Mexico trip report
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mexico trip report
Not sure if this is PC or not ..... but I got alot of information from 2 forums, one of which was Fodors. So I posted my report on the other forum already, so to save time etc ... I'm just going to paste!
Thanks to everyone here for all their advice and postings.
Just wanted to say thanks to all those who helped with my recent trip to Mexico city. Despite having a small bit of paranoia regarding safety etc, I'm pleased to report that we were not hijacked, kidnapped, pick-pocketed, food poisoned, or rippped off etc!
We flew Aeromexico from NYC on Thanksgiving day (thursday). Flights on time, friendly staff, easy check-ins etc, no problems. Arrived in DF early afternoon, took authorized taxi to our hotel, the Hotel Cathedral. We have no complaints about our stay here, but we also spent very little time here, except for sleeping. We didn't eat here either, so can't comment ..... but the restaurant looed busy whenever we walked by. Staff were friendly, and we paid $503 Mx per night (cash). The streets surrounding the hotel (and Zocolo) do get pretty quiet after dark, but we had no problems. We twice walked back from Alameda Central along Tacuba late at night without incident.
After checking in we visited the Templo Mayor, and spent a couple of hours walking around. We then walked around the Zocolo. The Cathedral was closed, I think due to troubles there over the previous week. And the Zocolo also had quite a bit of scaffolding up .... not quite sure why, but it doesn't help the view! While we were there, they also put up the ice-rink (see other TT tread on that). We strolled down 16 de sept, and finally back to the hotel.
That night we went to Cafe Tacuba. The interior was very brightly decorated and very 'Mexican', complete with a Mariachi band. So while the atmosphere was a nice start to our vacation ..... as reported by others .... the fodd was just OK. We walked back to the hotel and went to bed ... early start tomorrow.
This was our 'big adventure day'!! Our plan was to visit Tepotzlan (climb to the ruin), get to Xochicalco, then Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, and finally to out hotel in Taxco, where we would spend the night. All we knew for certain was that we were getting an early bus from terminal sur (pullman) to Tepotzlan .... after that ??? We got a taxi to the bus station ($130 Mx). The bus ($64 MX each) took just over an hour to get to Tepotzlan, and we had about a 15 minute walk to the town center. We hadn't eaten yet, so we stopped for breakfast at Los Colorines. A very colorful restaurant, and we sat by the window to look out onto the main street. To get trek to climb up to the temple you just continue to walk along the main street, right through the town. Very easy. The climb took about an hour to get up there (and slightly quicker on the way down). We loved the actual trek, and the views from the top are amazing. Bring water! After the climb we visited old church, just off the main square. The nearby market, sells everything .... including insects for food!
For the next part of our plan we picked out an older taxi driver (in his 70's) and asked him how much he would charge us for a lift to xochicalco, then to Las Grutas, and then onto Taxco, where he would leave us. He didn't speak any english, so it took a little time to explain all this in our limited Spanish. We agreed on $1100 Mx. We were also running alittle late at this stage. Taxi (on the toll roads) took just over an hour, and when we got to Xochicalco, we were the only ones there. These ruins are wonderful, very peaceful, and some amazing views of the valley. Unfortunately, to get to Las Grutas in time, we were only able to spend 45 minutes here, and did not get to visit the museum. Back in the taxi and headed for Las Grutas. We actually back tracked to the toll highway, as this is actually the quicker way (time wise) to get to Las Grutas ...... and it was lucky we did, as we arrived at 4.55pm, and the last tour is at 5pm! ($40 Mx each to get in). The caves are great, and my wife (an ex-geologist) was very happy! There were only 8 people in our group, nice and comfortable. The guide only speaks Spanish, but basically all he says is ..."and this rock looks like a ......, and this rock looks like a ......, etc etc. We didn't finish the tour, but back tracked on our own (no problem, you don't need a flash light). We spent about 90 minutes in the caves. I was hoping our old taxi driver was doing OK!
We then drove to Taxco, arriving after dark at about 7pm. Tipped our driver extra, and he seemed very happy. So while we definitely spent more, transport wise, than we intended, it was definitely worth it. No way would we have gotten to all the places without doing what we did. No regrets.
