Mexico City

We spent three days in Mexico City. We didn't like the noise and crowds, but we did like the historical sights and the neighborhoods. It's definitely worth spending a few days here. The city has an excellent subway and felt very safe. At 7500' above sea level, allow time to acclimate to the elevation.

It was a 5 hour trip from Guanajuato to Mexico City on this super deluxe ETN bus. The fare was about $35 and included a sandwich and beverage, movies, music, headsets, large seats, tons of legroom, and a WC.

Take the Turibus on your first day in Mexico City. The 4-hour trip gives you a great overview of the city center, and you can hop and on off as you like. Don't forget a sun hat.

There are many beautiful old buildings...

and many beautiful old houses...

in lovely neighborhoods.

It's a very modern city, with deluxe shopping for those who like such things.

The Zocalo, or main plaza, is at the heart of the city. It's surrounded by famous sights such as the Metropolitan Cathedral (pictured here) and the National Palace (Parliament building). But we found it otherwise a bleak expanse of concrete with no trees and lots of traffic. It's mainly used for parades and speeches. If we go back, we would not stay in a hotel near the Zocalo.

A section of Diego Rivera's mural of Mexican history in the National Palace. It was painted in 1922-23. Diego was Frida Kahlo's husband.

The gilded Altar of the Kings (1737) in the Metropolitan Cathedral.

A busy pedestrian-only shopping street near the Zocalo.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). The Ballet Folklorico de Mexico performs a spectacle of pre- and post-Hispanic dances of Mexico here twice a week. (We didn't go, but I hear it's great.)

Monument honoring beloved former president Benito Juarez, who famously said "Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace."

A selection of five kinds of delicious tacos.

The remains of the Templo Mayor, one of the main temples of the Aztecs. It was destroyed by Cortes and company. In the bottom right you can see a large stone serpent. An adjacent museum preserves many beautiful artifacts.

A churro extruder.

Los Ninos Heroes monument at the entrance to Chapultepec Park. In 1847, six brave young Mexicans aged 13 to 19 died defending the Castle fort (visible above) during the Mexican-American War. (We were fighting over Texas.)

Chapultepec Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city. Begun in 1780, it was the Viceroy's residence, a military school, the home of Emperor Maximilian, and the home of Mexico's presidents, until it became a museum in 1940.

Looking down Paseo de la Reforma, the wide boulevard that connects the castle to the Zocalo.

The main castle entrance.

The castle is like a mini-Versailles - without the crowds!

All of the furnishings have been left intact.

Emperor Maximilian's bedroom.

The bedroom of Porfirio Diaz. He ruled Mexico with an iron fist for 35 years, and was ousted in the Mexican Revolution of 1810-1820.

Castle roof garden and watchtower.

View out over the city. The haze is air pollution.

A clever recycling container for plastic bottles, plus bins for organic and inorganic waste. Beyond is Chapultepec Lake, where you can rent paddle boats.

The zoo in Chapultepec Park is free, and has two giant pandas!

Even if you don't really like museums, don't miss the Anthropology Museum! You're greeted by this amazing waterfall sculpture at the entrance.

Head straight for the second floor, where you'll see lifesize dioramas of the many indigenous peoples of Mexico, along with costumes, artwork, and recordings of their spoken language.

Then go back to the first floor and into the outdoor exhibits.

You'll feel like you're in an Indiana Jones movie...

with fullsize replicas of jungle ruins.

Consider a snack break to replenish your energy before you stroll through the downstairs exhibits.

In addition to these temple replicas, you'll see the original Aztec calendar, and other wonders.

The End - thank you for looking - we hope you enjoyed this virtual voyage to central Mexico!