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Mexico City is not only considered to be the largest city in the world (population 20 million), but also the oldest metropolis in the western hemisphere – if we take into account the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. There's is a fascinating mix of old and new, and is the political and economic center of the country, which has a total population of 100 million.
In the Federal District, visitors will find a great variety of entertainment covering all tastes and budgets; museums, history, walks, commercial centers, hotels covering the whole range of categories, restaurants, an agreeable style of nightlife, interesting sites and a great variety of both Colonial and contemporary architecture, some of which date back as far as the 15 th Century, there are also pre-Hispanic architectural sites that shed light on the everyday cultures of the past, still surprising to many people today, as well as forests, fountains, gardens, monuments and an exquisite and varied gastronomy of both national and international dishes.
This is a cosmopolitan city with a historic center that houses the famous cathedral, dating back 300 years, and rubs shoulders with the Templo Mayor of the Aztecs, both on the Zócalo (main square) of the nation, opposite the Palacio Nacional , where the President of the country receives visitors and attends his daily duties; adjoining this is the headquarters of the Government of the Federal District. A trip here, whether for business or pleasure, can be an enriching experience.
Time GMT - 6. Six hours less than Greenwich Mean Time. Lima is on Central time, two hours behind New York. DST is observed. Check the "Time Ticker" for current time in Mexico City.
220 volts AC, 60 Hz.
The main international airport in Licenciado Benito Juárez - (airport code is MEX) is five kilometers from the city.
New Requirements for Travelers within North America and the Carribean as of December 10, 2006
Infotour- The Ministry of Tourism, through CIAT, part of the Tourist Services Division, provides free information to Mexican and foreign tourists, including co-nationals, about tourist destinations, attractions and services. You may contact them by telephone, mail and e-mail, or visit their tourist information office, where they can assist you in finding lodging. ATTN: By telephone Information about tourist services, attractions and destinations in Mexico and orientation is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the following telephone number. Mexico City and Metropolitan Area: 078 Toll-free from the interior of Mexico 01-800-987 82 24 Toll-free from the United States of America 1 (800) 401 38 80 Toll-free from of rest of World 00 (52) (55) 50 89 75 00
For further information regarding entry requirements, travelers should contact the
Embajada de Mexico en los Estados Unidos de America/Mexican Embassy
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC. 20006.
Telephone: (202) 728 - 1600. Fax: (202) 728 - 1698.
Office hours 9:00 a 18:00 ET If you need information about visas, passports or consular protection please call: telephone: (202) 736 1000
Pollution in Mexico City: Mexico City does suffer with a pollution problem, similar to that of Los Angeles in the USA, and care must be taken, especially by those with respiratory problems. You may get watery eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat; or you may sense nothing, depending on the climate at the time of your visit. November through January tend to be the worst months for pollution. The colder air traps the contamination in the atmosphere, and it just hangs over the city. During the monsoon season (May - September) the afternoon rains really clean the air and leave it refreshed. Windy days have a similar effect. Mexico City is at altitude (7,400 feet above sea level, or put another way, about one and-a-half miles up in the sky!), so when you combine heat, altitude and pollution, you may find yourself easily tired or feeling irritated. Travel to high altitudes could pose a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly if the traveler has a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing. Several U.S. citizens have died in Mexico from medical conditions exacerbated by the high altitude. All people, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) upon arrival at high-altitude. Most people will have increased respiration and increased heart rate. Many people will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes. Most people may need time to adjust to the altitude. To help prevent these complications, consider taking acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting your personal physician, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival at high altitudes, and limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival at high altitudes.
Elements responsible for incidence and severity of Soroche.
Types of Soroche or High Altitude Disease
AMS, most common and less threatening. HAPE, less frequent but if untreated will lead to HACE which, even though it is rare, may develop suddenly and could be lethal. Hydration and coca leave tea are helpful, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment when experiencing severe symptoms. Mild Symptoms
Seek medical attention with any of the following severe symptoms
See our list of Health and Travel web sites for lots of information about traveling safely.