We checked in to Hotel Agua Escondida. This is a brilliant hotel. Amazing location, great views, lovely architecture and atmosphere, great resaurants, and very friendly staff. No problems whatsoever. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone staying in Taxco ($760 Mx for friday night stay). Taxco is hopping on a friday night, seems like evryone is out and about... great atmosphere in a very quaint town. After dinner (at the hotel - good food and cheap!) we walked around town. Next morning we got up eary, had breakfast at the hotel and then took a taxi to the Teliferico (cable car) on the edge on town, giving great photo ops of the town and sourround mountains and valley. taxco is a wonderful small town, very picturesque, and a great place to visit. Of course the wife bought some silver jewelry!
We had booked our return trip to the DF on the Estrella del Oro website before leaving NYC. And we had no problems with our reservation when we got to the bus station ...... which by the way is less tah 10 minutes walk from the Zocolo, not on the outskirts of town as I've read in some guidebooks (can't remember which ones). Buses very nice by the way.
We arrived back in the DF (about 3 hours), jumped on the Metro (first time) and took it to the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. This museum is great ($45 MX each), but as it was getting late we asked what to see first. Over the next 2 1/2 hours we visited the Teotihuacan, Toltec, Aztec, and Maya sections. Brillant.
Took the metro back to the hotel, and went out to eat at Casa de la Sirena, just off the Zocolo. An excellent meal in a great setting, with views over the Zocolo and cathedral. It was actually pretty empty, so obviously no problem getting a table. Bottle of wine, mole poblano, chicken in mango sauce, coffee and shared dessert - about $850 incl tip. Nice!
Next day we explored the DF. After leaving the hotel on Sunday morning, walking through the Zocolo, we wanted to check out about the Turibus. Another 'Tour guide' told us that there was a bicycle event in the city this morning and the Turibus was not operating until after 2pm ..... which actually suited us. He then went on to pitch his own tour of the pyramids ... (more on this later!). After dealing with this guy we walked to the end of the Zocolo and down 16 de Sept, were we came across this massive bakery. I forget the name of it .... but, oh my God ..... so many cakes, pasteries, croissants etc, I have never seen in one place. We grabbed a tray and started to load up! With about 8 items on our tray we finally calmed down and head to the check-out ....... $2.50 US for the lot, are you kidding me!! Breakfast was good that day We headed to the Bellas Artes and purchased tickets for the Folklorio Ballet that night ...no problem - about $36 US each (and actually the place was only about 25% full that evening). Then we went over to the Torre Latinoamericana, went to the top, took a few photos. After looking at the Sanborns - Casa de los Azueljos - which is covered in beautiful tiles, we started to walk to the market La Ciudadela. We got there about mid-day, and there where maybe only 20 other people there! Good for us! no crowds to deal with, we very comfortably walked around for an hour or two, checking out all the stalls, and buying some souvenirs.
To this point we fould the city to be very walkable, so we searched out a taco place recommended on one of these boards ... and it was so good (we had steak and cheese and al pastor tacos with a couple of cervezas). I forget the name,.... its T..... Taqueria, on the corner of Juarez and Av Lazaro Cardenas. Excellent. We then jumped on the Turibus and went cruising down the Paseo de la Reforma and on into Bosque de Chapultepec. We got off and went into Polanco and had dinner at Rincon, which at 5.30pm was packed. Food was great. But we did notice that it was a bit pricey, especially the wine. Luigi Bosca (which we had in Argentina this summer for about $15 US, and which we can buy in our local liquor store in NYC for $18) was $60 US!! We choose another wine, still pricey though. Meal ... wine, 2 apps, shared steak cost about $100 US. Good though, no regrets. Jumped back on the turibus and went to see the evening show at Bellas Artes. The show was very good, definitely worth seeing .... but did drag a bit in the middle ..... but I guess thats a par for most shows. We then walked back to our hotel.
