Mexico City is a city bursting with culture, history, and an
endless array of culinary delights. Over the course of a long weekend with three full days, we immersed ourselves in the heart of this vibrant metropolis,
experiencing the canals of Xochimilco by kayak and trajinera, savoring Mexican
cuisine from street food to world-class restaurants, venturing to the iconic
Teotihuacan Pyramids, and wandering the historic center and charming Coyoacán neighborhood.
Explore the Canals of Xochimilco, the Venice of Mexico
One of the most unforgettable experiences during our Mexico
City adventure was our journey to the enchanting canals of Xochimilco, often
dubbed the “Venice of Mexico.” This picturesque network of canals,
located just a short drive from the city center, is where Mexico City
originated.
Xochimilco, including an option for a sunrise excursion. However, if, like me,
you’re not a morning person, they also offer customizable private trips,
allowing you to experience the magic of Xochimilco on your own terms.
Our adventure began when Kayak 33 picked us up from our
hotel so we had a leisurely morning start. As we kayaked along the glassy
canals, the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings enveloped us.
Beauty turned into eerie when we stopped at the Island of
the Dolls. Legend has it that a man once inhabited this island, believing it to
be haunted by the spirit of a young girl who had tragically drowned. In an
effort to appease the restless spirit, he began hanging dolls in the trees and
buildings across the island. Over the years, the dolls have multiplied,
creating a haunting spectacle.
As part of our customized private trip, Kayak 33 arranged for
a trajinera, a traditional wooden boat, to continue our journey through the
canals. The trajinera was adorned with a painted wooden banner customized for
our group, making us feel like honored guests.
Onboard, a talented chef prepared a sumptuous feast of
cochinita pibil sopes, garlic portobellos with melted cheese, tuna tostadas,
and refreshing hibiscus water, allowing us to savor the flavors of Mexico. There
was tequila to toast to this unforgettable experience.
Our trajinera adventure included a mariachi ensemble that joined
us on the water, serenading us with traditional Mexican music.
Sample Mexican Food from Street Food to World-Class Restaurants
where every corner teems with tantalizing flavors and mouthwatering dishes.
From inexpensive street food carts to prestigious establishments on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, this city’s culinary landscape offers an unparalleled
feast for the tastebuds.
To embark on our gastronomic adventure and sample the
diverse flavors of Mexico City, we chose to join a food tour organized by Devoured, a Mexican women-owned company
that specializes in showcasing the city’s culinary treasures. Our choice was
the “Juarez Highlights” food walk, a journey through the vibrant
Juarez neighborhood.
Our culinary exploration kicked off at Tamales Madre, where
we were treated to a trio of tamales, each with unique and savory flavors
Our next stop was Exquisitos Tacos de Mixiotes, where we
indulged in tacos filled with marinated meat that was cooked to perfection in
parchment wrapping.
Taking a brief interlude from food, we visited La Rifa
Chocolatería, a delightful chocolate haven where we learned about the art of
chocolate-making and sampled chocolates sourced from small, sustainable
producers.
Our culinary adventure continued as we savored birria tacos,
tlacoyos de frijol, seafood tostadas, and burritos from various street food
stands.
We completed the food tour with a bowl of pozole and finally
ice cream at Joe Gelato, along with some very full tummies.
For an upscale dining experience, we spend an evening at Carmela y Sal, which is described as
serving “superb home cooking” by chef Gabriela Ruiz Lugo.
For a dose of cultural entertainment, we visited Plaza
Garibaldi, a square famous for its roaming mariachi bands. We chose Salon Tenampa, a historic
establishment that opened in 1925. Diners can eat indoors, surrounded by mariachi
music, or opt for an al fresco experience, where people-watching and live music
in the square complement your meal.
Travel back in time to the Teotihuacan Pyramids
Culturas, the Teotihuacan Pyramids, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The pyramids are located about an hour away from the city center. To ensure an
easy trip, we arranged for a driver through our hotel, Casa De La Luz Hotel Boutique.
The highlight of our excursion was the Teotihuacan Pyramids,
a UNESCO World Heritage site. We walked along the Avenue of the Dead, which
goes from the Pyramid of the Moon to the Pyramid of the Sun and ends at the
Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
We were amazed at how these huge structures were built
more than two thousand years ago and tried to imagine what life was like in
this ancient city with over a hundred thousand people. Climbing the temple’s
steep steps was quite a workout too.
On the way to Teotihuacan, we made a quick stop at the Plaza
de las Tres Culturas, a place where Mexico’s history converges with pre-Columbian,
Spanish colonial, and modern.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our
Lady of Guadalupe, a revered religious site for Catholics worldwide and visited
by millions each year.
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and Explore the Coyoacán
Neighborhood
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, is the
primary attraction in the Coyoacán neighborhood. This was Frida Kahlo’s home
for a significant part of her life, shared with her husband, Diego Rivera, the
famed muralist. Inside, we explored their artwork and gained insights into
their complex relationship.
The museum showcases how the couple lived, items they collected,
and some of Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe. We walked through the rooms where they lived
and painted, gaining a glimpse into their daily lives. The museum’s narrative
also delved into Frida Kahlo’s health struggles and resilience.
After our museum visit, we wandered through the Coyoacán
neighborhood.
We visited the Parroquia San Juan Bautista Coyoacán, a 16th-century
church and former convent. Across the way is the Plaza Jardin Hidalgo and its
coyote fountain. Nearby, the Bazar Artesanal Mexicano offers a variety of
locally crafted art and gifts.
We couldn’t resist trying some churros at Churreria de
Coyoacán, a tasty treat for our neighborhood walk.
Wander the Historic Center of Mexico City
We spent part of an afternoon exploring the historic center
of Mexico City. We began with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the first
cathedral built in the Americas. Next to the cathedral are the Templo Mayor
ruins, which offer a glimpse into the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The
National Palace is home to Diego Rivera’s murals depicting Mexico’s history. The
Palacio de Bellas Artes is a beautiful cultural center showcasing art and architecture.
Mexico City is an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway.
This huge city offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring ancient
archaeological sites like Teotihuacan to floating along the canals of
Xochimilco. The city’s historic center, culinary delights, and lively mariachi music
scene provide endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment. With its diverse
attractions, Mexico City promises a memorable and culturally enriching escape,
even in just a few days.
