Mexico City: what to see in two days. Amazing Mexico City: sights and general impression

Mexico City (Mexico City, Mexico City) - the capital of Mexico, one of the world's largest urban agglomerations, occupying an area of ​​0.5% of the country's territory, concentrates more than 1/4 of its population (more than 20 million people). The city is located at an altitude of 2240 m in a fertile mountain valley surrounded by an almost continuous ring of mountains, among which stands out the snow-covered peak of the Orizaba volcano and the nearby volcanoes Popocatepetl and Ixtaxihuatl, which are located right in the vicinity of the city. There is a legend about them, according to which Ixtaxihuatl is a goddess turned into a mountain for some misconduct, and Popocatepetl is her lover, who did not want to leave her and stood next to her, on guard.

natural conditions

Mexico City is located almost in the center of the country. The city is spread out on a hill in the southern part of the Mexican Highlands and is located at an altitude of 2234 m above sea level. Mexico City is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The weather conditions of the capital are formed under the influence of a humid subtropical climate. The average air temperature in January is +12 °C, in July - +16 °C. the average annual rainfall is 750 mm. Due to the high level of air pollution from exhaust gases in the city, a thick cloud of smog constantly hangs over it. However, the sky remains high and azure blue, especially in spring and summer. Throughout the year, small tremors are periodically observed, which usually do not cause much concern to the locals and do not cause destruction. Occasionally, stronger earthquakes occur in Mexico City. The largest earthquake in the city was on September 19, 1985, 7:19 AM local time, which killed 10,000 people and collapsed a 100-meter television tower. Dust storms are not uncommon in the city. Natural vegetation is represented by various types of palm trees, olive tree, oak, pine, spruce. In the vicinity of the city there are many species of birds.

Population, language, religion

The population of Mexico City is 18.6 million people. This city occupies a leading position in the world in terms of the number of inhabitants. More than half of the population of the capital are mestizos of Spanish-Indian origin, about 20% are descendants of the inhabitants of ancient Mexico City - Indians, the rest are Europeans. State language is Spanish. Among the Indian population of Mexico City, there are also several local languages, including Aztec (Nahuatl), Maya, and Otomi. Catholics predominate among believers (90%), an insignificant part of the townspeople professes Protestantism.

History of the development of the city

Mexico City was founded in 1325 by the Aztec Indians. At first, the city was called Tenochtitlan, which, translated from the local dialect, meant "the house of the cactus rock." The founders of the city, the ancient Aztecs, originally led a nomadic lifestyle and were engaged in hunting and fishing. Their tribes appeared in the vicinity of modern Mexico City around 1200. According to ancient Indian legend, the sun god Huitzilopochtli ordered them to come here, who ordered the Aztecs to settle in the place where they would meet an eagle sitting on a high cactus and holding a snake in its beak. The Indians succeeded in discovering an area that fully corresponded to the description given by Huitzilopochtli, and they decided to establish a settlement here. Tenochtitlan, which grew up on the western shore of Lake Texcoco, in a picturesque valley, became the capital of the Aztec state. The territory of the ancient city was quite extensive: it occupied an area of ​​about 7.5 km². Tenochtitlan was crossed by a network of canals, and communication with land was carried out using dams equipped with drawbridges. In the XV-XVI centuries. Tenochtitlan has become one of the most beautiful cities in the Western Hemisphere. Apparently, it was the largest in the world: by the beginning of the 16th century, the population was almost 500 thousand people. The Spanish conquistadors, led by E. Cortes, who landed near Tenochtitlan at the beginning of the 16th century, were amazed by the splendor of the huge Aztec city. According to one of the Spaniards who arrived on the island, “... no one has ever seen, heard, and even dreamed of something like that what we then saw. However, sincere admiration for the beauty and grandeur of the city did not prevent the Spaniards from starting a war of conquest, the purpose of which was to conquer the Indian capital and establish their own dominance on its territory. And on August 13, 1521, E. Cortes solemnly announced that the city was passing into the possession of the Spanish king. The capture of the city and the establishment of Spanish domination in it meant the death of the powerful Aztec empire, which had existed for more than 200 years.

The city, which was almost completely destroyed after being captured by the Spanish conquerors, began to be built up anew. The revived Mexico City received the status of the capital of the colony, which was called New Spain. In 1624, a massive popular uprising broke out in the city: the rebels resolutely opposed the domination of the Spanish conquerors. In 1821, after a long war for liberation from Spanish rule, Mexico finally gained independence, and Mexico City was proclaimed the capital of the new state. In 1847, the city was captured by the troops of the United States of America, who claimed to expand their territories by annexing Mexican lands to them. The period of occupation lasted until 1848. In 1863-1867. Mexico City was occupied by French troops. In 1910-1917. after the overthrow of the 30-year dictatorship of General P. Diaz, a bloody revolutionary struggle unfolded in the city, culminating in the victory of the democratic revolution. Since 1929, the government of the country has been located in the capital, at the end of the revolutionary decade in Mexico City, the nationalization of enterprises formerly owned by industrial firms in the USA and Great Britain was carried out. During the Second World War, most of the inhabitants of Mexico City were supporters of the anti-Hitler coalition. In 1968, the games of the XIX Olympiad were held in the capital of Mexico. Great importance for the development of the financial and economic sphere of the city have foreign trade relations with Canada and the United States.

