Mexico City was once called Tenochtitlán, which was the ancient Aztec capital. When the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived here in 1519, this beautiful Aztec city was home to over 200,000, which made it the biggest in the world and certainly bigger than any that the Spanish had seen before. It was built on an island among a network of lakes; Tenochtitlán had stone palaces and pyramids, two terracotta aqueducts and three giant causeways connecting it to the mainland, each of them wide enough for ten horses. The Spanish arrived with only a few hundred men, but with the more advanced army and horses, victory was assured. The Spanish decided to raze and rebuilt the city according to what they wanted. This included grand churches and mansions, built on a grid pattern. Unfortunately, the city was built on several lakes and many of the buildings are sinking into the earth and with the constant earthquakes it has taken its toll on most of the buildings.
Today, Mexico City has a population of over 20 million and is the world’s second biggest city. It’s officially known in Mexico as the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico and the area covers almost 5,000 square kilometres. The city has one of the highest murder rates per capita then any other city in the world and during the 1990s it had problem with kidnappings. The problems are still there, as with such a big population and high employment it’s tough to keep the crime down, as two-thirds of the cities population are under 30 years of age, which makes creating jobs more of a priority. The city is starting to succeed though as in recent years some polls taken show that children are more educated then ever before, as more than 95 per cent of 6-14 year olds and more than 60 per cent of 15-19 year olds attend school. This is a sharp increase to what it used to be and with these figures it can only be positive for the future. Another fact to come out is that Mexico City is now the eighth-richest city in the world and has one of the fastest growing economies outside of China and is set to double its GDP by 2020. These are positive figures, but the only problem is that the wealth is only going to a select few.
The public transport in the city is very cheap, but unbearably overcrowded, as an average chilango (citizen of Mexico City) spends more than three hours commuting everyday. The cheapest way to get around is by the Metro, but taxis are plentiful and if you agree on a price before getting in this will be a more comfortable journey.
Centro Histórico (Historic Centre)
This area of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and is a 34-block area of the city that is second in size only to Moscow’s Red Square. The Historic Centre is the capital’s political and religious heartbeat and construction of this area was started in 1573 and finally completed in the 19th century. The area is home to numerous museums and loads of street vendors, which give it that, certain flare to it. It’s a busy place during the day, but from 10pm onwards it’s like a ghost town.
On the east side of the square is the National Palace, which was built in 1692. There was an Aztec palace on the same spot, which was built by Aztec emperor Moctezuma II in the early 16th century, but was destroyed when the Spanish arrived. You can do tours of the palace and it’s recommended as it gives some insight in the countries history. There are several other important historical buildings that can be visited in the square. It’s an excellent place to spend a day wandering around the all the monuments and doing some shopping at one of the squares street vendors.
Alameda Central
This was originally a marketplace during the Aztecs time and when the Spanish took control of the city. It was also the place of executions during the Spanish Inquisition, where thousands of people perished.
Today, it’s the largest park in Mexico City, as it covers an area of more than four square kilometres. The park is a popular place for families to take a stroll or have a picnic on the weekends and it contains lakes, a presidential palace and loads of museums and street vendors to keep you occupied. During the summer there are usually open-air concerts to keep you entertained. If it’s a warm day out, this park is highly recommended to relax and watch the world go by.
Paseo de la Reforma
This is Mexico City’s main boulevard and it runs past the Alameda Central and through the Bosque de Chapultepec. It was built based on that of the Champs Elysées in Paris, as it’s also lined with statues, monuments and plenty of shops and restaurants. The main attraction is the El Monumento de la Independencia (Monument of Independence), which is a statue of a winged Victory set atop a 46m-high column. In 1956, the statue toppled to the ground in an earthquake, but was completely restored shortly after. Displayed inside the monument is the skull of Hidalgo, the executed leader of a group of rebels who rose against the Spanish in October 1810. The monument is open daily and you can check it out free of charge. The boulevard has always been the centre of most of the celebrations in the city.
National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the world’s biggest museums and known for its vast and rich collection. It opened in 1964 and it houses collections that dates back well before the Aztecs were even thought of. One of the museums most popular pieces is the famous Aztec ‘sun’ stones, which is very interesting. The Museum is located in an extension of Chapultepec Park There is an admission charge to get in, but its well worth it, as it gives you loads of history of Mexico. For more information go to www.mna.inah.gob.mx
Plaza de las Tres Culturas
This place gives you great insight into the major cultures that have shaped Mexico. Here you will find Aztec ruins, a 17th-century colonial church of San Diego, built in the Baroque style, and several late 20th-century buildings, which shows modern Mexico City. There is also a shrine that was built around Tepeyac hill, which signifies the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the Indian Juan Diego in 1531. It is also a major pilgrimage site. Each year, on 12 December, millions of devout pilgrims from all over Mexico, many shuffling forward on their knees, congregate at the Basilica to worship their patron saint. Built in 1976, it has a capacity of 10,000 inside plus another 25,000 outside when the 70 surrounding portals are opened.
San Angel
San Angel is a beautiful, colonial neighbourhood located about 10km south of Paseo de la Reforma. This affluent suburb is best known for its weekly arts and crafts market, the Bazar Sábado (Saturday Bazaar), in Plaza San Jacinto. There are also few different museums worth checking out as well, which have many beautiful pieces on display.
Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán as referred to as the ‘City of the Gods’ is located 50km northwest of Mexico City and should be a must for every visitor to the country. This was Mexico’s biggest ancient city and the capital of what was probably Mexico’s largest pre-Hispanic empire, as it had a population of over 200,000 during its height in the 6th century. It has loads of important monuments, but the most famous and definitely most photographed is the Pyramid of the Sun, which stands at a height of 63m. It is joined on the Avenue of the Dead, Teotihuacán’s main street, by another enormous building, the Moon Pyramid, which was originally part of a ‘Moon Plaza’. There is an admission price to get in, but this should be on everyone’s list of places to see when they come to Mexico.
Puebla
This city has a population of over 2 million and was originally called Puebla de los Angeles (City of the Angels) in 1531. Its located 100km southwest of the capital and it has a strong Catholic population, as you will find over 75 churches located in the city. In 1988, UNESCO declared Puebla part of the ‘Cultural Heritage of Mankind’. The cities Cathedral is one of the oldest in the country and has 14 chapels connected to it. The city is proud of its background, as most of its citizens are proud of their Spanish descent. The government has questioned its citizen’s patriotism, due to their background, but they are proud to be Mexican and Spanish. It’s an interesting city to visit, as it’s so different to any other in Mexico and many of the visitors that come to Puebla are happy they did make the journey to this religious city.
Cancún is located in the Yucatán Peninsula and since it was constructed in the 1970s it has become one of the country’s biggest and most popular resorts. Cancún is made up of two very distinct areas, which are the downtown area (Ciudad Cancún) and the hotel zone (Zona Hotelera). This city has become a popular place for a large number of Americans on spring break, so it’s best to avoid that time if you plan to come. The nightlife is arguably one of the best in the country and the accommodation ranges from budget all the way up to 5-star hotels. If you enjoy diving or snorkelling then you will enjoy Cancún, as the Yucatan Peninsula has the second-largest coral reef in the world. Located just south of the city is the resort of Cozumel, which has some of the best beaches in the peninsula. This city and area are highly recommended, as it has become one of the world’s top resorts.
Mazatlán
Mazatlán, which means ‘Place of the Deer’ in the local Nahuatl language, is located along the western coast of the country. It was first resorts in the country, as it attracts thousands of people every year. The majority of these people are on package holidays from Canada or the USA and they come for its beautiful white beaches and fantastic accommodation. There are direct flights from most of the major cities in North America and there are regular ferries crossings from La Paz in Baja California. If you are looking for a weekend break then Mazatlán should be a definite possibility as it has everything you would want out of a holiday.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is situated on the Bahía de Banderas, which is the largest natural bay in Mexico. It’s another popular destination for people wanting a package holiday from Canada or the USA, as it attracts millions of people each year. The main difference with this resort is that it’s known to be one of the liveliest resorts in the country. This resort also offers some great day trips for those looking to go diving, or if you just want to relax then it has some of the beach beaches in the country.
Acapulco
Situated on Acapulco Bay, Acapulco is probably the most famous beach resort in Mexico, as it has been attracting tourists here for years. The resort offers skin-diving, angling, parachute sailing, water-skiing, and golf, tennis, riding and amazing diving. Nearby is Roqueta Island, visited regularly by glass-bottomed boats from which the underwater image of the Virgin of Guadalupe can be seen. This resort is also known for its nightlife, as it attracts thousands of Americans that are on spring break, so if you can try to avoid coming here when that is on, as it gets a bit messy. The best thing about Acapulco is that the average temperature year round is 27ºC, which is fantastic for a holiday maker. Next to Cancun this would be the resort that we would recommend; as it has everything you would want out of a holiday.
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, 200km west of Cancún. This city was the home of the Mayan people and the city was at its peak around 700 BC and it was the site of countless human sacrifices, where young girls were thrown into the well as sacrifices to the rain god Chac. Its home to countless historical important monuments and it flourished until about the year 1200, when it was suddenly abandoned. Today, every spring and autumn equinoxes (21-22 March and 21-22 September), huge crowds gather to see a unique spectacle, when shadows create the illusion of a serpent descending the northern staircase. It’s become a huge tourist attraction for many locals as well. Chichén Itzá is highly recommended as it will give you some insight to countries history and in particular the Mayan culture.
Baja California
Baja California is located just south of the California border and it receives more tourists than any other area in the country. Most of these tourists are Americans who are crossing the border to go to Tijuana, which is a border town on the Mexican side. Tijuana itself is nothing to write home about, as it’s dirty, but most people who go to the city go for its cheap alcohol and souvenirs.
The Baja California peninsula is over 1100km long and it has some of the best diving in the country, as people come from all over the world to go diving with whale sharks at La Paz, which is located on the southern tip of the peninsula. Another popular destination is Cabo San Lucas, which is a city of over 50,000 and many people come here of the good nightlife, as it’s the best in the peninsula. The city has beautiful white sandy beaches and if you like to dive then this place is for you.
Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon)
This canyon is located in the northwest of the country and it’s a series of more than 20 canyons, which make it one of the largest in the world. Four of the Canyons are deeper than Arizona’s famous Grand Canyon, and the whole canyon system is four times larger than that of the Grand Canyon as well. The most popular attraction here is the Chihuahua Pacific Railway (Copper Canyon Railway), which is a scenic journey that crosses 36 major bridges, travels through 87 tunnels and climbs to a height of over 2400m. In 2005, the Mexican government did a tourist campaign and let everyone know about Copper Canyon and since then tourists have been flocking here to see this awe inspiring sight.
Palenque
Palenque is located in Palenque National Park in the northern Chiapas highlands and is considered to be one of the most famous Mayan sites. Here you can see the Palace and the Temple of Inscriptions pyramid crypt, which are decorated with detailing scenes from Mayan mythology. The surrounding area is beautiful as well as there are mountains and waterfalls. For more information go to www.chiapas.gob.mx
