Coyoacán

Coyoacán, which means 'place of those who have coyotes' in Nahuatl, has roots stretching back to the Tepanec people long before the Spanish arrival. Following the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Hernán Cortés chose this area as his base of operations, making it the first capital of New Spain while the ruins of the Aztec capital were being rebuilt. This historical weight is still visible in the neighborhood's layout and its oldest structures, such as the Casa de Cortés. As the centuries passed, Coyoacán evolved from a separate village into a favorite retreat for the Mexican elite and religious orders. The construction of the San Juan Bautista Church and its adjacent monastery in the 16th century established a spiritual and social center that remains the heart of the district today. Its narrow, winding streets and colonial mansions reflect a time when the area was surrounded by orchards and farmland, far removed from the bustle of the central city. In the 20th century, the neighborhood transformed into a world-renowned cultural and intellectual hub. It became the home of iconic figures like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky, who sought refuge and inspiration within its colorful walls. Today, Coyoacán preserves its bohemian atmosphere, serving as a living museum where traditional Mexican heritage meets contemporary artistic expression, attracting millions of visitors who come to experience its unique blend of history and charm.