MEXICO CITY, THE CITY OF PALACES

Story goes that, hundreds of years ago, an Aztec emperor had a beautiful daughter, named Iztlacihuatl, which in native language means sleeping woman. One day, she fell in love with Popocatepetl, a brave and good-looking warrior. Even though he corresponded this great love, they couldn’t be together because of the big social differences.

The emperor sent him to fight a far-off war. If he returned carrying with him the head of his worst enemy, he would be allowed to marry his daughter. That was a difficult task, but he took it willingly.

She waited patiently, but after some time, she couldn’t resist his lover’s absence anymore. She fell sick and died. Soon after that, Popocatepetl returned triumphant. When the emperor gave him the bad news, Popocatepetl demanded her body, took her out of town, and placed her in a high place with a lot of flowers surrounding her and facing to the sun. He kneeled on the ground and contemplated her until he died. The years passed and they both became two big mountains, with snow covering their tops permanently.

You can see them from here. She is lying like a sleeping woman, and he is always beside her, watching his beloved princess.

Dear Traveler,

Arriving to Mexico City by airplane at night is a true spectacle. You see the largest city of the world sparkling as a huge sea of light, where distances deceive the human eye. As soon you exit the airport and fully enter into the city, you feel the charm that enticed our ancestors to settle in this land, and that continues to fascinate whoever visits it.

Mexico City is one of the key business cities of the world. Many national and foreign men and women will have to visit it at least once if they intend to make business in this country. However, in addition to all the big corporations and government offices settled in this place, the city has countless attractions that can keep you engaged for days and days.

From monumental buildings, mansions, churches and streets, to numerous top-class museums, galleries, universities, restaurants, shopping zones, parks, lakes and more, Mexico City is THE ONE place in Mexico that has something for everyone.

For years, it has marveled locals and strangers. Alexander von Humboldt declared in 1811 that Mexico’s capital should be considered among the most beautiful cities established by the Europeans on either hemisphere.

The city grew out of the ruins of ancient Tenochtitlan, using its original outline to shape the magnificent city of the present-day. Its civic architecture flourished during the 18th century, converting sober houses into splendid and elegant constructions. This was probably what made Charles J. Latrobe, governor of Victoria province, Australia, to baptize it as the “City of Palaces”.

If you are in Mexico City for only a couple of hours, or if you little time to spare in this city after doing business, there are certain places you should not miss before you leave.

The Zocalo, the centerpiece of more than a thousand architectural treasures of the Historic downtown. It is the third largest plaza in the world, and bears a huge Mexican flag waving in its center. Two buildings dominate the plaza: the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. Within steps lies the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the Aztec’s ancient capital Tenochtitlan. Do not forget to enter the Gran Hotel, and go up to the last floor to have a drink in its balcony, overlooking the imposing plaza.

Paseo de la Reforma was built in 1860 to connect the city with the Chapultepec Castle, home of emperor Maximiliano. It is now an elegant avenue with all kind of first class hotels, restaurants, and important buildings lining it. It also has several statues, such as the well-known Angel of Independence.

San Angel and Coyoacan were towns independent from Mexico City. Now it has swallowed them, but they still preserve its colonial style. They are home to artists and writers. People as important as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsk had their homes here, and can be visited now as museums. There are myriad of galleries, museums, restaurants, bookstores, and gardens. The center of Coyoacan is a pleasant place to spend a whole day wandering in the streets, visiting its church, and watching the people.

This is just a taste of it. We will be talking about this amazing city in our future issues, and I will give you tips and information to make the best out of your visit. But from now on, rather than visiting Mexico City for business purposes only, make it your favorite holiday destination, and discover a new fascinating spot every time!

Hasta la proxima!
Cesarinna Bustamante