With a population exceeding 20 million, the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City can leave any visitor frenetic and dazed. It is said that one can spend a lifetime in this capital and still not get enough time to experience all the delights the city has to offer. I have not been there yet but I am told by my friends that there are various great stay options and rental homes in Mexico, along with a variety of attractions and eateries for all kinds of visitors. Here is a lot of handy information that can be helpful for you if you are planning a trip there.
As far as food is concerned, it thrives in Mexico City. There is not a single place in the Federal District where you can stroll on the streets without smelling tortillas being roasted over wood fires or glimpses of salsas around every corner. To make it easy for you, here is a guide to get your taste buds tingling as you move around taking in the sights of this beautiful country.
Lunch, in Mexico, is considered to be the main meal of the day, therefore it is better to venture out between 1 and 4 pm to satisfy one’s urge for food with Cerveza and tequila.
Cantina El Sella
Located in Colonia Doctores, every dish in this Cantina is good. The signature dish is undoubtedly the chamorro, a pork bone dish made in its own fat. This tender offering comes with habanero salsa, minced onion and cilantro.
Nicos
This popular eatery lies on the main tourist circuit of Colonia Claveria, which is also frequented by the locals. The kitchen serves authentic Mexican food, with the menu changing with the season. Try the escamoles or ant eggs sauteed in butter during specific periods.
El Hidalguense
El Hidalguense is surprisingly open only for three days in a week from Friday to Sunday. Situated in Colonia Roma, it enjoys the distinction of serving the best barbacoa in the city. The braised offering of meat comes wrapped in fragrant maguey leaves which are roasted in steam over a wooden fire in underground pits.
Pujol
For a taste of contemporary Mexican cuisine, Pujol has no equals. Located in Colonia Polanco, this is one of the most upscale restaurants in the city. From tortillas that have the flavour of popcorns in butter to masterful desserts, each and every dish here will leave you asking for more.
Super Tacos Chupacabra
Located under a highway bypass in Colonia Coyoacan, this popular taco joint serves bistec, longaniza and campechano. The tacos come with a long list of free add-ons like grilled onions, crumbled potato, pinto beans and plenty of salsas.
Mexico as a tourist destination is second to none. An estimated 20 million plus visitors head to this famous country of the Aztecs and Maya civilisations to take in the wonders this country has on offer. A list of some of the amazing attractions of Mexico is given here.
Monte Alban
Monte Alban, meaning White Mountain, is one of the best archaeological sites in the whole of the country. Apart from the ruins of the buildings, tourists can have a superb view of the valley below and the Gran Plaza that runs from north to south.
Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve
Around 100 km from Mexico City, in the mountains of Michoacan state, an amazing spectacle takes wings every winter. Thanks to the perfect habitat created by the forest canopy, millions of Monarch butterflies assemble here after migrating from Canada.
From late October, these butterflies stay close together, hanging on the oyamel fir trees, in an effort to conserve energy for their flight back north in spring. This UNESCO heritage site consists of several sanctuaries to protect the habitat of this roving butterfly population. Seeing this vast congregation of butterflies bending the tree branches with their weight and forming a carpet on the forest floor is a sight to behold.
Copper Canyon
Considered to be one of the most visited natural attraction of Mexico, the stunning Copper Canyon is located in the northern state of Chihuahua. Larger and much deeper than it’s famous counterpart in America, the Grand Canyon, the distinctive copper colouring on the walls makes for an amazing spectacle.
Chichen Itza
The magnificent ancient city of Maya is the best and most popular archaeological site in Mexico. The other attractions in this UNESCO world heritage site include El Castillo, the pyramid of Kukulkan and Caracol, a 1000-year-old observatory that stands witness to the incredible knowledge the Mayans had acquired.
The ancient fortress of Tulum
Located in the Mayan Riviera, adjacent to the beaches of Cancun, lies the one and only fortified settlement of the Maya’s, the Tulum fort. Constructed on high cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this 13th-century fort was famous for the tall walls which are well preserved even till date.
Cancun and Mayan Riviera
The wide beaches and miles of crystal clear water make this beautiful stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico an idyllic resort destination. The tourist spots of Cancun, Playa del Carmen along with Cozumel island generate more than 20%of the country’s revenue from tourism.
The area has endless fun activities, a large underwater museum within close proximity of ancient Mayan ruins and some pristine beaches.
Mexico, as a country, is spread across so many climate zones, that one has to travel the length and breadth of the country to enjoy the culinary creations and experience the rich culture. Traditional beach vacation spots, vibrant dance tradition and rich flora and fauna make Mexico increasingly popular with tourists the world over.
Happy Travelling!!
PICTURE COURTESY: SHUTTERSTOCK
As a Caribbean person, Mexico looks like my food heaven. So many colors and flavors! I would also like to visit the Monarch butterfly reserve. That sounds like an absolute spectacle!
Wow this list is amazing! I really liked that you included places and food since it is always an important part of experiencing a culture. Very helpful thank you!
I’ve always thought about going to Mexico but always just thought about Cancun, never anywhere else. However after reading your article there is soo much to do in Mexico. The food in your photo looks to die for, I would literally keep eating that until I was sick haha! Great article and thanks for opening my eyes to more of Mexico.
Mexican dishes and Indian dishes have lots of similarity. Great to know the various choices available there.
I am keen to visit the Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve there some day.
Mexican food is just awesome! And the sites to see there are beyond extraordinary. Tulum still stands as one of the most amazing Mayan cities I’ve seen.
I have always been interested inMexico city not only for its histor and heritage but also for the fact that it is at such high an elevation! And such a large city at that!
The weather is fantastic! Did you feel any breathlessness?
Nice Blog!! Thanks for sharing that.
Being a foodie I have always loved Mexican cuisine..and now know so much more about Mexico. An awesome list of sites here!
Wow this is a new place im hearing about. I like how you included all those food spots and a great description, all those places sound like they have good food 🙂
The Mexican food looks delicious. I have read a lot about Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve and the white mountains in Mexico. Would love to explore these places whenever I land in there.
What a great guide to Mexico! An extensive list of delicious places to get a true taste of Mexican food. I’d love to visit just for the cuisine! The Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve sounds amazing and quite extraordinary to view. Some beautiful places, for sure.
To me food is the real way to experience a culture, and the list you provided is making my mouth water. Super taco chukalubra sounds fascinating with it’s location über the freeway. I’ve always wanted to see copper canyon and get there by train.
great blog thanks for sharing