Want to explore the historical and cultural core of Mexico, including one of the most beautiful pyramids in the world? See Mexico's "magic towns" whose charm you will always remember? Take a little sightseeing tour through Central Mexico!Visit five Mexican states and the capital, explore the ancient sites of several Mesoamerican cultures, and see the diversity of Mexican nature, including Mexico's most famous volcanoes. Central Mexico boasts a rich history, a diverse culture and a varied natural landscape. It is a key region of Mexico both politically and economically. Central Mexico is a region where history and modernity are combined.
BIENVENENIDO A MÉXICO! Welcome to Mexico! In its capital city, which will now become your temporary home for four days.
On arrival at Benito Juárez Airport (Mexico's first president), you must first go through immigration, where you will be given a tourist visa.
It takes almost no time at all, but if the number of days they give you a visa for is less than the number of days until your departure, contact the Mexican embassy, who will be happy to advise you. A tourist visa in Mexico is given for a maximum of 180 days.
Transport from airport to accommodation
There are four ways to get from the airport to the centre (Colonía Juarez), from cheapest to most expensive:
Metro
➤ The cheapest option (5 pesos), but not recommended for beginners or people who have trouble finding their way around.
➤ Route: Terminal Aérea (line 5, direction Politécnico) → transfer to La Raza (line 3, direction Universidad) → exit Juarez → walk according to Google Maps.
Metrobús
➤ Reliable and cheap.
➤ Station between PUERTA 6 and 7, line 4 (orange) → transfer San Lázaro → continue with line 4 (Buenavista Sur) → exit Vocacional → about 700 m walk.
Uber - Recommended
➤ The easiest and safest option without transfers.
➤ Price from about 123 pesos (depending on time and traffic).
➤ Usually cheaper than a taxi.
Authorized taxi
➤ Stands at PUERTA 9 and 10, marked "Taxi Autorizado".
➤ Price according to distance - you report "Colonía Juarez, delegación Cuauhtémoc", pay (usually by card) and get a ticket.
➤ Look for the car with the name of your taxi company.
Food - Featured Specialties
- Mexico City: tacos al pastor, huaraches, barbacoa, enchiladas suizas
- Puebla: mole poblano, chiles en nogada
- Toluca: chorizo, chalupas, nieve de garrafa
- Central Mexico in general: tamales, quesadillas, pozole, chilaquiles
Safety
- Security in Mexico City has improved, but the classic rules apply:
- Don't leave things unattended.
- Don't wear expensive technology and jewelry on display.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash.
- Avoid empty, unlit streets.
- Be aware of your surroundings, don't be "in your head" but in reality.
- For women: avoid revealing clothing - it can attract unwanted attention in Mexico.
WHAT TO ARRANGE AT THE AIRPORT
Public transport card - Tarjeta de Movilidad
I recommend getting a public transport card right at the airport. It will come in handy when you're traveling around the city to bus stations. If you prefer Uber, then you don't need to get a card. The card machine is located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The card costs 15 pesos and can be used on several types of public transport:
metro
Metrobús
Ecobici (bikes)
Trolebús (trolleybus)
RTP buses
Cablebús (something like a cable car that serves as public transport)
You can top up the card at metro or Metrobús stations.
Money exchange
You will need some cash in Mexico. Many food stalls do not allow card payments, sometimes the terminal does not work, and some types of public transport also do not allow card payments. I recommend exchanging at least some of the dollars or euros you have with you right at the airport. Exchanging at the airport is safe, no one can steal from you here. Only exchange in the arrivals hall near the exits. There are many exchange offices, you can find the one with the best rate.
Water and refreshments
If you are hungry and thirsty, I advise you to wait for a proper meal until you get to the center. Restaurants at the airport are classically overpriced and the food is not the best. If you are thirsty or hungry, try one of the Oxxo or 7Eleven stores in the arrivals hall on the ground floor instead.
TRANSPORTATION
Mexico City has a very good public transport system. There are several types of transport here, starting with taxis, through the metro, metrobus, trolleybus, specially adapted train, bicycles, buses, minibuses. Part of the city can be explored comfortably on foot.
TIP: If you are going to use the metro, but also another type of public transport, I recommend avoiding peak hours (approx. 7:30-9:30 and 17:00-20:00).
Mexico City is a city of contradictions, vast, chaotic and exciting. Together with the conurbation, it is one of the ten largest cities in the world, so there is no point in rushing around and wanting to see everything here. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of Mexico City. Like anywhere in Mexico, it's better to enjoy the local atmosphere, stroll the streets, sit down with a good coffee, mezcal or tequila, have tacos or tamales (or anything else from the comida callejera) and just live.
Yet there are a few places that would certainly be a shame to miss while enjoying the atmosphere. For the itinerary, I've picked out some of my favourite parts of the city that are within walking distance of your hotel. It's up to you to explore them all, or skip some and prefer others.
Worldee tip: When walking around Mexico City, I recommend using Google Maps. If you don't feel like walking, a good option is the Metrobus (outside of rush hour!), Ecobici, and sometimes you can get a fairly cheap Uber (for shorter distances).
Mexico City (Centro Histórico) is located exactly where the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan used to be. Because Tenochtitlán was built on a lake, and the Spanish subsequently drained the lake as much as they could after the conquest of Mexico, you may notice that some of the streets in the city ripple and tilt.
El Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is one of the largest squares in the world. It is the historic centre of the city and hosts events, concerts and the main altar for the Día de Muertos (Mexican Day of Souls). It is dominated by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption is a beautiful example of Mexican colonial baroque. It is built on the site of the main pyramid of the city of Tenochtitlan.
Casa de los Azulejos, Tile House (1830s), decorated with blue-and-white tiles from Puebla. The inside of Sanborns is beautiful, but don't go here for the food, it's mediocre and quite expensive.
Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palace of Arts, is one of the main landmarks of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is the most important cultural centre in Mexico and one of the main opera houses in the world. Inside are murals (called murales) by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. In addition to the opera houses, there are also the Museum of Architecture and the Palace of Arts Museum. I recommend visiting at least one of them to see the inside of the building with the murals.
Alameda is a public park that was founded in 1592, based on the park in Seville, making it the oldest park not only in Mexico, but in the whole of the Americas (as a continent). The park has several statues and fountains depicting Greek and Roman gods. In March, the park is beautifully decorated with the purple flowers of the jacarandas tree.
It is advisable not to stay too long in the park, as there are sometimes beggars and street vendors wandering around who may harass you.
Mexico's first skyscraper built in 1956, the tallest building in Mexico at the time. Torre Latino, as the Mexicans call it for short, has withstood every major earthquake so far. It's possible to take the elevator up to the observation deck to the 44th floor for a fee, and Torre Latino has a great view of the city.
Paseo de La Reforma is a 15-kilometre-long avenue that is home to the Mexican stock exchange, world-famous clothing brands, restaurants, cafes, banks and offices. In the middle of the avenue are statues (such as that of the Aztec ruler Cuauhtémoc or the Roman goddess Diana).
On Sundays, the avenue closes to cars and other vehicles and opens to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. You can see many people gathering here to play sports or just walk and talk.There is always something going on at Paseo de La Reforma. I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down the avenue and stopping at one of the cafes for a coffee (such as Cielito Querido).
Chapultepec (the name comes from the Nahuatl language (Aztec) and means "mountain of grasshoppers") is a park located on a hill and is the largest park in Latin America. It represents 52% of all the green space in Mexico City.
It's worth setting aside at least half a day to visit Chapultepec.
The park is divided into three sections - Primera Sección, Segunda Sección and Tercera Sección, and between the second and third sections is the Panteón Civil Dolores, the largest cemetery in Latin America.
In the first and second sections there are small lakes, open areas for relaxation and holding celebrations and picnics, museums, galleries, a zoo, a botanical garden, a castle, fountains and much more. The third section of the park is not very visited, there is a horse riding track, a viewpoint and rest areas.
I like to just walk through the park sometimes and soak up the local atmosphere. But the park is really sprawling and most visitors want to come back when they are in Mexico City. You can come here or go on other days when you return from trips. You can visit:
- Castillo Chapultepec - the castle and gardens, the residence of Emperor Maximilian I.
- National Museum of Anthropology - pre-Columbian history of Mexico, the famous Piedra de Sol (Sun Stone), Mayan relics,
- Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico) - plants typical of different regions of Mexico
- Museo de Arte Moderno - Mexican and international modern art, works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo
- Zoolgic Garden - one of the largest and oldest in Latin America
- Jesero Chapultepec - you can rent a boat here
- Niños Heroes Memorial - dedicated to the six young cadets who heroically defended Chapultepec Castle during the 1847 Mexican-American War.
Today you'll take a trip to Teotihuacán, one of the most magical places I've ever visited. And I bet you'll find it just as magical.The bus ride to Teotihuacán takes less than an hour. I recommend starting in the morning after 9am, while the sun isn't burning so much. Bring a water bottle, headgear and put on sunscreen with SPF 50. I've witnessed Mexicans coming back from Teotihuacán sunburned.
Getting to the bus terminal:
Metro: from Hidalgo station (Line 3, yellow-brown) ---> get off at La Raza station. Then walk according to Google Maps to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
Uber: will take you directly to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
To Teotihuacán you will take a bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
- At the terminal, look for SALA 8 and the ticket office with the sign Autobuses Teotihuacan.
- Buy a ticket for "pyramides Teotihuacan". They usually give you a choice of the two closest departures. You must keep the departure time. There is no departure time on the return ticket, which is fine - it doesn't matter what time you go back, but remember that the archaeological zone closes at 5pm. At the ticket office, they will tell you the bus platform number (careful, it's not on the ticket!).
- Go to Gate 8 (unless they tell you otherwise at the window) and wait for your bus. If you are unsure, ask the driver or staff, someone is always happy to advise you. Your seat number (asiento) is written on your ticket.
The bus stops in Teotihuacán at Puerta 1. Buy your tickets and start exploring!
Teotihuacán, a huge ancient city of the Teotihuacán culture. The pyramids and structures here are built along the Road of the Dead(Camino de Los Muertos), which is nearly 2 kilometers long. The largest structure is the Pyramid of the Sun(Pirámide de Sol), which is 75 metres high. At the end of the Path of the Dead is the smaller Pyramid of the Moon (Pirámide de La Luna).
