Historical Background and Research Site Historical sources refer to Ixtapan as a producer of salt; the same site name in Nahuatl (Iztatl: salt and bread: place "Place where there is salt") alludes to this fact and stresses the importance that the exploitation of this natural resource had since pre-Hispanic times. The first archaeological excavations at the site were conducted in 1985 and concentrated in the area around an element known as "THE MODEL", a rocky outcrop where the ancient people carved a series of architectural elements such as squares, stairs , etc. Since 1991, the Mexican Institute of Culture launches the "San Miguel Ixtapan Archaeological Project", which aims primarily to research and safeguard the archaeological heritage of this important region.

They have been identified 4 stages of occupation; the first is the period known as Classic (500-750 AD). The second corresponds to Epi (750-900 AD) is the heyday of the site and the final phases of occupation are the Early Post Classic (900-1200 AD) to finally have a place Mexica occupation (1200-1521) . Importantly have recovered figurines that correspond to the Preclassic or Formative (1500 BC to 200 AD), however, can not be clearly placed within an archaeological context. In 1995 was inaugurated a museum, where all pieces recovered during different archaeological explorations are exhibited. The collection is displayed chronologically and according to the type of material which were manufactured order. Site Description The structures that make up the prehistoric settlement are as follows: Ball and Platform One 's "Ball" has a field with plant in a "I" Latin or double "T", oriented east-west. Its approximate measurements are 50 meters long and 7.50 meters wide for the court area and has 15 heads by 7.8 meters. Towards the south side of this structure is attached the "Platform One", where they were recovered a large number of human burials accompanied with rich offerings. Mound Oneonly could be explored partly due to the presence of a large tamarind tree; on its eastern side presents a flattened remains of stucco with red pigment and the west has a small inset staircase leading to the top. Mound Two has three overlapping bodies; the top of the third body has a number of rooms, to which is reached by a delimited staircase with balustrades and were probably of housing-ceremonial use. To another section of the building, two small rooms are located: one It is known as "Complex of Sculptures" because during his exploration a lot of figurines manufactured in basalt and greenstone was recovered. And the other is called "enclosure bench." In this section you will find the "sunken courtyard" with rectangular and two staircases, one of which preserves the remains of stucco that covered and is located in front of the "Campus Sculpture." To the north sector of this mound, a monumental staircase made of large basalt blocks leading to a kind of outdoor patio bordered by a low wall are located. It is also possible to see the drainage system with which account the structure and a small niche with a sculpture of Tlaloc covered with stucco.

Schedule Tuesday to Sunday from 10-17 hours.

Contacts Rescue and Conservation Branch of the Mexican Institute of Culture Calle Pedro Ascencio 103, Col. Centro, Toluca, State of Mexico. Phone: (01) (722) 214-6300 . Phone Archaeological Museum in San Miguel Ixtapan community (01) (724) 269-4227.

The site is located in the southern region of the State of Mexico approximately 115 kilometers.Toluca City Federal Highway 134. It is located 15 kilometers from the county seat of Tejupilco, the No. 8 state road leading to the village of Amatepec.