Aztec Archeological Site at Malinalco, Mexico
Pre-Hispanic Mexica Warriors Were Initiated at Cuauhcalli Temple
Jul 29, 2009
Malinalco, in the state of Mexico, is a small colonial town that has enjoyed mountainous isolation for centuries. This remote setting was ideal for construction of the Mexica warrior initiation site that was built on Cerro de los Idolos in 1501.
Malinalco, Mexico
The early settlers of Malinalco were conquered in 1476 by the Mexica (Aztec) emperor Axayacatl. The village was important to the growing Mexica empire, and its isolated location was chosen for the complex of esoteric temples and monuments built into the rock above the city.
Today, this lovely colonial village of some 20,000 inhabitants is still off the beaten path, but adventurous tourists will be rewarded for their extra effort. The residents are friendly, accommodations are expanding and the town's restaurants are varied and excellent. Malinalco has an increasing variety of shops and has attracted a growing number of artists. The town itself is dominated by the picturesque Augustinian monastery and church near the zocalo. At 5,900 feet, Malinalco is surrounded by mountains and natural beauty.
The Archeological Museum in Malinalco
From the town square, walk west on Guerrero and follow the signs toward the archeological site. A museum is situated on a corner prior to the site's entrance. This area is particularly attractive in winter, with blooming Bougainvillea and Jacaranda trees. Birds are abundant, as well, adding even more color to the flowering trees. The museum is well worth visiting, since it contains a reproduction of the interior of the main temple, El Cuauhcalli, as well as recovered artifacts. Visitors also can walk across a unique glass-covered excavation replica, getting a perspective quite different from typical museum exhibits.
The Walk up Cerro de los Idolos to El Cuauhcalli
From the museum, continue following the signed path to the entrance. The path is paved and inclined toward the small office and fee station. There are 64 stair steps along this path, and visitors should note that once they have reached the entrance, the switch backed and cobblestoned path to the top of the hill contains another 358 stair steps. From 5,900 feet at the town square, the path climbs to more than 6,200 feet in less than a mile. Visitors should carry water, walk leisurely and take advantage of the limited shade along the way.
One of the nicest features for English speaking tourists is that the trail's many interpretive signs are in English as well as Spanish. Not only do these signs provide historical insight into the monuments, they also identify and describe the functionality of common trees, fruit trees, ornamentals, bushes and flowers found along the path. The origin of Malinalco's name is described as well--from "malinalli", the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word for hay or herb.
The Aztec Monuments at the top of Malinalco's Hill
At the top, a small pyramid (which can be climbed) stands out, but the most unique and intriguing buildings are those that are constructed into and from the monolithic stone of the hill itself. The most extraordinary of these is El Cuauhcalli, which translates as "House of the Eagles" in Nahuatl. Within this ceremonial temple lies a semi-circular bench with three carved figures: a jaguar skin and head in the center, flanked by two eagles. In front of the jaguar is another carved eagle and a depression which likely received sacrificial offerings of human hearts.
This temple, isolated well above the village of Malinalco, is believed to have served as the initiation site for the elite jaguar and eagle Mexica warriors, who were honored for distinguished service in battle. Construction at this site was still in progress when it was interrupted by the Spanish conquest in 1521.
Visitors will want to take time to explore these monuments, absorb the history and relish the majestic views of colonial Malinalco below.
Getting to Malinalco From Mexico City and Toluca
Malinalco is located in the central Mexico mountains, about 40 miles from the Mexico state capital of Toluca. Toluca is reached from Mexico City on the Highway 15 autopista (toll road). From Toluca, take Highway 55 southwest, turning east onto Highway 4, which winds through the mountains to Malinalco. From Malinalco, one can continue on Highway 4 to the major Catholic pilgrimage site at Chalma and then on to Cuernavaca.
Malinalco's Archeological Site and the Central Mexico Mountains
Visitors to Malinalco will find both the Aztec archeological site and the colonial city photogenic and memorable. The surrounding central Mexico mountains are rich with similar treasures, as well, and worthy of consideration when planning a trip to Malinalco.
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