- The most important buildings began to be built in Teotihuacán around 200 BC, and at its greatest height (around 150-600 AD) the city had a population of 150,000 and was one of the largest cities in the world at the time (it was bigger than Rome!).
- Teotihuacán had a great economic, cultural and political impact on the entire region. It is still unknown why the city began to decline around 650. A likely theory is that the city declined due to drought and overcrowding, or because of local strife and disagreements.
- The Aztecs referred to Teotihuacán as the place of the gods, as the place where the sun and moon originated.
This is a place worth enjoying. Walk slowly, take pictures, take in your surroundings and don't be fooled by the exorbitant prices of the local souvenir vendors :)
TIP: Opposite the Pyramid of the Sun at Puerta 2, there are food and souvenir stalls and toilets.
Buses to Mexico City depart from Teotihuacan from the same spot where you got off. If you are not sure, ask. Just say "Dónde estan las autobuses a Ciudad de México?" and a local will show you where to wait for the bus.
Today you will visit another archaeological site, this time in the city of Tula in the state of Hidalgo.
You will travel to Tula by bus, a journey of about an hour and a half. Again, I recommend starting in the morning (but watch out for the rush hour at MDH until 9:00am). As with Teotihuacán, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and headgear.
Terminal Autobuses del Norte(same bus station as yesterday)
- There are two bus companies to Tula - Ovnibus (first class, takes about 1.5 hours) and AVM (second class, takes about 2 hours). Both are safe and comfortable buses.
- Buy your ticket at the stand marked with the name of the bus company you want to take
The bus will take you to the Central de Autobuses Tula station in Tula.
After arriving at the bus terminal in Tula, you can reach the archaeological site on foot using Google maps (the journey takes about 20 minutes).
Tula, full name Tula de Allende, is a historic city located in the state of Hidalgo. Tula is famous as the ancient center of the Toltec civilization, which lived here between the 9th and 12th centuries, and where there is currently an archeological site. Tula was one of the most important cities of the Toltec Empire and an important cultural and political centre of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America.
The most famous monuments in Tula are the statues known as Atlantes de Tula, up to 4.5 metres high. These statues represent Toltec warriors. Other monuments include palaces, pyramids and ceremonial centres.
If you want to explore the site in peace, take photos and relax, the whole visit takes about 2-2.5 hours. There is a few pesos entrance fee.
Today you will travel from Mexico City to Puebla, the capital of the Mexican state of the same name. Puebla has a magnificent historic centre, one of the great examples of Spanish colonial baroque. The picturesque streets here remind me of a kind of stereotyped Mexico. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city, sample some of the local specialties, and possibly buy some souvenirs or gifts at the local market.
To get to Puebla, you can take a bus from the TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros Oriente) bus station with the carrier ADO or AU. The closest metro station to TAPO is San Lázaro (pink line 1 and line B).
As you know from previous trips, the buses are comfortable and safe. ADO is a bit better and more expensive, has a toilet on board and runs basically every half hour. AU is cheaper and does not have a toilet on board.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
The second option is to go to Puebla directly from the airport. Buses run from both terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Estrella Roja runs buses from the airport to Puebla.
Puebla, officially Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, is the fourth largest city in Mexico and one of the most important cities historically, culturally and economically.
- Puebla was founded in 1531 by Spanish colonizers under the name Puebla de los Ángeles (hence the nickname "City of Angels") and quickly became a key city in the region during the colonial era.
- The historic center of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Puebla is considered one of the culinary centers of Mexico. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the region.
- mole poblano - a thick sauce made of chocolate, chili, seeds and other ingredients that is traditionally served with rice and turkey. The sauce is quite heavy, I recommend not to overeat it to begin with.
- chiles en nogada - poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit and spices, topped with walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. Mexican flag on the plate!
No visit to Puebla without a visit to Cholula. If you type "Puebla" into Google, the search engine will find at least a few images of a yellow church on a "hill" (actually a pyramid) with a smoking Popocatépetl looming in the background. This yellow church is exactly the famous church in San Andrés Cholula, the historic district of Cholula, where you will look today. From Cholula, you'll take a bus to the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala.
Trip from Puebla to Cholula
The best way is by microbus (pesero), or Uber.
If you take the microbus, go from 6 Poniente between 11 and 13 Norte. You will see small buses there - look for the one that has Cholula written on the window - that is your bus. If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask the locals. Just say Cholula or Donda están las autobuses a Cholula? and they will be happy to help. The journey costs about 7-8 pesos.
Cholula is taken as part of the Puebla metropolitan area. But it is actually much older than Puebla. Cholula was founded about 500 years before Christ.
- There is an archaeological zone in Cholula
The yellow baroque church Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios was built by the Spanish on top of the world's largest pyramid.
From Cholula, then go to the Central de Autobuses de Puebla (CAPU) bus station. The best way to get to the station is by Uber.
From CAPU there is a direct bus to Tlaxcala from Autobuses Valles. Buses run every 15 minutes and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. In Tlaxcala, get off at the Central de Autobuses de Tlaxcala (CATLA) station and walk to the centre.
Tlaxcala, full name Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl(read chicoténcatl), is the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala, and is considered one of the hidden colonial treasures.
- Wondering why the name Xicohténcatl is attached to the city's name? Xicohténcatl was a warrior from Tlaxcala who fought against the Spaniards and, after being unable to defeat them, was persuaded by the Tlaxcalan chiefs to side with the Spaniards.
- In pre-Columbian times, the Tlaxcalans were able to maintain their independence from the Aztecs, even in the face of the proximity of the Aztec capital (Tenochtitlan at the time). In 1519, the Tlaxcalans became allies of Hernán Cortés in the conquest of Tenochtitlán. The whole story can be seen retold through a ink painting by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin in the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) in the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square).
- I recommend visiting the Museo Vivo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares. It is a museum of local traditions where you can also buy beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
South of Constitution Square, a steep path leads uphill to the main cathedral, from which there is a beautiful view of the city and the bullring. The monastery buildings house Museo Regional with a collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.
If you have enough strength, you can walk up the hill above Tlaxcala to the village of Ocotlán. It's home to the Basílica de Ocotlán, one of Mexico's most decorative churrigueresco style churches. The basilica was built in the 18th century in honour of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared here in 1541.
From the bus station to the hotel, use Uber again.
From Puebla, you will return to Mexico City today, from where you will head to the next city, Cuernavaca, tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Puebla and Cuernavaca, so you must return to the capital. In Mexico City, you can check out the places on your itinerary that you missed on the first day or others that catch your eye and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's journey.
Around your hotel I can recommend the following architecturally interesting and quiet neighbourhoods where you can find cafés, restaurants, parks (Parque México, Parque España) and shops:
- Colonia Roma Norte a Sur
- Colonia Condesa
Both neighborhoods are currently "in", very popular even among tourists and expats, as you will notice. The ornate buildings here date mainly from the early 20th century (mainly in the beaux-arts style in Roma Norte and Sur) and the art-deco style from the late 1930s and early 1940s (Condesa).
FOOD TIPS:
- El Péndulo - restaurant located in a beautiful café space, you can have breakfast and lunch (I recommend enchiladas mixtas)
- Cielito Querido- a Mexican café chain, I personally love their cortado and pan de elote (sweet cornbread).
- Peltre - a popular bistro and cafe where locals go for brunch. I recommend chilaquiles, a filling breakfast dish.
- Hola El Güero - taquería
Today you will see the city of Cuernavaca, the "City of Eternal Spring" and Tepoztlán, which is located, like Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos. The road to Cuernavaca is basically up a valley, well below the level of the capital.
From Cuernavaca you can see Tepoztlán, which is less than an hour away and lies at the foot of the mountains, so bring a jacket and sturdy shoes.From Terminal Autobuses del Norte, buses of Turistar operate to Cuernavaca.
Upon arrival in Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi or Uber to the hotel or the city center.
Cuernavaca is called "the city of eternal spring". It is said that Alexander van Humboldt, a naturalist who liked the town and returned to it to rest. He wasn't the only one - the town is a popular holiday resort because of its clean air and good climate. The Aztec rulers came here to relax.
Attractions:
- Palacio de Cortés - a palace built by Hernán Cortés on the ruins of a pre-Hispanic temple
- Jardín Juárez - the square where Gustave Eiffel's gazebo is located - the gazebo sells delicious fresh juices and milkshakes licuados
- cathedral
- Jardín Borda - a beautiful garden with fountains, it was the summer residence of Emperor Maximilian I and his wife
FOOD TIPS:
- try tacos al pastor at La Princesa
For the trip to Tepoztlán from Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi as it's pretty much the best option. One way costs about 100 pesos and takes 20 minutes. There's also a local Morelos Blvd. bus that goes there, but the journey takes over an hour and requires local knowledge :)
Tepoztlán is one of the magical towns (pueblos magicos). Pueblos magicos are places and towns rated by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism as having a well-preserved culture and cultural identity, whose inhabitants often follow the traditions and customs typical of the place.
Tepoztlán, located at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain, has become a mecca for ecotourism in recent years.
Today, you can trade Cuernavaca's relatively quiet surroundings and greenery for the busier Toluca, the capital of the Estado de México. You can get to Toluca by bus from the Central de Autobuses bus station, from the ETN Turistar.
Toluca, by its full name Toluca de Lerdo, is the capital of Estado de México and is located west of Mexico City. The proximity to the capital helps Toluca mainly from an economic point of view. Typical of Toluca are the large Friday markets, said to be the largest in all of Mexico.
The centre of Toluca has colonial churches, a large plaza and beautiful arcades (as in other cities in Mexico that were occupied and rebuilt by the Spanish, as you may have noticed).
EATING TIP:
- tortas toluqueñas - cakes (sandwiches) filled with chorizo and cheese.
Cosmovitral is a botanical garden located in a former Art Nouveau market, beautifully illuminated by stained glass windows. It's really beautiful here.
Today, you'll travel by bus from Toluca to Mexico City. If you leave in the morning, you will still have plenty of time to see Mexico City if you feel like it.
All good things come to an end, and unfortunately today you are flying home. If you're like me, you probably don't want to go and are already thinking about going back to Mexico. If you do, Mexico will give you a warm welcome.
I wish you a safe flight and look forward to seeing you on your next journey.
