12 Step Planet: Mexico City

Where exactly is it?
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, as its name might suggest, and is located in the high plateaus region, some two kilometres above sea level. Despite its altitude, Mexico actually sits in a large depression known as the Valley of Mexico. It has an urban population of over eight million, with the wider metropolitan area topping over 21 million. It’s classified as an ‘alpha’ city due to its economic importance and is the eighth richest city in the world based on GDP.
How do I get there?
The best option is to fly from Dublin to Madrid and onward to Mexico. The Spanish national carrier Iberia and its Mexican counterpart Aeromexico both offer a daily scheduled service. Flight time is approximately 11 hours from Madrid’s Barajas to Lic Benito Juarez International airport.
What language do they speak?
Mexico doesn’t have an ‘official’ state language, despite the fact that the vast majority of natives speak Spanish as their first language. The constitution recognises the rights of indigenous peoples to ‘preserve and enrich’ their languages. Over 60 Amerindian dialects are spoken by communities in Mexico City.
What is the local beer like?
Beer brewing in Mexico predates Spanish colonisation. However, it was the influx of German migrants in the late 19th century that led to the industry’s expansion. Popular beverages include the world famous and widely-consumed lager Corona and the smooth pilsner Bohemia, which has won multiple awards and is regarded as one of the world’s finest beers. Other top brands include Sol and Estrella, both widely available on the European market.
Other drinks?
Undoubtedly the most iconic Mexican poison is the famed tequila. Tequila originated in the 16th century in the city of the same name. It’s produced from the blue agave plant common to Mexico and comes in a variety of categories defined by age. Mexicans consume tequila in a variety of ways. These include as an accompaniment with sangrita (a non-alcoholic drink made from chilis, orange and lime juice) or the internationally-known slammer method with lime and salt.
What is the transport like?
With over 21 million citizens and chronic traffic problems, the city government are always fighting a battle to keep this vast metropolis moving! The ‘City of Palaces’ boasts the most extensive metro system in all of South America. It has a staggering 175 stops and over 207km of track! The huge suburban hinterland is serviced by an extensive bus network, which is largely contracted out to private companies. An additional light-rail system operates from the downtown area to a select group of neighbourhoods. Four huge bus terminals, strategically placed throughout the city, offer onward travel to almost anywhere in Mexico or further afield in Central America. The city’s International Airport is both the biggest and busiest in all of Latin America.
What’s the food like?
Famed globally, Mexican cuisine is now recognised by UNESCO under the ‘intangible cultural heritage’ banner. However, what you’re served in Mexico will differ greatly from dishes in Mexican restaurants internationally, most of which are Americanised variants on regional specialities. Their food combines elements of both indigenous and Spanish traditions and draws heavily on native ingredients. In the 15th century, Spanish conquistadors introduced large varieties of native vegetables and domesticated animals to the then Aztec empire. Herbs and spices are a crucial component of all Mexican meals with chilli, oregano and epazote amongst the most commonly used. The basic staple foods are corn, rice and beans. Corn is mostly used to prepare masa dough, which in turn is made into tortilla and tamales. Chocolate is also an important part of the Mexican diet, used to make a variety of drinks and in food sauce preparation. Tasty, fresh and often spicy, Mexican food rarely disappoints!
What’s the nightlife like?
Where do you start! Despite high levels of street crime, Mexico City’s nightlife is amongst the world’s most vibrant. Literally hundreds of clubs and bars compete ferociously for clientele, ensuring the scene remains fresh and constantly evolving. It really depends on what you’re after, because everything is catered for! From swish Manhattan-style clubs to raucous salsa bars, you won’t be disappointed. For something more traditional, check out one of the hundreds of flamenco and mariachi clubs, places where people of all ages come to dance the night away. Even the pickiest of punters couldn’t but be impressed by the sheer variety of options on offer. Jazz clubs, Cuban music, the list goes on
and on....
Why should I go?
