Tlapacoya

About 10km/6mi north-west of Chalco, near the village Ayotla, lies the Tlapacoya archaeological site, investigation of which has thrown new light on early pre-Columbian history. A six-storey pyramid, probably constructed between the 6th and 4th c. bc, and numerous graves with figurines dating back to 1200 bc, indicate an early Olmec culture. Other remains found here have been scientifically dated to about 23000 bc, the earliest evidence yet of human presence in Mexico.

Heading south from Amecameca, a turn off after 2km/1.3mi goes to Paso de Cortés and Tlamacas, as well as to La Joya at the foot of the Popocatépetl-Iztaccíhuatl massif.