For the longest time, my idea of Mexico City was solely based on telenovelas and Alfonso Cuarón's Y Tu Mamá También. Obviously, it was crucial that I visited and experienced it myself. What originally started as a weeklong trip soon became a month-and-a-half adventure.
Immediately after arriving, I found myself in the center of downtown Mexico at the Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world. This place has been of major importance since Aztec times, and today it's where important structures such as the National Palace and the Mexico City Cathedral (which was built with the stones from destroyed Aztec temples) are located.
Walking up the Paseo de la Reforma to see El Ángel de la Independencia (The Angel of Independence), I experienced my first of many protests that happen on a daily basis in the city, which I couldn’t help but relate back to my love of Y Tu Mamá También. After being amidst the crowds of the city, I needed a bit of nature and visited Chapultepec Park, the largest city park in Latin America that is home to the Chapultepec Castle at the top of its hill, amusement parks, museums, and many other monuments. Walking up to the top of the hill and into the castle guarantees the best scenic views of the park and city.
Located further out of Mexico City is Teotihuacan, the archaeological site of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. This site was one my favorites and I definitely suggest taking lots of water and sunscreen. Walking and climbing to the top of the pyramids is a workout in itself, but the views are all worth it.
For a more relaxing day, I rode the small, colorful boats called trajineras in the canals of Xochimilco. The best thing about this attraction was the variety of boats catering food, beverages, or giving you live mariachi entertainment on the canals.
After completing all my touristy must-dos, I stopped at Vertigo Gallery for the opening of my friend Elisa Malo's show. Her drawings and installation consisted of colorful, imaginative characters inspired by fantasy and the everyday life. Before leaving, I finished my glass of mezcal, congratulated Elisa, and left Mexico with new friends and a fond love for my motherland.![]()
Me in Teotihuacan on top of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon in the background
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El Ángel de la Independencia (The Angel of Independence)
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Protesters at the Angel of Independence
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Mexican flag at the Zócalo
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Mexico City Cathedral
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Aztecs outside the cathedral
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View from the top of the Chapultepec Castle
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Me at the Chapultepec Castle
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Chapultepec Park
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Immediately after arriving, I found myself in the center of downtown Mexico at the Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world. This place has been of major importance since Aztec times, and today it's where important structures such as the National Palace and the Mexico City Cathedral (which was built with the stones from destroyed Aztec temples) are located.
Walking up the Paseo de la Reforma to see El Ángel de la Independencia (The Angel of Independence), I experienced my first of many protests that happen on a daily basis in the city, which I couldn’t help but relate back to my love of Y Tu Mamá También. After being amidst the crowds of the city, I needed a bit of nature and visited Chapultepec Park, the largest city park in Latin America that is home to the Chapultepec Castle at the top of its hill, amusement parks, museums, and many other monuments. Walking up to the top of the hill and into the castle guarantees the best scenic views of the park and city.
Located further out of Mexico City is Teotihuacan, the archaeological site of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. This site was one my favorites and I definitely suggest taking lots of water and sunscreen. Walking and climbing to the top of the pyramids is a workout in itself, but the views are all worth it.
For a more relaxing day, I rode the small, colorful boats called trajineras in the canals of Xochimilco. The best thing about this attraction was the variety of boats catering food, beverages, or giving you live mariachi entertainment on the canals.
After completing all my touristy must-dos, I stopped at Vertigo Gallery for the opening of my friend Elisa Malo's show. Her drawings and installation consisted of colorful, imaginative characters inspired by fantasy and the everyday life. Before leaving, I finished my glass of mezcal, congratulated Elisa, and left Mexico with new friends and a fond love for my motherland.
Me in Teotihuacan on top of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon in the background
El Ángel de la Independencia (The Angel of Independence)
Protesters at the Angel of Independence
Mexican flag at the Zócalo
Mexico City Cathedral
Aztecs outside the cathedral
View from the top of the Chapultepec Castle
Me at the Chapultepec Castle
Chapultepec Park
