Last Updated on December 22, 2023 by Soumya
Where are the best Aztec ruins in Mexico City?
This is a question that my friends and readers often ask me when I talk about Aztec sites in Mexico. I can talk nonstop about ancient Mexican civilizations, by the way!
The truth is Mexico City Aztec ruins are everywhere – both inside the city right in the middle of downtown and outside Mexico City in the far-flung areas of Yautepec and Malinalco.
We are going to talk about both kinds of Mexico City ruins in this article
But I will be focusing, in detail, on the Tenochtitlan ruins in Mexico City downtown and the Tlatelolco ruins near Mexico City borders since these are the most visited Aztec temples in CDMX.
We will also talk about the Teotihuacan ruins in Mexico City and debate whether they are Aztec at all.
Plus, you will also discover some old, obscure Aztec sites in Mexico City with names too hard to pronounce but charms too hard to miss.
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Best Aztec Ruins in Mexico City
Aztec Ruins of Tenochtitlan in Mexico City
Short on time but want to see some Aztec ruins in Mexico City quickly? No worries. We have you covered.
One of Mexico’s most important Aztec ruins Mexico City has is located right in the middle of downtown Mexico City, near the Zocalo. Yes, here you’ll find the remains of the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.
An interesting thing about the Aztec Empire is that they built their sprawling capital city in the 14th century by filling up Lake Texcoco. It was called Tenochtitlan.
Connected by canals and bridges, Tenochtitlan became an important trading hub and key to Aztec prosperity.
A few centuries later, Spanish conquistadors came and razed the city to the ground. They built their new capital, Mexico City, on the rubble of ancient Tenochtitlan.
So, if you ask me if Mexico City was built on Aztec ruins? Yes, it was.
Today, the ancient Aztec ruins that can be found in the middle of Mexico City are those of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital.
Top Attractions at the Tenochtitlan Aztec Ruins Mexico City
The remnants of Tenochtitlan are mostly in ruins today. But you can learn a lot from the Tenochtitlan tourist attractions which include a temple, a skull rack, several murals, and a couple of museums.
- One of the highlights is the Aztec Temple Tenochtitlan once had. It was called the Templo Mayor or the Main Temple and was an important religious center of the Aztecs.
- There were two shrines on top of the pyramid – one dedicated to Tlaloc, the God of Rain, and the other to Huitzilopochtli, the God of War.
- The pyramid is lined with structures of snakes, a common imagery in Mesoamerican cultures. You’ll also see some frogs at the Altar of the Toads.
- The skull rack or the Tzompantli is the latest discovery showing a significant connection between the Mayans in Yucatan and the Aztecs of Central Mexico.
- You’ll also see some colorful murals on site which give you an idea of Aztec festivities and celebrations.
- The Tenochtitlan Archeological Site is home to two museums – a smaller one at the entrance and a bigger one at the exit. They are called the Templo Mayor museums. I loved both museums because they tell you a lot about Aztec history, culture, and rituals.
- Be sure to check out the double pyramid model, the platform of skulls, and a huge disk depicting Coyolxauhqui, an Aztec Goddess inside the museum.
Practical information for visiting Tenochtitlan Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: miles 0 miles (It is located right in the center of Mexico City)
- Time taken to reach there: 0 minutes
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (Official Website)
- Best way to get there: Metro to Zocalo station and then walk
- Recommended guided tours: Private Tour to Templo Mayor in CDMX
- Highlights: Ruins of Double Pyramid, Skull Rack, and Templo Mayor Museum which is a treasure house of Aztec artifacts
Tips for Visiting Tenochtitlan Ruins
- You need to buy a ticket to explore the ruins and the museum. Buy it at the Templo Mayor ticket counter or purchase a skip-the-line ticket here.
- I have visited the Tenochtitlan ruins a few times. But I learned the most when I explored it with a local tour guide on this highly-rated private tour of Templo Mayor.
- Walking tours of the Historic Center usually cover the ruins from the outside. Here’s a great, budget-friendly walking tour that has the best reviews in the market.
- You can see a fair bit of the Tenochtitlan ruins from the plaza outside. However, if you’re really interested in doing a deep dive into Aztec history, I highly recommend going inside and checking out the museums. Also, the Tzompantli and the frescoes are not visible from the plaza.
✦ Pro Tip: Visiting downtown Mexico City? Check out our guide on the 20 best things to do in the Historic Center.
Teotihuacan Ruins of Mexico City
Teotihuacan is one of the most visited ancient ruins near Mexico City.
But is it really Aztec? No! Read on to find out.
If you have time to visit just one ancient ruin in Mexico, be sure to check out the famous pyramids of Teotihuacan. Located just an hour away from Mexico City, this ancient city in Mexico holds many secrets and mysteries.
