Cerro de la Estrella Zona Arqueológica

A bit of a walk though some neighborhoods and up the hill if you get here by subway like I did and don't know all the bus routes, but worth the walk on a nice afternoon if you've already seen much of what Mexico City has to offer. Though the archaeological remains aren't that impressive compared to other nearby sites, there are nice views of the city, an archaeological museum that is free, and a bit of peace and quiet if you are lucky.

Perfect for nature lovers and people looking for something different and keen on trekking or just having fun going up the pyramid. You'll need good cardio though, so take your time and enjoy your climb up.

The Binding of the Years Ceremony, was a ritual held every 52 years in the month of November at this location. “Finally, as darkness fell, the populace stopped all activities, climbed the roofs of their homes and waited with a hushed silence and baited breath for what was to come. The whole city had been ritually cleaned and every fire in the city had been extinguished. Here, on a platform visible to the whole city below, the priests waited until midnight and a precise alignment of the stars which would signal the ceremony could begin, this was the moment a human sacrifice was made. The High Priest cut out the heart from the living victim and a fire was kindled in the empty chest cavity using the sacred firestick drill, the tlequauitl. The flame was used to light a huge pyre so that all could see the success of the ceremony in the city below.” When the people saw the flame, the party started. A party that would be truly unimaginable today. Now that was a review, if you liked it like it!

A great place to contemplate the city from above, celebrating the spirit of the New Fire. It may need more care from local authorities, despite the fact, the Aztec building remains.

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