Cuahilama, Archaeological site in Xochimilco, Mexico.
Cuahilama is an archaeological site in Xochimilco featuring ten petroglyphs carved into dark basalt rock formations on a hillside near Santa Cruz Acalpixca. The carvings are etched directly into the stone face and cover a significant area, making them visible across the landscape.
The site served as a ceremonial center for the Xochimilca people during the 12th to 15th centuries. It also functioned as a checkpoint where goods destined for Tenochtitlan were inspected and controlled.
The petroglyphs carved into the hillside show stars, deities, jaguars, and butterflies, reflecting how ancient inhabitants connected their beliefs to the natural world. Walking among these carvings, you notice how closely linked their daily life was to the sky and the earth around them.
The site can be reached by public transportation to Xochimilco, then requires a walk to reach the hillside where the petroglyphs are located. Visitors should expect unpaved paths and uneven terrain, as the area remains in a natural state with little development nearby.
The hillside contained an ancient observation platform that residents used to track weather changes and planting cycles across the Valley of Mexico. From this vantage point, they could monitor the sky and surrounding lands simultaneously, making it a valuable spot for planning agricultural work.
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