Mexico City: Day of the Dead, Frida Kahlo, Teotihuacán & More!

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de México! Welcome to Mexico City!

With Mexico City being a short flight from Dallas, one would think, since I travel all around the world, that I would have made it to Mexico City a dozen times. But sadly, no! This is my first foray into this crowded, chaotic, energetic, smoggy, colorful, historical, modern and quite frankly beautiful city. I haven’t seen much, yet, but I already like what I see.

I’m in Mexico City on an Intrepid Travel tour to keep an eye out for Day of the Dead festivities, enjoy the food and marvel at how one of the world’s largest urban centers seamlessly intertwines its modern world vibrancy with its ancient culture and traditions.

I left Dallas early Sunday morning and arrived a little more than two hours later at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport before being whisked off by a pre-arranged transfer service to my hotel in the city center.

Before meeting with my Intrepid Travel tour group at 6:00 pm, I had my museum juices all set to visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología or National Museum of Anthropology considered to be the best museum in Mexico, except it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays. I was disappointed because that was on me. Even a seasoned traveler like me can forget to check the most important thing, if its open or not. I did not stay disappointed for long because Mexico City is full of things to see and do.

I proceeded onto Chapultepec Castle located on top of Chapultepec Hill in the Chapultepec Park. Since it was just a little more than a mile from my hotel, I decided to walk there. What I did not expect were the throngs of people out walking like me. Mexico City is as over run with people as it is with art and color. A mile walk should not take an hour and a half but I just took my time and took it all in.

Here’s my first day in Mexico City.

Had to ask a stranger to take this photo of me with the Wings of Mexico, created by Mexican artist Jorge Marín. His original Wings are on permanent display near the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s most historic avenue. It depicts bronze angel wings and was created in 2010. (Oct. 30, 2022)

I’m standing on the closed-off Paseo de la Reforma, looking at the Angel of Independence monument. El Ángel, as the monument is commonly called, is a roundabout on this major thoroughfare in downtown Mexico City. The street was closed off for a few hours on Sunday while people rode bikes, roller blade, ran and just walked down the street. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Angel of Independence monument, under renovation, at a roundabout on the major thoroughfare of Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City. El Ángel, as the monument is commonly referred to, is a victory column built in 1910 during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The closed street of the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City where people were roller blading, riding bikes and running. (Oct. 30, 2022)

All along both sides of the very lengthy Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City were these stunning traditional papier-mache figures called “alebrijes.” Made mainly from cardboard, paper or wood in bright colors and are believed to protect one’s home from evil spirits. The origination of these fantastical animals or creatures of mythical origins were originally created by Mexican artist Pedro Linares. An alebrije is bound to protect you and scare away evil spirits. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Fuente de la Diana Cazadora or Huntress Diana Fountain monument at another roundabout along the Paseo de la Reforma amid the skyscrapers in downtown Mexico City. The street was closed for a time on Sunday so people could ride bikes, rollerblade, run and just enjoy a walk. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Fuente de la Diana Cazadora or Huntress Diana Fountain monument at another roundabout along the Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City. The street was closed for a time on Sunday so people could ride bikes, rollerblade, run and just enjoy a walk. (Oct. 30, 2022)

A close-up of the Fuente de la Diana Cazadora or Huntress Diana Fountain monument at another roundabout along the Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

Approaching the Gate of the Lions, the main entrance to Chapultepec Park as I made my way to the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. The entrance, now with Dead of the Dead decorations, gives way to the Lions Garden, a green area with more decorations. The lions, which you can’t see that well in the photo, are on each end of the decorated entrance. The park was opened in 1929. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Day of the Dead decorated main entrance into Chapultepec Park giving way to the Lions Garden, a green area with more decorations in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

A close-up of the Day of the Dead decorations at the main entrance into Chapultepec Park giving way to the Lions Garden, a green area with more decorations in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Day of the Dead decorations at the Lions Garden into Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. The iconic marigold flowers, which symbolize the beauty and fragility of life along with light, sunlight, are used for decoration through the Lions Garden. (Oct. 30, 2022)