Want to explore the historical and cultural core of Mexico, including one of the most beautiful pyramids in the world? See Mexico's "magic towns" whose charm you will always remember? Take a little sightseeing tour through Central Mexico!Visit five Mexican states and the capital, explore the ancient sites of several Mesoamerican cultures, and see the diversity of Mexican nature, including Mexico's most famous volcanoes. Central Mexico boasts a rich history, a diverse culture and a varied natural landscape. It is a key region of Mexico both politically and economically. Central Mexico is a region where history and modernity are combined.
BIENVENENIDO A MÉXICO! Welcome to Mexico! In its capital city, which will now become your temporary home for four days.
On arrival at Benito Juárez Airport (Mexico's first president), you must first go through immigration, where you will be given a tourist visa.
It takes almost no time at all, but if the number of days they give you a visa for is less than the number of days until your departure, contact the Mexican embassy, who will be happy to advise you. A tourist visa in Mexico is given for a maximum of 180 days.
Transport from airport to accommodation
There are four ways to get from the airport to the centre (Colonía Juarez), from cheapest to most expensive:
Metro
➤ The cheapest option (5 pesos), but not recommended for beginners or people who have trouble finding their way around.
➤ Route: Terminal Aérea (line 5, direction Politécnico) → transfer to La Raza (line 3, direction Universidad) → exit Juarez → walk according to Google Maps.
Metrobús
➤ Reliable and cheap.
➤ Station between PUERTA 6 and 7, line 4 (orange) → transfer San Lázaro → continue with line 4 (Buenavista Sur) → exit Vocacional → about 700 m walk.
Uber - Recommended
➤ The easiest and safest option without transfers.
➤ Price from about 123 pesos (depending on time and traffic).
➤ Usually cheaper than a taxi.
Authorized taxi
➤ Stands at PUERTA 9 and 10, marked "Taxi Autorizado".
➤ Price according to distance - you report "Colonía Juarez, delegación Cuauhtémoc", pay (usually by card) and get a ticket.
➤ Look for the car with the name of your taxi company.
Food - Featured Specialties
- Mexico City: tacos al pastor, huaraches, barbacoa, enchiladas suizas
- Puebla: mole poblano, chiles en nogada
- Toluca: chorizo, chalupas, nieve de garrafa
- Central Mexico in general: tamales, quesadillas, pozole, chilaquiles
Safety
- Security in Mexico City has improved, but the classic rules apply:
- Don't leave things unattended.
- Don't wear expensive technology and jewelry on display.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash.
- Avoid empty, unlit streets.
- Be aware of your surroundings, don't be "in your head" but in reality.
- For women: avoid revealing clothing - it can attract unwanted attention in Mexico.
WHAT TO ARRANGE AT THE AIRPORT
Public transport card - Tarjeta de Movilidad
I recommend getting a public transport card right at the airport. It will come in handy when you're traveling around the city to bus stations. If you prefer Uber, then you don't need to get a card. The card machine is located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The card costs 15 pesos and can be used on several types of public transport:
metro
Metrobús
Ecobici (bikes)
Trolebús (trolleybus)
RTP buses
Cablebús (something like a cable car that serves as public transport)
You can top up the card at metro or Metrobús stations.
Money exchange
You will need some cash in Mexico. Many food stalls do not allow card payments, sometimes the terminal does not work, and some types of public transport also do not allow card payments. I recommend exchanging at least some of the dollars or euros you have with you right at the airport. Exchanging at the airport is safe, no one can steal from you here. Only exchange in the arrivals hall near the exits. There are many exchange offices, you can find the one with the best rate.
Water and refreshments
If you are hungry and thirsty, I advise you to wait for a proper meal until you get to the center. Restaurants at the airport are classically overpriced and the food is not the best. If you are thirsty or hungry, try one of the Oxxo or 7Eleven stores in the arrivals hall on the ground floor instead.
TRANSPORTATION
Mexico City has a very good public transport system. There are several types of transport here, starting with taxis, through the metro, metrobus, trolleybus, specially adapted train, bicycles, buses, minibuses. Part of the city can be explored comfortably on foot.
TIP: If you are going to use the metro, but also another type of public transport, I recommend avoiding peak hours (approx. 7:30-9:30 and 17:00-20:00).
Mexico City is a city of contradictions, vast, chaotic and exciting. Together with the conurbation, it is one of the ten largest cities in the world, so there is no point in rushing around and wanting to see everything here. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of Mexico City. Like anywhere in Mexico, it's better to enjoy the local atmosphere, stroll the streets, sit down with a good coffee, mezcal or tequila, have tacos or tamales (or anything else from the comida callejera) and just live.
Yet there are a few places that would certainly be a shame to miss while enjoying the atmosphere. For the itinerary, I've picked out some of my favourite parts of the city that are within walking distance of your hotel. It's up to you to explore them all, or skip some and prefer others.
Worldee tip: When walking around Mexico City, I recommend using Google Maps. If you don't feel like walking, a good option is the Metrobus (outside of rush hour!), Ecobici, and sometimes you can get a fairly cheap Uber (for shorter distances).
Mexico City (Centro Histórico) is located exactly where the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan used to be. Because Tenochtitlán was built on a lake, and the Spanish subsequently drained the lake as much as they could after the conquest of Mexico, you may notice that some of the streets in the city ripple and tilt.
El Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is one of the largest squares in the world. It is the historic centre of the city and hosts events, concerts and the main altar for the Día de Muertos (Mexican Day of Souls). It is dominated by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption is a beautiful example of Mexican colonial baroque. It is built on the site of the main pyramid of the city of Tenochtitlan.
Casa de los Azulejos, Tile House (1830s), decorated with blue-and-white tiles from Puebla. The inside of Sanborns is beautiful, but don't go here for the food, it's mediocre and quite expensive.
Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palace of Arts, is one of the main landmarks of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is the most important cultural centre in Mexico and one of the main opera houses in the world. Inside are murals (called murales) by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. In addition to the opera houses, there are also the Museum of Architecture and the Palace of Arts Museum. I recommend visiting at least one of them to see the inside of the building with the murals.
Alameda is a public park that was founded in 1592, based on the park in Seville, making it the oldest park not only in Mexico, but in the whole of the Americas (as a continent). The park has several statues and fountains depicting Greek and Roman gods. In March, the park is beautifully decorated with the purple flowers of the jacarandas tree.
It is advisable not to stay too long in the park, as there are sometimes beggars and street vendors wandering around who may harass you.
Mexico's first skyscraper built in 1956, the tallest building in Mexico at the time. Torre Latino, as the Mexicans call it for short, has withstood every major earthquake so far. It's possible to take the elevator up to the observation deck to the 44th floor for a fee, and Torre Latino has a great view of the city.
Paseo de La Reforma is a 15-kilometre-long avenue that is home to the Mexican stock exchange, world-famous clothing brands, restaurants, cafes, banks and offices. In the middle of the avenue are statues (such as that of the Aztec ruler Cuauhtémoc or the Roman goddess Diana).
On Sundays, the avenue closes to cars and other vehicles and opens to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. You can see many people gathering here to play sports or just walk and talk.There is always something going on at Paseo de La Reforma. I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down the avenue and stopping at one of the cafes for a coffee (such as Cielito Querido).
Chapultepec (the name comes from the Nahuatl language (Aztec) and means "mountain of grasshoppers") is a park located on a hill and is the largest park in Latin America. It represents 52% of all the green space in Mexico City.
It's worth setting aside at least half a day to visit Chapultepec.
The park is divided into three sections - Primera Sección, Segunda Sección and Tercera Sección, and between the second and third sections is the Panteón Civil Dolores, the largest cemetery in Latin America.
In the first and second sections there are small lakes, open areas for relaxation and holding celebrations and picnics, museums, galleries, a zoo, a botanical garden, a castle, fountains and much more. The third section of the park is not very visited, there is a horse riding track, a viewpoint and rest areas.
I like to just walk through the park sometimes and soak up the local atmosphere. But the park is really sprawling and most visitors want to come back when they are in Mexico City. You can come here or go on other days when you return from trips. You can visit:
- Castillo Chapultepec - the castle and gardens, the residence of Emperor Maximilian I.
- National Museum of Anthropology - pre-Columbian history of Mexico, the famous Piedra de Sol (Sun Stone), Mayan relics,
- Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico) - plants typical of different regions of Mexico
- Museo de Arte Moderno - Mexican and international modern art, works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo
- Zoolgic Garden - one of the largest and oldest in Latin America
- Jesero Chapultepec - you can rent a boat here
- Niños Heroes Memorial - dedicated to the six young cadets who heroically defended Chapultepec Castle during the 1847 Mexican-American War.
Today you'll take a trip to Teotihuacán, one of the most magical places I've ever visited. And I bet you'll find it just as magical.The bus ride to Teotihuacán takes less than an hour. I recommend starting in the morning after 9am, while the sun isn't burning so much. Bring a water bottle, headgear and put on sunscreen with SPF 50. I've witnessed Mexicans coming back from Teotihuacán sunburned.
Getting to the bus terminal:
Metro: from Hidalgo station (Line 3, yellow-brown) ---> get off at La Raza station. Then walk according to Google Maps to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
Uber: will take you directly to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
To Teotihuacán you will take a bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
- At the terminal, look for SALA 8 and the ticket office with the sign Autobuses Teotihuacan.
- Buy a ticket for "pyramides Teotihuacan". They usually give you a choice of the two closest departures. You must keep the departure time. There is no departure time on the return ticket, which is fine - it doesn't matter what time you go back, but remember that the archaeological zone closes at 5pm. At the ticket office, they will tell you the bus platform number (careful, it's not on the ticket!).
- Go to Gate 8 (unless they tell you otherwise at the window) and wait for your bus. If you are unsure, ask the driver or staff, someone is always happy to advise you. Your seat number (asiento) is written on your ticket.
The bus stops in Teotihuacán at Puerta 1. Buy your tickets and start exploring!
Teotihuacán, a huge ancient city of the Teotihuacán culture. The pyramids and structures here are built along the Road of the Dead(Camino de Los Muertos), which is nearly 2 kilometers long. The largest structure is the Pyramid of the Sun(Pirámide de Sol), which is 75 metres high. At the end of the Path of the Dead is the smaller Pyramid of the Moon (Pirámide de La Luna).