cultural significance

Mexico City is often referred to as the city of architectural monuments and museums. Indeed, in terms of the number of monuments and unique buildings (there are more than 1,400 of them in Mexico City), the capital of Mexico cannot be compared with any other city in the world. Mexico City also has 10 archaeological parks. This city is unique ancient culture that had a significant impact on the formation of the entire world civilization. The main attractions of Mexico City are the Aztec pyramid (XIV century), the National Cathedral (1563-1667), the Jesus Nazareno hospital building (XVI century), the municipal palace (1720), National Palace(1792), which currently houses the presidential residence and the parliament of the country, the church of Sagrario Metropolitano (XVIII century). A number of monasteries built in the XVII-XVIII centuries are of great historical value.

The National Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful temple buildings in the city, was built by the architects C. de Arsignega and A. Peresde Castañeda, and at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries. completed by the best city architects, who very successfully used a combination of classical style and baroque to give the cathedral a new harmonious look. This building is the oldest Christian church in America. The National Cathedral, as well as the National Palace, are located on the central square of the city - Zócalo (Constitution Square). The priceless monuments of antiquity include Chapultepec Castle, which previously housed the presidential residence, and the Basilica of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, a building that is the main shrine for the Catholic inhabitants of Mexico City and the whole country. Near the Chapultepec Palace there is a park of the same name with many museums and a huge zoological park. To the works modern architecture include numerous public buildings built between 1930 and 1970, the University Campus (1949-1954), the Olympic Stadium (1951-1953), but also, of course, the "Mecca" of all football fans of the planet, the famous and unique stadium "Azteca" (1968). In total, there are more than 20 football stadiums in the capital alone.

More than 100 museums have been opened in the capital, including the National Historical Museum, whose exposition tells about the development of the history and culture of Mexico after its conquest by the Spaniards; the National Anthropological Museum, which houses a collection of exhibits reflecting the development of Mayan and Aztec civilizations; Museum of Natural History; Museum contemporary art"Polyforum", which presents the work of D. Siqueiros; National Museum plastic arts, Gallery of modern and ancient art and others. Mexico City is a city of universities. Among the higher educational institutions opened in the capital are the National Autonomous University of Mexico (the largest in Latin America), the National Polytechnic Institute and others. The city is famous all over the world for its subway, in which 4 million people move daily, more only in Tokyo 5.9 million and Moscow 7.5 million people.

At the same time, Mexico City is a city of contrasts. About a third of the city's inhabitants live in slums.

Palace of Fine Arts

Capital of Mexico Mexico City known throughout the world for its unique sights of two eras - Indian and Spanish. The population of Mexico City and the surrounding area makes it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. This is the business, industrial and tourist center of the country. As a result, many travelers tend to visit this city. Mexico City always hospitably welcomes its guests and gives an unforgettable experience.

Mexico City Central Square

The Federal District, formed in 1970, is the basis of the Mexico City metropolitan area. It is divided into 16 major districts:

• Historic Center - here was the center of Tenochtitlan, the ancient city of the Aztecs. There are many historical monuments and ancient buildings in this area.
• Cuautemoc is an area that got its name in honor of the leader of the Aztecs, who fought the Spaniards in the 1520s. Government offices and financial centers are located here.
• Chapultepec district - there is a park of the same name, most of the fashionable hotels, museums, a zoo and other attractions.
• Polanco is the most expensive residential area with chic mansions, restaurants, shops, hotels and clubs.
• Rosa zone is the entertainment and business center of the city.
• Koyokan is the area of ​​universities.
• Condesa and Roma - here are expensive restaurants, boutiques, shopping centers, night clubs.
• San Angel is another historic center with paved streets in the spirit of the Spanish era. There are many restaurants and branded clothing stores.
• Jochimilco is an area reminiscent of Venice with many water channels. It is located in the south of the city.
• Santa Fe - the area is located in the west of Mexico City, a well-known financial center. Here you can find the largest supermarkets with huge selection all kinds of goods.
• Del Valle and Narvarte are two major residential areas.
• Tlalpan and Pedregal are areas that until recently were separate settlements. However, due to the growth of Mexico City, they have merged with the urban area. Now these are rich residential areas, where there are also large medical institutions.

Mayor of Mexico City

Miguel Angel Mancera is the mayor of Mexico City.

State authorities in Mexico City

Since Mexico City is the capital of the United Mexican States, it contains government bodies authorities - the Head of State, the President, as well as the Parliament, consisting of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

Location of Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the highest cities in the world. Its height above sea level is 2,246 m. ​​It is located in a beautiful valley in the Mexican Highlands in central Mexico. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the metropolis is protected from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mexico City has warm weather throughout the year.

Mexico City coordinates

Mexico City is located at latitude 19.4978 and longitude -99.1269 (19 29’52” North, 99 7’37” West)

Mexico City Square

The Federal District occupies a vast territory, the size of which is 1,485 sq. km or 573.36 sq mi, and Greater Mexico City - 7,815 sq. km.

