Pictures of Calixtlahuaca, Mexico
 
Calixtlahuaca (pronounced ka-leesh-tla-HWA-ka) is an archeological site 7 km northwest of Toluca. The ethnic group called Matlazinca had probably conquered the wide Toluca valley themselves and developed a thiving agricultural based economy in this very fertile flat land rare in Mexico. This tempting prize combined with the unfortunate location of the valley in the buffer zone between the rival Aztecs and Purepechas culminated in the conquest of the Matlazincas in 1474 by allies of the Aztecs. 11,000 captives were taken and sacrificed in Tenochtitlan. The existing structures were then built by the Aztecs.

Catch a local bus saying "Calix" from the Jardin Botanico in Toluca for 5 pesos to the town of the same name. Ask the driver where to get off for the short uphill walk to the site.      (Pictures taken April 22, 2004)

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These three pictures form a panorama taken from the top of Quetzalcoatl Pyramid looking north to east. Left looking back at the museum and entrance. Walking up the drainage aquaduct, the site appeared abandoned when I first arrived, but I was soon greeted by the caretaker to collect the fee. Center shows a shallow lake in the distance at the end of the dry season. Perhaps the hill was once an island. Right reveals more of the town of the same name with its colorful church.

Your first view of the back of the round Quetzalcoatl pyramid as you enter. The Quetzalcoatl pyramid from the front. There is a stele with a single glyph in front.