Coyoacán is a borough in the southern part of Mexico City, known for its bohemian spirit, colonial charm, and deep historical roots. Once an independent pre-Hispanic town, it has transformed into an urban area where cobblestone streets, colorful plazas, and lush gardens.

Famous as the home of iconic artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Coyoacán blends intellectual heritage with modern urban life, offering museums, theaters, markets, and cafes that celebrate Mexico’s unique identity.

Officially established as one of Mexico City’s boroughs in 1928, Coyoacán retains much of its historic village atmosphere even as it integrates into the sprawling metropolitan area. It shares borders with several other boroughs and forms part of the vast Mexico City metropolis.

Over the 20th century, Coyoacán shifted from a rural enclave known for pulquerías and haciendas to a densely populated urban center with a mix of residential neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and commercial zones.

Today, it serves as both a lively residential area and a cultural hub, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to experience its museums, theaters, traditional markets, and historic sites nestled within the dynamic rhythm of Mexico City.

Coyoacán is characterized by warm, pleasant temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Summers bring refreshing rains and cooler temperatures, helping to keep the air fresh and the surrounding greenery vibrant. Winters are generally dry and mild, with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons, making it ideal for exploring the borough.

Thanks to its elevation – about 2,240 meters above sea level – Coyoacán avoids the extreme heat found in lower-lying areas, offering a temperate and inviting climate year-round. This balanced weather contributes to its popularity both as a residential area and a cultural destination.

The name Coyoacán comes from the Nahuatl word “Coyohuacán,” which is most commonly translated as “place of coyotes.” However, scholars have suggested alternative meanings such as “skinny coyote,” “place of wells,” or even “land of the water of the jackal or coyote.”

The name likely reflects the area’s ancient natural environment, where coyotes once roamed freely among lakes, forests, and lava fields. Over time, the coyote became a symbolic animal for the region – both a real presence in its past and a cultural icon woven into local identity.

The area’s pre-Hispanic glyph features a coyote in profile, with its tongue hanging out and curling midway across its body. In Nahua symbolism, this gesture can represent hunger, thirst, or exhaustion. The emblem likely dates back to the founding of the 10th or 12th centuries.

Other interpretations of the name include references to coyote chants or temples dedicated to the animal, though “place of coyotes” remains the most widely accepted and enduring meaning.

Coyoacán’s origins trace back to pre-Hispanic times, long before Mexico City existed. It was first settled by the Tepanec people, and later absorbed into the expanding Aztec Empire, though it maintained a distinct local identity.

In 1521, after the fall of Tenochtitlan, Hernán Cortés chose Coyoacán as his base of operations and the first seat of colonial rule. While the ruins of the Aztec capital lay devastated, Coyoacán’s well-built indigenous town and higher ground made it a practical and symbolic choice.

From here, Cortés oversaw the consolidation of Spanish power and the beginning of New Spain. Colonial churches, government buildings, and homes were soon constructed, many of which still stand—such as the Parroquia San Juan Bautista and the Casa de Cortés.

By the early colonial era, Coyoacán had become a vibrant administrative and religious center. During the catastrophic flood of 1629, when much of Mexico City was submerged under lake water for nearly five years, Coyoacán’s elevated location spared it from disaster.

So favorable was its terrain that Spanish authorities considered relocating the capital here entirely. The plan was ultimately abandoned due to logistical and financial challenges, but the episode highlighted the area’s importance and resilience.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Coyoacán retained its identity as a semi-rural retreat. Its cool climate and abundant vegetation made it popular with the upper class and intellectuals seeking refuge from the congestion of central Mexico City.

Even after Mexican independence, Coyoacán remained a quiet town with cobblestone streets, surrounded by chinampas, orchards, and haciendas.

The 20th century brought radical change. As Mexico City grew, the once-separate town of Coyoacán was absorbed into the capital’s expanding urban footprint. Yet it retained its unique charm. In 1928, Coyoacán was designated as one of Mexico City’s official boroughs.

Around the same time, it blossomed into a hub for artists, intellectuals, and revolutionaries.

Coyoacán became home to some of Mexico’s most iconic figures, such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived in the famous Casa Azul, now a museum; Leon Trotsky found exile here; Octavio Paz drew inspiration from its streets.

Coyoacán is a rare place where layers of history coexist – from ancient roots and colonial monuments to early 20th-century bohemian life and modern city vibrancy. Its historical legacy makes it one of the most culturally and historically rich boroughs in all of Mexico City.

Coyoacán is a neighborhood of contrasts. Coyoacán enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, leafy plazas, and colonial-era architecture. Once an independent town, it now stands as one of Mexico City’s most beloved cultural enclaves, rich with history and creative spirit.