Population of Mexico City

Mexico City is a rapidly growing metropolis, its population is constantly increasing. According to recent reports, the city is home to about 9 million people with an average population density of 6,000 per square km. Together with the inhabitants of the Mexico City agglomeration, the population is more than 22 million people.

Time difference with Moscow and other capitals

The time difference with Moscow is -9 hours in summer and -10 hours in winter.

Mexico City time differs from Kyiv time by -8 hours, Astana by -12 hours, Minsk by -8 hours.

Weather in Mexico City

Due to the geographical position, the climate in the capital of the Mexican States is subtropical, humid. The average temperature in summer is +25 degrees, in winter +15 degrees Celsius. The nights are quite cool. Therefore, going on a trip to Mexico City, in addition to light things, you should take something warmer with you.

How to get to Mexico City

Due to the long distance to Mexico, there is no direct air route from Russia or another CIS country. Travelers typically fly with a stopover in Europe, the United States, or Cuba. The most profitable flight is considered to be through the USA, since flights between Mexico and the States of America can cost only about $ 200.

Mexico City has an international airport, from which you can easily get to the center of the capital.

If you want to get to Mexico from the USA using land transport, then you should remember that there is practically no rail connection within Mexico. The bus fare is quite high, sometimes the same as the cost of air travel on a low-cost airline. In addition, an electronic visa issued to Russian and Ukrainian citizens is valid only when crossing the border by air. To cross the border by land, you need to apply for a Mexican visa at the embassy in Moscow or use an American visa.

From Cancun to Mexico City can be reached by plane. Flight time is about 4 hours. There is no direct bus route linking Cancun with Mexico City. And it will take more than a day on the road with a transfer.

Transport in Mexico City

In the capital of the Mexican States, residents use a variety of modes of transport.

Private cars

Many people prefer to move around the city in private cars, as the territory of the capital is very stretched and you have to travel long distances. But the use of cars creates additional difficulties. In Mexico City, millions of cars pass through the streets every day. Therefore, kilometer-long traffic jams appear daily. It takes several hours to overcome these traffic jams. Of course, this causes unnecessary stress for drivers in addition to other difficulties.

Special Concern local residents arises from a huge cloud of smog from car exhaust. Smog contributes to various diseases such as asthma, allergies, and cardiovascular problems. To reduce air pollution, the City has introduced various restrictions on the use of private motor vehicles.

Underground

The subway in the capital of Mexico has the longest length in the country, namely 170 km. More than four million residents of the city use this type of public transport every day. Much of the subway railroad runs under Mexico City. Only in areas remote from the city center do metro trains travel in open space. The metro fare is only 2 pesos.

The metro provides access to Mexico City's most popular tourist attractions, as well as the train station and airport.

The metro opens at 5 am and closes at 12 noon. On holidays and weekends, the metro's working hours are from 7 am to 1 am. In order to ensure the safety of the female population and children, special carriages are provided in the evenings.

Metrobuses

A feature of urban transport in Mexico City is the use of modern high-speed buses or, as they are also called, metrobuses. This type of public transport is distinguished by reliability (accidents are very rare), the ability to carry a large number of passengers, low fares and, of course, high speed.

Metrobus lines in Mexico City were opened in June 2006. To date, the city has 7 lines that connect different areas of the Federal District. The fare is 6 pesos.

Trolleybuses

The Mexico City trolleybus network stretches for almost 400 km. Although the speed of trolleybuses is not as fast as metrobuses, their advantage is that they are not as busy.

Trams

Some areas of Mexico City can only be reached by trams, since cars are not allowed there. Ticket price is 3 pesos.

Taxi

As in any big city, taxi cars are common in Mexico City, especially among tourists visiting the capital and poorly orientated among the many streets. Most cars are green, but more and more taxis are brown and pale pink. Such cars are easy to spot on busy roads. Official taxi drivers in Mexico City often speak English and are ready to tell passengers about the features of local attractions. Taxi fare is around 40 pesos.

Buses

Buses are a very popular mode of transport in Mexico City. According to comfort and fares, they are divided into three classes - first, second and luxury. Bus tickets cost 3-6 pesos.

In addition, minibuses called peseros ply the streets of the capital. Travel in them is paid to the driver or conductor at 3 pesos per ticket.

The fair sex has the advantage of traveling around the city on special pink buses. These comfortable buses make women feel safe.

Mexico City Hotels

Since Mexico City is a major tourist and financial center, there are always a lot of visitors in it. Visitors come to the capital for business events, as well as for various festive festivals, congresses, etc. To satisfy the needs of hundreds of thousands of people throughout the year, dozens of hotels and hostels of various categories operate in Mexico City.

luxury hotel Plaza Suites Mexico City on Prospekt Reform offers its guests to stay in two-level deluxe rooms. There is also a spa center with a swimming pool and jacuzzi tubs.

Among the most visited hotels in the capital are Las Alcobas located at Av. Presidente Masaryk, 390. High-level service awaits guests here, and the decoration of luxurious rooms will satisfy the needs of discerning guests. The cost of living in a hotel is 350-700 dollars.

