Mexico City/Tlalpan

Tlalpan and Pedregal is a district of Mexico City. Tlalpan is best known as the location of most hospitals in Mexico City and most natural parks. Pedregal is a wealthy residential area built on top of, and using lava rock from, the Xitle volcano. The San Ángel Ecological Reserve is in Pedregal.

Tlalpan is the largest borough of Mexico City and comprises several neighbourhoods and small towns in the south of Mexico City, including Tlalpan itself, Chicalcoyotl, San Pedro Mártir, San Andres Totoltepec, Xicalco and San Miguel Ajusco. Many of these towns are now merged into the urban sprawl, but most of Tlalpan is still very much green and the southernmost parts have a clearly rural character. It is home to the Bosque de Tlalpan, a federally protected conservation area of over 250 hectares. The elevation rises towards the south, and it contains the Ajusco volcanic range with the highest peak measuring 3,937 meters above the sea level.

Tlalpan, formerly known as San Agustín de las Cuevas, was the first rest stop on dry land when leaving the island of Mexico City towards the south. The former causeway linking it to the city is the avenue now known as Calzada de Tlalpan. Tlalpan has been relatively prosperous throughout history, which still can be seen in its well-preserved stately colonial houses and cobblestoned streets.

In terms of foreign tourism, downtown Tlalpan is a barely known place, which could make it a highlight if you visit it. Overall is a quiet and safe place, with pretty colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and lots of trees.

Pedregal is a largely residential district with winding streets, hills, and abundant trees among large private residences. The best-known attraction in this area is the Cuicuilco Archaelogical Site, one of Mexico's oldest sites, known for its unusual circular pyramid. Pedregal is also home to the Fuentes Brotantes National Park as well as a large number of shopping centers along the Periferico. The best-known of these shopping centers are the Perisur mall and the ARTZ shopping center, which features an art museum as well as stores.

The easiest way to reach the Centro Histórico of Tlalpan is using a bus or microbús from any point North along Calzada de Tlalpan (such as Metro Pino Suárez, Metro General Anaya or Tren Ligero Estadio Azteca) or using the Metrobús along Insurgentes Sur (Metrobús Fuentes Brotantes). The bus should have a sign that reads "Tlalpan San Fernando". Ask the driver you want to go "Tlalpan Centro". As in many other places in Mexico, the area lacks of traffic signs, so it is better to ask people for directions.

The Centro Histórico of Tlalpan is easily reachable by car from central Mexico City by driving along the Calzada de Tlalpan and turning right on Miguel Hidalgo (the second street after San Fernando). Street parking is relatively plentiful (by Mexico City standards) and free. From Hidalgo, there is a public car park on the right side just after passing by the central square.

There are also RTP buses that reach most of the towns in Tlalpan all the way up to Parres. Most of these buses start from the bus station opposite to Tren Ligero Station Estadio Azteca and pass by the intersection of Calzada de Tlalpan, Viaducto Tlalpan and Insurgents Sur, which later becomes the Federal (Libre) Highway to Cuernavaca.

The Mexico City government established a 30-km long bike route from Plaza Tlaxcoaque in Centro Historico to Estadio Azteca in Tlalpan. Dubbed the Ciclovía La Gran Tenochtitlán, the bike route follows the Calzada de Tlalpan, a major north-south route. The bikeway is 50 meters wide and paved with a polyethylene (PET) surface. See also Cycling in Mexico City.

19°17′19″N 99°10′48″W

Map of Mexico City/Tlalpan

The Centro Historico of Tlalpan comprises an area of maybe 6 x 6 blocks bordered by Insurgentes Sur to the West, Calzada de Tlalpan to the East and San Fernando to the North. Ask for a map at the Tourist Booth in the Zocalo (main square). It is all easily walkable.

Other parts of Tlalpan can be reached by RTP bus from Estadio Azteca Tren Ligero Station, taxi or car. The Metrobús along Insurgentes traverses the Pedregal, and the bus lines running along Calzada de Tlalpan, Periférico, Boulevard Picacho-Ajusco are useful to reach the main urban areas in Tlalpan.

