Mexico City - Pyramids, Markets, and Stomach Aches

This was my first visit to Mexico. Since I've been here, I've been surprised by the way everything is used to its maximum potential (i.e. nothing is put to waste - I say this as a typical American). The metro is almost always completely full, every inch of street and sidewalk is used by vendors, the buses are packed, and there seems to be a deep, unbending, patriotic ferver that runs through each of the calles and barrios.

Quick Tips:

A week´s worth of knowledge in just a few bullet points:

1) Spanish is not necessary in and around Mexico City.
2) Check out the Zolaco (main square, metro at Zolaco) at night. There are generally some indigenous dances occuring to celebrate that period of the ancient calendar.
3) Anything you could possibly want to buy (i.e., food, clothing, crafts, dishwashers, etc.) is available on the street. I wouldn´t buy anything in the store unless you want to pay more for it. Bargaining is possible as well, but look for the signs with prices marked.

4) Almost everything is closed on Mondays, so this is a good day to travel to a tourist site, such as Teotihuacan or Cholula (both pyramid sites). 5) The pyramids are worth it, especially Teotihuacan (take a full day for it, similar to Tikal in its splendor). 6) Other sites that were particularly memorable for me included the Museo de Anthropologia, the Museo de Belles Artes, the top of the Torre Latinoamericano building (second largest skyscaper--can't miss it), Alameda Park, and any of the several markets/panhandlers on the streets (especially around the Zolaco).

Best Way To Get Around:

Metro is the best way get around, period. There are maps and clear signs everywhere. Pick up a ticket (2 pesos) from one booths as you enter. There are nine lines total, and each is SUPER-packed during rush hour (or just about anytime near downtown). Don't be afraid to push people around; they certainly won't mind pushing you around. Secondly, buses are great for day trips, but a bit more expensive (average US 3-8). Use a lonely planet guide to get the best price, or shop around. We used Estrella Rojo, which was cheap, air conditioned, and had plenty of leg room (they specialize in and around puebla-cholula). From the airport, its best to take the metro (head towards Salida A and follow the signs). The taxis will only take advantage of you.

To get there, take the metro or walk to the Zolaco. Facing the front of the HUGE cathedral, Moneda is the road to the right. Go 1.5 blocks; it’s on your left. We stayed in Hostal Moneda all 6 nights we were in Mexico City. We don’t mind the crazy atmosphere, so thus we chose the 11-person dorm with two bathrooms/showers (10 pesos/person). Cost includes (and this is a good part) free breakfast each morning, free dinner each night, towel, linens, free locker storage, free Internet (24 hours), and two free group tours! Finally, Hostal Moneda is very close to the metro (about a block) and right in the middle of one of the largest markets in Mexico City (unofficially, Zolaco). Here are a few tips to keep it real.

1) Bring a drink to breakfast and dinner (even though there is a sign clearly indicating NO DRINKS). The food is free, but the drinks aren’t.

2) Buy your water from the corner store, as it is cheaper than what they offer.

3) Bring a padlock for your locker, as they are not supplied.

4) There are five computers total, but they each work intermittently. The Internet goes at a good speed, but the computers work better when less people are on them.

Cholula is the type of town that reminds me of home. It has small storefronts and cute buildings. The zolaco is large and inviting, and the people seemed especially nice. In total, it was a great contrast from Mexico City, whose busy streets keep you wondering where your place is.

Of course, the main attraction here is the pyramid, the largest in the world. But before you go out of your way to spend a day here, realize that 95% of the pyramid is underground and that the only way to view it is to work your way through the Indiana Jones-like tunnel.

As you enter the town, the pyramid is the first thing on the left and will look strikingly like a hill of dirt, with a church on top. Get off the bus and pay the man at the ticket counter. Then stop, turn around, and go the museum across the street before entering the pyramid. Once finished with the museum, make your way through the tunnel and around to the other side of the hill, where you will see some really cool ruins. You can also visit the church at the top of the hill for free, where you'll get some really great photos of the area from above.

The entire trip should take about a half a day and could be done in addition to visiting Puebla, the nearby city. Also, there are a couple of volcanoes in the vicinity that could make a full day worth it. Cholula is definitely one place worth exploring!

There's actually only one painting in this museum, but it happens to take up a 50 by 13 foot space on a wall! Rivera's "Dream of a Sunday in Alameda Park" is a living history of Mexico's independence and shouldn't be missed. This museum, along with those murals on the second floor of the National Palace, are more than worth seeing, especially if you go on Sunday, when it’s free. Keep in mind that pictures aren't allowed unless you pay the 5 pesos ($0.50 cents) to the man/woman at the counter.