Mexico City, which is situated 2,350 metres above sea level, is one of the world's fastest growing agglomerations due to the strong afflux from other, mainly rural regions and the high birth rate. Many of those coming from outside the city do not find the life they expected and end up living in one of the city's huge slums. The difficult social situation of the people in the slums results in high numbers of children who are mistreated, abused or abandoned.

The first Mexican SOS Children's Village was set up in La Villa de Guadalupe, a suburb of Mexico City, approximately 700 m from the famous Basilica of Saint Virgin Guadalupe Hidalgo. SOS Children's Village Mexico City consists of six family houses, the village director's house, an aunts' or family helpers' house, a multi-purpose hall, a library, an administrative and service area and several playgrounds. The sports field for football, basketball and volleyball is a meeting point for children from the SOS Children's Village and their friends from the vicinity. SOS Children's Village Mexico City also offers workshops for pottery, silkscreen printing and painting.