Next morning, monday, we were met by our guide for our trip to Teotihuacan. Remember the Tour guy from yesterday? well we decided to go with his company (we gave him a $100 Mx deposit at the time). The cost of the trip was $1000 MX for 2 or $1500 for 4, including Basicilica, Tres Cultures, Indian market, and the pyramides. We told him we only wanted Tres Cultures and the Pyramides and to be dropped off at the airport. He said "no problem, whatever you want to do". An english speaking guide picked us up at the hotel at 7.30am ..... Alex ... 70's, very nice and very good english. I had told my wife (from reading the TT) and the guides will try to get you to visit places (restaurants, stalls etc) and sure enough he did his best. But he wasn't pushy, and as soon as we declined each of his suggestions ... he didn't persist .... but later had another "I have to show you .... ", No thanks Alex, was our standard reply. We visited the Tres Cultures, and then out to the Pyramides .... spent about 2 1/2 or 3 hours there, and then he dropped us off at the Airport. I tipped him extra as he was very good, and he didn't get any kicks-kicks!, and he wasn't pushy. I'd definitely recommend him. I know his company do many other day drips etc, so if anyone is interested in his information, let me know.
I can't believe I spent this much time on this!! I know I've wandered considerbly, and may not have provided any 'really informative' information during this script, but if anyone has any specific questions regarding any portion of it, please let me know.
Overall ..... a pretty hectic vacation, we saw a lot, and were on the go the whole time ...... but it was all worth it. We had a great time, weather was fantastic, no rain, and wouldn't change any of it. Thanks Mexico.
Thanks to everyone here for all their advice and postings.
Just wanted to say thanks to all those who helped with my recent trip to Mexico city. Despite having a small bit of paranoia regarding safety etc, I'm pleased to report that we were not hijacked, kidnapped, pick-pocketed, food poisoned, or rippped off etc!
We flew Aeromexico from NYC on Thanksgiving day (thursday). Flights on time, friendly staff, easy check-ins etc, no problems. Arrived in DF early afternoon, took authorized taxi to our hotel, the Hotel Cathedral. We have no complaints about our stay here, but we also spent very little time here, except for sleeping. We didn't eat here either, so can't comment ..... but the restaurant looed busy whenever we walked by. Staff were friendly, and we paid $503 Mx per night (cash). The streets surrounding the hotel (and Zocolo) do get pretty quiet after dark, but we had no problems. We twice walked back from Alameda Central along Tacuba late at night without incident.
After checking in we visited the Templo Mayor, and spent a couple of hours walking around. We then walked around the Zocolo. The Cathedral was closed, I think due to troubles there over the previous week. And the Zocolo also had quite a bit of scaffolding up .... not quite sure why, but it doesn't help the view! While we were there, they also put up the ice-rink (see other TT tread on that). We strolled down 16 de sept, and finally back to the hotel.
That night we went to Cafe Tacuba. The interior was very brightly decorated and very 'Mexican', complete with a Mariachi band. So while the atmosphere was a nice start to our vacation ..... as reported by others .... the fodd was just OK. We walked back to the hotel and went to bed ... early start tomorrow.
This was our 'big adventure day'!! Our plan was to visit Tepotzlan (climb to the ruin), get to Xochicalco, then Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, and finally to out hotel in Taxco, where we would spend the night. All we knew for certain was that we were getting an early bus from terminal sur (pullman) to Tepotzlan .... after that ??? We got a taxi to the bus station ($130 Mx). The bus ($64 MX each) took just over an hour to get to Tepotzlan, and we had about a 15 minute walk to the town center. We hadn't eaten yet, so we stopped for breakfast at Los Colorines. A very colorful restaurant, and we sat by the window to look out onto the main street. To get trek to climb up to the temple you just continue to walk along the main street, right through the town. Very easy. The climb took about an hour to get up there (and slightly quicker on the way down). We loved the actual trek, and the views from the top are amazing. Bring water! After the climb we visited old church, just off the main square. The nearby market, sells everything .... including insects for food!