Me with a decorated skull encircled by the beautiful marigolds at the Lions Garden as I continued to make my way into Chapultepec Park and ultimately to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

Another decorated skull encircled by the beautiful marigolds at the Lions Garden as I continued to make my way into Chapultepec Park and ultimately to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

A skeleton encircled by the beautiful marigolds at the Lions Garden as I continued to make my way into Chapultepec Park and ultimately to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

This regal-looking, if a female skeleton can even be called such a thing, caught my eye at the Lions Garden as I continued to make my way into Chapultepec Park and ultimately to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

A close-up of the female skeleton inside the Lions Garden of Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

Another decorative Day of the Dead entrance from the Lions Garden towards the Monumento a los Niños Héroes or Monument to the Boy Heroes in Chapultepec Park. (Oct. 30, 2022)

A close-up of one of the designs on the decorative Day of the Dead entrance from the Lions Garden towards the Monumento a los Niños Héroes or Monument to the Boy Heroes in Chapultepec Park. (Oct. 30, 2022)

A skull covered in marigolds and butterflies with the the Monumento a los Niños Héroes or Monument to the Boy Heroes behind it in Chapultepec Park. (Oct. 30, 2022)

At the other end of the Lions Garden in Chapultepec Park is the Monumento a los Niños Héroes or Monument to the Boy Heroes, officially called Altar a la Patria or Altar to the Homeland in Mexico City. The monument’s group of columns pays tribute to six cadets who were among those defending Chapultepec Castle, then a military college, against American troops at the height of the Mexican-American War in 1847. (Oct. 30, 2022)

After going through a quick security check, its a good 20 minute walk up the long steep hill just to get to the gates of Chapultepec Castle located on top of Chapultepec Hill, a geological formation of volcanic rock, with beautiful views of Mexico City and the surrounding Forest in Chapultepec Park. (Oct. 30, 2022)

At the entrance gate to Chapultepec Castle there are two lines to get in, one for Mexican nationals (left) and another one for tourists (right). On Sundays entrance to the castle grounds is free for Mexican nationals, but costs $85 Mexican Pesos or about $4.28 USD. The nationals, bare another security check, were able to walk through while the tourist line took about 20 to 30 minutes to get through. Announcements were being made in Spanish that pensioners, students and professors could come in with the nationals but I thought they meant Mexican nationals. It wasn’t until I got to the front of the tourist line, to pay, that I found out, producing my passport as proof, that all pensioners regardless of Mexican national status could enter. So, I was in a line for 30 minutes, when I did not need to be, and did not have to pay the $85 Mexican Pesos. (Oct. 30, 2022)

After going through security again and the gate of Chapultepec Castle, this is the view of the main entrance. The Castle, Hill and Forest are all being considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Neo-classical Castle, has been expanded and remodelled since its construction as a summer palace under order of Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez from 1785 to 1787.
The Hill site itself was a sacred place for the Aztecs, and the Castle atop it now has served several purposes during its history, including as an Imperial residence, Presidential residence, Military Academy, observatory and since the 1940s, the National Museum of History.
According to UNESCO, which is considering Chapultepec Castle, Forest and Hill as a World Heritage site: “As the official residence of presidents and celebrities throughout Mexican History, Chapultepec Castle has witnessed from high up important events in the Valley of Mexico, all of which have shaped its historic and symbolic character that remains to our days.” (Oct. 30, 2022)

The main entrance, just beyond the gate, of Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Alcazar inside the Chapultepec Castle was formerly the coach house or carriage hall that contains two Antonio González Orozco’s murals on each side of the entryway. This painting of President Benito Juárez, symbolizes the Mexican Republic against the French Intervention (1972). (Oct. 30, 2022)