The historic center of Coyoacán is a beautifully preserved district, ideal for strolling.

  • Plaza Hidalgo & Jardín Centenario
  • Parroquia San Juan Bautista
  • Casa de Hernán Cortés (current borough hall)
  • Calle Francisco Sosa (one of the oldest streets in the capital)
  • Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles
  • Mercado de Coyoacán
  • Casa Alvarado (Fonoteca Nacional)
  • Capilla de Santa Catarina
  • Traditional cantinas and artisanal cafés

Sightseeing:

Cultural centers:

  • Centro Cultural Elena Garro
  • Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles
  • Centro Nacional de las Artes (CENART)

Parks, zoo & recreation:

  • Viveros de Coyoacán
  • Parque Frida Kahlo
  • Parque Allende
  • Los Viveros Urban Park & Ecological Zone

Coyoacán borough is a large and diverse area in southern Mexico City, made up of many distinct neighborhoods or “barrios”. Each “barrio” has its unique character, history, and attractions, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry that defines Coyoacán.

While the historic center of Coyoacán is the most famous and visited, the borough itself stretches far beyond, encompassing residential areas, university zones, parks, and modern developments, including even the famous Ciudad Universitaria.

Borough (Alcaldía) is the large administrative division in Mexico City, like Coyoacán itself.

  • Each borough is divided into many colonias (neighborhoods).
  • Sometimes people call them “barrios”, but colonia is the official term.

Here are some of the main barrios and neighborhoods within the Coyoacán borough:

  • Coyoacán Historic Center
  • Santa Catarina
  • Pedregal de Santo Domingo
  • Ajusco
  • Copilco
  • Xoco
  • Hidalgo
  • Del Carmen
  • Santa Úrsula
  • Miguel Ángel de Quevedo
  • Culhuacán
  • La Concepción

These barrios form the mosaic of the Coyoacán borough, each contributing to its identity. Whether you’re exploring colonial plazas, university campuses, leafy residential streets, or bustling markets, Coyoacán’s neighborhoods offer something for every visitor and resident.

While many associate Coyoacán with its colonial core, the borough is also home to one of the most important educational and architectural landmarks in Latin America: Ciudad Universitaria (CU). Ciudad Universitaria is a modern masterpiece in Coyoacán.

Built in the 1950s to house the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Ciudad Universitaria is a sprawling campus that blends Mexican culture, art, and innovation. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its groundbreaking modernist design and integration of monumental murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Juan O’Gorman.

Key sites within CU include:

  • The Central Library, famous for its enormous mural made of natural stones.
  • The Rectoría (rectory building) with Siqueiros’ three-part mural.
  • The University Olympic Stadium, used for the 1968 Olympics, and still home to the Pumas football team.
  • Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC).
  • Universum, a science museum for kids and adults.

Ciudad Universitaria is not only a center of knowledge and culture—it’s also a vast green space, full of sculptures, botanical gardens, and quiet corners perfect for reflection or a picnic. It represents the modern face of Coyoacán and is a key part of its identity.

Coyoacán is one of the best places in Mexico City to experience traditional Mexican flavors in a charming, walkable setting. Coyoacán Market is legendary for its tostadas as well as quesadillas, tamales, and exotic snacks like fried grasshoppers (chapulines).

Try elotes (corn on the cob with mayo, cheese, and chili) or esquites (corn in a cup) from street vendors around the plaza. Don’t miss café de olla (coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo) or hot chocolate. Look for churros, alegrías (puffed amaranth with honey), or buñuelos.

Coyoacán also has elegant restaurants offering modern Mexican cuisine, mezcalerías, and cozy cafés with local art and music. Whether you’re snacking on the go or sitting down for a full meal, Coyoacán offers a culinary journey through the heart of Mexican tradition.

Getting to Coyoacán is easy, whether you’re arriving from central Mexico City.

By metro:

  • Take Line 3 and get off at Coyoacán or Viveros/Derechos Humanos station.
  • From there, it’s a short taxi or a 15–20-minute walk to the historic center.

By Metrobus:

  • Line 1 has stops within walking distance, or connect via Line 3 metro for closer access.

By car or taxi:

  • Coyoacán is about 10–12 km south of the Zócalo.
  • Use rideshare apps or authorized taxis, especially in the evening.

By bike or scooter:

  • Ecobici stations are scattered around the area.
  • Coyoacán’s streets are bike-friendly, particularly near parks and plazas.

How to get around (local transport):

  • Coyoacán’s heart is best explored on foot.
  • The cobblestone streets, shaded plazas, and colonial alleys are walkable.
  • Turibus sometimes offers a dedicated Coyoacán route.