Top Attractions at the Mexican ruins of Teotihuacan
- Teotihuacan, one of Mexico’s impressive UNESCO heritage sites, is home to 3 massive pyramids – Pyramids of the Sun, the Moon, and the Feathered Serpent. All of them are aligned along a 1.5-mile-long walkway known as The Avenue of the Dead.
- The pyramids are no longer open to climbing but they still inspire awe after thousands of years of being built.
- Teotihuacan is also home to stunning. 2,000+ years old murals at the Palace of Butterflies, Mural Museum, and Tepantitla complex.
✦ Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids, be sure to check out our complete guide on planning the best day trip to Teotihuacan from Mexico City.
Practical information for visiting Teotihuacan Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: 30 miles (48.5kms)
- Time taken to reach there: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Sunday (Official Website)
- Best way to get there: Bus to Teotihuacan from Norte Terminal
- Recommended guided tours: Teotihuacan early access tour with Tequila tasting
- Highlights: Massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, offbeat Aztec Mural tour, Hot air balloon ride.
Are the ruins of Teotihuacan in Mexico City Aztec?
No!
When we look for famous Aztec pyramids, Mexico City searches often throw up Teotihuacan at the top. But that is so wrong.
Teotihuacan is not an Aztec site! It was never built by the Aztecs. The Aztecs only discovered Teotihuacan in the 1300s.
The truth is that Teotihuacan was established a long time ago, around 100 BCE, by a group of people called the Teotihuacanos.
Teotihuacan was abandoned in the 700s and the Teotihuacanos vanished without a trace making it one of the biggest mysteries ever!
✦ Pro Tip: For more incredible facts, read our post on 14 interesting facts about Teotihuacan.
Tlatelolco Aztec Ruins Mexico
Image courtesy: UlrikeStein from Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro.
Another Aztec site in Mexico City is the infamous archeological site of Tlatelolco. It is located on the Plaza of Three Cultures in the Cuauhtemoc borough of Mexico City.
This place is called the Plaza of Three Cultures because here, you will see 3 stages of Mexican history rolled into one.
You will wander through the ancient Aztec ruins of Tlatelolco and explore old colonial buildings in the backdrop of modern Mexican architecture. It is almost as if three eras of Mexican history have come together at this plaza.
Even though Tlatelolco is home to a historically significant Mexican ruin, it came into the limelight in 1968 when the Mexican Armed Forces fired relentlessly at a crowd demonstrating against the Olympics of 1968 to be held in Mexico City.
It was brutal and nearly 400 people were killed. The event was termed the “Tlatelolco Massacre“. Read all about the Tlatelolco Massacre here.
Practical information for visiting Tlatelolco Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City Center: 2.5 miles (4km)
- Time taken to reach there: 15 minutes
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday
- Best way to get there: Mexico City Metrobus and Metro
- Recommended guided tours: Full-day Guided Day Trip of Tlatelolco and Teotihuacan
- Highlights: Meeting of 3 cultures at Plaza de las Tres Culturas.
Xochimilco – An Unusual Aztec Site in Mexico City
If you’d like to see some unusual Aztec ruins in Mexico City, head to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.
Located in the southern part of Mexico City, Xochimilco’s Floating Gardens or chinampas are manmade islands that were built by the Aztecs over 700 years ago.
In the absence of cultivable land, the Aztecs used these artificial islands to grow their crops.
Even today, these islands continue to feed us apart from being a colorful tourist attraction.
Technically, they are the only still-functional remnants of Tenochtitlan and the last vestiges of the Aztec Empire in Mexico.
A tad bit unusual, but the Aztec site of Xochimilco is definitely worth exploring.
Practical information for visiting Xochimilco Aztec Site from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City Center: 15 miles (25km)
- Time taken to reach there: 45 minutes
- Opening hours: Sunrise – Late in the evening, Monday through Sunday
- Best way to get there: Tren Ligero
- Recommended guided tours: Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour
- Highlights: Trajinera ride, Island of Dolls, Breakfast on the Chinampas.
📖 Related Read: Visiting Xochimilco? Check out our complete guide on 10 epic things to do in Xochimilco besides the floating gardens.
Best Aztec Ruins near Mexico City
Aztec Ruins of Tenayuca
The ancient city of Tenayuca is interesting because it has a more complex and layered history than the rest.
Tenayuca was founded by the Chichimec tribe of Mesoamerica in the 13th century. Aztecs conquered it in the 14th century and built Aztec temples here.
Tenayuca is special because this is where the unique Aztec double pyramids were born.
Remember the double pyramid temple at Tenochtitlan that no longer exists? The style originated right here in Tenayuca.
In Tenayuca, you can see a massive Aztec pyramid with twin temples on the top. They are dedicated to the Aztec Gods of Rain (Tlaloc) and War (Huitzilopochtli).