- The most important buildings began to be built in Teotihuacán around 200 BC, and at its greatest height (around 150-600 AD) the city had a population of 150,000 and was one of the largest cities in the world at the time (it was bigger than Rome!).
- Teotihuacán had a great economic, cultural and political impact on the entire region. It is still unknown why the city began to decline around 650. A likely theory is that the city declined due to drought and overcrowding, or because of local strife and disagreements.
- The Aztecs referred to Teotihuacán as the place of the gods, as the place where the sun and moon originated.
This is a place worth enjoying. Walk slowly, take pictures, take in your surroundings and don't be fooled by the exorbitant prices of the local souvenir vendors :)
TIP: Opposite the Pyramid of the Sun at Puerta 2, there are food and souvenir stalls and toilets.
Buses to Mexico City depart from Teotihuacan from the same spot where you got off. If you are not sure, ask. Just say "Dónde estan las autobuses a Ciudad de México?" and a local will show you where to wait for the bus.
Today you will visit another archaeological site, this time in the city of Tula in the state of Hidalgo.
You will travel to Tula by bus, a journey of about an hour and a half. Again, I recommend starting in the morning (but watch out for the rush hour at MDH until 9:00am). As with Teotihuacán, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and headgear.
Terminal Autobuses del Norte(same bus station as yesterday)
- There are two bus companies to Tula - Ovnibus (first class, takes about 1.5 hours) and AVM (second class, takes about 2 hours). Both are safe and comfortable buses.
- Buy your ticket at the stand marked with the name of the bus company you want to take
The bus will take you to the Central de Autobuses Tula station in Tula.
After arriving at the bus terminal in Tula, you can reach the archaeological site on foot using Google maps (the journey takes about 20 minutes).
Tula, full name Tula de Allende, is a historic city located in the state of Hidalgo. Tula is famous as the ancient center of the Toltec civilization, which lived here between the 9th and 12th centuries, and where there is currently an archeological site. Tula was one of the most important cities of the Toltec Empire and an important cultural and political centre of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America.
The most famous monuments in Tula are the statues known as Atlantes de Tula, up to 4.5 metres high. These statues represent Toltec warriors. Other monuments include palaces, pyramids and ceremonial centres.
If you want to explore the site in peace, take photos and relax, the whole visit takes about 2-2.5 hours. There is a few pesos entrance fee.
Today you will travel from Mexico City to Puebla, the capital of the Mexican state of the same name. Puebla has a magnificent historic centre, one of the great examples of Spanish colonial baroque. The picturesque streets here remind me of a kind of stereotyped Mexico. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city, sample some of the local specialties, and possibly buy some souvenirs or gifts at the local market.
To get to Puebla, you can take a bus from the TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros Oriente) bus station with the carrier ADO or AU. The closest metro station to TAPO is San Lázaro (pink line 1 and line B).
As you know from previous trips, the buses are comfortable and safe. ADO is a bit better and more expensive, has a toilet on board and runs basically every half hour. AU is cheaper and does not have a toilet on board.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
The second option is to go to Puebla directly from the airport. Buses run from both terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Estrella Roja runs buses from the airport to Puebla.
Puebla, officially Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, is the fourth largest city in Mexico and one of the most important cities historically, culturally and economically.
- Puebla was founded in 1531 by Spanish colonizers under the name Puebla de los Ángeles (hence the nickname "City of Angels") and quickly became a key city in the region during the colonial era.
- The historic center of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Puebla is considered one of the culinary centers of Mexico. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the region.
- mole poblano - a thick sauce made of chocolate, chili, seeds and other ingredients that is traditionally served with rice and turkey. The sauce is quite heavy, I recommend not to overeat it to begin with.
- chiles en nogada - poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit and spices, topped with walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. Mexican flag on the plate!
No visit to Puebla without a visit to Cholula. If you type "Puebla" into Google, the search engine will find at least a few images of a yellow church on a "hill" (actually a pyramid) with a smoking Popocatépetl looming in the background. This yellow church is exactly the famous church in San Andrés Cholula, the historic district of Cholula, where you will look today. From Cholula, you'll take a bus to the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala.
Trip from Puebla to Cholula
The best way is by microbus (pesero), or Uber.
If you take the microbus, go from 6 Poniente between 11 and 13 Norte. You will see small buses there - look for the one that has Cholula written on the window - that is your bus. If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask the locals. Just say Cholula or Donda están las autobuses a Cholula? and they will be happy to help. The journey costs about 7-8 pesos.
Cholula is taken as part of the Puebla metropolitan area. But it is actually much older than Puebla. Cholula was founded about 500 years before Christ.
- There is an archaeological zone in Cholula
The yellow baroque church Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios was built by the Spanish on top of the world's largest pyramid.
From Cholula, then go to the Central de Autobuses de Puebla (CAPU) bus station. The best way to get to the station is by Uber.
From CAPU there is a direct bus to Tlaxcala from Autobuses Valles. Buses run every 15 minutes and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. In Tlaxcala, get off at the Central de Autobuses de Tlaxcala (CATLA) station and walk to the centre.
Tlaxcala, full name Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl(read chicoténcatl), is the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala, and is considered one of the hidden colonial treasures.
- Wondering why the name Xicohténcatl is attached to the city's name? Xicohténcatl was a warrior from Tlaxcala who fought against the Spaniards and, after being unable to defeat them, was persuaded by the Tlaxcalan chiefs to side with the Spaniards.
- In pre-Columbian times, the Tlaxcalans were able to maintain their independence from the Aztecs, even in the face of the proximity of the Aztec capital (Tenochtitlan at the time). In 1519, the Tlaxcalans became allies of Hernán Cortés in the conquest of Tenochtitlán. The whole story can be seen retold through a ink painting by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin in the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) in the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square).
- I recommend visiting the Museo Vivo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares. It is a museum of local traditions where you can also buy beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
South of Constitution Square, a steep path leads uphill to the main cathedral, from which there is a beautiful view of the city and the bullring. The monastery buildings house Museo Regional with a collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.
If you have enough strength, you can walk up the hill above Tlaxcala to the village of Ocotlán. It's home to the Basílica de Ocotlán, one of Mexico's most decorative churrigueresco style churches. The basilica was built in the 18th century in honour of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared here in 1541.
From the bus station to the hotel, use Uber again.
From Puebla, you will return to Mexico City today, from where you will head to the next city, Cuernavaca, tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Puebla and Cuernavaca, so you must return to the capital. In Mexico City, you can check out the places on your itinerary that you missed on the first day or others that catch your eye and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's journey.
Around your hotel I can recommend the following architecturally interesting and quiet neighbourhoods where you can find cafés, restaurants, parks (Parque México, Parque España) and shops:
- Colonia Roma Norte a Sur
- Colonia Condesa
Both neighborhoods are currently "in", very popular even among tourists and expats, as you will notice. The ornate buildings here date mainly from the early 20th century (mainly in the beaux-arts style in Roma Norte and Sur) and the art-deco style from the late 1930s and early 1940s (Condesa).
FOOD TIPS:
- El Péndulo - restaurant located in a beautiful café space, you can have breakfast and lunch (I recommend enchiladas mixtas)
- Cielito Querido- a Mexican café chain, I personally love their cortado and pan de elote (sweet cornbread).
- Peltre - a popular bistro and cafe where locals go for brunch. I recommend chilaquiles, a filling breakfast dish.
- Hola El Güero - taquería
Today you will see the city of Cuernavaca, the "City of Eternal Spring" and Tepoztlán, which is located, like Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos. The road to Cuernavaca is basically up a valley, well below the level of the capital.
From Cuernavaca you can see Tepoztlán, which is less than an hour away and lies at the foot of the mountains, so bring a jacket and sturdy shoes.From Terminal Autobuses del Norte, buses of Turistar operate to Cuernavaca.
Upon arrival in Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi or Uber to the hotel or the city center.
Cuernavaca is called "the city of eternal spring". It is said that Alexander van Humboldt, a naturalist who liked the town and returned to it to rest. He wasn't the only one - the town is a popular holiday resort because of its clean air and good climate. The Aztec rulers came here to relax.
Attractions:
- Palacio de Cortés - a palace built by Hernán Cortés on the ruins of a pre-Hispanic temple
- Jardín Juárez - the square where Gustave Eiffel's gazebo is located - the gazebo sells delicious fresh juices and milkshakes licuados
- cathedral
- Jardín Borda - a beautiful garden with fountains, it was the summer residence of Emperor Maximilian I and his wife
FOOD TIPS:
- try tacos al pastor at La Princesa
For the trip to Tepoztlán from Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi as it's pretty much the best option. One way costs about 100 pesos and takes 20 minutes. There's also a local Morelos Blvd. bus that goes there, but the journey takes over an hour and requires local knowledge :)
Tepoztlán is one of the magical towns (pueblos magicos). Pueblos magicos are places and towns rated by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism as having a well-preserved culture and cultural identity, whose inhabitants often follow the traditions and customs typical of the place.
Tepoztlán, located at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain, has become a mecca for ecotourism in recent years.
Today, you can trade Cuernavaca's relatively quiet surroundings and greenery for the busier Toluca, the capital of the Estado de México. You can get to Toluca by bus from the Central de Autobuses bus station, from the ETN Turistar.
Toluca, by its full name Toluca de Lerdo, is the capital of Estado de México and is located west of Mexico City. The proximity to the capital helps Toluca mainly from an economic point of view. Typical of Toluca are the large Friday markets, said to be the largest in all of Mexico.
The centre of Toluca has colonial churches, a large plaza and beautiful arcades (as in other cities in Mexico that were occupied and rebuilt by the Spanish, as you may have noticed).
EATING TIP:
- tortas toluqueñas - cakes (sandwiches) filled with chorizo and cheese.
Cosmovitral is a botanical garden located in a former Art Nouveau market, beautifully illuminated by stained glass windows. It's really beautiful here.
Today, you'll travel by bus from Toluca to Mexico City. If you leave in the morning, you will still have plenty of time to see Mexico City if you feel like it.
All good things come to an end, and unfortunately today you are flying home. If you're like me, you probably don't want to go and are already thinking about going back to Mexico. If you do, Mexico will give you a warm welcome.
I wish you a safe flight and look forward to seeing you on your next journey.