The Alcazar inside the Chapultepec Castle was formerly the coach house or carriage hall that contains the Gala Chariot of Emperor Maximilian I and his consort Empress Charlotte during the Second Mexican Empire (1864-1867). It was Maximiliano and Carlota’s daily carriage and was later used for the service of President Benito Juarez, and the Gala Chariot of Emperor Maximillian and Carlota. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The exterior checkerboard pattern flooring of Chapultepec Castle’s balcony offers beautiful views of the Chapultepec Forest and Mexico City on one side and access to the castle’s private rooms on the other. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The interior balcony hall, with the checkerboard pattern flooring on both inside and outside of Chapultepec Castle’s balcony offers access to the castle’s private rooms. It became the official residence of Emperor Maximilian I and his consort Empress Charlotte during the Second Mexican Empire (1864-1867). (Oct. 30, 2022)

This elegant staircase off the interior balcony hall of the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City was used during President Manuel Gonzälez’s administration (1880 to 1884) to connect him and wife’s rooms to the upper floor. (Oct. 30, 2022)

In this room, off the interior balcony hall of the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, are the portraits of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Charlotte of Mexico by Albert Gräfle, 1865. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The bedroom of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, one of several rooms off the interior balcony hall at Chapultepec Castle, is a French style. The brass bed and other objects were part of the furniture abandoned in the Castle after his execution in 1867. (Oct. 30, 2022)

Views of the Chapultepec Forest and Mexico City from the balcony of the Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. According to UNESCO, this forest, the hill and the castle are being considered as World Heritage sites for being one of the most important natural reserves in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

More amazing views of the Chapultepec forest and Mexico City from Chapultepec Castle. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The balcony views of Mexico City from Chapultepec Castle. (Oct. 30, 2022)

Also a part of the Chapultepec Castle is the National Museum of History, which unfortunately was not open. This is the side entrance to the museum which was opened in 1940. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The side entrance to the National Museum of History located at the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

This gorgeous statue/monument is on the grounds of the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

And, the front facing view of this gorgeous statue/monument is on the grounds of the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

These Skechers were the right color, the right size and pretty dang cute. But walking in them was horrible! That’s on me because I broke the cardinal rule of bringing shoes I have not broken just cause they are cute. Thankfully I also brought my good walking shoes so these went back into the suitcase for a non-walking day. (Oct. 30, 2022)

My Day of the Dead Intrepid Travel group out for our first group dinner at a little hole in the wall neighborhood delicious taco restaurant in Mexico City. It’s a bigger group, 12 this time, than I had on my more recent Intrepid Travel trips. And, we are from all over including Switzerland, England, Germany and the U.S. (From left: Our Intrepid leader, Nathan (red shirt at the foreground of the table), Salome, Brittany, Denise, Lulu, Maria, Andrew, Maria, Cathy, me, Sharon, Graham and Anja.) (Oct. 30, 2022)

he various taco sauces for our taco dinner in Mexico. The red one looks like it would be the spiciest, but it actually was not and neither was the green chili sauce, although both had a good taste to them. It was the onions, tomatoes and jalapeños sauce that was the spiciest and most favorable sauce so I slathered it onto my port Pastor taco. (Oct. 30, 2022)

I had two pork Pastor tacos for dinner. The tortilla is lightly fried then piled with bits of pork and cheese. And, I put on the onion, tomato, jalapeño sauce. I was so hungry that I took a couple of bites before remembering to take a photo. (Oct. 30, 2022)

It’s almost 9:00 on a Sunday night and the streets around the Paseo de la Reforma are still crowded with the Angel of Independence glowing in the distance in Mexico City. (Oct. 30, 2022)

The morning, on my Intrepid Travel’s first full tour group day, was all about exploring Mexico City’s historic city center including the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor and Palacio de Bellas Artes.

We also explored the Mercado San Juan considered as the oldest standing market in the city and the entire country. Its precedent is an old Aztec market that operated in the neighborhood then known as Moyotlan. It was one of the very few markets that the Spanish allowed to continue operating.

Then I had the afternoon all to myself and decided to explore the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, officially called Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City, two Catholic Church sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. My group went to explore the Doll’s Island but I honestly just wasn’t interested.