To experience Mexico City is to experience one of the most frenetic and exciting cities in the world. Despite rising crime and social problems, it remains a welcoming and tolerant destination. It teems with activity, from street performers to various cultural oddities, and is constantly surprising. It’s built on the ruins of past civilisations and boasts a vast array of ancient ruins and important historical sites. The food is largely delicious, the music diverse and excursion options are endless. It may have a population bigger than Chile, but it’s still possible to find relaxing places to sip a beer or savour the glorious rhythm of mariachi.
What are the touristy things to do?
Mexico is blessed with many great buildings and temples, so get those walking shoes on! Sample a slice of Mexican history at the Plaza de la Constitucion, a giant public space in the city centre. It’s decorated with a huge, lone Mexican flag and is an ideal starting point to explore the city. For lovers of fine art, a visit to Museo Frida Kahlo is a must. Once her dwelling with husband and fellow artist Diego Rivera, the ‘Casa Azul’ offers a fascinating glimpse into their eccentric lifestyles. The Zocalo district is home to some of Mexico’s most impressive structures, including the vast Palacio National, which features huge murals painted by renowned painter Diego Rivera. Nearby, the equally gigantic Catedral Metropolitana is a jaw-dropping sight. It was built in stages over 250 years and is currently the subject of debate. Why? Because it’s slowly sinking! Elsewhere, a vast archaeological dig unearthed the Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple complex dedicated to Tlaloc, the god of rain.
Anything else?
A short 25-mile trip out of town sits Teotihuacan, one of the wonders of the ancient world. It’s known in Aztec lore as the ‘City of the Gods’ and was once one of the world’s great cities. A massive archaeological project has uncovered the ruins of what was once a conurbation of over 200,000 people. Teotihuacan was a seat of great power from approximately the first to the seventh century. Highlights include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon, Avenue of the Dead and Temple of Quetzalcoatl. An ideal way to escape the city’s urban insanity for a leisurely afternoon.
Anything to avoid?
First time visitors to Mexico City need to pay heed to their own bodies! A few tips. Take it easy on the more adventurous Mexican cuisine for a few days, until your stomach adjusts to the exotic herbs and spices. The street food may look scrumptious, but you may regret it within hours! Watch your water intake. Insist on bottled agua everywhere you go, unless you fancy spending a weekend on the toilet. Altitude sickness has ruined many’s the trip to this great city, so avoid much strenuous exercise in the first couple of days. Don’t even dream of renting a car! Look around you, driving in Mexico City is just one, never-ending tailback...
What should I bring home?
If you’ve got the wallet, there’s plenty of choice. Mexican handicrafts are amongst the world’s finest, with everything from hardwood carvings in the Aztec tradition to Talavera style ceramics widely available. Fine jewellery and antiques are the order of the day in the upmarket Zona Rosa district, as are a plethora of art galleries selling both traditional and contemporary paintings. For connoisseurs of fine tobacco, Mexican cigars are second only to their Cuban contemporaries. If your spare room is already overflowing with tat, then why not donate to a worthy cause? The crippling levels of poverty in Mexico City ensure that charities are always fighting the fight to maintain services.
When should I go?
There’s never a bad time to visit Mexico City. Due to its geographical position it maintains a comfortable temperate climate year-round. Summer highs average at 28, while winter daytime temperatures rarely fall below 15 degrees.
What’s my challenge?
Don’t be deterred by tales of rampant crime and pollution. Granted, Mexico has more than its fair share of social issues, but it also boasts a cultural diversity and civic spirit almost unmatched anywhere. Approach this great city with an open mind. Sample the exotic cuisine, soak up the magic of salsa or experience the country’s passion for wrestling. Visit ancient sites, dance the night away to mariachi music and indulge yourself with some serious tequila!
What’s the currency?
The local currency is the Mexican
Peso (MXN).
Something to remember...
Mexico City is a hotbed of street crime. Crippling poverty forces many young men into lives as pickpockets or petty thieves. The best advice possible is to dress down and avoid street taxis. In short, leave your expensive jewellery, watch and camera at home. This is a great place to visit, but it could all turn sour in an instant! Don’t spoil your holiday by attracting the unwanted attention of street criminals.