The Centro Historico de Tlalpan or historical Downtown of Tlalpan is a good place to visit. You can stroll through the streets around the Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo), which is the main square. Some of the main attractions within the Centro Historico are:

• 19.288715-99.1663541 Parroquia y Convento de San Agustín de las Cuevas, Francisco Madero 10, ☏ +52 55 5573 2373. Church and former convent from the 17th century. Beautiful interior courtyard and grounds. Tlalpan used to be called "San Agustín de las Cuevas".  (updated Jun 2023)
• 19.290113-99.1675452 Parque Juana de Asbaje, Calle Moneda 1. Leafy park close to the zocalo. Shady walking paths and a modern children's playscape. Includes a nice Fondo de Cultura Económica book store and café.  (updated Jun 2023)
• Municipal Hall, Plaza de la Constitucion.  
• Casa de Santa Anna (San Fernando Avenue and Madero Street). Previously, the home of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Mexican president. Today, offices of an insurance company. 
• Tlalpan Mint (Moneda and Juarez street). For 2 years, in the late 1800s, this building housed the Mexican Mint, today is a secondary school. 
• Casa Frissac (Plaza de la Constitucion and Moneda streets).  
• Casa Chata (Matamoros and Moneda streets).  

Outside the centro histórico, you can visit:

• 19.301449-99.1837613 Cuicuilco Archaeological Zone (Zona Ecologico Cuicuilco), Av. Insurgentes Sur. 09:00 - 17:00 (closed M). A large uneven circular pyramid (known as Pirámide de Tenantongo) is the most significant structure at these ruins, which archaeologists say is the oldest settlement in central Mexico, having been settled around 1400 BC. The pyramid itself dates from 800 BC, which is when the first layer of the pyramid was constructed (upper layers were not completed until as late as 600 BC). The pyramid also has a sub-basement, which is open to the public. Two smaller temples have also been excavated as well as a building that was believed to have served local government functions. Cuicuilco thrived for a millennium, growing to a population of about 20,000 before it was destroyed between 245 and 315 AD by the eruption of the Xitle volcano, which buried the city under a layer of black volcanic rock. These lava stones were ultimately used to construct colonial era buildings in Tlalpan. Major excavations at the site occurred in the 1920s, 1960s, and 1990s. As of 2023, INAH is conducting further active excavations, though the site remains open to visitors daily. A small site museum displays some of the excavated relics from the site, mostly ceramics, but some human skeletons. Free.  (updated Jun 2023)
• Villa Olímpica. The housing complex used for the Mexico City 1968 olympics. There are a couple of other minor ruins from Cuicuilco inside the complex. 
• Ruta de la Amistad. The route of the Periférico was once used for large-scale sculptures by international artists made for the 1968 Olympics. After the construction of the elevated toll road over the Periférico, most sculptures have been relocated to the interchanges between Insurgentes and Viaducto Tlalpan with Periférico. 

In the communities south of Tlalpan, you can see several colonial-era historic churches

• 19.272303-99.1652254 Temple of the Asuncion Chimalcoyotl, Rosal Street. Small community church dating back to the 17th century. Celebrates the feast day of the Virgin on December 8.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 19.26693-99.167145 Church of San Pedro Martir de Verona, Enseñanza, Esq. Laurel S/n, San Pedro Mártir, Tlalpan (corner of Ensenanza Street and Laurel Street). The original church was built by the Dominican missionaries in the 18th century. A new , very modern church was built next to it with a striking tent-like appearance. The older church is still used and has a number of noteworthy artworks, most striking of which is a painting depicting the death of St. Peter of Verona with an axe sticking out of his head. (Peter was murdered by a heretic in 1252.)  (updated Apr 2026)
• 19.251645-99.1706496 Parroquia de San Andres Totoltepec (St. Andrew the Apostle Church), J.Ma. Morelos esq. Palma (Morelos Avenue and Palma Street). This parish church was built between 1770 and 1773, it was refurbished in 1965. The church attracts pilgrims who come to celebrate the feast of St. Andrew in November each year.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 19.233308-99.1642617 San Miguel de Xicalco Church, 16 de Septiembre 1, San Miguel Xicalco, Tlalpan (Mexico Avenue and 16 de Septiembre street). This chapel, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, was built in the 17th century. The church contains a large stone sculpture of St. Michael. A small, unassuming but tranquil place to be.  (updated Apr 2026)

