Mexico city, a big Capital for a big country

Capital of the country, Mexico City has been described as the "biggest" city in the world. In reality, with over 20 million population and an area covering approximately 600 square miles it is probably one of the most densely populated. Regardless, Mexico City is truly one of the great capitals of the world. Its origin goes back to around the year 1325 when a nomad tribe of warriors called Aztecas, whose chieftain Tenoch followed the instructions of Huitzilopochtli - their tribal deity - to settle "on an island on a lake where an eagle was devouring a serpent while perched on a cactus".

That settlement became Tenochtitlan - a city with over 100,000 population living among splendid temples and pyramids built with the spoils gained from the many battles fought with neighboring tribes.

By the time Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, the Aztecas dominance over neighboring tribes had started its decline. Their nearby neighbors - the Tlaxcaltecas - became their bitter enemies and facilitated Cortez' march into Tenochtitlan and his eventual conquest over the Aztecas in 1521. Today's Mexico City is full of hustle and bustle. The underground Metro covers over 200 miles of routes within the city. Restaurants, museums, art galleries, fashion shops, tree lined boulevards, boutiques, taco stands, and the haute and demi mondes are present in Mexico City. Culturally, Mexico City has something to offer the most jaded visitor. The Museum of Anthropology, built in the early 60's, rivals museums around the world. Visitors can spend hours, even days, viewing the extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts collected from sites around Mexico. Testimonials and remnants of the works of Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Siqueiros, Tamayo and other notable painters are found throughout the city.

Taking in a performance of the world-renowned Ballet Folklorico is a must for first time visitors ... and highly considered by repeat travelers. The dawn to dusk effects on the Tiffany curtain image of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl at the Palace of Fine Arts are an impressive start to a whirlwind performance of flying colors in regional costumes, traditions and beautiful music.
 

 

 
Mexico City Day Trips

City Tour with Museum – Daily

We start this half day tour from the Paseo de La Reforma, the Main Square (Zocalo) with the Cathedral and the National Palace. Tour also includes the Chapultepec Park and the famous Anthropoly Museum.

Pyramids and Basilica – Daily

This half day tour takes you to the Basilica of Guadalupe, the main religious center in Mexico, and then to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, the largest and most impressive archeological site in Central America.

Xochimilco – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Half day excursion to the floating gardens of Xochimilco for a ride on the trajinera boats, nicely decorated with flowers, cruising through the old canals. Flowers, refreshing drinks and Mariachi are extras.

Taxco one day - Daily

Full day excursion to Taxco, the capital of Mexican Silver and beautiful colonial city. After a guided walk through the picturesque city with Sta Prisca Church and the silver market, lunch is included. Free time for shopping before returning to Mexico City.

Puebla one day – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Full day excursion passing close to the vulcoanos Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl to the colonial city of Puebla where we will visit the Rosario Chapel, the Cathedral and the Loreto Fortress with some time free for shopping. Continue to Cholula, the world’s largest pyramid. Lunch is included.

Folkloristic Ballet – Wednesday and Sunday

Round trip transportation and tickets are provided to attend a performance of the National Folkloric Ballet at the Bellas Artes Theatre.

Mexico City by Night – Friday and Saturday

Transfer to the rotating restaurant Bellini on top of the World Trade Center for dinner with a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards continue to the famous Garibaldi Square for a drink in a traditional bar.

 


For information, prices and reservations of hotels, transfers, activities and other travel services in Mexico city contact us