More affordable prices for rooms in a four-star hotel Wonderiane Krystal Grand Reforma along Tabacalera street. Cozy rooms and incredibly tasty and varied breakfasts will delight guests and add positive impressions from their stay in Mexico City. The cost of living in a hotel is 100-500 dollars.

The hotel deserves good reviews from tourists Condesa DF, which is located at Av. Veracruz, 102. The hotel occupies a building luxury mansion last century. It is located next to beautiful parks, so living in it will be especially pleasant for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cost of the room is 220-500 dollars.

On Juarez Street you can find an inexpensive, but worthy three-star status, a hotel Justin Masterson Zona Rosa. It is located near entertainment centers, which is very convenient for those who want to have fun in the Mexican capital. From the windows of the rooms offer a wonderful view of the mountains. The cost of a room per day is 90-200 dollars.

Shops and malls

In the metropolitan metropolis, as in any big city, there are a lot of shops, markets, boutiques and shopping centers. Therefore, shopping in Mexico City is very an exciting activity, but with its own local characteristics. For example, most markets in the city center close at lunchtime for 2-3 hours, and on Sundays they do not work at all. True, in places popular with numerous tourists, shops are open throughout the day during the week.

Polanco and Prospekt Reformy are the most suitable areas for shopping. There are a huge number of both private shops with products of Mexican craftsmen and huge shopping centers. One of the most famous - Antara Polanco at Av. Ejercito Nacional, 843. This three-story supermarket houses about a hundred boutiques, shoe stores, departments that sell high-quality cosmetics, sports equipment, electronic devices and much more. Also in the shopping center you can spend your leisure time in a cinema, a restaurant or a play center for children.

In the area of ​​Colonia Condesa there are world-famous boutiques such as Hugo Boss, C. Klein, Armani, etc. Here you can also buy luxury Jewelry and valuable antiques.

The huge markets of Mexico City are especially popular. For example, market de la mercedes This is Mexico's largest market and a must see. Here you can buy almost everything. The choice of goods in five thousand departments is simply limitless.

San Juan Market on Calle de Ernesto Pugibet is also worthy of attention, as here you can buy all kinds of products and seafood delicacies, as well as handicrafts.

Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate. Therefore, chocolate sweets are one of the most popular local products. There is a huge store in Mexico City Tout Chocolat, where lovers of sweets will be offered to taste all kinds of sweets, chocolate cakes, cookies, cakes and other amazing delights. Everything that is sold here is made without the use of chemical additives, only from natural ingredients. In addition, as a sweet gift to friends and relatives, there is an opportunity to buy beautifully decorated chocolate souvenirs.

Artesanians Market- a place where talented Mexican craftsmen sell not just attractive handicrafts and souvenirs, but whole works of art in the form of silver jewelry, porcelain vases, bowls, woven carpets, exquisite dresses, etc.

Mexico City Airport

5 km from the center of Mexico City is the main airport of the country, international Benito Juarez airport. It has two terminals: one serves mainly international flights, the other - domestic flights. Buses and a monorail train for transit passengers run between the terminals. Near the terminal building there are spacious parking lots for short and long term parking. Inside the building there are comfortable waiting rooms of various levels, duty-free shops, hotels, bars, restaurants. Persons with disabilities can use special services.

From the airport. Benito Juarez in Mexico City can be reached by taxi (fare 30 - 60 pesos), metrobus number 4 (30 pesos) or metro (3 pesos).

International toluca airport serves low-cost airlines such as Volaris and Interjet. From it, flights are carried out mainly within the country. It is located 40 km from the center of Mexico City. From it you can get to Mexico City by bus, taxi or transfer.

Mexico City is not only one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, but also the most unusual capital, which is full of contrasts and national flavor.

The city was built on the site of the settlement of the Aztec tribe, thanks to which it absorbed much of their culture and some customs. Ancient architectural monuments and museums coexist here with slums, while green parks and ancient churches coexist with busy and bustling streets.

The special national flavor of Mexico City lies not only in its appearance, but also in the temperamental inhabitants, lively markets, colorful holidays and local cuisine. Mexico City fascinates even those who have seen many different cities of our planet.

Climate and weather

The weather in Mexico City forms a humid subtropical climate, so it seems that the city almost always has a tropical summer. The air temperature in the summer season averages +23 °C, although sometimes it reaches +30 °C, while in winter it fluctuates between +13 ... +15 °C. Most of the average annual precipitation occurs during the summer months.

It is worth noting that due to the strong gas contamination in Mexico City, a poor environmental situation has developed, as a result of which smog over the city has become a common occurrence. It is recommended to plan a trip to Mexico City in October, when the weather in the city is warm, but not hot.

Nature

Mexico City is located in the central part of the country, in the south of the Mexican Highlands. Literally from all sides, the city is surrounded by mountain ranges, and in the southeast rises Mount Istaxihuatl and legendary Popocatepetl volcano. The natural vegetation here is represented mainly olive trees, palm trees, pines and shrubs.