Come explore the historic center of Mexico City and it’s Basilica of Guadalupe complex.

We started our morning with taking public transportation, first a quick bus ride to the train station, on our way to the Zócalo, the main square or plaza in central Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Some 4 to 6 million people use the metro or underground subway daily in Mexico City. It costs 5 pesos (less than 30 cents USD) for one trip anywhere with unlimited transfers. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The area around the ancient capital of the Aztec empire called Tenochtitlán, founded c. 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco, and located at the site of modern Mexico City. Prior to the colonial period, it was the main ceremonial center in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The remains of the Templo Mayor or Main Temple of the ancient Aztec empire of Tenochtitlán, circa 1325, and where modern Mexico City was built on top of it. In the distance is the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the Zócalo, the main square or plaza in central Mexico City. The plaza used to be known simply as the “Main Square” or “Arms Square”, and today its formal name is Plaza de la Constitución. (Oct. 31, 2020)

The ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Mexica people in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City. It was built sometime after 1325 and was once used as temples to the gods of war and rain. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The remains of the Templo Mayor or Main Temple of the ancient Aztec empire of Tenochtitlán, circa 1325, modern Mexico City built on top of it with the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral in the distance. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral’s southern façade Tabernacle facing the Zócalo, or main plaza, was built on top of the ancient capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The entrance into the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral built on top of the ancient capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan. It took three centuries to build the cathedral, from 1573 to 1813, incorporating an amalgamation of three architectural styles throughout its construction: baroque, neo-classical and neo-renaissance. However, the cathedral, much like the rest of Mexico City, is gradually sinking. The full name of the cathedral is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, built in sections from 1573 to 1813, is considered the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America. The actual full name of the cathedral is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. (Oct. 31, 2022)

A pendulum hanging in the middle of the nave of the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral measures the slowly shifting foundation of the cathedral built in sections from 1573 to 1813. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Altar of the Kings inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. (Oct. 31, 2022)

El Cristo Negro or the Black Christ at the Altar of Forgiveness inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral dates back to 1602 when the Dominican Fathers came to Mexico with several Christ sculptures, all white. According to the Angelus News, “This crucifix was made by indigenous artisans in the 18th century. It is unusual for its deep black color and for the way the body of Christ hangs in a y shape. Jesus seems to be bending his knees, and that has inspired legends about the sculpture and some very theological reflection.” The statue is oddly known as the Lord of Poison from a legend about an archbishop who prayed daily and would kiss the feet of this statue. When his enemies saw this, they applied poison to the statue feet in hopes of poising the archbishop. Instead of harming the archbishop, the statue absorbed the poison turning it to black. (Oct. 31, 2022)

A close-up of El Cristo Negro or the Black Christ at the Altar of Forgiveness inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral dates back to 1602 when the Dominican Fathers came to Mexico with several Christ sculptures, all white. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The choir area inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral on the northern side of the Zócalo or Plaza de la Constitución in the historic center of Mexico City. The cathedral was built in sections from 1573 to 1813. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The area around and outside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Agave plants outside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedra and across from the main square, La Plaza de la Constitucion, also called El Zocalo.(Oct. 31, 2022)

A small field of agave plants outside by the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, and main square La Plaza de la Constitucion, also called El Zocalo in Mexico City’s historic area. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Me at the Zócalo, the main square or plaza in the historic center of Mexico City, with a giant Catrina, an elegantly dressed female skeleton associated with Day of the Dead. The plaza used to be known simply as the “Main Square” or “Arms Square”, and today its formal name is Plaza de la Constitución or Constitution Square. La Catrina, a sacred Mexican cultural Dia de los Muertos symbol for the cycle of life and serves as a reminder to enjoy life, but also embrace death. (Oct. 31, 2022)

