Here stands the Monumento al Caminero. It is more than just stone. It’s a tribute to the builders of Mexico’s highways.
The Monumento al Caminero sits where Insurgentes Sur meets the Tlalpan Viaduct. This forms the highway to Cuernavaca. Many in Mexico City know the south by its distance to this exit. Yet, few know exactly which exit it is.
Look closely at the Monumento al Caminero. Three men are depicted. They hold tools of their trade. One has a jackhammer. Another has a surveyor’s tripod. The last holds a book of plans. All are carved from light brown stone.
Ramiro Gaviño sculpted the Monumento al Caminero. David and Joaquín Gutiérrez assisted him. The Gutiérrez brothers hailed from Chimalhuacan. They carved many monuments along Mexico’s roads.
The Monumento al Caminero was dedicated on October 17, 1956. This marked the 31st anniversary of the Mexican National Road Commission. The date honored a Royal Decree from 1533. It called for building roads across New Spain.
Consider the effort required to build Mexico’s highways. Time, money, and manpower were invested. The modern economy relies on these roads. Their upkeep is vital.
The Monumento al Caminero is a popular socialist monument in Mexico City. Its location isn’t easy to reach. Yet, it’s a respected part of city life. Not just for drivers passing by.
You will find the Monumento al Caminero south of Tlalpan’s Centro. It is just north of Chimalcoyoc. This quirky neighborhood is the first mountain town of Ajusco.
The inscription reads “Al Caminero, integrador de las comunicaciones de México, MCMXXV-DNC-MCMLVI”. This honors road workers. They connect Mexico through communication.
The Monumento al Caminero marks the boundary. It stands between Tlalpan’s center and Chimalcoyoc. It serves as the gateway to the Ajusco mountains.
Take a moment to appreciate the Monumento al Caminero. It is a tribute to those who built the roads. Their work connects people and opportunities. They are the unsung heroes of the Mexican roads.