Due to its geographical location, the Mexico City region is a seismically hazardous zone, therefore, during the year, small tremors periodically occur here, which have already become commonplace and do not cause much concern. However, quite strong earthquakes also occurred here earlier (1985).

Attractions

The main attraction of Mexico City is the antique Teotihuacan city which is located in the vicinity of the city. On its territory, such grandiose buildings as Pyramids of the Moon and Sun, Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, Road of the Dead, Jaguar Palace, Butterfly Palace, Feathered Shell Temple and many others.

In Mexico City itself, there are also many remarkable architectural monuments. One of them is Fortress of Malinalco(XV century) with a round temple called "House of Eagles».

No less interesting and Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, built in honor of the patroness of Mexico City. Another beautiful building is an Chapultepec Castle with beautiful gardens.

The historical center of Mexico City is Zocalo square where are Cathedral and the residence of the President of Mexico. Also a cult place of the city has become Three crop area, on the territory of which the buildings of the Aztec period have been preserved, contrasting with the huge Catholic cathedral and residential buildings. In addition, the magnificent marble Palace of Fine Arts, Iturbide Palace, Guerrero House, Torre Skyscraper, Piazza Garibaldi, National Palace with the Diego Rivera Fresco Collection and Xochimilco Canals built by the Aztecs.

In addition to a large number of architectural attractions, Mexico City boasts many interesting museums. Of these, the most interesting and visited were Frida Kahlo Museum, Tequila and Mezcal Museum, National Museum of Anthropology and Templo Mayor Museum.

Nutrition

Majority local restaurants and eateries specializes in mexican cuisine, and the favorite delicacy here is tacos(corn tortillas with fillings), which are baked on coals. In Mexico City, small taquerias that successfully compete with McDonald's restaurants and pizzerias can be found literally on every corner. In restaurants, you can also try a variety of corn dishes: salted(meat in cornmeal), quesadilla(cakes with cheese) nachos(corn chips), etc.

It is worth noting that Mexicans add hot chili peppers to all dishes, so the restaurant menu here is quite spicy. First of all, you should try chipile(boiled pork with vegetables), enchilada(rolls with pepper, cheese and meat), mexicali chicken, picadillo (chopped meat with tomatoes) and goulash olla podrida. In addition, such original dishes as boiled snake, baked snake, iguana with corn porridge etc. Vegetable salads, avocado guacamole, stewed or fried beans, cactus dishes, agave, beans, fish, mushrooms and the local chayote fruit are also widely served. Well, as a dessert, they offer fried sugar cane, sweet bread, corn soufflé, chimichangas with fruits, quesadillas and mangoes with cream.

Separately, it should be said about local drinks. Of these, tequila is by far the most famous. Mexican wines, Don Pedro brandy and beer are also popular. By the way, lemon juice with salt and sometimes even hot peppers are often added to beer, resulting in a drink. chelada.

Accommodation

In Mexico, the classification of hotels and inns is different from the European one. However, despite this, most of them boast a high level of service and comfortable rooms. Speaking specifically about accommodation options, in Mexico City you can find almost any type of accommodation - from exclusive luxury hotels ( Camino Real Polanco Mexico) to cheap hotels ( Grand Hotel Texas). The cost in budget hotels starts from about $ 15 per night ( Dos Fridas and Diego), and in a hostel - even cheaper ( Hostal Victoria, 8 $).

Mid-range hotels also have very comfortable rooms with all amenities, but their cost is quite high ($80-100). Well, in the most luxurious hotels, room prices start at $ 200 ( St. Isidro Corporate Housing, Hotel Nikko Mexico and etc.).

Entertainment and recreation

Since Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the largest metropolitan area Latin America, there is nothing surprising in the fact that there are an incredible number of options for recreation and entertainment here. The city is simply replete with a variety of picturesque parks ( Pedregal, Alameda, Bosque de Chapultepec etc.), on the territory of which there are attractions, small restaurants, sports grounds, picnic areas and much more. An excellent place of entertainment is the zoo, which is considered the best on the continent.

It is worth noting that in Mexico a lot of attention is paid to sports, so a large number of sports centers and arenas, bike paths, stadiums and swimming pools are concentrated in its capital. The most popular sport here is football.

A lover of cultural pastime will also really like it in Mexico City, since in addition to numerous museums, theaters are concentrated here, concert halls, galleries, exhibition centers, etc.

Youth captivates night life Mexico City is very diverse and vibrant. Every night, city discos, clubs with dance floors, bars with live music, samba and salsa open their doors to everyone.

In addition, noisy national holidays and international festivals are constantly held in Mexico City ( Jazz Festival, Carnival in March, Independence Day, All Souls' Day and etc.).

