Magdalena Contreras

Magdalena Contreras is a borough located within Mexico City in Mexico, carrying the administrative identifier 3523760. Positioned at coordinates 19.33212 and -99.21118 within the America/Mexico_City timezone, this territory operates using the MXN currency and supports the es-MX language.

Steep slopes and flowing waters

Ravines and canyons carved by freshwater springs define much of the landscape in Magdalena Contreras. Permanent and seasonal streams originate from springs such as Pericos, Mal Paso, Apapxtla, Las Ventanas, Cieneguillas, Los Cuervos, and San Miguel. Two principal waterways, the Río Magdalena and the Río Eslava, traverse the territory. The Río Magdalena begins on the slopes of the Cerro La Palma in the Cuajimalpa borough and stands as the only free-flowing river in the Federal District.

Conservation zones and urban pressure

While the northern end of the borough is urbanized, the remaining expanse features mountains and ravines designated as conservation zones. Urban sprawl has increased pressure on these natural environments. The local terrain includes four pre-Hispanic communities: San Bernabé Ocotepec, San Nicolás Totolapan, La Magdalena Atlitic, and San Jeronimo Aculco. Historical settlements in the area date back to the latter Preclassic period between approximately 500 and 200 BCE, linked initially to Cuicuilco before volcanic eruptions drove inhabitants to higher elevations.