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itinerary by Petra
Want to explore the historical and cultural core of Mexico, including one of the most beautiful pyramids in the world? See Mexico's "magic towns" whose charm you will always remember? Take a little sightseeing tour through Central Mexico!Visit five Mexican states and the capital, explore the ancient sites of several Mesoamerican cultures, and see the diversity of Mexican nature, including Mexico's most famous volcanoes. Central Mexico boasts a rich history, a diverse culture and a varied natural landscape. It is a key region of Mexico both politically and economically. Central Mexico is a region where history and modernity are combined.
BIENVENENIDO A MÉXICO! Welcome to Mexico! In its capital city, which will now become your temporary home for four days.
On arrival at Benito Juárez Airport (Mexico's first president), you must first go through immigration, where you will be given a tourist visa.
It takes almost no time at all, but if the number of days they give you a visa for is less than the number of days until your departure, contact the Mexican embassy, who will be happy to advise you. A tourist visa in Mexico is given for a maximum of 180 days.
Transport from airport to accommodation
There are four ways to get from the airport to the centre (Colonía Juarez), from cheapest to most expensive:
Metro
➤ The cheapest option (5 pesos), but not recommended for beginners or people who have trouble finding their way around.
➤ Route: Terminal Aérea (line 5, direction Politécnico) → transfer to La Raza (line 3, direction Universidad) → exit Juarez → walk according to Google Maps.
Metrobús
➤ Reliable and cheap.
➤ Station between PUERTA 6 and 7, line 4 (orange) → transfer San Lázaro → continue with line 4 (Buenavista Sur) → exit Vocacional → about 700 m walk.
Uber - Recommended
➤ The easiest and safest option without transfers.
➤ Price from about 123 pesos (depending on time and traffic).
➤ Usually cheaper than a taxi.
Authorized taxi
➤ Stands at PUERTA 9 and 10, marked "Taxi Autorizado".
➤ Price according to distance - you report "Colonía Juarez, delegación Cuauhtémoc", pay (usually by card) and get a ticket.
➤ Look for the car with the name of your taxi company.
Food - Featured Specialties
- Mexico City: tacos al pastor, huaraches, barbacoa, enchiladas suizas
- Puebla: mole poblano, chiles en nogada
- Toluca: chorizo, chalupas, nieve de garrafa
- Central Mexico in general: tamales, quesadillas, pozole, chilaquiles
Safety
- Security in Mexico City has improved, but the classic rules apply:
- Don't leave things unattended.
- Don't wear expensive technology and jewelry on display.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash.
- Avoid empty, unlit streets.
- Be aware of your surroundings, don't be "in your head" but in reality.
- For women: avoid revealing clothing - it can attract unwanted attention in Mexico.
WHAT TO ARRANGE AT THE AIRPORT
Public transport card - Tarjeta de Movilidad
I recommend getting a public transport card right at the airport. It will come in handy when you're traveling around the city to bus stations. If you prefer Uber, then you don't need to get a card. The card machine is located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The card costs 15 pesos and can be used on several types of public transport:
metro
Metrobús
Ecobici (bikes)
Trolebús (trolleybus)
RTP buses
Cablebús (something like a cable car that serves as public transport)
You can top up the card at metro or Metrobús stations.
Money exchange
You will need some cash in Mexico. Many food stalls do not allow card payments, sometimes the terminal does not work, and some types of public transport also do not allow card payments. I recommend exchanging at least some of the dollars or euros you have with you right at the airport. Exchanging at the airport is safe, no one can steal from you here. Only exchange in the arrivals hall near the exits. There are many exchange offices, you can find the one with the best rate.
Water and refreshments
If you are hungry and thirsty, I advise you to wait for a proper meal until you get to the center. Restaurants at the airport are classically overpriced and the food is not the best. If you are thirsty or hungry, try one of the Oxxo or 7Eleven stores in the arrivals hall on the ground floor instead.
TRANSPORTATION
Mexico City has a very good public transport system. There are several types of transport here, starting with taxis, through the metro, metrobus, trolleybus, specially adapted train, bicycles, buses, minibuses. Part of the city can be explored comfortably on foot.
TIP: If you are going to use the metro, but also another type of public transport, I recommend avoiding peak hours (approx. 7:30-9:30 and 17:00-20:00).
Mexico City is a city of contradictions, vast, chaotic and exciting. Together with the conurbation, it is one of the ten largest cities in the world, so there is no point in rushing around and wanting to see everything here. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of Mexico City. Like anywhere in Mexico, it's better to enjoy the local atmosphere, stroll the streets, sit down with a good coffee, mezcal or tequila, have tacos or tamales (or anything else from the comida callejera) and just live.
Yet there are a few places that would certainly be a shame to miss while enjoying the atmosphere. For the itinerary, I've picked out some of my favourite parts of the city that are within walking distance of your hotel. It's up to you to explore them all, or skip some and prefer others.
Worldee tip: When walking around Mexico City, I recommend using Google Maps. If you don't feel like walking, a good option is the Metrobus (outside of rush hour!), Ecobici, and sometimes you can get a fairly cheap Uber (for shorter distances).
Mexico City (Centro Histórico) is located exactly where the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan used to be. Because Tenochtitlán was built on a lake, and the Spanish subsequently drained the lake as much as they could after the conquest of Mexico, you may notice that some of the streets in the city ripple and tilt.
El Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is one of the largest squares in the world. It is the historic centre of the city and hosts events, concerts and the main altar for the Día de Muertos (Mexican Day of Souls). It is dominated by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption is a beautiful example of Mexican colonial baroque. It is built on the site of the main pyramid of the city of Tenochtitlan.
Casa de los Azulejos, Tile House (1830s), decorated with blue-and-white tiles from Puebla. The inside of Sanborns is beautiful, but don't go here for the food, it's mediocre and quite expensive.
Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palace of Arts, is one of the main landmarks of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is the most important cultural centre in Mexico and one of the main opera houses in the world. Inside are murals (called murales) by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. In addition to the opera houses, there are also the Museum of Architecture and the Palace of Arts Museum. I recommend visiting at least one of them to see the inside of the building with the murals.
Alameda is a public park that was founded in 1592, based on the park in Seville, making it the oldest park not only in Mexico, but in the whole of the Americas (as a continent). The park has several statues and fountains depicting Greek and Roman gods. In March, the park is beautifully decorated with the purple flowers of the jacarandas tree.
It is advisable not to stay too long in the park, as there are sometimes beggars and street vendors wandering around who may harass you.
Mexico's first skyscraper built in 1956, the tallest building in Mexico at the time. Torre Latino, as the Mexicans call it for short, has withstood every major earthquake so far. It's possible to take the elevator up to the observation deck to the 44th floor for a fee, and Torre Latino has a great view of the city.
Paseo de La Reforma is a 15-kilometre-long avenue that is home to the Mexican stock exchange, world-famous clothing brands, restaurants, cafes, banks and offices. In the middle of the avenue are statues (such as that of the Aztec ruler Cuauhtémoc or the Roman goddess Diana).
On Sundays, the avenue closes to cars and other vehicles and opens to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. You can see many people gathering here to play sports or just walk and talk.There is always something going on at Paseo de La Reforma. I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down the avenue and stopping at one of the cafes for a coffee (such as Cielito Querido).
Chapultepec (the name comes from the Nahuatl language (Aztec) and means "mountain of grasshoppers") is a park located on a hill and is the largest park in Latin America. It represents 52% of all the green space in Mexico City.
It's worth setting aside at least half a day to visit Chapultepec.
The park is divided into three sections - Primera Sección, Segunda Sección and Tercera Sección, and between the second and third sections is the Panteón Civil Dolores, the largest cemetery in Latin America.
In the first and second sections there are small lakes, open areas for relaxation and holding celebrations and picnics, museums, galleries, a zoo, a botanical garden, a castle, fountains and much more. The third section of the park is not very visited, there is a horse riding track, a viewpoint and rest areas.
I like to just walk through the park sometimes and soak up the local atmosphere. But the park is really sprawling and most visitors want to come back when they are in Mexico City. You can come here or go on other days when you return from trips. You can visit:
- Castillo Chapultepec - the castle and gardens, the residence of Emperor Maximilian I.
- National Museum of Anthropology - pre-Columbian history of Mexico, the famous Piedra de Sol (Sun Stone), Mayan relics,
- Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico) - plants typical of different regions of Mexico
- Museo de Arte Moderno - Mexican and international modern art, works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo
- Zoolgic Garden - one of the largest and oldest in Latin America
- Jesero Chapultepec - you can rent a boat here
- Niños Heroes Memorial - dedicated to the six young cadets who heroically defended Chapultepec Castle during the 1847 Mexican-American War.
Today you'll take a trip to Teotihuacán, one of the most magical places I've ever visited. And I bet you'll find it just as magical.The bus ride to Teotihuacán takes less than an hour. I recommend starting in the morning after 9am, while the sun isn't burning so much. Bring a water bottle, headgear and put on sunscreen with SPF 50. I've witnessed Mexicans coming back from Teotihuacán sunburned.
Getting to the bus terminal:
Metro: from Hidalgo station (Line 3, yellow-brown) ---> get off at La Raza station. Then walk according to Google Maps to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
Uber: will take you directly to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
To Teotihuacán you will take a bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
- At the terminal, look for SALA 8 and the ticket office with the sign Autobuses Teotihuacan.
- Buy a ticket for "pyramides Teotihuacan". They usually give you a choice of the two closest departures. You must keep the departure time. There is no departure time on the return ticket, which is fine - it doesn't matter what time you go back, but remember that the archaeological zone closes at 5pm. At the ticket office, they will tell you the bus platform number (careful, it's not on the ticket!).
- Go to Gate 8 (unless they tell you otherwise at the window) and wait for your bus. If you are unsure, ask the driver or staff, someone is always happy to advise you. Your seat number (asiento) is written on your ticket.
The bus stops in Teotihuacán at Puerta 1. Buy your tickets and start exploring!
Teotihuacán, a huge ancient city of the Teotihuacán culture. The pyramids and structures here are built along the Road of the Dead(Camino de Los Muertos), which is nearly 2 kilometers long. The largest structure is the Pyramid of the Sun(Pirámide de Sol), which is 75 metres high. At the end of the Path of the Dead is the smaller Pyramid of the Moon (Pirámide de La Luna).
