Malinalco

城市概覽

Malinalco is ancient. Archaeologists have found potsherds and signs of human occupation dating back to 1800 BC, but the area was sparsely populated until the Classic area (roughly around the 10th century). The archaeological site at Malinalco is quite young by Mexican standards, focusing on Aztec constructions from the late 15th century right up until the day the Spaniards marched in and informed the local indigenous population that they now had the honor of serving the Spanish crown. The Aztec structures were built to honor the eagle warriors and jaguar warriors. Aztec mythology says that Malinalco was settled when a nomadic tribe stumbled into an argument between the god Huitzilopochtil and his sister Malinalxochitl. Huitzilopochtil was irritated with his sister, so in the middle of the night, he left the encampment along with most of the nomadic people. In the morning, Malinalxochitl discovered that she'd been abandoned with the smaller group of nomads. These people became known as the Matlazlincans, who then occupied the land.

Historically, groups of Toltec and Otomi moved into the area at various points in history. There is evidence they paid tribute to Tula, and in 1476, they were conquered by the Aztec army of Axayacatl. The Aztec dominated the region until the conquest. Although different religious orders were present in Malinalco at various points in the colonial era, the enduring imprint was made by the Augustinians who evangelized the community beginning in 1537 and who built a large convent and several smaller churches and chapels in Malinalco and its surrounding villages. The most significant of these churches are the Church of the Divine Savior in the town of Malinalco and the Sanctuary of Chalma. The town is situated in a river valley, giving it a sense of isolation. Just over 6,500 people live in the town of Malinalco (2015), with several thousand more in nearby villages.

如何抵達

By bus From Mexico City, it's about an hour by bus to Malinalco. Flecha Roja has several buses daily departing from the Observatorio bus terminal. Tickets start at M$120.

1 Flecha Roja Terminal Chalma-Malinalco (Chalma-Malinalco Bus Station). Bus station operated by the Flecha Roja company. Buses from Mexico City's Observatorio station.

By car From Toluca, take federal highway MEX 55 south toward Tenancingo. Turn east toward Joquicingo, continue past the town to the site. From Mexico City, take federal highway MEX 95 about 25 km until you see the sign for Xochicalco Ruinas. Take that turn and continue 7 km past Xochicalco to the town of Miacatlan. Look for signs to Malinalco, it is a dirt road but in good condition. It is about 20 km from Miacatlan to Malinalco.

當地交通

The town is compact and easily walkable and the archaeological site is a short distance from the town center. You'll want to use a taxi to visit the village of Chalma. Taxis are usually found at the sitio next to the zócalo.

必看景點

1 Zocalo (Kiosko Malinalco). One of two central squares in Malinalco, this one featuring the bandstand/kiosk. Pleasant park for strolling, relaxing and people watching. 2 Parroquia del Divino Salvador (Church of the Divine Savior, Convento Agustino del Transfiguracion), Esq. De Progreso e Hidalgo, Centro. Historic 16th-century church built by the Augustinians between 1540 and 1580. Adjacent to church is the Convento de Augustino Transfiguracion. Both the main church and the convent reflect Renaissance style and are known for their frescos, painted by various artists over a period of several decades. Flemish artist Simón Pereyns painted some of the frescoes in the late 1560s. In the convent, the Augustinians enlisted indigenous artists known as Tlacuilos who painted many of the frescoes and Mediterranean designs in the architectural detail. Parts of the church were damaged by an earthquake in 2017 and are frequently closed off for renovation.

3 Malinalco Archaeological Zone (Cuauhtinchan, Cerro de los Idolos), Amajac, Barrio Santa Monica, ☏ +52 714 147 3103. 10:00 - 15:00 (closed M). The ruins of Malinalco seem to be carved into the cliffside, giving it a dramatic feel and natural setting. The site features six structures built in the late 15th century and early 16th century. The most famous are two temples, honoring the eagle warriors and the jaguar warriors. Malinalco was a sanctuary for Aztec warriors and was used for secret ceremonies and rituals involving high priests and probably the emperor himself. The most impressive structure is Building 1, which was carved directly into the mountain's stone walls (including the sculptures). The main staircase is flanked by jaguar sculptures and a third is in the middle of the steps (all three scultpures are badly eroded after 5 centuries of neglect and exposure to the elements). The temple doorway is carved as a snake mouth with jaws gaping open through which you walk. Additional eagle and jaguar sculptures are inside t

體驗活動

Festivals Feast Day of the Patron Saint of Malinalco (Festejos del Divino Salvador) - first week of August, festivities include the famous parade of the mojigangas (costumed characters), along with food, dancing, music, and carnival attractions

Water parks Natural hot springs are found in the town of Malinalco and several of the surrounding villages that make up its municipality (including Chalma). Spas provide pampering and several water parks provide wet family fun. The water parks, called balnearios, range from older, more modest parks with several hot water swimming pools to elaborate water theme parks that include water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and similar attractions.

購物

Tianguis - Sunday is market day in Malinalco with vendors setting up around the zócalo around 08:00 or 09:00.

美食

Several restaurants are located in the historic center area in the town of Malinalco, within a few blocks of the zocalo. Many hotels also have on-site restaurants. Many street food vendors are located near the Chalma Sanctuary.

1 Casa Diablitos Malinalco, Vicente Guerrero 8, Santa Monica. F-Su 11:00 - 01:00, closed M-Th. Unique restaurant that plays up tradition with its deliberately rundown antique decor, its regional cuisine, its array of homemade mezcals, and its dishes that all but the boldest palates will hesitate to try, like the scorpion, or the grasshopper tacos with pumpkin seeds (tacos de chapulines). (updated Aug 2023) 2 Las Palomas, Vicente Guerrero 104, ☏ +52 714 147 0122. Su Tu-Th 10:00 - 18:00, F Sa 10:00 - 22:00, closed M. Upscale traditional restaurant serving innovative regional cuisine. Jamaica flowers are a favorite as is the Chicken breast stuffed with huitlacoche in a pastry crust. Very popular with waiting times of about an hour during the weekend. M$300. (updated Aug 2023)

飲品與夜生活

1 Pulques Nawa, Vicente Guerrero 212. F-Su 11:00 - 20:00, closed M-Th. Traditional pulqueria catering to the weekend tourist trade and serving both natural and cured, flavored pulques. Travelers who enjoy fruity tropical drinks should try the mango with passio