Cuicuilco, an ancient archaeological site in southern Mexico City, was once the center of a flourishing civilization during the pre-Classic period between 400 and 200 B.C. The site, now surrounded by modern roads and buildings, still shows a profound part of Mexico’s cultural past. Its circular pyramid, a notable structure, was believed to be used for fire god rituals. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) organizes monthly tours to help visitors understand how ancient people lived. Each tour, which costs about 260 pesos, is led by archaeologists who share insightful explanations about the site. Cuicuilco means “the place where songs and dances are made” in Nahuatl, showing its deep link to art and community life.

INAH began guided tours in 1957 to make archaeological research more accessible and educational to the public. Historians described these tours as an illuminating experience that connects the past and present. Experts estimate that Cuicuilco once had around 40,000 residents, though only the pyramid’s base remains. Figurines and offerings discovered there suggest rituals for fertility and good harvests. Today, INAH continues to protect remarkable sites like Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, aiming to preserve ancestral traditions, promote cultural continuity, and inspire appreciation for Mexico’s history amid rapid urban growth.