Tlalpan

The wooded slopes of the Ajusco - one of the loftiest peaks in the Valley of Mexico - witnessed the development of one of the earliest civilizations in the Americas, and whose vestiges are still visible today in the mysterious circular ruins of Cuicuilco. A volcanic eruption just before our era brought its growth to a sudden halt, and the site is today surrounded by modern freeways.

However, the predilection for the southern reaches of the city is still foremost among those city dwellers who seek a more temperate and humid climate. Such is the case of the ancient borough of Tlalpan, whose houses and orchards are graced by hand carved lintels, majestic doorways and intricate wrought iron balconies. This propensity to beautify the surroundings is all the more apparent in the detail of certain ecclesiastic buildings, such as the mortar facade of the San Agustin church. The populist air of this 17th Century construction finds its counterpart in the modernistic chapel of the Capuchin convent, designed in the 1950's by Luis Barragan and Mathias Goeritz.

Years ago Tlalpan was famous for its local fair in which gambling, today prohibited, was an important feature. Nonetheless, the festivity surrounding the modern day feast of San Agustin still competes with the soccer frenzy that is displayed during the soccer matches held at the nearby Estadio Azteca, one of the largest stadiums in the world.

Tlalpan has two good shopping centres: Perisur and Plaza Cuicuilco.

Restaurants

Antigua Hacienda de Tlalpan
Located in a splendid XVIII Century Country House with traditional Mexican cuisine.
Calz. de Tlalpan 4619
Col. Tlalpan
Tel. 55 73-99 33, 5573-9959, 56 55 73 15
$$$$

Arroyo
Open space lamb and pork barbeque. On Saturdays, from May to august bullfights can be observed in the Cortijo.
Insurgentes Sur 4003
Col. Tlalpan
Tel. 55 73-4344, 55 73-4211
$$$

Café La Selva