• The local Tourism Department offers walking tours, ask for information at the Tourism Booth located in Plaza de la Constitucion (Main Square).
• 19.308928-99.1513921 Estadio Azteca (Estadio Banorte), Calzada de Tlalpan 3665 (take Metro to Tasquena, then the light rail towards Xochimilco, get off at Estadio Azteca). The largest stadium in Latin America is also the eighth biggest soccer stadium in the world. Built in 1961, it has an official capacity of 95,500 but frequently packing in several thousand more. It's the home of El Tri, the Mexico men's national team, and also home to two of the country's most famous soccer top-tier professional clubs: Club América and Cruz Azul. It also serves as venue for concerts and for occasional NFL regular-season games outside the United States. Prices for soccer usually start from M$200 up to M$600 for field level seats, but will be higher for national team matches. Beware of resellers, as they will often sell fake tickets. The stadium is undergoing renovations as it prepares to host the opening games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  
• 19.295-99.2092 Six Flags Mexico City, Carr. Picacho-Ajusco Km 1.5, Jardines del Ajusco (along the Picacho-Ajusco road in Tlalpan, 1 km south (uphill) from the Periférico.). varies by season and day, generally 10:00 - 18:00 (or later). The largest amusement park in Mexico City. Roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and more. 1-day tickets M$800, season passes start at M$1000.  (updated Feb 2024)
• 19.297306-99.1805263 KidZania, Av. San Fernando 649 (at Plaza Cuicuilco), ☏ +52 55 5424 9500. W-Th 09:00 - 15:00, F-Su 11:00 - 19:00, closed M-Tu (but can vary for holidays). A simulated city theme park where children can play and pretend to do adult jobs as they navigate through the child-sized city. M$210+.  (updated Feb 2024)
• 19.303048-99.1783174 Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra (Ollin Yoliztli Concert Hall), Periferico Sur 5141, ☏ +52 55 5606 3901. This concert hall houses the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Scott Yoo. There are concerts every weekend as well as other cultural activities. Weekend concerts are Saturday at 18:00 and Sunday at 12:30.  (updated May 2023)

• 19.285249-99.1810285 Parque Nacional Fuentes Brotantes (Fuentes Brotantes National Park). Forested area with natural springs just across Insurgentes Sur from the Centro Histórico.  (updated Apr 2023)
• 19.294395-99.1963856 Bosque de Tlalpan. A national forest (Natural Protected Area), it is a hilly forest 1 km west of the Centro Histórico. There are plenty of free courses and activities at the Casa de la Cultura (cultural centre). The impressive building facade was once located in the Condesa and was a pumping station used to bring water from Xochimilco to Mexico City.  (updated Apr 2023)
• Parque Ecológico Loreto y Peña Pobre. Green area in the springs of what used to be a paper factory. There is a restaurant, as well as examples of green technologies, such as rainfall capture systems and sustainable housing. 
• 19.21512-99.256397 Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco. Containing the highest peak in Mexico City (3,900 meters), the Ajusco National Park is a dense pine and oak forest that is home to small mammals, reptiles, and several dozen bird species. It covers an area of just under 1,000 hectares and natural mountain springs provide the source of the Lerma and the Balsas rivers. The park can be accessed by going South along the Picacho-Ajusco road from the Periférico. The road leads to a circuit where one can drive all the way around the mountain and towards the State of Mexico. It is a popular day trip for people from Mexico City. In the winter, there is often snow on the mountain and the circuit road may be closed when conditions are icy.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 19.246694-99.221958 Volcan Xitle (Xitle). Hiking trails go up to the top of the dormant volcano and also lead through cool forests to a natural cave, an historic ranching areas, and other natural attractions in the park. The Xitle volcano erupted in 245 AD, destroying the Mesoamerican city of Cuicuilco and burying the entire area of what is today the Pedregal district of Mexico City under a thick layer of lava flow. The eruptions continued for 70 years until 315 AD. After Mexico City was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, settlers built many structures in Tlalpan and Pedregal using black volcanic stone cut from Xitle's hardened lava flow.  

