Xítle, Monogenetic volcano in Tlalpan, Mexico.

Xitle is a monogenetic ash cone in the Ajusco range within Cumbres del Ajusco National Park, in the Tlalpan borough of southwestern Mexico City. Its cone has a round base about 250 m across and slopes of 30° to 40°; the funnel-shaped crater, some 50 m deep, holds large boulders fallen from its walls. Dense vegetation covers the cone, so it is often taken for a hill, with dark green growth on the upper slopes and a band of trees below.

The eruption occurred between the third and fourth centuries AD, burying the nearby city of Cuicuilco beneath a thick layer of lava. The inhabitants fled northward and contributed to the development of other settlements in the central highlands.

The name Xitle means "navel" in Nahuatl. On May 3, the feast of the Holy Cross is celebrated on the volcano; elderly residents recall masses once held at the summit to give thanks for spring water and to ask that it never dry up. Villagers say that if the mass for the water spring is not held, it would "worm" (dry up). Crosses are also blessed for the five plots where corn is kept.

Access is via marked trails in the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park, and sturdy footwear is recommended because of the sharp volcanic rock. The best time to visit is early morning, when the air is clear and views over the valley improve.

The Pedregal de San Ángel lava fields now support more than 300 plant species, many of which grow only on this volcanic rock. Some of these plants have developed root systems that penetrate deep into the porous lava to find moisture.