- The most important buildings began to be built in Teotihuacán around 200 BC, and at its greatest height (around 150-600 AD) the city had a population of 150,000 and was one of the largest cities in the world at the time (it was bigger than Rome!).
- Teotihuacán had a great economic, cultural and political impact on the entire region. It is still unknown why the city began to decline around 650. A likely theory is that the city declined due to drought and overcrowding, or because of local strife and disagreements.
- The Aztecs referred to Teotihuacán as the place of the gods, as the place where the sun and moon originated.
This is a place worth enjoying. Walk slowly, take pictures, take in your surroundings and don't be fooled by the exorbitant prices of the local souvenir vendors :)
TIP: Opposite the Pyramid of the Sun at Puerta 2, there are food and souvenir stalls and toilets.
Buses to Mexico City depart from Teotihuacan from the same spot where you got off. If you are not sure, ask. Just say "Dónde estan las autobuses a Ciudad de México?" and a local will show you where to wait for the bus.
Today you will visit another archaeological site, this time in the city of Tula in the state of Hidalgo.
You will travel to Tula by bus, a journey of about an hour and a half. Again, I recommend starting in the morning (but watch out for the rush hour at MDH until 9:00am). As with Teotihuacán, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and headgear.
Terminal Autobuses del Norte(same bus station as yesterday)
- There are two bus companies to Tula - Ovnibus (first class, takes about 1.5 hours) and AVM (second class, takes about 2 hours). Both are safe and comfortable buses.
- Buy your ticket at the stand marked with the name of the bus company you want to take
The bus will take you to the Central de Autobuses Tula station in Tula.
After arriving at the bus terminal in Tula, you can reach the archaeological site on foot using Google maps (the journey takes about 20 minutes).
Tula, full name Tula de Allende, is a historic city located in the state of Hidalgo. Tula is famous as the ancient center of the Toltec civilization, which lived here between the 9th and 12th centuries, and where there is currently an archeological site. Tula was one of the most important cities of the Toltec Empire and an important cultural and political centre of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America.
The most famous monuments in Tula are the statues known as Atlantes de Tula, up to 4.5 metres high. These statues represent Toltec warriors. Other monuments include palaces, pyramids and ceremonial centres.
If you want to explore the site in peace, take photos and relax, the whole visit takes about 2-2.5 hours. There is a few pesos entrance fee.
Today you will travel from Mexico City to Puebla, the capital of the Mexican state of the same name. Puebla has a magnificent historic centre, one of the great examples of Spanish colonial baroque. The picturesque streets here remind me of a kind of stereotyped Mexico. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city, sample some of the local specialties, and possibly buy some souvenirs or gifts at the local market.
To get to Puebla, you can take a bus from the TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros Oriente) bus station with the carrier ADO or AU. The closest metro station to TAPO is San Lázaro (pink line 1 and line B).
As you know from previous trips, the buses are comfortable and safe. ADO is a bit better and more expensive, has a toilet on board and runs basically every half hour. AU is cheaper and does not have a toilet on board.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
The second option is to go to Puebla directly from the airport. Buses run from both terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Estrella Roja runs buses from the airport to Puebla.
Puebla, officially Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, is the fourth largest city in Mexico and one of the most important cities historically, culturally and economically.
- Puebla was founded in 1531 by Spanish colonizers under the name Puebla de los Ángeles (hence the nickname "City of Angels") and quickly became a key city in the region during the colonial era.
- The historic center of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Puebla is considered one of the culinary centers of Mexico. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the region.
- mole poblano - a thick sauce made of chocolate, chili, seeds and other ingredients that is traditionally served with rice and turkey. The sauce is quite heavy, I recommend not to overeat it to begin with.
- chiles en nogada - poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit and spices, topped with walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. Mexican flag on the plate!
No visit to Puebla without a visit to Cholula. If you type "Puebla" into Google, the search engine will find at least a few images of a yellow church on a "hill" (actually a pyramid) with a smoking Popocatépetl looming in the background. This yellow church is exactly the famous church in San Andrés Cholula, the historic district of Cholula, where you will look today. From Cholula, you'll take a bus to the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala.
Trip from Puebla to Cholula
The best way is by microbus (pesero), or Uber.
If you take the microbus, go from 6 Poniente between 11 and 13 Norte. You will see small buses there - look for the one that has Cholula written on the window - that is your bus. If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask the locals. Just say Cholula or Donda están las autobuses a Cholula? and they will be happy to help. The journey costs about 7-8 pesos.
Cholula is taken as part of the Puebla metropolitan area. But it is actually much older than Puebla. Cholula was founded about 500 years before Christ.
- There is an archaeological zone in Cholula
The yellow baroque church Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios was built by the Spanish on top of the world's largest pyramid.
From Cholula, then go to the Central de Autobuses de Puebla (CAPU) bus station. The best way to get to the station is by Uber.
From CAPU there is a direct bus to Tlaxcala from Autobuses Valles. Buses run every 15 minutes and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. In Tlaxcala, get off at the Central de Autobuses de Tlaxcala (CATLA) station and walk to the centre.
Tlaxcala, full name Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl(read chicoténcatl), is the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala, and is considered one of the hidden colonial treasures.
- Wondering why the name Xicohténcatl is attached to the city's name? Xicohténcatl was a warrior from Tlaxcala who fought against the Spaniards and, after being unable to defeat them, was persuaded by the Tlaxcalan chiefs to side with the Spaniards.
- In pre-Columbian times, the Tlaxcalans were able to maintain their independence from the Aztecs, even in the face of the proximity of the Aztec capital (Tenochtitlan at the time). In 1519, the Tlaxcalans became allies of Hernán Cortés in the conquest of Tenochtitlán. The whole story can be seen retold through a ink painting by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin in the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) in the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square).
- I recommend visiting the Museo Vivo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares. It is a museum of local traditions where you can also buy beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
South of Constitution Square, a steep path leads uphill to the main cathedral, from which there is a beautiful view of the city and the bullring. The monastery buildings house Museo Regional with a collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.
If you have enough strength, you can walk up the hill above Tlaxcala to the village of Ocotlán. It's home to the Basílica de Ocotlán, one of Mexico's most decorative churrigueresco style churches. The basilica was built in the 18th century in honour of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared here in 1541.
From the bus station to the hotel, use Uber again.
From Puebla, you will return to Mexico City today, from where you will head to the next city, Cuernavaca, tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Puebla and Cuernavaca, so you must return to the capital. In Mexico City, you can check out the places on your itinerary that you missed on the first day or others that catch your eye and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's journey.
Around your hotel I can recommend the following architecturally interesting and quiet neighbourhoods where you can find cafés, restaurants, parks (Parque México, Parque España) and shops:
- Colonia Roma Norte a Sur
- Colonia Condesa
Both neighborhoods are currently "in", very popular even among tourists and expats, as you will notice. The ornate buildings here date mainly from the early 20th century (mainly in the beaux-arts style in Roma Norte and Sur) and the art-deco style from the late 1930s and early 1940s (Condesa).
FOOD TIPS:
- El Péndulo - restaurant located in a beautiful café space, you can have breakfast and lunch (I recommend enchiladas mixtas)
- Cielito Querido- a Mexican café chain, I personally love their cortado and pan de elote (sweet cornbread).
- Peltre - a popular bistro and cafe where locals go for brunch. I recommend chilaquiles, a filling breakfast dish.
- Hola El Güero - taquería
Today you will see the city of Cuernavaca, the "City of Eternal Spring" and Tepoztlán, which is located, like Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos. The road to Cuernavaca is basically up a valley, well below the level of the capital.
From Cuernavaca you can see Tepoztlán, which is less than an hour away and lies at the foot of the mountains, so bring a jacket and sturdy shoes.From Terminal Autobuses del Norte, buses of Turistar operate to Cuernavaca.
Upon arrival in Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi or Uber to the hotel or the city center.
Cuernavaca is called "the city of eternal spring". It is said that Alexander van Humboldt, a naturalist who liked the town and returned to it to rest. He wasn't the only one - the town is a popular holiday resort because of its clean air and good climate. The Aztec rulers came here to relax.
Attractions:
- Palacio de Cortés - a palace built by Hernán Cortés on the ruins of a pre-Hispanic temple
- Jardín Juárez - the square where Gustave Eiffel's gazebo is located - the gazebo sells delicious fresh juices and milkshakes licuados
- cathedral
- Jardín Borda - a beautiful garden with fountains, it was the summer residence of Emperor Maximilian I and his wife
FOOD TIPS:
- try tacos al pastor at La Princesa
For the trip to Tepoztlán from Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi as it's pretty much the best option. One way costs about 100 pesos and takes 20 minutes. There's also a local Morelos Blvd. bus that goes there, but the journey takes over an hour and requires local knowledge :)
Tepoztlán is one of the magical towns (pueblos magicos). Pueblos magicos are places and towns rated by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism as having a well-preserved culture and cultural identity, whose inhabitants often follow the traditions and customs typical of the place.
Tepoztlán, located at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain, has become a mecca for ecotourism in recent years.
Today, you can trade Cuernavaca's relatively quiet surroundings and greenery for the busier Toluca, the capital of the Estado de México. You can get to Toluca by bus from the Central de Autobuses bus station, from the ETN Turistar.
Toluca, by its full name Toluca de Lerdo, is the capital of Estado de México and is located west of Mexico City. The proximity to the capital helps Toluca mainly from an economic point of view. Typical of Toluca are the large Friday markets, said to be the largest in all of Mexico.
The centre of Toluca has colonial churches, a large plaza and beautiful arcades (as in other cities in Mexico that were occupied and rebuilt by the Spanish, as you may have noticed).
EATING TIP:
- tortas toluqueñas - cakes (sandwiches) filled with chorizo and cheese.
Cosmovitral is a botanical garden located in a former Art Nouveau market, beautifully illuminated by stained glass windows. It's really beautiful here.
Today, you'll travel by bus from Toluca to Mexico City. If you leave in the morning, you will still have plenty of time to see Mexico City if you feel like it.
All good things come to an end, and unfortunately today you are flying home. If you're like me, you probably don't want to go and are already thinking about going back to Mexico. If you do, Mexico will give you a warm welcome.
I wish you a safe flight and look forward to seeing you on your next journey.