For the next part of our plan we picked out an older taxi driver (in his 70's) and asked him how much he would charge us for a lift to xochicalco, then to Las Grutas, and then onto Taxco, where he would leave us. He didn't speak any english, so it took a little time to explain all this in our limited Spanish. We agreed on $1100 Mx. We were also running alittle late at this stage. Taxi (on the toll roads) took just over an hour, and when we got to Xochicalco, we were the only ones there. These ruins are wonderful, very peaceful, and some amazing views of the valley. Unfortunately, to get to Las Grutas in time, we were only able to spend 45 minutes here, and did not get to visit the museum. Back in the taxi and headed for Las Grutas. We actually back tracked to the toll highway, as this is actually the quicker way (time wise) to get to Las Grutas ...... and it was lucky we did, as we arrived at 4.55pm, and the last tour is at 5pm! ($40 Mx each to get in). The caves are great, and my wife (an ex-geologist) was very happy! There were only 8 people in our group, nice and comfortable. The guide only speaks Spanish, but basically all he says is ..."and this rock looks like a ......, and this rock looks like a ......, etc etc. We didn't finish the tour, but back tracked on our own (no problem, you don't need a flash light). We spent about 90 minutes in the caves. I was hoping our old taxi driver was doing OK!
We then drove to Taxco, arriving after dark at about 7pm. Tipped our driver extra, and he seemed very happy. So while we definitely spent more, transport wise, than we intended, it was definitely worth it. No way would we have gotten to all the places without doing what we did. No regrets.
We checked in to Hotel Agua Escondida. This is a brilliant hotel. Amazing location, great views, lovely architecture and atmosphere, great resaurants, and very friendly staff. No problems whatsoever. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone staying in Taxco ($760 Mx for friday night stay). Taxco is hopping on a friday night, seems like evryone is out and about... great atmosphere in a very quaint town. After dinner (at the hotel - good food and cheap!) we walked around town. Next morning we got up eary, had breakfast at the hotel and then took a taxi to the Teliferico (cable car) on the edge on town, giving great photo ops of the town and sourround mountains and valley. taxco is a wonderful small town, very picturesque, and a great place to visit. Of course the wife bought some silver jewelry!
We had booked our return trip to the DF on the Estrella del Oro website before leaving NYC. And we had no problems with our reservation when we got to the bus station ...... which by the way is less tah 10 minutes walk from the Zocolo, not on the outskirts of town as I've read in some guidebooks (can't remember which ones). Buses very nice by the way.
We arrived back in the DF (about 3 hours), jumped on the Metro (first time) and took it to the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. This museum is great ($45 MX each), but as it was getting late we asked what to see first. Over the next 2 1/2 hours we visited the Teotihuacan, Toltec, Aztec, and Maya sections. Brillant.
Took the metro back to the hotel, and went out to eat at Casa de la Sirena, just off the Zocolo. An excellent meal in a great setting, with views over the Zocolo and cathedral. It was actually pretty empty, so obviously no problem getting a table. Bottle of wine, mole poblano, chicken in mango sauce, coffee and shared dessert - about $850 incl tip. Nice!
Next day we explored the DF. After leaving the hotel on Sunday morning, walking through the Zocolo, we wanted to check out about the Turibus. Another 'Tour guide' told us that there was a bicycle event in the city this morning and the Turibus was not operating until after 2pm ..... which actually suited us. He then went on to pitch his own tour of the pyramids ... (more on this later!). After dealing with this guy we walked to the end of the Zocolo and down 16 de Sept, were we came across this massive bakery. I forget the name of it .... but, oh my God ..... so many cakes, pasteries, croissants etc, I have never seen in one place. We grabbed a tray and started to load up! With about 8 items on our tray we finally calmed down and head to the check-out ....... $2.50 US for the lot, are you kidding me!! Breakfast was good that day We headed to the Bellas Artes and purchased tickets for the Folklorio Ballet that night ...no problem - about $36 US each (and actually the place was only about 25% full that evening). Then we went over to the Torre Latinoamericana, went to the top, took a few photos. After looking at the Sanborns - Casa de los Azueljos - which is covered in beautiful tiles, we started to walk to the market La Ciudadela. We got there about mid-day, and there where maybe only 20 other people there! Good for us! no crowds to deal with, we very comfortably walked around for an hour or two, checking out all the stalls, and buying some souvenirs.
