Coyoacán

Coyoacán
source
Name	Coyoacán
Settlement type	Borough of Mexico City
Coordinates	19, 21, N, 99...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Mexico
Subdivision type1	Federal entity
Subdivision name1	Mexico City
Established title	Founded
Established date	Pre-Columbian era
Leader title	Borough president
Leader name	Giovanni Gutiérrez
Area total km2	54.4
Population total	614,447
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	04000–04980
Area code	55
Website	https://coyoacan.cdmx.gob.mx/

Coyoacán is one of the 16 boroughs of Mexico City, renowned for its deep historical roots and vibrant cultural life. Its name, derived from the Nahuatl language, translates to "place of coyotes," reflecting its pre-Hispanic origins. Today, it is celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and as a hub for artists, intellectuals, and political figures.

History

The area was originally settled by the Tepanec people before becoming part of the Aztec Empire. Following the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, Hernán Cortés established his headquarters here, and it served as the first capital of New Spain from 1521 to 1523. Throughout the colonial period, it was a major agricultural center, with many convents and haciendas built by religious orders. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it remained a separate town within the State of Mexico before its annexation into the Federal District in 1928. The borough was a focal point during the Mexican Revolution and later became a refuge for intellectuals fleeing the Spanish Civil War.

Geography and climate

Located in the southern part of Mexico City, the borough is bordered by Benito Juárez, Tlalpan, Xochimilco, and Álvaro Obregón. Its terrain includes parts of the Pedregal de San Ángel, a volcanic landscape formed by the Xitle volcano. The climate is a subtropical highland climate with a rainy season from May to October, influenced by its altitude in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Key natural areas include the Viveros de Coyoacán nursery and sections of the Ejército Nacional park.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, the borough has a population of approximately 614,447 inhabitants. It is characterized by a high level of educational attainment and a mix of socioeconomic groups, housing numerous academics, artists, and professionals affiliated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Indigenous communities, primarily Nahuatl speakers, maintain a presence, and the area has attracted a significant number of expatriates.

Culture and attractions

Coyoacán is a major cultural center, home to the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), the Leon Trotsky House Museum, and the Museo Nacional de las Culturas Populares. The historic center around Jardín Centenario and Plaza Hidalgo features the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista and the Museo de la Acuarela. It hosts annual events like the Festival de las Almas and has been a residence for figures such as Diego Rivera, Octavio Paz, and Emilio "El Indio" Fernández. The Cineteca Nacional and the Centro Nacional de las Artes are also located here.

Education and research

The borough is a nucleus for higher education and scientific research, anchored by the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This campus houses renowned institutions like the Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas, the Instituto de Física, and the Museo Universitario de Ciencias y Arte. Other significant institutions include the Instituto Politécnico Nacional units, the Escuela Nacional de Restauración, and the Colegio de México.

Transportation

Coyoacán is served by several stations of the Mexico City Metro, including Coyoacán, Viveros, and Miguel Ángel de Quevedo on Line 3. Major thoroughfares such as Avenida Universidad, Avenida División del Norte, and the Periférico ring road facilitate road connectivity. Public transportation includes Metrobús lines and a network of pesero minibuses, while the Tren Ligero provides service to southern neighborhoods.

Government

As a borough, it is administered by a local government headed by a borough president, currently Giovanni Gutiérrez of the Morena party. The borough is divided into 140 colonias, including Villa Coyoacán, Del Carmen, and Copilco. It operates under the framework of the Statute of Government of the Federal District and sends representatives to the Congress of Mexico City.

Category:Boroughs of Mexico City Category:Populated places established in the pre-Columbian era