Dec 17-29, 2024
Mexico City (and surrounding areas)
Third time in Mexico, but the first two times didn’t really count. One was walking into Tijuana for the day when I was in my 20s, the other was bringing my kids to a karate tournament in Cancun around ten years ago. The Cancun trip was fun, but I was doing the mom/tournament thing and had no time to explore the area.
Mexico City is huge and fabulous, and there are mountains and Teotihuacán temples within a couple hours drive. This post has photos from a smattering of sites and experiences.
The first set of photos are random shots around the Coyoacán neighborhood, a couple photos of the Angel of Independence, a few from the Museum of Anthropology, and some from my CableBus ride. The CableBus is part of the public transportation system – there are three cable car lines stretching over different sections of the city. I had fun riding one for a couple hours and looking at the murals painted on the tops of homes below.
The Angel of Independence shots are from a rooftop cafe near Paseo de la Reforma. The remains of 14 leaders from Mexico’s 1810-1821 War of Independence, including Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, are interred within the monument.
The Museum of Anthropology has a massive collection of Mexican prehistory/history artifacts. I include just a few photos.
December 22 was my birthday, and I celebrated alone by choice. It was the first time in my life I have been alone on my birthday. Though I have enjoyed all my previous birthdays, especially those with my children present, I needed time and space to myself this year to refill my own cup. That includes Christmas as well. My daughters and I will celebrate that holiday together when I return from Mexico.
I gave myself the present of traveling to a Level Four Advisory Zone in Mexico to visit El Rosario, a monarch butterfly sanctuary where millions of monarchs rest at the southern end of their annual migration between Canada and Mexico. I have wanted to see the congregation of monarchs for many years.
El Rosario can be reached from Mexico City via a direct two hour bus ride from Poniente station to Zitacuaro, then either another bus (one hour) to Ocampo where you can take a taxi to the sanctuary OR take a direct taxi from Zitacuaro and skip Ocampo. I stayed at Rancho Cumbre Monarca, a rural resort very close to the sanctuary, so I took a direct taxi to the resort from Zitacuaro.
At El Rosario, one is assigned a guide who walks up the steep mile+ path with you to the viewing area. Altitude is 10,000 feet, so that climb might have you panting.
Once at the viewing area, one can see millions of butterflies resting in clumps from tree branches. If it is sunny and relatively warm, they will fly about. If it is cold and cloudy, as it was on my day, most will stay put and only a few will flutter here and there. Either way, it’s an awe-inspiring experience.
Saw a few truckloads of armed military men in the parking lot when we descended. I was told that was normal, they are there to ensure the safety of the tourists.
This was my first time in a Level Four area. My hotel/resort hosts took good care of me and provided direct transportation to and from the sanctuary and also back to the bus station. There was a lot of police presence at the bus station and surrounding small towns. I would not go wandering about on my own in a Level Four area, but for this trip I felt fairly safe with my direct transportation and gated hotel/resort.
The Frida Kahlo House/Museum. I’ve loved Kahlo’s work ever since I first learned of her through the movie Frida. It was cool to wander about her beautiful home and see where she created so much of her art.
My first time in a hot air balloon! It won’t be my last! Got to have a bird’s eye view of the Teotihuacán pyramids/temples (built between the 1st and 7th centuries). Went with Viator. They offer pickup service within Mexico City and drive folks to the balloon launch area a few miles (?) outside the pyramids. I was impressed with the organization, the smooth ride, the stunning views, and the delicious breakfast they offer afterward. One of my balloon mates, a cool woman named Laura, toured the temples on foot with me afterward. We also got to see the cutest puppy in Mexico.
I did a hike/climb up the 15,000-foot volcano Nevado de Toluca on Christmas Day. Me and four other solo adventurers ascended this with México Travesías guide Geovanny on Christmas Day. The two men had difficulties after the first two thirds and stopped near a col, but the three women (myself included) felt good and kept climbing with the guide. The views were fabulous, and I was happy that the altitude did not affect me that much. No headaches, etc. Also happy that my back felt healthy throughout and that it did not hurt at all afterward.