Banks and Bureau de Change can change your foreign bills to pesos. These institutions generally give service between 09:00 and 16:00 hours, Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 to 14:00 hours on Saturday.The ATM machines utilizing the Cirus and Plus systems allow travelers to access their accounts from foreign locations, any withdrawals made being transacted in Mexican pesos.It is recommendable to change your travelers checks in banks, as restaurants generally give a lower exchange rate.The majority of the main credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card and American Express are accepted at most establishments.Coins are of the following denominations: 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos; banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 denominations of Mexican pesos.SECURITY: Try not to carry so much money with you and avoid wearing ostentatious clothing and accessories. Your valuables should be left in the hotel safe, or with the personnel on the reception desk.Only withdraw money from the ATM machines during the day, preferably from the ones that are inside banks, commercial centers or supermarkets.If you happen to lose your credit card, we proportion the following emergency telephone numbers so you can report the loss as soon as possible. If you are outside Mexico City you must first dial: 01-55 followed by the corresponding number from the list below.
As of printing one USD equals 10.56 Mexican pesos.
Mexico City's climate is temperate all year-round. Summers are warmer, and temperatures can reach the 30's centigrade during the early afternoons, so if you're traveling in the summer months, bring light clothes. Note that it is not that common to see adults wearing shorts and in particular "beach" wear around Mexico City (except at leisure centers, sports clubs, etc). To blend in while walking the streets on hot days, wear light clothes that are not shorts or loud beach attire.In the winter, temperatures are spring-like during the daytime, but cooler in the mornings and at night. Bring a sweater and a coat.The rainy season runs from May to the end of September. Rains tend to come in the afternoon, are fierce and leave the evenings dry and cooled off. If you're traveling during the rainy season, a light, rain-proof overcoat will come in useful.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico and is spoken by the majority of the population. About 7% of the population speak an Amerindian language. The government officially recognizes 62 Amerindian languages. Of these, Nahuatl and Maya are each spoken by 1.5 million, while others, such as Lacandon, are spoken by fewer than 100. The Mexican government has promoted and established bilingual education programs in indigenous rural communities.Although Spanish is the official language of Mexico, English is widely used in business. As a result, English language skills are much in demand and can lead to an increase in the salary offered by a company. It is also spoken along the U.S. border, in big cities, and in beach resorts. Also, the majority of private schools in Mexico offer what they like to describe as "bilingual" education, both in Spanish and English. English is the main language spoken in U.S. expatriate communities such as those along the coast of Baja California, Jalisco and the town of San Miguel de Allende.
Today's Mexico City is a gastronomic melting pot, with some 15,000 restaurants. You'll find everything from taco stands on the streets to simple family-style eateries and five-star world-class restaurants. The number and range of international restaurants is growing and diversifying, particularly in middle- and upper-class neighborhoods like Polanco, San Ángel, La Condesa, Lomas de Chapultepec, and Del Valle. Argentine, Spanish, and Italian are the most dominant international cuisines, however you'll also find a fair share of Japanese, Arabic, and French restaurants. Mexico City restaurants open 7-11 AM for breakfast (el desayuno) and 1-6 for lunch (la comida) -- although it's rare for Mexicans to eat lunch before 2 and you are likely to feel lonely if you arrive at a popular restaurant before then. Lunch is an institution in this country, often lasting two hours, and until nightfall on Sundays. Consequently, the evening meal (la cena) may often be very light, consisting of sweet bread and coffee or traditional tamales and atole at home, or a salad and tacos or an appetizer in a restaurant. When dining, most locals start out at 9 PM for dinner; restaurants stay open until 11:30 during the week and a little later on weekends. Many restaurants are open only for lunch on Sunday.
At deluxe restaurants dress is generally formal (jacket at least), and reservations are almost always advised; see reviews for details. If you're short on time, you can always head to American-style coffee shops (VIPS and Sanborns) or recognizable fast-food chains that offer the tired but reliable fare of burgers, fried chicken, and pizza all over the city. If its local flavor you're after, go with tacos or the Mexico City fast-food staple the torta (a giant sandwich stacked with the ingredients of your choice for about $2).
Eating on the street is part of the daily experience for those on the go, and surprising as it may seem, many people argue that it's some of the best food in the city. Still, even locals can't avoid the occasional stomach illness, so dig in at your own risk. Also cheap and less of a bacterial hazard are the popular fondas (small restaurants). At lunchtime fondas are always packed, as they serve a reasonably priced four-course meal, known as comida corrida, which typically includes soup of the day, rice or pasta, an entrée and dessert. The popular Cafe Chino (Chinese cafés) all over town are another cheap and hearty option for a quick bite. Asian cuisine is still limited here, but you will find some good Japanese, Korean, and a few real Chinese restaurants. Similarly, there are very few vegetarian restaurants, but you will have no trouble finding nonmeat dishes wherever you grab a bite. Vegans, however, will have a more difficult time, as even many meatless dishes are often prepared using lard. Colonia Polanco, the upscale neighborhood on the edge of the Bosque de Chapultepec, has some of the best and most expensive dining (and lodging) in the city. Zona Rosa restaurants get filled pretty quickly on Saturday night, especially on Saturdays coinciding with most people's paydays: the 1st and 15th of each month. The same is true of San Ángel, whereas the Condesa neighborhood buzzes with a younger crowd Thursday to Saturday.
