Ciudad Universitaria + Tlatelolco Private Tour with Transport

Ciudad Universitaria (CU) and the Tlatelolco Archaeological Zone are two emblematic sites in Mexico City that reflect different stages of its history. CU was built between 1950 and 1954 on a volcanic lava field in the southern part of the city, as a modern and unified space for the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which had previously been scattered across various buildings in the city center. It was designed by renowned architects such as Mario Pani and Enrique del Moral, and features murals integrated into the architecture by artists like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O’Gorman.

In contrast, Tlatelolco, located in the northern part of the Historic Center, was a major commercial and political hub of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Founded in 1337, it became known for its vast market and was the site of the final battle against the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. Today, its archaeological remains coexist with the Church of Santiago and the Plaza of the Three Cultures, symbolizing the fusion of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern eras just as CU embodies the integration of art, architecture and modernity in contemporary Mexico. The relationship between Tlatelolco and Ciudad Universitaria (C.U.) is rooted in their shared commitment to preserving and disseminating Mexico’s historical and cultural memory.

The Centro Cultural Universitario Tlatelolco (CCUT), located in the Nonoalco-Tlatelolco housing complex, serves as a multidisciplinary space dedicated to reflecting on significant moments in Mexican history, such as the 1968 student movement. As part of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the CCUT promotes the study, research, and dissemination of topics related to art, memory, and resistance processes. It houses the Memorial del 68, which honors the memory of the events that occurred on October 2, 1968, in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco.

Ciudad Universitaria, located in the Coyoacán borough, is the main campus of UNAM. In 1968, it was the site of events related to the student movement, including the occupation by the Mexican army on September 18 of that year. The connection between Tlatelolco and C.U. is evident in the preservation and dissemination of Mexico’s historical memory. The CCUT, as part of UNAM, is dedicated to researching and promoting topics related to art, history, and resistance processes, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural events that have shaped society.

Additionally, the CCUT is located near the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, an emblematic site that symbolizes the confluence of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern cultures, reinforcing the connection between the CCUT and the history of Tlatelolco.

In summary, Tlatelolco and Ciudad Universitaria are united by their link to UNAM and their commitment to preserving and disseminating Mexico’s historical and cultural memory.

Language
ENGLISH AND SPANISH
Guide
LOCAL GUIDES. You can request for a certified guide with extra cost
Hotel Transfer
Pick up and Drop off
Transportation
Car or Van after 4 people
Tour Availability
Every day, except Mondays, we cannot enter the Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC) since it is not open.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

This is a private and personalized tour only for you and your love ones. The total duration is 6 hours and taking the transfers time. This tour includes private transport, pick up and drop off at your address in Mexico city, your tourist guide/driver, 1 bottle of water and 1 little bag of snacks per person. After 4 people the vehicle is a new van with air conditioner.

You can personalized this tour.

Highlights

Explore Tlatelolco, a historic site with archaeological remains and the iconic Plaza of the Three Cultures.
Visit the Site Museum and learn about history and key events, including the 1968 student movement.
Enjoy the urban atmosphere with local markets and street art surrounding Tlatelolco.
Tour Ciudad Universitaria, the main campus of UNAM and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Admire iconic murals by artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros at Ciudad Universitaria.
Enjoy green spaces, modern architecture, and open cultural areas on campus.
Visit the Olympic Stadium and Central Library, key landmarks of the campus.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant student environment full of energy, creativity, and cultural diversity.

PICK UP TIME :

AT YOUR ADDRESS IN MEXICO CITY

Your guide will contact you before pick up time. The pick up will be at your accommodation address. You can choose the pick up time from 8 am to 1 pm.

TRANSFER TIME :

ON OUR WAY TO TLATELOLCO

Usually it takes 1 hour early in the morning from the central touristic areas. If your pick up is afternoon it can take more time due to traffic.

ARRIVAL AT :

TLATELOLCO ARCHAELOGICAL ZONE

Beginning of our tour. We like to begin by visiting the Plaza of the Three Cultures, then continue to the Great Temple of Tlatelolco, the Palace of the Chiefs, the circular altars, and conclude with the Tlatelolco University Cultural Center.