Want to explore the historical and cultural core of Mexico, including one of the most beautiful pyramids in the world? See Mexico's "magic towns" whose charm you will always remember? Take a little sightseeing tour through Central Mexico!Visit five Mexican states and the capital, explore the ancient sites of several Mesoamerican cultures, and see the diversity of Mexican nature, including Mexico's most famous volcanoes. Central Mexico boasts a rich history, a diverse culture and a varied natural landscape. It is a key region of Mexico both politically and economically. Central Mexico is a region where history and modernity are combined.
BIENVENENIDO A MÉXICO! Welcome to Mexico! In its capital city, which will now become your temporary home for four days.
On arrival at Benito Juárez Airport (Mexico's first president), you must first go through immigration, where you will be given a tourist visa.
It takes almost no time at all, but if the number of days they give you a visa for is less than the number of days until your departure, contact the Mexican embassy, who will be happy to advise you. A tourist visa in Mexico is given for a maximum of 180 days.
Transport from airport to accommodation
There are four ways to get from the airport to the centre (Colonía Juarez), from cheapest to most expensive:
Metro
➤ The cheapest option (5 pesos), but not recommended for beginners or people who have trouble finding their way around.
➤ Route: Terminal Aérea (line 5, direction Politécnico) → transfer to La Raza (line 3, direction Universidad) → exit Juarez → walk according to Google Maps.
Metrobús
➤ Reliable and cheap.
➤ Station between PUERTA 6 and 7, line 4 (orange) → transfer San Lázaro → continue with line 4 (Buenavista Sur) → exit Vocacional → about 700 m walk.
Uber - Recommended
➤ The easiest and safest option without transfers.
➤ Price from about 123 pesos (depending on time and traffic).
➤ Usually cheaper than a taxi.
Authorized taxi
➤ Stands at PUERTA 9 and 10, marked "Taxi Autorizado".
➤ Price according to distance - you report "Colonía Juarez, delegación Cuauhtémoc", pay (usually by card) and get a ticket.
➤ Look for the car with the name of your taxi company.
Food - Featured Specialties
- Mexico City: tacos al pastor, huaraches, barbacoa, enchiladas suizas
- Puebla: mole poblano, chiles en nogada
- Toluca: chorizo, chalupas, nieve de garrafa
- Central Mexico in general: tamales, quesadillas, pozole, chilaquiles
Safety
- Security in Mexico City has improved, but the classic rules apply:
- Don't leave things unattended.
- Don't wear expensive technology and jewelry on display.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash.
- Avoid empty, unlit streets.
- Be aware of your surroundings, don't be "in your head" but in reality.
- For women: avoid revealing clothing - it can attract unwanted attention in Mexico.
WHAT TO ARRANGE AT THE AIRPORT
Public transport card - Tarjeta de Movilidad
I recommend getting a public transport card right at the airport. It will come in handy when you're traveling around the city to bus stations. If you prefer Uber, then you don't need to get a card. The card machine is located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The card costs 15 pesos and can be used on several types of public transport:
metro
Metrobús
Ecobici (bikes)
Trolebús (trolleybus)
RTP buses
Cablebús (something like a cable car that serves as public transport)
You can top up the card at metro or Metrobús stations.
Money exchange
You will need some cash in Mexico. Many food stalls do not allow card payments, sometimes the terminal does not work, and some types of public transport also do not allow card payments. I recommend exchanging at least some of the dollars or euros you have with you right at the airport. Exchanging at the airport is safe, no one can steal from you here. Only exchange in the arrivals hall near the exits. There are many exchange offices, you can find the one with the best rate.
Water and refreshments
If you are hungry and thirsty, I advise you to wait for a proper meal until you get to the center. Restaurants at the airport are classically overpriced and the food is not the best. If you are thirsty or hungry, try one of the Oxxo or 7Eleven stores in the arrivals hall on the ground floor instead.
TRANSPORTATION
Mexico City has a very good public transport system. There are several types of transport here, starting with taxis, through the metro, metrobus, trolleybus, specially adapted train, bicycles, buses, minibuses. Part of the city can be explored comfortably on foot.
TIP: If you are going to use the metro, but also another type of public transport, I recommend avoiding peak hours (approx. 7:30-9:30 and 17:00-20:00).
Mexico City is a city of contradictions, vast, chaotic and exciting. Together with the conurbation, it is one of the ten largest cities in the world, so there is no point in rushing around and wanting to see everything here. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of Mexico City. Like anywhere in Mexico, it's better to enjoy the local atmosphere, stroll the streets, sit down with a good coffee, mezcal or tequila, have tacos or tamales (or anything else from the comida callejera) and just live.
Yet there are a few places that would certainly be a shame to miss while enjoying the atmosphere. For the itinerary, I've picked out some of my favourite parts of the city that are within walking distance of your hotel. It's up to you to explore them all, or skip some and prefer others.
Worldee tip: When walking around Mexico City, I recommend using Google Maps. If you don't feel like walking, a good option is the Metrobus (outside of rush hour!), Ecobici, and sometimes you can get a fairly cheap Uber (for shorter distances).
Mexico City (Centro Histórico) is located exactly where the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan used to be. Because Tenochtitlán was built on a lake, and the Spanish subsequently drained the lake as much as they could after the conquest of Mexico, you may notice that some of the streets in the city ripple and tilt.
El Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is one of the largest squares in the world. It is the historic centre of the city and hosts events, concerts and the main altar for the Día de Muertos (Mexican Day of Souls). It is dominated by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption is a beautiful example of Mexican colonial baroque. It is built on the site of the main pyramid of the city of Tenochtitlan.
Casa de los Azulejos, Tile House (1830s), decorated with blue-and-white tiles from Puebla. The inside of Sanborns is beautiful, but don't go here for the food, it's mediocre and quite expensive.
Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palace of Arts, is one of the main landmarks of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is the most important cultural centre in Mexico and one of the main opera houses in the world. Inside are murals (called murales) by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. In addition to the opera houses, there are also the Museum of Architecture and the Palace of Arts Museum. I recommend visiting at least one of them to see the inside of the building with the murals.
Alameda is a public park that was founded in 1592, based on the park in Seville, making it the oldest park not only in Mexico, but in the whole of the Americas (as a continent). The park has several statues and fountains depicting Greek and Roman gods. In March, the park is beautifully decorated with the purple flowers of the jacarandas tree.
It is advisable not to stay too long in the park, as there are sometimes beggars and street vendors wandering around who may harass you.
Mexico's first skyscraper built in 1956, the tallest building in Mexico at the time. Torre Latino, as the Mexicans call it for short, has withstood every major earthquake so far. It's possible to take the elevator up to the observation deck to the 44th floor for a fee, and Torre Latino has a great view of the city.
Paseo de La Reforma is a 15-kilometre-long avenue that is home to the Mexican stock exchange, world-famous clothing brands, restaurants, cafes, banks and offices. In the middle of the avenue are statues (such as that of the Aztec ruler Cuauhtémoc or the Roman goddess Diana).
On Sundays, the avenue closes to cars and other vehicles and opens to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. You can see many people gathering here to play sports or just walk and talk.There is always something going on at Paseo de La Reforma. I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down the avenue and stopping at one of the cafes for a coffee (such as Cielito Querido).
Chapultepec (the name comes from the Nahuatl language (Aztec) and means "mountain of grasshoppers") is a park located on a hill and is the largest park in Latin America. It represents 52% of all the green space in Mexico City.
It's worth setting aside at least half a day to visit Chapultepec.
The park is divided into three sections - Primera Sección, Segunda Sección and Tercera Sección, and between the second and third sections is the Panteón Civil Dolores, the largest cemetery in Latin America.
In the first and second sections there are small lakes, open areas for relaxation and holding celebrations and picnics, museums, galleries, a zoo, a botanical garden, a castle, fountains and much more. The third section of the park is not very visited, there is a horse riding track, a viewpoint and rest areas.
I like to just walk through the park sometimes and soak up the local atmosphere. But the park is really sprawling and most visitors want to come back when they are in Mexico City. You can come here or go on other days when you return from trips. You can visit:
- Castillo Chapultepec - the castle and gardens, the residence of Emperor Maximilian I.
- National Museum of Anthropology - pre-Columbian history of Mexico, the famous Piedra de Sol (Sun Stone), Mayan relics,
- Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico) - plants typical of different regions of Mexico
- Museo de Arte Moderno - Mexican and international modern art, works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo
- Zoolgic Garden - one of the largest and oldest in Latin America
- Jesero Chapultepec - you can rent a boat here
- Niños Heroes Memorial - dedicated to the six young cadets who heroically defended Chapultepec Castle during the 1847 Mexican-American War.
Today you'll take a trip to Teotihuacán, one of the most magical places I've ever visited. And I bet you'll find it just as magical.The bus ride to Teotihuacán takes less than an hour. I recommend starting in the morning after 9am, while the sun isn't burning so much. Bring a water bottle, headgear and put on sunscreen with SPF 50. I've witnessed Mexicans coming back from Teotihuacán sunburned.
Getting to the bus terminal:
Metro: from Hidalgo station (Line 3, yellow-brown) ---> get off at La Raza station. Then walk according to Google Maps to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
Uber: will take you directly to Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
To Teotihuacán you will take a bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte.
- At the terminal, look for SALA 8 and the ticket office with the sign Autobuses Teotihuacan.
- Buy a ticket for "pyramides Teotihuacan". They usually give you a choice of the two closest departures. You must keep the departure time. There is no departure time on the return ticket, which is fine - it doesn't matter what time you go back, but remember that the archaeological zone closes at 5pm. At the ticket office, they will tell you the bus platform number (careful, it's not on the ticket!).
- Go to Gate 8 (unless they tell you otherwise at the window) and wait for your bus. If you are unsure, ask the driver or staff, someone is always happy to advise you. Your seat number (asiento) is written on your ticket.
The bus stops in Teotihuacán at Puerta 1. Buy your tickets and start exploring!
Teotihuacán, a huge ancient city of the Teotihuacán culture. The pyramids and structures here are built along the Road of the Dead(Camino de Los Muertos), which is nearly 2 kilometers long. The largest structure is the Pyramid of the Sun(Pirámide de Sol), which is 75 metres high. At the end of the Path of the Dead is the smaller Pyramid of the Moon (Pirámide de La Luna).