A 15% Value Added Tax is applied to all products, except books, and medicines. Hotels charge an additional 2% during your stay, although this is generally included in the price of the room.People usually give waiters a tip equivalent to 15% of the bill, while hotel staff, tourist guides and tour operators are usually offered at least a dollar a day. Normally, taxi drivers only expect a tip if they have helped you with your luggage, or some other service, additional to the trip itself.
We recommend staying in the Zona Rosa. It is where most of the gay action is, it is very safe and we even saw gay and lesbian couples holding hands both at day time and at night.
There is a great economic polarization between the rich and the poor which has greatly contributed to the high crime rates in Mexico. Mexico has several major families of drug cartels which operate .Mexican drug cartels deliver 60-70% of the methamphetamine supply into the United States. Political corruption has prevented effective crime control efforts. The US State Department has issued travel advisories to US citizens visiting Mexico in regards to the crime problem. (1991, 1998, 2004, 2005) There is no travel advisory currently in effect for Mexico. A major detraction of Mexico City is its crime. In reference specifically to the City, street crime and kidnappings fill the inhabitants with fear on a daily basis. It is estimated that there are between 2000-3000 crimes committed on the street every day. Approximately 600 are reported (2000 average). Most of these are muggings, although the breakdown of the figures runs the gamut of criminal activity. Curiously for such a violent atmosphere, murders are not a significant part of the problem. These average around 2.5 per day which, given the size of the population is relatively few. To put it in context, Washington, D.C. has a murder rate per capita around 5 times higher.
Total length of Mexico City subway is now 201.7 km. That does not include a light rail line serving the southern part of the city (18 stations, 18 km. from Tasqueña to Embarcadero). Number of lines: 11 - all rubber tired like some lines in Paris and the metros of Montréal and Santiago de Chile; except Line A which has standard steel rail). Except for line 1, all lines have some surface section, and line 4 is entirely on the surface.The first system that uses symbols and colors for identifying stations. The Mexico City metro is the cheapest subway system in the world, and it has one of the biggest transfer stations in the world: Pantitlán, terminus of lines 1, 5, 9, A, and tens of local bus lines. From the line 2 southern terminus Tasqueña, a high-floor light rail line runs to Xochimilco (18 stations). This line was upgraded from a former tram line, and opened in two stages: 1986 Tasqueña - Estadio Azteca, 1988 Huipulco - Xochimilco.From the airportIf you arrive in Mexico City at Benito Juárez International Airport or at one of the four bus stations, the safest way to get to La zona rosa is using an Authorized Taxi (price around $130 mxp - $13 USD). You can buy tickets for the authorized taxis inside the airport or inside the bus stations and you only have to tell the taxi driver the address of your hotel. Although this option is the safest and most comfortable, it is not the cheapest, which is why we suggest you use the subway (metro) ($2 mxp - $0.20 US cents), as it is the cheapest, most efficient and most practical alternative.
The Main areas of Mexico City for Key Attractions are:
The Centro Historico (Historic Center) focuses around the Plaza de la Constitucion (Constitution Plaza) or more commonly known as the Zocalo (Main Plaza), the second biggest in the world - only Moscow's Red Square betters it for size. This is the heart of Mexico City and its government, main business and financial centers all operate in and around this area. There are over 1,400 colonial buildings in this area: the feel is distinctly Spanish - they built their new city on top of the destroyed Aztec City of Tenochtitlan. Off the Plaza you can find the city's Cathedral and Palacio National (National Palace) - both are stunning examples of glorious colonial architecture. You can see some of the remains of the old city by visiting Templo Mayor - the archaeological site in the heart of Mexico City. You can discover Templo Mayor individually with Mexperience. 675th Anniversary Renovation: A recent US$400m renovation program to celebrate Mexico City's 675th Anniversary means that this area is looking absolutely stunning; the buildings have been cleaned up, the ambulant vendors have been moved on and the whole area looks brilliant. Don't miss a visit here if you're in Mexico City.