TOUR TIME :

2 HOURS OF TOUR

We will begin our tour at the iconic Plaza of the Three Cultures, a space that represents the fusion of three major historical periods in Mexico: the pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern eras. Here, we will observe how archaeological remains intertwine with colonial architecture, such as the Church of Santiago, and the modern buildings that surround the plaza.

Next, we will visit the Tlatelolco Main Temple, where we will learn about the archaeological vestiges that reveal important aspects of the life, religion, and customs of the Mexica people who inhabited this area. We will continue to the Palace of the Caciques, a place that will help us understand the social and political organization of the pre-Hispanic indigenous communities.

During the tour, we will also admire the circular altars, which were sacred spaces used for religious ceremonies in Mexica culture.

Afterwards, we will stop at the Site Museum, where valuable archaeological pieces found in the area are exhibited, allowing us to better understand the relationship between daily life, religion, and Mexica traditions.

To conclude, we will head to the Tlatelolco University Cultural Center, where we can enjoy cultural and artistic exhibitions that address the history of the place as well as the impact of the 1968 student movement. In this space, we will reflect on the historical and social significance of the site, including key events such as the 1968 massacre, which deeply mark Mexico’s collective memory.

TRANSFER TO :

CIUDAD UNIVERSITARIA

The tour of Ciudad Universitaria can begin at the Rectoría Esplanade, where the murals by David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Chávez Morado stand out, along with the iconic architecture of the main building. If access is allowed, visitors can also explore exhibitions inside the Rectoría building.

Next, continue to the Central Library, designed by architect and muralist Juan O’Gorman. Its facade is entirely covered by a monumental mural that represents the history of Mexico from different perspectives. Although entering the building is not allowed, walking around it to view all four sides offers a deep appreciation of its symbolic richness.

The tour continues with a visit to the MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art), a spacious and modern venue showcasing exhibitions by national and international artists. The museum also features a café, bookstore, and relaxing areas. Afterwards, explore the Ecological Reserve of the Pedregal de San Ángel, a protected natural area with volcanic trails, native flora and fauna—perfect for a peaceful walk and connection with nature.

Then, make a stop at the Olympic University Stadium to admire its functionalist architecture and the famous mural by Diego Rivera from the outside. To move between the various points on campus, visitors can use the Pumabús, a free internal transportation system.

Finally, the tour can conclude with a visit to the UNAM Store or one of the campus bookstores, where books, souvenirs, or official university merchandise can be purchased.

OPTIONAL TIME :

FOR LUNCH

If you want We can have time for lunch or breakfast (add extra time with extra cost $40 usd per group) or take time of our tour time.

DROP OFF AT :

ADDRESS ACCOMMODATION

The drop off will be at your address or any other place in Mexico city. If the place is far away it can generates extra cost.

FAQs

Expand all

-Is this a private tour?

Yes. A private tour only for you and your special people. At this moment We don’t have groupal tours.

-What type of vehicle?

At this moment We are a small growing agency. Our agency has 1 new vehicle 2025 + 3 new vans 2024. So when the tour is from 1-3 people the vehicle is a car (it can be our new vehicle or the vehicle of your guide). We use a van or minivan after 4 people.

-Is My guide the same driver?

Usually if the tour is for 1 to 3 people the guide is the same driver. After 4 people We use a van with 10/13 seats or minivan for 7 passengers. Usually in minivan is the same guide the driver.

-Have the guides a certification?

Our team is made by local guides, lovers of our culture and destinations. They have a lot of experience in our tours: driving & the story. OF COURSE SOMETIMES WE WORK WITH CERTIFICATE GUIDES. WHEN THE CUSTOMER REQUEST FOR A CERTIFICATE GUIDE WE CAN DO IT (WITH EXTRA COST)

-CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund cancellation + 24 hours according to pick up time
No refund cancellation – 24 hours according to pick up time
No show by customer = no refund
Bad weather = No refund
Full refund in case We cannot to do the tour according to no show guide, not available vehicles, the place is closed or any situation that We cannot to do the tour
The refund is by the same way You do the payment. Sometimes it can take some days

-Can I personalized this tour?

Of course! Contact us and We can personalized every detail and improve this tour you.