Purchases

Mexico City has a huge number of all kinds of shops, fashion boutiques, shopping and entertainment centers and colorful markets. In all stores, prices are fixed, but you can safely bargain in the markets - this way you can significantly reduce the price of the product you like. Of the shopping districts where it is convenient to shop, the most popular and lively are Polanco, Condeza, Altavista, Pino Suarez and Centro Historico. Well, from the numerous shopping centers where you can not only go shopping, but also have fun, the most famous are Sunborn, Palazzo de Hierro and Liverpool. In addition, European supermarkets operate throughout the city, for example, walmart. Almost all shops are open from 9:00 to 20:00, shopping centers close later.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the noisy and colorful markets of Mexico City, which are real centers of national culture. The oldest and largest markets in the city are La Merced Market, Central de Abasto and Pericoapa where you can find fresh produce and Mexican delicacies, antiques, clothes, and a wide variety of souvenirs. The most popular products here are undoubtedly ponchos, sombreros, Aztec calendars, statuettes of gods, balls of grass and coffee beans, as well as leather goods, textiles, ceramics, blue glass crafts and much more.

Transport

In Mexico City, the most popular and convenient form of public transport is the metro, which runs underground in the central part of the city, and on the surface in residential areas. At the moment, the Mexico City metro has 11 lines and more than 170 stations. The metro fare is $0.3.

In addition, the city has a huge number of buses that are always crowded at rush hour. For this reason, most citizens prefer minibuses (minibuses) that connect metro lines with sleeping areas (from $0.25 to $0.4).

Taxi is an alternative to public transport. There are also special tourist taxis ( tourism), which can not only deliver anywhere, but also conduct a tour. The cost of the trip is $ 0.5 per 1 km during the day and $ 1 at night.

At present, the problem of traffic jams and gas pollution in the city is very acute in Mexico City, so not so long ago a new one was introduced here. ecological view transport - metrobus.

Connection

International calls and calls within the country can be made from all hotels in the city. Although it will be much cheaper to call from the post office or from one of the many street machines that work with cards. It is worth noting that telephone rates in Mexico are quite high.

Mobile communication operates in GSM 1900 and iDEN standards, roaming is available to all subscribers of major foreign operators. If there is a need to have a local cell phone number, then in Mexico City you can easily purchase a SIM card from operators Telcel or Movistar.

The Internet in Mexico City is developed just fine: the city has many Internet cafes (0.7-1.5 $ per hour) and paid Wi-Fi points (according to the map Tarjeta Multifon).

Security

In Mexico City, tourists almost never encounter theft or other offenses. However, given the low standard of living of most of the population, it is necessary to observe generally accepted precautions that can prevent theft and other unpleasant incidents.

First of all, in Mexico City, you should be wary of pickpockets and scammers. We advise you not to carry large sums of money with you, as well as to abandon dubious acquaintances and ignore beggars.

Business climate

Mexico City is the main economic and industrial center state, as well as one of the most important financial centers in Latin America. AT this moment Mexico City accounts for more than a quarter of public investment. Special meaning there are car assembly, chemical and electrical engineering enterprises, as well as oil and gas processing. In addition, the city is a strategically important junction of highways and railways, and free trade agreements are concluded with more than 40 countries.

The current economic environment in Mexico City is the most favorable for long-term investments, especially in real estate and trade.

The property

Today, in Mexico City, the real estate market is popular among foreigners, especially residents of the United States and Canada, so it is very profitable to buy a home here with a view to resale. The cost of residential real estate here, as in any metropolis, varies significantly depending on the type: for example, an average two-bedroom apartment will cost $150,000, while luxury apartments will cost from $300,000.

In addition, the city has a huge number of sleeping areas and suburbs where you can buy fairly cheap housing.

In Mexico City, smoking in public places is strictly prohibited and punishable by a large fine (from $45 to $140), and a second violation can lead to arrest for three days. Therefore, when choosing a hotel or restaurant, it is necessary to clarify whether rooms and halls intended for smokers are available.

United Mexican States is a state located in Latin America. The capital is the largest city in Mexico City. It is the center of the economy, politics, culture and industry of the country.

Geographical position of Mexico in the world

Where is Mexico located on the world map? This state is located in the south of the mainland in North America. Near it in the southeast are Guatemala and Belize, and in the north - the United States of America. Mexico is washed from different sides Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and two bays - Mexican and California.

The largest cities of the state:

• mexico city,
• Monterrey,
• merida,
• pueblo,
• Guadalajara.

There are 31 states in Mexico.

The country has many popular resorts and attractions.

Capital of Mexico City

The capital of the state of Mexico City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, which has about 9 million people. It is built on a flat surface and surrounded by high mountains.

In the center of the capital is the famous El Zocalo square . The ancient buildings of the Aztec city have been preserved here.

A must see when in Mexico City Three Cultures Square which is located in the very center of the city. It has a rare archaeological zone, where statues of the ancient Aztec tribe have been preserved. You should also definitely visit the National Palace and a large arena for bullfighting. In addition, tourists like to walk along beautiful Alameda parks and Palacio de Bella Art .

The popular resort of Cancun

Cancun is especially popular with tourists from different countries. The resort is rich in picturesque nature, snow-white beaches, clear blue water and beautiful female representatives.

Tourists from all over the world love this area not only because of the luxurious beach places. Cancun offers a wide range of leisure activities. Huge shopping complexes daily serve a large number of tourists and locals. For active rest it offers fishing, diving and boarding on the surface of the water. In hotels and beauty centers, travelers are waiting for massages, spa treatments and other services.

