Mercado de Santa Cruz Acalpixca

The Mercado de Santa Cruz Acalpixca is the public market in the original settlement of the same name. It’s mid-way on the Avenida Tenochtitlan between the famous Xochimilco Archaeological Museum and the old Lavaderos Publicos. That public laundry, one of just a few remaining in Mexico City, is being slowly converted to a cultural center. It was always an important social meeting point for the community.

Some of those from laundry will show up in the market too. It’s a thriving commercial center for the community amidst Acalpixca’s couple of busy central streets. The market, once or twice weekly, expands to include most of the Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas. This is the former church atrium and most of the central section the Calle Lázaro Cárdenas between the market and the town church.

• Santa Cruz Acalpixca is just northwest of the famous Cuahilama archaelogical site. As such, it’s a very ancient town, traditionally said to have been founded in 1254 CE. The archaeological site is accessible from a rocky stairway emerging from the Prolongacion 2 de Abril which climbs the Cerro Cuahilama.

For those on their way to or from the archaeological zone, the market may seem like a truly special place. Meals are prepared fresh daily – and from the freshest ingredients. And for travelers getting used to too much street food (or worse), it’s a real treat.

You’re supporting smaller and independent businesses and farmers. And you’re eating better too! There are some general tips on market eating here. Remarkable in a whole number of ways, the actual Mercado de Santa Cruz Acalpixca is either the perfect cap to a trip to the town. Or it may be the perfect introduction.