Los Reyes Acaquilpan

Beyond the urban sprawl, Los Reyes Acaquilpan whispers tales of ancient empires and modern struggles. Los Reyes Acaquilpan sits on the edge of Mexico City, a place where the echoes of the Aztec empire mingle with the hustle of a modern metropolis. This town, also known as Los Reyes La Paz, serves as the municipal seat of La Paz. Imagine standing here in 1882, witnessing the arrival of the first train connecting Los Reyes Acaquilpan to Mexico City. This event marked a turning point, forging a strong economic link that continues to shape the town’s identity. Los Reyes Acaquilpan wasn’t always the bustling town you see today. It grew from the ancient lands of the Acolhuas, whose capital resided in Texcoco. As part of the powerful Aztec Triple Alliance, this region thrived on tribute flowing in from all corners of the empire. This prosperity lasted until the Spanish Conquest, which irrevocably altered the course of history. During the 18th century, territorial disputes were common. These conflicts eventually led to the merging of several communities into two entities: San Salvador Tecamachalco and La Magdalena Atlicpac, now known as the neighborhoods of Atenantitlan and Tejolote. In 1875, President Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada formally established the municipality, solidifying the area’s unification that had begun decades earlier. Initially, La Magdalena Atlicpac held control, overseeing the towns of San Sebastián Chimalpa and Tecamachalco. Only later did Los Reyes Acaquilpan assume its role as the municipal seat. Today, Los Reyes Acaquilpan is the largest of 18 localities within the municipality. The 2010 census recorded a population of 85,359 within the town itself, while the entire municipality boasts over 253,845 residents. Los Reyes Acaquilpan is easily accessible from Mexico City thanks to Line A of the Metro, which terminates at the aptly named Metro La Paz station. As you explore Los Reyes Acaquilpan, you’ll find that it’s a town of contrasts. The glyph of Los Reyes Acaquilpan, symbolizing water, serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s original Nahuatl name, “Atlicpac,” meaning “above or at the edge of water.” This historical connection adds a layer of depth to the modern urban landscape.