• 19.288043-99.1671411 Mercado La Paz (Mercado Tlalpan), Guadalupe Victoria 97, Tlalpan Centro. This public market is one of the oldest in Mexico City and is the last "Porfirian" style that remains in Mexico City. Travelers interested in public architecture of the late 19th century will admire the elaborate brick facade, the black tile floors, and the stone pillars inside. As with all traditional marketplaces, it's a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables or authentic Mexican and regional prepared dishes.  
• 19.30422-99.189912 Perisur. The largest shopping mall in the South of Mexico City.  
• 19.297755-99.1844573 Plaza Cuicuilco, Av. Insurgents Sur 3500. Shopping mall housed in a former paper factory.  
• 19.313708-99.2193054 ARTZ Pedregal, Periferico Sur 3720, Pedregal. Large modern mall featuring art exhibitions, shopping, restaurants, a cinema, bowling alley, and indoor go-kart track.  (updated Nov 2025)

• 19.328844-99.2048291 Tetetlan (Casa Pedregal), Av. de Las Fuentes 180, Pedregal, ☏ +52 55 5668 5335. Daily 07ː00 - 00ː00. Luis Barragan, one of Mexico's most renown architects, designed this structure as a library that would integrate Pedregal's volcanic rock base with its natural environment to create a tranquil space for learning and study. The site was restored in 2017 and today operates as a casual traditional coffee shop and restaurant (lined with bookshelves that you can browse) as well as a holistic healing center offering yoga classes and similar activities. The site is a must for travelers interested in modern architecture. M̩200.  (updated Nov 2025)
• 19.31333-99.1614052 Michoacanissimo, Calle San Valentín 866, Pedregal de Santa Úrsula, ☏ +52 552 963 2136. Daily 08:00 - 18:00. Lively traditional Mexican restaurant specializing in birria. Locals recommend the birria de maciza. Nice variety of homemade salsas. Handmade tortillas. Live music. M$250.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 19.299154-99.148533 Pancito Huipulco, Cda. San Juan Bosco 36, Huipulco, Tlalpan, ☏ +52 55 5573 2026. Tu-Su 07:30 - 18:30, closed M. Casual neighborhood restaurant serving traditional Mexican dishes including soups and guisadas, but the pancitas are the specialty. M$250.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 19.297615-99.1610614 Masa Azul, Av Renato Leduc 174, Toriello Guerra, Tlalpan. M-Sa 08:00 - 20:00, Su 08:00 - 17:00. Small cozy restaurant with about 10 tables. Excellent breakfast packages for about M$200 including main dish, coffee, juice and rolls. If you're really looking to try some blue corn, order the masa Azul chilaquiles. Enchiladas are good here as are the breads and coffee drinks. M$250.  (updated Apr 2026)

• 19.288889-99.1629645 Antigua Hacienda de Tlalpan, Calz. de Tlalpan 4619, Tlalpan Centro I, Tlalpan, ☏ +52 55 5655 7888. This place in the heart of Tlalpan in an estate from 1837 has a colonial feel with peacocks and big plates of food.  

• 19.3092-99.2093546 Sud 777, Blvrd de la Luz 777, Jardines del Pedregal, ☏ +52 55 5568 4777. M-Sa 08:00 - 23:00, Su 08:00 - 17:00. Elegant and sophisticated restaurant serving nouveau Mexican cuisine that is often a fusion of ancient ingredients with modern embellishments. Superb presentation and flawless service. A Michelin-starred restaurant. M$1000.  (updated May 2025)

There are several cafés and bars in the arcades opposite to the main square, including a popular branch of the De la Selva café.

Some hotels operating in this area include:

• 19.302772-99.1896861 Radisson Paraiso, Cupside 53, Colonia Parques, ☏ +52 5927-5959. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. 4-star hotel. Clean, spacious rooms with WiFi, cable TV, air conditioning. Next to Perferico. M$2000.  
• 19.303596-99.2002422 Royal Pedregal, Periferico Sur 4363, Jardines en la Montaña, ☏ +52 55 5449 4000. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Upscale hotel with modern facilities. Spacious, clean rooms with a/c, WiFi, and cable TV. Indoor parking garage available. M$1600.  
• 19.297033-99.188293 Hacienda Pena Pobre, Camino a Santa Teresa 480-2, El Bosque, Tlalpan, ☏ +52 55 6610 7348. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 11ː00. Small boutique luxury hotel in a restored 17th century hacienda. Manicured gardens in the courtyard, high-end toiletries and linens. Cable TV, WiFi, air conditioning. Off-street parking available. 24-hour fitness center. Well-behaved pets welcome (additional fee). M$6000.  (updated Feb 2026)

Cell phone services throughout Mexico City are excellent. 5G coverage is the norm as of 2023, particularly with Telcel, and dark spots with no coverage are virtually unheard of. Free WiFi is available at most hotels, restaurants and other tourist spots. The city government provides free WiFi service to everyone in public parks and plazas.