One of a number of ofrendas or altars celebrating the Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead at the Plaza de la Constitución, more commonly known as the Zocalo in the historic area of Mexico City. The tradition of building private offends or altars, containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed is intended to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and the words of the living directed to them. El Dia de los Muertos is a blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture. It is celebrated each year from October 31-November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. (Oct. 31, 2022)

A close-up of an ofrenda or altar in celebration of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead at the Plaza de la Constitución, more commonly known as the Zocalo in the historic area of Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The various altars from the various states inside the country of Mexico at the Zócalo, the main square in central Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The giant Catrinas, an elegantly dressed skeleton associated with Dim de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, at the main square in central Mexico City officially known as Plaza de la Constitución but far more commonly referred to as the Zócalo. (Oct. 31, 2022)

A walk around historic Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

This building and bronze sculptures alongside it are called the Garden of the Triple Alliance located on Filomeno Mata street (at the crossing with Tacuba street), west of the Zocalo in the historic center of Mexico City. The three bronze castings represent the three Tlatoaque of the Aztec Empire or Triple Alliance of three city-states: Mexico-Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan which ruled that area in and around the Valley of Mexico from 1428 until the combined forces of the Spanish conquistadores defeated them in 1521. The bronze statues were made by the artist Jesús Fructuoso Contreras between 1888 and 1889.(Oct. 31, 2022)

The bronze sculpture of Itzcoatl, the “Obsidian Serpent,” is one of the Aztec Empire or Triple Alliance portrayed at the Garden of the Triple Alliance in Mexico City. He was the fourth king of Tenochtitlan, and the founder of the Aztec Empire, ruling from 1427 to 1440. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Bronze sculptures of the Aztec Empire or Triple Alliance alongside the Garden of the Triple Alliance monument located on Filomeno Mata street (at the crossing with Tacuba street), west of the Zocalo in the historic center of Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The bronze sculpture of Nezahualcoyotl (April 28, 1402 – June 4, 1472) at the Garden of the Triple Alliance located on Filomeno Mata street (at the crossing with Tacuba street), west of the Zocalo in the historic center of Mexico City. He was a scholar, philosopher warrior, architect, poet and ruler of the city-state of Texcoco in the pre-Columbian era of Mexico. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Bronze casting of Totoquihuatzin by Jesús F. Contreras in the Garden of the Triple Alliance on Filomeno Mata street, in the historical center of Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Museo Nacional de Arte or National Museum of Art is the Mexican national art museum, located in the historical center of Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Museo Nacional de Arte or National Museum of Art is the Mexican national art museum, located in the historical center of Mexico City. and the horseback riding statue of Charles Charles IV who was King of Spain and ruler of the Spanish Empire from 1788 to 1808. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the Mexico City’s Palacio de Correos, the capital’s main post office, dates from the days of President Porfirio Diaz, who inaugurated it in 1907. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the Palacio de Correos de México, also known as the “Correo Mayor” is located in the historic center of Mexico City, on the Eje Central near the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It was built in 1907, when the Post Office became a separate government entity. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a prominent cultural center in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

We took a van ride to the San Juan Market is a traditional Mexican market in the historic center of Mexico City that has become the city’s only such market specializing in gourmet and exotic foods. It is known for its selection of exotic meats, including venison, crocodile, wild boar and even lion meat, as well as a wide selection of products from Europe and the Americas. Unlike other such markets in Mexico City, it caters to chefs, restaurateurs and foodies, many of whom are foreigners and have long-standing relationships with particular vendors. (Oct. 31, 2022)

A plethora of fruits and vegetables inside the Mercado San Juan in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Exotic fruits inside the Mercado San Juan in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

And, exotic meats inside the Mercado San Juan in Mexico City. Fresh meat from many different animals, both from Mexico and abroad like deer, rabbit, suckling pigs, goats and wild boar.
(Oct. 31, 2022)