- The most important buildings began to be built in Teotihuacán around 200 BC, and at its greatest height (around 150-600 AD) the city had a population of 150,000 and was one of the largest cities in the world at the time (it was bigger than Rome!).
- Teotihuacán had a great economic, cultural and political impact on the entire region. It is still unknown why the city began to decline around 650. A likely theory is that the city declined due to drought and overcrowding, or because of local strife and disagreements.
- The Aztecs referred to Teotihuacán as the place of the gods, as the place where the sun and moon originated.
This is a place worth enjoying. Walk slowly, take pictures, take in your surroundings and don't be fooled by the exorbitant prices of the local souvenir vendors :)
TIP: Opposite the Pyramid of the Sun at Puerta 2, there are food and souvenir stalls and toilets.
Buses to Mexico City depart from Teotihuacan from the same spot where you got off. If you are not sure, ask. Just say "Dónde estan las autobuses a Ciudad de México?" and a local will show you where to wait for the bus.
Today you will visit another archaeological site, this time in the city of Tula in the state of Hidalgo.
You will travel to Tula by bus, a journey of about an hour and a half. Again, I recommend starting in the morning (but watch out for the rush hour at MDH until 9:00am). As with Teotihuacán, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and headgear.
Terminal Autobuses del Norte(same bus station as yesterday)
- There are two bus companies to Tula - Ovnibus (first class, takes about 1.5 hours) and AVM (second class, takes about 2 hours). Both are safe and comfortable buses.
- Buy your ticket at the stand marked with the name of the bus company you want to take
The bus will take you to the Central de Autobuses Tula station in Tula.
After arriving at the bus terminal in Tula, you can reach the archaeological site on foot using Google maps (the journey takes about 20 minutes).
Tula, full name Tula de Allende, is a historic city located in the state of Hidalgo. Tula is famous as the ancient center of the Toltec civilization, which lived here between the 9th and 12th centuries, and where there is currently an archeological site. Tula was one of the most important cities of the Toltec Empire and an important cultural and political centre of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America.
The most famous monuments in Tula are the statues known as Atlantes de Tula, up to 4.5 metres high. These statues represent Toltec warriors. Other monuments include palaces, pyramids and ceremonial centres.
If you want to explore the site in peace, take photos and relax, the whole visit takes about 2-2.5 hours. There is a few pesos entrance fee.
Today you will travel from Mexico City to Puebla, the capital of the Mexican state of the same name. Puebla has a magnificent historic centre, one of the great examples of Spanish colonial baroque. The picturesque streets here remind me of a kind of stereotyped Mexico. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city, sample some of the local specialties, and possibly buy some souvenirs or gifts at the local market.
To get to Puebla, you can take a bus from the TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros Oriente) bus station with the carrier ADO or AU. The closest metro station to TAPO is San Lázaro (pink line 1 and line B).
As you know from previous trips, the buses are comfortable and safe. ADO is a bit better and more expensive, has a toilet on board and runs basically every half hour. AU is cheaper and does not have a toilet on board.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
The second option is to go to Puebla directly from the airport. Buses run from both terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Estrella Roja runs buses from the airport to Puebla.
Puebla, officially Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, is the fourth largest city in Mexico and one of the most important cities historically, culturally and economically.
- Puebla was founded in 1531 by Spanish colonizers under the name Puebla de los Ángeles (hence the nickname "City of Angels") and quickly became a key city in the region during the colonial era.
- The historic center of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Puebla is considered one of the culinary centers of Mexico. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the region.
- mole poblano - a thick sauce made of chocolate, chili, seeds and other ingredients that is traditionally served with rice and turkey. The sauce is quite heavy, I recommend not to overeat it to begin with.
- chiles en nogada - poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit and spices, topped with walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. Mexican flag on the plate!
No visit to Puebla without a visit to Cholula. If you type "Puebla" into Google, the search engine will find at least a few images of a yellow church on a "hill" (actually a pyramid) with a smoking Popocatépetl looming in the background. This yellow church is exactly the famous church in San Andrés Cholula, the historic district of Cholula, where you will look today. From Cholula, you'll take a bus to the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala.
Trip from Puebla to Cholula
The best way is by microbus (pesero), or Uber.
If you take the microbus, go from 6 Poniente between 11 and 13 Norte. You will see small buses there - look for the one that has Cholula written on the window - that is your bus. If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask the locals. Just say Cholula or Donda están las autobuses a Cholula? and they will be happy to help. The journey costs about 7-8 pesos.
Cholula is taken as part of the Puebla metropolitan area. But it is actually much older than Puebla. Cholula was founded about 500 years before Christ.
- There is an archaeological zone in Cholula
The yellow baroque church Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios was built by the Spanish on top of the world's largest pyramid.
From Cholula, then go to the Central de Autobuses de Puebla (CAPU) bus station. The best way to get to the station is by Uber.
From CAPU there is a direct bus to Tlaxcala from Autobuses Valles. Buses run every 15 minutes and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. In Tlaxcala, get off at the Central de Autobuses de Tlaxcala (CATLA) station and walk to the centre.
Tlaxcala, full name Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl(read chicoténcatl), is the capital of Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala, and is considered one of the hidden colonial treasures.
- Wondering why the name Xicohténcatl is attached to the city's name? Xicohténcatl was a warrior from Tlaxcala who fought against the Spaniards and, after being unable to defeat them, was persuaded by the Tlaxcalan chiefs to side with the Spaniards.
- In pre-Columbian times, the Tlaxcalans were able to maintain their independence from the Aztecs, even in the face of the proximity of the Aztec capital (Tenochtitlan at the time). In 1519, the Tlaxcalans became allies of Hernán Cortés in the conquest of Tenochtitlán. The whole story can be seen retold through a ink painting by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin in the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) in the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square).
- I recommend visiting the Museo Vivo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares. It is a museum of local traditions where you can also buy beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
South of Constitution Square, a steep path leads uphill to the main cathedral, from which there is a beautiful view of the city and the bullring. The monastery buildings house Museo Regional with a collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.
If you have enough strength, you can walk up the hill above Tlaxcala to the village of Ocotlán. It's home to the Basílica de Ocotlán, one of Mexico's most decorative churrigueresco style churches. The basilica was built in the 18th century in honour of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared here in 1541.
From the bus station to the hotel, use Uber again.
From Puebla, you will return to Mexico City today, from where you will head to the next city, Cuernavaca, tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Puebla and Cuernavaca, so you must return to the capital. In Mexico City, you can check out the places on your itinerary that you missed on the first day or others that catch your eye and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's journey.
Around your hotel I can recommend the following architecturally interesting and quiet neighbourhoods where you can find cafés, restaurants, parks (Parque México, Parque España) and shops:
- Colonia Roma Norte a Sur
- Colonia Condesa
Both neighborhoods are currently "in", very popular even among tourists and expats, as you will notice. The ornate buildings here date mainly from the early 20th century (mainly in the beaux-arts style in Roma Norte and Sur) and the art-deco style from the late 1930s and early 1940s (Condesa).
FOOD TIPS:
- El Péndulo - restaurant located in a beautiful café space, you can have breakfast and lunch (I recommend enchiladas mixtas)
- Cielito Querido- a Mexican café chain, I personally love their cortado and pan de elote (sweet cornbread).
- Peltre - a popular bistro and cafe where locals go for brunch. I recommend chilaquiles, a filling breakfast dish.
- Hola El Güero - taquería
Today you will see the city of Cuernavaca, the "City of Eternal Spring" and Tepoztlán, which is located, like Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos. The road to Cuernavaca is basically up a valley, well below the level of the capital.
From Cuernavaca you can see Tepoztlán, which is less than an hour away and lies at the foot of the mountains, so bring a jacket and sturdy shoes.From Terminal Autobuses del Norte, buses of Turistar operate to Cuernavaca.
Upon arrival in Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi or Uber to the hotel or the city center.
Cuernavaca is called "the city of eternal spring". It is said that Alexander van Humboldt, a naturalist who liked the town and returned to it to rest. He wasn't the only one - the town is a popular holiday resort because of its clean air and good climate. The Aztec rulers came here to relax.
Attractions:
- Palacio de Cortés - a palace built by Hernán Cortés on the ruins of a pre-Hispanic temple
- Jardín Juárez - the square where Gustave Eiffel's gazebo is located - the gazebo sells delicious fresh juices and milkshakes licuados
- cathedral
- Jardín Borda - a beautiful garden with fountains, it was the summer residence of Emperor Maximilian I and his wife
FOOD TIPS:
- try tacos al pastor at La Princesa
For the trip to Tepoztlán from Cuernavaca, I recommend taking a taxi as it's pretty much the best option. One way costs about 100 pesos and takes 20 minutes. There's also a local Morelos Blvd. bus that goes there, but the journey takes over an hour and requires local knowledge :)
Tepoztlán is one of the magical towns (pueblos magicos). Pueblos magicos are places and towns rated by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism as having a well-preserved culture and cultural identity, whose inhabitants often follow the traditions and customs typical of the place.
Tepoztlán, located at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain, has become a mecca for ecotourism in recent years.
Today, you can trade Cuernavaca's relatively quiet surroundings and greenery for the busier Toluca, the capital of the Estado de México. You can get to Toluca by bus from the Central de Autobuses bus station, from the ETN Turistar.
Toluca, by its full name Toluca de Lerdo, is the capital of Estado de México and is located west of Mexico City. The proximity to the capital helps Toluca mainly from an economic point of view. Typical of Toluca are the large Friday markets, said to be the largest in all of Mexico.
The centre of Toluca has colonial churches, a large plaza and beautiful arcades (as in other cities in Mexico that were occupied and rebuilt by the Spanish, as you may have noticed).
EATING TIP:
- tortas toluqueñas - cakes (sandwiches) filled with chorizo and cheese.
Cosmovitral is a botanical garden located in a former Art Nouveau market, beautifully illuminated by stained glass windows. It's really beautiful here.
Today, you'll travel by bus from Toluca to Mexico City. If you leave in the morning, you will still have plenty of time to see Mexico City if you feel like it.
All good things come to an end, and unfortunately today you are flying home. If you're like me, you probably don't want to go and are already thinking about going back to Mexico. If you do, Mexico will give you a warm welcome.
I wish you a safe flight and look forward to seeing you on your next journey.