For lovers of excursions, they offer a walk along wild jungle. In the evening, tourists can have fun in nightlife.

The port city of Acapulco

The port city of Acapulco is known throughout the world. This is a popular holiday destination in Mexico, which attracts a huge number of tourist groups from different countries every year. Travelers are attracted by the wonderful mild climate, amazing beaches and vibrant nightlife. Discos in Acapulco are famous all over the world. Here you can see the performances of famous DJs and famous musical groups. Acapulco is rightly called the night capital of Mexico.

On the territory of the old city you can sunbathe on the beaches Caleta and Pi de la Cuesta. They are ideal for families. It is also very popular among travelers, which is located in a prestigious area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe city.

Acapulco is always ready for the arrival of tourists. There is a well-developed hotel and catering business. Local hotels meet international standards and are suitable for the most demanding guests.

What is the best time of year to travel to Mexico?

The best time to travel to Mexico is the dry season. It lasts from November to April. However, the tourist flow does not subside from May to September, when tropical rains and storms hit the country.

Divers prefer to go to Mexico from December to March, and lovers of excursions - from December to April.

According to legend, Huitzilopochtli, the sun god, once appeared to the nomadic Aztecs and ordered them to found a city where they would meet an eagle sitting on a cactus and devouring a snake. They managed to find the desired still life on the shores of Lake Texcoco - this is how the city of Tenochtitlan, the future capital of the Aztec empire, arose; it is now Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. And the image of an eagle, a cactus and a snake now flaunts on the emblem and flag of the country. During its heyday, Tenochtitlan had about half a million inhabitants, it was one of the largest cities in the world. It was surrounded by a system of man-made reservoirs, and when the Spaniards, led by Hernan Cortes, reached the city, they called Tenochtitlan the "Venice of the Aztecs." That, however, did not prevent them in 1521 from taking the city by storm and almost destroying it.

During colonial times, the Spaniards drained Lake Texcoco and began building palaces and temples on the soft, wet soil. The results can be seen in today's Mexico City: the Cathedral leans to the west, the Church of Veracruz to the north, and the Palace of Fine Arts has sunk so deep into the bottom of the former lake that you now have to go down the stairs to the main entrance. Nowadays, builders take this feature into account and, for example, the Torre Mayor tower is built on piles driven deep into the ground and resting on rock.

Zocalo Square, the current "heart" of the city of Mexico City - once this place was located " sacred site"- the ritual center of the capital of the Aztecs:

You can verify this by examining the ruins of the Templo Mayor ("Great Temple"), the main temple of ancient Tenochtitlan.

It was a gigantic pyramid, on top of which there were two temples: the god of war, Huitzlopochtli, and the god of rain and agriculture, Tlaloc.

Mexico City Cathedral - a striking example of style churrigueresque or "Mexican baroque", named after the Churriguera family, which gave the country several sculptors and architects.

Francisco Street leads from Zocalo Square to Alameda Park:

House of tiles (Casa de los Azulejos)- Now the old mansion houses the Sanborns restaurant.

Opposite is another attraction of the city of Mexico City - the tower Torre Latinoamericana(183 meters, 1956), the world's first skyscraper built in a seismically active zone:

The tower survived the earthquakes of 1957 and 1985 quite safely; on the 42nd floor there is an observation deck (ticket 70 pesos), and on the 41st there is a restaurant.

In principle, the views from there are so-so, the whole city is densely covered with smog.

In general, one of the strongest impressions of the city of Mexico City is that there is absolutely nothing to breathe in it, especially after Cancun. Apparently, firstly, the height of the city above sea level affects, and secondly, its dense population and, as a result, a huge number of cars on the streets. The second unexpected impression: I honestly expected that the racial composition of the population of Mexico is about the same as in Cuba - that is, whites, mulattos and blacks. It turned out that the vast majority of the population: mestizos and Indians, there are quite a few whites, there are almost no blacks at all. In this light, it becomes clear why Mexico fought so hard for its independence from the Spanish crown.

Mexico City, Palace of Fine Arts:

The guide said that there you can look at the "amazing frescoes by the great Mexican artist Diego Rivera" - his face is depicted on a bill of 500 Mexican pesos, looks very much like a toad. I also decided to join the beautiful, as it turned out later - in vain. Due to renovations, all wall frescoes were draped with polyethylene, and the exposition presented in the halls of this museum can be described in two words: "creativity of the mentally ill."

Immediately behind the palace begins Alameda Park- once a place used by the Inquisition to execute heretics, now it is a place for pleasant walks. I had a small incident with Alameda Park: on my first day in Mexico City, I took a map at the hotel reception, thought that I was going to Zocalo Square, but in fact I went in the opposite direction and eventually got to Alameda - but this fact I I found out only in the morning, and at that moment I was sincerely happy for the inhabitants of the city of Mexico City, believing that they had such a nice big park on the main square :-)

At the edge of the park is a monument Benito Juarez:

the first and so far the only president of Mexico of Indian origin, famous for his law on the separation of church and state and liberal reforms, after which the central avenue of Mexico City is named - Paseo de la Reforma. Paseo de la Reforma was built in Mexico City during the short-term reign of the French protege Maximilian I, and clearly under the influence of urban planning concepts of the famous Frenchman Baron Haussmann, whose labors teeming with slums Paris of that time turned into the current "city of light". Initially, the avenue was called the "Promenade of the Empress", in honor of the monarch's wife.