The Espresso Man ready to take my order for some very strong coffee at the Mercado San Juan in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The exterior of the colorful Mercado Jamaica flower market in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the colorful Mercado Jamaica flower market in Mexico City. most colorful market is Mercado Jamaica, the flower market. It’s literally open 24 hours a day and is considered the city’s best-smelling market. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the colorful Mercado Jamaica flower market in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Mexico City is full of art and greenery just about everywhere and that includes this area under a bridge along Avenida Congreso de La Union overpass. I was not keen to spend the afternoon visiting Doll’s Island and instead took an Uber to Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, officially called Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, officially called Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City, is a sanctuary or in this case, two Catholic Church sanctuaries, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The New Basilica, to the left, was completed in 1976 because the Old Basilica, to the right, completed after 14 years for service in 1709, is sinking.
The Old Basilica was built in response to the Virgin Mary or Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to an Aztec peasant in 1531 named Juan Diego. The Virgin Mary left behind an image of herself imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak or tilma that is now displayed in the New Basilica. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The New Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, officially called Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City was built to house the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and allow access to a greater number of pilgrims. Its construction began in 1974 and completed in 1976 because the Old Basilica’s foundations were sinking and became too dangerous. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the New Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City, with its circular floor plan so the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, at the altar, can be seen from any point in the basilica. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The sacred image of Our Lady of Guadalupe or the Virgin of Guadalupe inside the New Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City. The Virgin Mary, according to tradition, appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant and convert to Christianity on December 9 and again on December 12, 1531. She asked that a shrine be built. And, she left behind the above image of herself imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak or tilma, a poor quality cloth that should have deteriorated within decades. The original tilma of Juan Diego, which hangs above the high She asked that a church be built on the site. The Virgin Mary left behind an image of herself imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak or tilma. It was made of poor quality cloth that should have deteriorated within decades. Instead, 483 years later, the cloak shows no signs of decay. of the Guadalupe Basilica. The suspended crown atop the image dates back to 1895 and the image is protected by bulletproof glass and low-oxygen atmosphere. (Oct. 31, 2022)

In 1921 a bomb destroyed about 95% of this, the old Basilica of Guadalupe. Parishioners assumed that it was a “miracle,” but the explosion also caused what was left of the basilica to sink. By 1976 it was on the verge of collapse and a new basilica began being built in 1974 and was finally completed in 1976. The old basilica closed its doors for 24 years and when it opened again in 2000, it was called the Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey or Expiatory Temple to Christ the King or the Old Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe. (Oct. 31, 2022)

The exterior of the Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey or the Old Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City. The first stone of the basilica was placed on March 25, 1695 and construction ended in April 1709. The architect Pedro de Arrieta was the designer of this new temple for the Virgin of Guadalupe. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Inside the Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey or the Old Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. (Oct. 31, 2022)

Her non-traditional, colorful and challenging life were intrinsic to the self-portraits and controversial art she created that continues to captivate us viewers. Besides the Day of the Dead, her essence pulled me here to Mexico City. So, who is she? None other than Frida Kahlo herself.

This epic long official Day of the Dead celebration, could not have begun any better than with our visit to Coyoacán, where Kahlo was born, spent her childhood and came to the end of her life, now the Frida Kahlo Museum. It’s the house she lived in throughout her life and it contains a collection of her work, as well as artefacts, photographs and personal items.

I can see why Kahlo continued to live in Coyoacán, it’s a peaceful, green and charming place to call home. I’m glad we had time to explore this little gem before and after visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum.

After our time in Coyoacán, the Kahlo Museum and lunch, we made our way to the Museum Anahuacalli, established by Kahlo’s husband, Diego Rivera, to display his extensive collection of nearly 60,000 pre-Hispanic pieces spanning nearly every indigenous civilization in Mexico’s history. Built of black volcanic stone, in the 1940s, with the guiding hand of Rivera himself, the building is as much a piece of art and history as the historical pieces.

But there was still more.

After spending a lovely day in Coyoacán; the evening and into the night was reserved for a local Day of the Dead celebration in Tláhuac and the Barrios of La Magdalena and San Miguel.