At the base of the pyramid, you will see a series of stone serpent walls, probably inspired by the Toltecs in Central Mexico. There are so many snake sculptures here that the Spanish gave the city the name Tenayuca or the “City of Serpents” when they arrived here.
Practical information for visiting Tenayuca Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: 9 miles (14kms)
- Time taken to reach there: 30 – 40 minutes
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday
- Highlights: Double pyramid similar to the one that once existed in Tenochtitlan and a series of serpent walls at the base of the pyramid.
Teopanzolco Ruins near Mexico City
Located in the state of Morelos within the modern city of Cuernavaca, Teopanzolco is one of the smallest Aztec sites in Mexico.
Founded in the early 14th century by the Tlahuicas tribe, Teopanzolco was absorbed into the Aztec Empire following an invasion in 1427 CE.
The name “Teopanzolco” means “Place of the Old Temple” and comes from the Nahuatl language.
Tlahuicas built the first pyramid or the old pyramid here more than 800 years ago. The Aztecs built a new Aztec pyramid over the older one in the 15th century.
The Aztec ruins of Teopanzolco are mostly in ruins apart from the city center which has been adequately restored.
At the city center, you will see the Great Platform or Building 1 which once housed twin temples dedicated to Aztec Rain and War Gods. There are several other buildings which are mostly ceremonial platforms that face different directions.
Practical information for visiting Teopanzolco Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: 54 miles (87 kms)
- Time taken to reach there: 1hr 45minutes
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Sunday (Official Website)
- Highlights: Combination of Tlahuicas and Aztec architectural styles of which Aztec is dominant.
Tepozteco Archaeological Site
Image courtesy: MattGush from Getty Images via Canva Pro.
El Tepozteco is another fascinating Aztec ruin in Mexico dating back 600+ years.
Tepozteco was once an Aztec pilgrimage center for people all over Mesoamerica. It drew pilgrims from as far as Guatemala who came all the way to hike this Mexico Aztec pyramid.
The Aztec ruins of Tepozteco feature a small shrine dedicated to Tepoztecatl, God of Fertility and Pulque – a popular pre-Hispanic-era alcoholic beverage in Mexico.
The temple that lies on the top of a hill is small with two separate rooms, one of which is an inner sanctum. On-site, you will also see reliefs with carvings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The pyramid of Tepozteco overlooks the pretty town of Tepoztlan which is filled with local cultural delights including a vibrant street market selling all kinds of traditional Mexican souvenirs.
Tepoztlan is also famous as a spiritual retreat filled with Aztec steam baths, and rejuvenation programs.
Practical information for visiting Tepozteco Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: 52 miles (83 kms)
- Time taken to reach there: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday (Official Website)
- Recommended guided tours: Magical Tepoztlan and Tepozteco Tour
- Highlights: The shrine of Tepozteco and the beautiful town of Tepoztlan
Yautepec Aztec Ruins Mexico
Yautepec is one of the lesser-known Mexico City Aztec ruins located in the state of Morelos. It is just a couple of hours from CDMX, making it an easy side trip from Mexico City.
One of Mexico’s smaller Aztec sites, Yautepec sees far fewer visitors than the massive ruins of Teotihuacan.
The name “Yautepec” translates to “on the hill of the Yauhtli – a yellow wild plant”. Tlauhuicas, an ethnic Aztec group that mostly lived in the state of Morelos, inhabited the city of Yautepec.
The archaeological site of Yautepec is a small one complete with a Royal Palace of Yautepec and several excavated houses.
It is free to enter. You only need to register in their visitor’s book.
Practical information for visiting Yautepec Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: 62 miles (100 kms)
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday
- Time taken to reach there: 2 hours
Malinalco Aztec Ruins Mexico City
Image courtesy: Byelikova_Oksana from Getty Images via Canva Pro.
Malinalco Archaeological Site, also referred to as Cuauhtinchan Archaeological Site, is one of the most unique Aztec ruins near Mexico City.
It is the only Aztec site to feature monolithic structures carved out of the rocky hills of Cerro de los Idolos. That makes Malinalco an unusual but wonderful day trip to ruins outside of Mexico City.
The Aztec ruins of Malinalco are not very old (built in the 15th century) but hold great cultural significance.
Aztecs built Malinalco as a ceremonial center for military and religious practices.
Existing evidence suggests that the initiation rites of Eagle and Jaguar-Ocelot warriors, the highest ranks in Aztec military order, were held in Malinalco. Be sure to look out for sculptures that represent eagles, jaguars, and war drums.
Practical information for visiting Malinalco Aztec Ruins from Mexico City
- Distance from Mexico City: 69 miles (110 kms)
- Time taken to reach there: 2.5 hours
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
- Highlights: Unique monolithic structures that are not found anywhere else in Mexico. I found this exceptional brochure for Malinalco which inspires me to go back again.