At the beginning of the street there is a monument to Christopher Columbus, and a little further - a monument to the 10th ruler of Tenochtitlan, Cuitlahuac.

By the way, a curious fact: in Mexico, you can find in abundance monuments to Aztec leaders, such as Cuautemoc or Cuitlahuac - but I have not seen a single monument to the Spaniard Hernan Cortes, who crushed the Aztec empire - all this very clearly answers the question of which ancestors they associate themselves with current Mexicans.

The most majestic monument of the city of Mexico City and Reform Avenue - Angel of Independence:

At its foot there are figures representing the Law, Justice, War and Peace. Behind the Angel begins a colorful area Zona Rosa is an area of ​​boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants. Judging by the information on the network, this is also a red-light district, but I have not been able to see any evidence of this fact. In general, before the trip to Mexico there was a certain stereotype that street prostitution flourished there - so in all the days I spent in Mexico I never met a single prostitute - or at least no one who would look and behave respectively.

The next monument on the Reform - Diana the Huntress(Diana Cazadora):

Initially performed nude, the sculpture caused a storm of indignation among zealous Catholics, and for a long time Diana stood shyly draped with pieces of cloth.

At the very end of the Reform tower rises Torre Major, the tallest building in Mexico:

The tower is distinguished by exceptional seismic resistance - it can withstand 9 points on the Richter scale.

Chapultepec Park, whose name in the Aztec language means "grasshopper hill":

During their empire, this place was the country residence of the emperor; today it is the largest urban park in Latin America: 800 hectares of parks, museums and a zoo. The main attraction of the park is the Chapultepec Palace. During the Mexican-American War of 1847, a serious battle unfolded for possession of the palace, known as the "Battle of Chapultepec". Of the museums there, I liked the most. National Museum of Anthropology, which presents an extensive exposition of artifacts related to the cultures of the Indian peoples who inhabited these lands before the arrival of the Spaniards.

Sun Stone, a basalt block weighing 24 tons and 3.6 meters in diameter is one of the most famous Aztec artifacts, it is often depicted on souvenirs and mistakenly called the “Aztec calendar”, although, according to archaeologists, this is a ritual altar for sacrifices, including human . It was found in downtown Mexico City, in the Templo Mayor. The images on the Stone of the Sun illustrate the Aztec ideas about the structure of the world: four squares symbolize the four past eras, the face in the center is the sun god, the patron of the current fifth era. His protruding tongue in the form of a knife is interpreted as a symbol of hunger, and human hearts in his hands clearly indicate the way to satisfy it.

On the streets of Mexico City, I often happened to see reinforced police cordons

Although there seemed to be no demonstrations or riots, only a peacefully walking public

Apparently, the people in Mexico City are so hot that an ordinary party can easily turn into a mass scuffle, and the police are here to prevent or participate in it.

Mexico City Metro: The fare is only 3 pesos - less than a quarter of a US dollar.

At the moment, this is a record for the cheapest of all subways in which I traveled. But in all the cars there are posters with sayings like “do you know that the real fare is 10 pesos, the rest is subsidized from the city budget?” or “did you know that if the fare is raised to 5 pesos, the metro will be able to buy N new modern trains?”. This is how they prepare people for the upcoming tariff increase. Well, at least they are trying to justify it somehow, in Moscow they just raise it from the new year and that's it. If you don't like it, go on foot.

To Mexico City Airport Benito Juarez you can also take the metro (it is located deep in the city), 1 trip costs 3 pesos.

Souvenirs: many bring sombreros, ponchos and other useless wardrobe items from Mexico, but I had a desire to buy good tequila as a souvenir, preferably inexpensively. But the matter was complicated by the fact that I had never drunk tequila before in my life and in general I don’t understand anything about it; so I chose according to the criteria: a) to be sure anejo (aged), b) 100% guava. As a result, in the duty free of Cancun I chose several brands, but decided not to rush with the purchase. It turned out to be correct: I then bought the desired tequila in a regular store in Mexico City - a bottle of Herradura Anejo 0.7 liters cost me $ 29 versus 40 in duty free.

Life hack: how I save on hotels and insurance

In addition to traditional and well-known tools such as Booking or Hotellook, recent times new online services have appeared that greatly facilitate the life of the traveler and pleasantly protect the thickness of his wallet. One of them - roomguru I use it all the time and recommend it to all my friends and family. This service compares prices for an object in 30 booking systems at once, and offers you the most interesting options. In addition, it tracks discounts and special offers.

As for a good working travel insurance, it was not easy to find it before, but now it has become even more difficult due to the constant fluctuations of the ruble against world currencies. For the past few years, I have been taking out insurance for my travels through an online service - here you can compare the products of different insurers and choose what is best for you:

Bright impressions from the city of Mexico City!
Your Roman Mironenko