Coyoacán “Place of those who own coyotes.”

Coyoacán Before

Coyoacán’s roots trace back to the 7th century, originally home to the Colhuas of Culhuacán before falling under the Tepanecas of Azcapotzalco and later the Mexicas of the Aztec Empire.

After the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Coyoacán became a refuge for the Spanish and their allies, serving as the first Ayuntamiento (municipal government) of New Spain from 1521 to 1523.

During this period, Hernán Cortés used Coyoacán as a base for his colonial ambitions, including the conquest of the Philippines—later named after King Philip II of Spain. From its beginnings as a true melting pot, Mesoamericans, Spaniards, artists, and visionaries have all shaped Coyoacán’s vibrant legacy.

Coyoacán Today

Coyoacán is a vibrant hub of intellect and artistry in Mexico City, renowned for its leafy parks, cobblestone streets, colonial charm, and lively cafes. Over the years, it has drawn national and international luminaries—artists, thinkers, and leaders—to its welcoming streets, including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Rina Lazo, Juan O'Gorman, Octavio Paz, and Salvador Novo.

The neighbourhood hosts iconic institutions like UNAM, the oldest university in North America and Latin America’s largest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Rich in culture, it boasts museums, theatres, cinemas, and green spaces like the Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve and Los Viveros de Coyoacán. Nearby, the Cineteca Nacional adds a cinematic flair.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant and endlessly fascinating megacity, rich in history, culture, and experiences. It’s the only capital in the Americas founded by an ancient civilisation—the Mexicas—and still thriving today.

Its world-renowned food scene offers everything from street tacos to fine dining, blending tradition and innovation. With bustling markets, luxury boutiques, and vibrant festivals like Day of the Dead and Zona Maco, there’s always something to explore. Green spaces like Chapultepec Park—twice the size of Central Park—offer museums, gardens, and the only royal castle in the Americas.

Too vast for one visit, CDMX invites you to discover what inspires you most in this dynamic, ever-evolving city.

Images of Coyoacán

Cineteca Nacional, National Film Archive

Some images of Mexico City (CDMX)