Interactive map for Aztec ruins in Mexico City
Mexico City Aztec Ruins FAQ
Are there still Aztec ruins in Mexico City?
Yes, there are plenty of Aztec ruins in Mexico City and nearby including the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital right in the middle of the historic center. Many smaller Aztec sites such as Malinalco, Tenayuca, and Teopanzolco are located a short drive from Mexico City.
Are the Aztec pyramids in Mexico City?
Yes, the Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan are located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City. It takes about an hour to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City.
Were the Aztecs located in Mexico City?
Yes, the Aztecs were located in Mexico City and the Valley of Mexico, in a broader sense. Legend has it that the Aztecs found an eagle with a snake in its beak sitting on a cactus tree right in the middle of Lake Texcoco, exactly as their gods had predicted. Then, they decided to build their capital, Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco which later became Mexico City.
Where is the best place to see the Aztec ruins?
Mexico City is the best place to see the Aztec ruins because there are several ruins spread all over Mexico City and nearby. Some of the most notable ones are Tenochtitlan, Teotihuacan, and Tlatelolco.
What was the purpose of the Aztec pyramids?
The Aztec pyramids were temples that usually had shrines for Aztec gods such as Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli. Double pyramids were pretty common in the Aztec Empire and usually housed two shrines on top.
Is Mexico City built on Aztec ruins?
Yes, Mexico City was built on top of the Aztec ruins of Tenochtitlan. When Spaniards conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521, they razed the Aztec capital city to the ground and built a new capital, Mexico City over it. The same stones were used to build new buildings in some cases such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.
Does Mexico have Mayan or Aztec ruins?
Mexico has both Mayan and Aztec ruins. Mayan ruins are mostly found in the Yucatan Peninsula in the east whereas Aztec ruins are concentrated in the Valley of Mexico in Central Mexico.
What are the two main pyramids in Mexico City?
The two main pyramids in Mexico City are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at the Archeological Site of Teotihuacan. Both pyramids were built more than 1500 years ago by the ancient people of Teotihuacan.
Are there any remains of Tenochtitlan?
Yes, the remains of Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the Aztec Empire lie underneath the Historic Center of Mexico City. Some of it has been excavated and is open to the public at the Templo Mayor Museum and Archeological Site.
Where are the ruins of Tenochtitlan?
The ruins of Tenochtitlan are right in the middle of Mexico City downtown, beside the Metropolitan Cathedral. Find the Tenochtitlan ruins on Google Maps here.
Are there any Aztec ruins left?
Yes, there are several Aztec ruins Mexico City has including the famous Aztec ruins of Tenochtitlan in the historic center. There are many Mexican ruins near Mexico City including the gigantic pyramids of Teotihuacan and lesser-known sites of Tenayuca and Malinalco.
Where to see Aztec ruins in Mexico City?
You can see Aztec ruins at the Tenochtitlan Archeological Site in the Historic Center of Mexico City. The Teotihuacan Pyramids, an hour north of Mexico City are other interesting Mexican ruins that the Aztecs discovered.
Where are the Aztec temples in Mexico?
From downtown Mexico City to a couple of hours outside the borders of CDMX, the Aztec temples in Mexico are scattered all over the place. The most popular Aztec temple ruins are those of the Templo Mayor Double Pyramid inside the Tenochtitlan Archeological Site in the historic center.
Is there anything left of Tenochtitlan?
Yes, the ruins of Tenochtitlan are to be found right in the middle of downtown Mexico City inside the Templo Mayor Archeological Site.
Are there Mayan ruins in Mexico City?
No, there are no Mayan ruins in Mexico City. Mayan ruins are found in the Yucatan Peninsula and spread in the region around Cancun. Read our Best Mayan Ruins in Cancun Guide for details.
Where are the Aztec ruins in Mexico City?
The Aztec Mexico City ruins are spread all over the Valley of Mexico. Some of the most prominent ones are the Tenochtitlan Aztec temples in Mexico City historic center, the Mexico City ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, and the Malinalco and Tepozteco Aztec temples near Mexico City.
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| Experience more of Mexico City Read our posts on Mexico City | Visiting Mexico City? You’ll want to see this helpful 4-day Mexico City itinerary covering the best attractions, heritage sites, museums, and best food. Mexico City Historic Center | From visiting the Mexico City ancient ruins of Tenochtitlan to stuffing yourself with tacos, there are many wonderful things to do in the Historic Center of Mexico City. Teotihuacan Pyramids | Grab this ultimate guide to visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City. Or check out some of the best Teotihuacan tours in the market. Mexico City Landmarks | Wondering what to do in Mexico City? See the best Mexico City landmarks. |