Translated, this literally means, "the pink zone", referring to the pink colored tiles on the street, still there today. It was once the high-class residential area of Mexico City, before tourism, shops, restaurants, hotels and commercial office space took it over. Today, it is the center of all commercial activity in Mexico, with up-market shops, hotels, restaurants and office space. There are some great hotels and restaurants to experience here, if you're not on an overly-tight budget. This area, along with San Angel (see below) is one of Mexico City's main Night Spots. WE were a bit disappointed because the Angel (Monumento a la Independencia) was covered for restorations).
These two colonial areas make up districts of today's Mexico City, but it hasn't always been this way. Not so many years ago, these areas were separate colonial towns in their own right! They both have a colonial atmosphere and charm all their own and are well worth a visit - especially at the weekend!Coyoacan: The Central Plaza is a classic - with its street performers and ambulant vendors; a real family place on a Saturday afternoon. The streets in this area are all cobbled; the area is home to some of Mexico City's finest mansions and great museums. Many present-day celebrities live around here, as past celebrities have, including: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Leon Trotsky.San Angel: Once a quaint town on the outskirts: now a suburb for the rich and famous, with cobblestone streets and leafy lanes. Some of the houses here are more modern, but there is also a great selection of colonial houses, mansions and haciendas. Some of these places have been turned into fine restaurants and fashionable night clubs. San Angel is also one of Mexico City's prime night spots. We loved walking both of these towns. It was the highlight of the trip and a must for your visit.
Mexico City's large green area, Chapultepec (From the Aztec, meaning "Place of the Grasshopper) is the largest area west of the city, and incorporates: Chapultepec Park itself, the Castle where Maximilian ruled from before he met his fate in Queretaro, Mexico City's extensive Zoo, The world-famous Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Fun Fair with its famous "Russian Mountain" wooden roller-coaster, several top-class Museums and Cultural Centers, and some of the City's finest Hotels and Restaurants. Just north of Chapultepec is the district of Polanco, an ultra-high class residential area, which is also host to Mexico's biggest and most elaborate US-Style Shopping Mall, Santa Fe.
Xochimilco, pronounced "Soh-chee-mill-koe", was considered outside of Mexico City as late as the 1970's. Today, it has been engulfed into the massive sprawl of the Capital, but the floating gardens - so called because of the the brightly decorated boats that float on a network of canals which is 50 miles long - and dates back to the time of the Aztecs.In years gone by, the boats would be decorated with real flowers, thus "floating gardens", but today only paint is used, save for special occasions, often requiring pre-booking and payment by the sponsor.Xochimilco itself is an old colonial town. Although run-down and in a seemingly state of decay, the area has a great colonial center, and a couple of good markets. You'll pass these on route to the canal ports (of which there are several) - so take time to stop and experience them.For a very small fee, you can hire a boat to take you and up to 40 other people on a tour of the canal and environs. Boats come in three sizes; the small will seat up to around 10 people, the medium up to about 25 and the large up to about 40. Prices vary according to the size of boat ("Lancha") you want, but prices are very reasonable.A bucket with beers and soft drinks will be placed on the boat; you pay for what you consume, plus a small tip for the vendor when you get back to port.While you're on your canal tour, you'll likely be approached by ambulant "floating merchants" selling anything from pottery and textiles to a full 5-course meal! Beware of the food, stick to the purified drinks bucket. Mexican Mariachis may float up beside you on their boat, and in exchange for a small fee, will serenade your cruise or party with a feast of traditional Mexican Music. Don't miss this opportunity! Remember to take some cash with you; these people don't deal with plastic!
Areas around Mexico City are host to some good Resort Spas. For more information about Health Spas, and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience Section about Health Spas
Mexico City is packed full of great museums. There are so many, that there is only space for a mention of the main ones to be made here. Be sure to acquire a good guidebook from the Mexperience Bookshelf for use as you discover Mexico City 'on the ground'!
Also: For more information about art and artists in Mexico, connect to the section on Mexican Art on Mexperience.
Most of the Gay Bars are locatedin the Zona Rosa. Just look for a gay flag and get inside the bar. THe bars publish both a magazine and a newspaper. Pick one on your way out and have fun!
We were not impressed with the shopping opportunities in Mexico City. But if you want to try your luck, here are the list of places to visit as recommended by Yahoo Travel.
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