To this point we fould the city to be very walkable, so we searched out a taco place recommended on one of these boards ... and it was so good (we had steak and cheese and al pastor tacos with a couple of cervezas). I forget the name,.... its T..... Taqueria, on the corner of Juarez and Av Lazaro Cardenas. Excellent. We then jumped on the Turibus and went cruising down the Paseo de la Reforma and on into Bosque de Chapultepec. We got off and went into Polanco and had dinner at Rincon, which at 5.30pm was packed. Food was great. But we did notice that it was a bit pricey, especially the wine. Luigi Bosca (which we had in Argentina this summer for about $15 US, and which we can buy in our local liquor store in NYC for $18) was $60 US!! We choose another wine, still pricey though. Meal ... wine, 2 apps, shared steak cost about $100 US. Good though, no regrets. Jumped back on the turibus and went to see the evening show at Bellas Artes. The show was very good, definitely worth seeing .... but did drag a bit in the middle ..... but I guess thats a par for most shows. We then walked back to our hotel.
Next morning, monday, we were met by our guide for our trip to Teotihuacan. Remember the Tour guy from yesterday? well we decided to go with his company (we gave him a $100 Mx deposit at the time). The cost of the trip was $1000 MX for 2 or $1500 for 4, including Basicilica, Tres Cultures, Indian market, and the pyramides. We told him we only wanted Tres Cultures and the Pyramides and to be dropped off at the airport. He said "no problem, whatever you want to do". An english speaking guide picked us up at the hotel at 7.30am ..... Alex ... 70's, very nice and very good english. I had told my wife (from reading the TT) and the guides will try to get you to visit places (restaurants, stalls etc) and sure enough he did his best. But he wasn't pushy, and as soon as we declined each of his suggestions ... he didn't persist .... but later had another "I have to show you .... ", No thanks Alex, was our standard reply. We visited the Tres Cultures, and then out to the Pyramides .... spent about 2 1/2 or 3 hours there, and then he dropped us off at the Airport. I tipped him extra as he was very good, and he didn't get any kicks-kicks!, and he wasn't pushy. I'd definitely recommend him. I know his company do many other day drips etc, so if anyone is interested in his information, let me know.
I can't believe I spent this much time on this!! I know I've wandered considerbly, and may not have provided any 'really informative' information during this script, but if anyone has any specific questions regarding any portion of it, please let me know.
Overall ..... a pretty hectic vacation, we saw a lot, and were on the go the whole time ...... but it was all worth it. We had a great time, weather was fantastic, no rain, and wouldn't change any of it. Thanks Mexico.
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the great trip report! I admire your energy and inclination to just plunge right in. Glad you tried Casa de la Sirena, which we also loved. The view, encompassing as it did 18th century buildings, stars, and the occasional huge plane coming in for a landing, was a great enhancement, and the food was very interesting.
#3
Sounds like a great trip. Far as I can tell, you pack about two of my days into one of yours. Sorry the food was off at Cafe de Tacuba, I've had a couple of good meals there.
Thanks for writing it up.
Thanks for writing it up.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Marilyn.
Yes, fra ...... I agree, we went at a pretty hectic pace. we too would not normally do this, but we could only get so much time off work (have to pay for these vacations!!).
Could easily have spent 2 or 3 days alone in taxco, and of course, a week in the DF would still leave things to do.
I guess in planning the trip you read of so many cool places, get greedy, and want to see them all! But no regrets, we enjoyed the trip, and although we of course would have loved to have stayed longer, for the time we had, I think we did quite well.
Although, the wifey is now requesting a vacation on a beach or by a pool, where relaxation is the main agenda (not my idea of fun, but you have to keep the peace
Yes, fra ...... I agree, we went at a pretty hectic pace. we too would not normally do this, but we could only get so much time off work (have to pay for these vacations!!).
Could easily have spent 2 or 3 days alone in taxco, and of course, a week in the DF would still leave things to do.
I guess in planning the trip you read of so many cool places, get greedy, and want to see them all! But no regrets, we enjoyed the trip, and although we of course would have loved to have stayed longer, for the time we had, I think we did quite well.
Although, the wifey is now requesting a vacation on a beach or by a pool, where relaxation is the main agenda (not my idea of fun, but you have to keep the peace
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
shelleyk
Mexico & Central America
41
Mar 27th, 2017 12:20 PM
kwil
Mexico & Central America
13
Jul 8th, 2007 02:22 PM