Aztec History in Mexico City

Founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlán, the seat of the mighty Aztec Empire, Mexico City boasts a rich history. Today the modern city is dotted with impressive Aztec ruins. Here are your options for tours of Aztec history in Mexico City.

Highlights

• Admire historic monuments such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Zócalo, and the National Palace on a sightseeing tour of Mexico City.

• Discover Mexican culture past and present by combining a tour to the Teotihuacan pyramids archaeological site with a visit to the city’s markets, dinner with a local family, or a handicrafts workshop.

• Cruise around the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera, a kind of gondola.

• Follow in the footsteps of the Aztecs on an overnight hike to Iztaccihuatl volcano, Paso de Cortes, and the Valley of Mexico from Tlalmanalco.

• Learn more about Mexico’s Aztec history and the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán from an expert archaeologist guide.

• Enjoy a more personalized experience on a private or small-group tour.

Top Aztec Sites

Just outside of Mexico City, the sizeable Pyramids of Teotihuacan are a magnificent sight, and tours are often combined with nearby attractions such as the Hanging Gardens of Xochimilco, Lake Texcoco, and the Shrine of Guadalupe for a deeper look at Aztec culture and history. Back in the city, visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas in the Tlatelolco district; see the Templo Mayor (Main Temple); then explore Chapultepec Park, where the National Museum of Anthropology houses remnants of the Aztec city including the Aztec calendar stone—you’ll get deeper into the history and artifacts with a guide.