The buzzing metropolis that is Mexico City is a fascinating contrast of old and new, grey and green, rich and poor; a place to love or loathe. Founded by the Aztecs in the 14th century on the site of a great lake, the city now stretches right across a vast valley. After the Spanish conquest of the Atzecs, many of the city’s original buildings were built over and are only now being rediscovered. Today the city is a mix of ancient ruins, colonial buildings and modern high-rises. Its soul is overwhelmingly centred around its vast Zócalo (main square), where the Mexican flag has flown proudly for centuries, and where crowds gather in celebration or in demonstration at every opportunity. The city is not without its charms; the Anthropological Museum is one of the finest on the continent, the floating Aztec Gardens of Xochimilco make for a colourful day out, whilst the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan rival those of Giza.
Mexico City deserves at least two full days if time allows whilst the surrounding area can be seen on guided day trips. On the overland route used by the Spanish to transport goods from the Philippines to Spain, the town of Cuernavaca is known as the ‘Town of Eternal Spring’, a charming collection of churches small and vast, pretty gardens and an atmospheric main square. A little further afield the hillside town of Taxco has winding cobbled streets, beautiful churches and dozens of silver shops. Head east from Mexico City past the spectacular smoking Popocatepetl volcano and you reach the colonial gem of Puebla, famous for its beautiful ornate tiles and its chilli and chocolate mole sauce. It is well worth a full day and a night here to absorb the history and charm of the place. Mexico City itself has a vast selection of accommodation to suit all budgets. We have suggested just a few of our favourite options.