Cerro de la Estrella Archaeological Zone

The  Cerro de la Estrella Archaeological Zone is near the summit of the Cerro de la Estrella mountain in Iztapalapa. It’s believed to be one of the principle sites of the ancient New Fire Ceremony. Both the ceremony and the pyramids are documented in and by the Museo de Fuego Nuevo, also on the mountain.

The area was called Huizachtécatl at the time of the last ceremony. Part of the original structure where the celebration took place is  preserved. As the ceremony was only performed every 52 years, it’s believed this site was used for the ceremony in 1351, 1403, 1455 and 1507

The site includes two structures. The most important is a pyramid temple. A second structure is a terrace that held a staircase some four meters across. Visitors can also see ceremonial and living spaces from the classical period as well as some examples from before and after. Constructions here date from as early as 100 CE and are located on the north side of the mountain. They include the remains of foundations walls that indicate strong  Teotihuacán  influence. The site is believed to have been inhabited for more than 2,000 years, although some human remains were dated to even 9,000 years ago.

More than 200 stones engraved with anthropomorphic faces, and some geometric patterns are also preserved. The hill is a protected area and a nature park. The Cerro de la Estrella Archaeological Zone is often visited along with the museum for a more complete understanding of the site.

The Templo del Fuego Nuevo (pyramid) is reached by the Calzada Estrella, near the intersection with the Calzada Ermita Iztapalapa and Javier Rojo Gómez Avenue. By the Metro, use the Iztapalapa and Cerro de la Estrella Metro stations.

Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.