Mexico City’s Aztec Origins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Mexico City, Mexico
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Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Mexico City might have been built directly over the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, but traces of this great civilisation can still be found if you know where to look.

On this self-guided audio tour, I’ll reveal the ways in which the buried city still impacts the modern one.

Starting in front of the Monument to the Mexican National Identity, you’ll head into the city center where you can visit iconic sites like the ruins of the main temple. I’ll tell you about the most recent Aztec archaeological discoveries, like the macabre skull rack.

As you stroll, you’ll gain a better understanding of Mexico City’s transformation. I’ll tell you about everything from the astonishing Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, to the Spanish Conquest, and the modern capital it is today. Along the way, you’ll see impressive archeological findings, some still in the process of being fully unearthed. And even better: you don’t need to pay entrance tickets or any fees, as most of these relics are in the open.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    This self-guided audio tour starts in front of the Monument to the Mexican National Identity. On this walking tour, I’ll not only guide you in the right direction. I’ll also reveal the ways in which the buried city still impacts the modern one.
  2. Zocalo
    Pass by
    Walk south Mexico City's Zocalo to find the most visited archaeological site in Mexico: a tiny round temple dedicated to Ehecatl, the god of wind, located inside a metro station.
  3. Pass by
    You’ll head into the city center where you can visit iconic sites like the ruins of Tenochtitlan’s Templo Mayor (the main temple). I’ll tell you about the most recent Aztec archaeological discoveries like the Tzompantli (the macabre skull rack) located behind Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
  4. Pass by
    We'll explore Templo Mayor ruins from outside, where I'll tell you the story of its fortuitous discovery. Entry to the Museum is not included in this tour.
  5. Pass by
    Enter Centro Cultural España and discover the remains of what used to be an exclusive Aztec school for future priests and governors.
  6. Pass by
    Be surprised by the ancient remains in unexpected places like the ball game court, the Tzacualli Ehécatl (the temple of Ehécatl) and the beautiful Cabeza de Serpiente Mexica (serpent head) at Museo de la Ciudad (the city museum)
  7. Pass by
    As you stroll through Zócalo, the city’s beautiful main square, and iconic 5 de Mayo street, you’ll gain a better understanding of Mexico City’s transformation. I’ll tell you about everything from the astonishing Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, to the Spanish Conquest, and the modern capital it is today.
  8. Historic Center (Centro Historico)
    Pass by
    Walk around the Historic Center of Mexico City, as I point out to you buildings that hide important archaeological Aztec sites, like the macabre Huey Tzompantli on Guatemala Street. Many of these are not open to the public yet.
  9. Museum of the City of Mexico (Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico)
    Pass by
    Stop outside this museum to appreciate how the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan emerges discreetly on the front of colonial buildings. Admission to the Museum is not included in this tour.
  10. Pass by
    Be surprised by the ancient remains in unexpected places like the ball game court, the Tzacualli Ehécatl (the temple of Ehécatl) and the beautiful Cabeza de Serpiente Mexica (serpent head) at Museo de la Ciudad (the city museum)
  11. Pass by
    By the end of this 1.5-2 hour tour, you’ll have a sense of how the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan is still alive, emerging from the underground, and transforming the history of Mexico with every new discovery.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This self-guided audio tour starts in front of the Monument to the Mexican National Identity. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This self-guided audio tour ends in front of Tzacualli Ehécatl.

Additional information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$14.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator
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