan, was strategically built according to Aztec prophecy. Aztecs searched for the universe's center which, according to the prophecy, they would find when they spotted an eagle, perching on a cactus with a snake in its beak. Tenochitlan was formed in present day downtown Mexico City.
Spanish conquistadores destroyed much of the ancient city and built over it. What can be seen today are sections of the temple. Artifacts found at the site are now housed in the Templo Mayor Museum, which offers a great explanation of Tenochitlan and its history.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
