The Top Things To See And Do In Coyoacán, Mexico City

9 February 2017

Coyoacán, or ‘the place of coyotes,’ in Nahuatle, is a relatively quiet neighborhood in central Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoacán has become a rich pocket of art and history in Mexico’s capital. Explore the typically Mexican neighborhood with its many museums, cafés, bookstores and markets to uncover its history and embark on your own adventure. Here is a list of the best places to start your journey.

Coyote Fountain | © Thelmadatter/WikiCommons

Museo de Frida Kahlo

Coyoacán is where Frida Kahlo spent most of her life, having lived in the same house until her death. This 1950’s house is known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House) and was donated by Khalo’s husband, Diego Rivera, with the intention of making it a museum in her honor, the Museum of Frida Kahlo. Here, Khalo’s, Rivera’s and some other artists’ work is on display, as well as photographs, artifacts and personal items, opening the doors on the life and history of the celebrated Mexican artist.

Frida Kahlo Museum, Del Carmen, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5554 5999

*La Casa Azul | © Éclusette/WikiCommons*

Zoológico Los Coyotes

The Los Coyotes Zoo is the third zoo to be opened in Mexico City and has been open to the public since 1999. Unlike the Chapultepec or San Juan de Aragón zoos, the Los Coyotes Zoo only houses native fauna or that from the Basin of Mexico, which contains two per cent of the biodiversity of the country. It is also home to two coyotes, which is from where the zoo gets its name. Furthermore, the Los Coyotes Zoo offers the chance to get involved with many activities, including sports, camping, sculpturing and some others.

Zoológico Los Coyotes, Ave Heroica Escuela Naval Militar S/N, Coyoacán, Ex Ejido San Pablo Tepetlapa, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5679 4072

*Military Macaws at Zoológico Los Coyotes | © Gary Denness/WikiCommons*

Vivero Coyoacán

At the entrance of Coyoacán’s park, Vivero Coyoacán, stands the Fountain of the Coyotes, one of the most iconic fountains in the city. This park is Coyoacán’s breathing space for it is an oasis of greenery and fresh air. Joggers, martial artists, and families tend to visit, as its open space offers excellent spots to gather or practice a sport. There is a diverse plantation of flora at Vivero Coyoacán, including tropical plants and different types of cacti.

Vivero Coyoacán, Del Carmen, Mexico City, Mexico

Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli

Diego Rivera, one of Mexico’s most celebrated muralists, created the Anahuacalli Museum, a popular tourist attraction not only for its contents but also for the building itself. Having collected almost 60,000 pre-Hispanic pieces and motivated by his own deep interest in Mexican culture, Rivera designed the building in which his collection is currently still exhibited. It is an impressive pyramid-shaped building made of black volcanic stone, holding items from almost every indigenous civilization and is an excellent resource to learn about Mexican history.

Museo Ananhuacalli, Museo 150, Coyoacán, San Pablo Tepetlapa, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5617 3797

*Museo Anahuacalli | © Nieri Da Silva/Flickr*

Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones

Located in a building dating back over 300 years and which was a monastery built on top of an Aztec shrine is the Museo Nacional de lasIntervenciones. This museum is split into two sections: the first shows the history of the site during the period when it was used as a monastery whilst the second displays artifacts related to the conflicts which have occurred on Mexican soil and shows how the modern Mexican republics have been shaped by them. It is a good idea to prebook a guide in English or Spanish to get the most out of your visit.

Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones, 20 de Agosto No. s/n Col. San Diego Churubusco San Diego Churubusco, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 222 222 2222

*Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones | © Thelmadatter/WikiCommons*

Church and Ex-Convent of San Juan Bautista

The church of San Juan Bautista, located in the heart of Coyoacán, is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico City. Being one of the oldest Catholic sacred places of worship in the Mexican Valley, this church was declared a national monument in 1934 and was in fact built on top of a Calmecac, a school for the children of Aztec nobles. This church, with its baroque architecture, has a spiritual atmosphere which exudes beauty and positivity. Take a look round the former convent which is attached to the church where you can see ruins of the Calmecac.

Church and Ex-Convent of San Juan Bautista, Jardín del Centenariio 8, Villa Coyoacán, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5554 0489

*San Juan Bautista | © Thelmadatter/WikiCommons*

Mercado de Coyoacán

Stop by at the Mercado de Coyoacán to get a feel for a typical Mexican market. This is a place at which you can find anything and everything that you may need, from groceries to artisan items. Particularly good for local handicrafts, the Mercado de Coyoacán is the perfect spot at which to hunt round for souvenirs at prices which are generally lower than those in central Mexico City. Apart from shopping, this site also makes a good place to grab a bite to eat during your sightseeing adventures.

Mercado de Coyoacán, Ignacio Allende S/N, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico

*Coyoacán Skulls, Mercado de Coyoacán | © Guillerminargp/WikiCommons*

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