Not often do people take the time to travel to Mexico City due to it being overshadowed by the tropical paradise of Cancun, and those people are missing out! In March, I was fortunate enough to spend a week in the capital of Mexico and was able to experience a different a different adventure everyday. If you make your way into this city, here are a few things you will expect!
1. The Size
The vastness of Mexico City is intimidating! With the city covering 573.36 square miles (1,485 km²) of land, and there being over 8.92 million inhabitants, Mexico City is not only the largest cities in Latin America, but in the world!
Helicopter View of Mexico City
2. Xochimilco
pronounced (So-she-meelk-oh)
This pleasant surprise is a great way to get in touch with local life in the city. In my head, Xochimilco is Mexican version of the Gondolas in Venice, Italy. Each long, colorful boat caries a large table where you and your friends and family can spend a relaxing evening across the river. This river also happens to be one of the last remaining rivers still remaining in which the Mayans would use for daily trading. As you enjoy your picnic, you can also have a mariachi band hook up to your boat and sing you a couple songs for a few pesos!
3. The Food
You have not truly experienced a taco unless you ate one in Mexico. Not only this, but you will expand your Mexican dish vocabulary with tostadas, mole and more. Markets are all across the city, so definitely make sure to try as much as you can!
Tostada
Mole
4. Colorful Houses
There is no main law in Mexico City that all houses must have a same neutral color. You may paint your house whatever you choose! This will lead you mesmerized by the bright blues, yellows, greens, and purples scattered across the city!
5. University Life
There are some major differences upon how college students in Latin America live compared to students in the United States. The biggest difference is the size. There are hundreds of small universities across Mexico City, most of the are one building! Students usually either still live at home, or rent an apartment by their school. Make sure to stop of UNAM as well, the largest University in Latin America! Many of its iconic buildings are decorated in Aztec print and design. The library of the UNAM is also the largest building built at Mexico's time since the Mayan era!
The UNAM Library
6. The Drug War
This I found to be the most shocking. In general, drug crime is a major issue in Mexico. In the capital, many gangs and syndicates take over neighborhoods and burrows. They work within the government, and may also be slowly seeping into the American border. What is most peculiar is how they give back to the community. As I was walking through a small village with a guide, we passed a beautiful, colorful chapel, they guide explained that is was recently built, by the cocaine trade.
7. Neighborhood Burrows
Mexico City has a unique way of knowing if you are in a new neighborhood. In some parts of the city, you will notice that there are large arches in front of streets, the will mean you have entered a new part of town! It is a useful way to use landmarks as well.
8. The Metropolitan Area and poverty
The poverty is like nothing I have ever seen in any other city. The outskirts of downtown are filled with shacks, shanty housing, and homelessness. What shocked me most was the children. Driving down a main busy street, a you may find small children in the middle of the street alone, which my friends and I would see while there.
Once entering downtown, it is an entirely different world. The Downtown area is extremely modern, sheik, and there is a variety of events to see. Make sure to visit the Zocalo, the main square of the city where you can visit the Metropolitan Cathedral or the remains of Ancient Mayan Ruins. A staple and prime part of Mexican heritage and culture is the Virgin of Guadalupe. Make sure to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to learn more about the iconic miracle that took place hundreds of years ago that still holds a great pride to the Mexican people! Here you can also experience Mayan prayers and traditional dances. The City also offers many museums such as the National Museum of Art, or the house of the iconic Mexican Artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Make sure to stop by the multitude of markets as well for cheap prices!
The Metropolitan Cathedral in the Zocalo
The Original Virgin Mary in the Basilica de Guadalupe
The Frida Kahlo Museum and House
Inside a marketplace
9. Mexican Snacks
The Snacks and candies I ate in Mexico were the most unusual and unique. Whether you like them or not, you must try snacks like Glorias, oranges with Tapatio, de La Rosa's, Cacahuate Japoneses, and many more that will leave you addicted!
Overall, Mexico City is a destination I recommend for all to visit at least once. When there, find a local guide to show you around and you will not regret visiting this remarkable city!