Come join me for an exquisite day in Coyoacán, the Frida Kahlo Museum and celebrating the Day of the Dead with locals in Tláhuac.

Me in front of the altar of the Central Plaza or Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán, a borough in Mexico City. Coyoacán, which most likely means “place of coyotes,” is home to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The altar at the Central Plaza or Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán, the home of artist Frida Kahlo. Coyoacán, a borough of Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Art work in the park of the Central Plaza or Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán, a borough of Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The archway entrances of the Central Plaza or Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Jardin Centenario is the famous coyote fountain in the Central Plaza or Plaza Hildago in Coyoacán. It was inaugurated for the centenary of Mexican independence. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

One of the main highlights of this trip to Mexico City was to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum also known as La Casa Azul or the Blue House in Coyoacán. And, as you can see, other people had the same intentions which is why this museum is one of Mexico City’s most-visited museums. Before it became a museum in 1958, dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo, it was Kahlo’s childhood home and residence from 1939 until her death in 1954.
Kahlo, who was only 47 when she died, was born and raised in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood. She was known for her many portraits, self-portraits that often had strong autobiographical elements mixed with realism and fantasy. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The timed entry lines at the Frida Kahlo Museum also known as La Casa Azul or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The line to enter the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood. Timed entry tickets are required in advance to enter the museum. And, if you want to take photos, it costs a whopping 30 Pesos, that’s basically $1.50 USD. I sure didn’t come all this way to see this amazing place and not take photos. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The entrance to the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough or neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Garden courtyard inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough or neighborhood. The blue color of the house was later known to represent her admiration for the indigenous people of Mexico. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A gallery of Kahlo’s art work inside the Friday Kahlo Museum in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough or neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A Frida Kahlo (1907 – 1954) original inside the Museo Frida Kahlo in Coyoacán, a borough or neighborhood in Mexico City, titled “Marxism Will Give Health to the Sick” from 1954. (Nov. 1, 2022)

“Viva la Vida,” or “Long Live Life,” painted by Frida Kahlo in 1954 is part of the artist’s collection inside the Museo Frida Kahlo (1907 – 1954) in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A close-up of “Viva la Vida,” or “Long Live Life,” painted by Frida Kahlo in 1954 is part of the artist’s collection inside the Museo Frida Kahlo (1907 – 1954) in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A 1939 photo of Frida Kahlo by Nickolas Muray hanging on a gallery wall inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s borough of Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A gallery area of art and artifacts inside the Friday Kahlo Museum in Mexico City’s borough of Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A piece of art inside the Friday Kahlo Museum in Mexico City’s borough of Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The colorful kitchen area inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough or neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The art studio area, with Kahlo’s wheelchair, inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s borough of Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022).

The artist’s studio area, with Kahlo’s wheelchair, inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s borough of Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

My selfie in the mirror by the paints and paint brushes in Kahlo’s art studio inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

In the bedroom that Frida Kahlo used during the daytime, at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, is the mirror her mother placed above her day bed so she could continue to paint after a horrific trolley car accident left her broken and debilitated throughout much of her adult life. And, on the bedspread, wrapped in a scarf, rests Kahlo’s death mask. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Decorations around the adjoining room from Frida Kahlo’s bedroom that she used during the daytime, at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The pre-Colombian urn on the dressor in a bedroom Kahlo used, contains her ashes. On the left is a pre-Columbian urn containing Frida’s ashes inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

My selfie in the garden of the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, a Mexico City borough. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The garden courtyard area of the Casa Azul or Blue House of the Frida Kahlo Museum where she was born and lived a majority of her life in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The colorful genealogical altar of Kahlo’s family inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough or neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A pyramid in the lush garden courtyard of the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán displaying pre-Hispanic pieces. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The lush garden courtyard of the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán displaying pre-Hispanic pieces. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The entrance to an exhibit of Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

An exhibit of Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe inside the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Casa Azul/Blue House in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood where Kahlo was born, lived most of her life and died. The display showcases the wardrobe found in Kahlo’s bathroom in 2004. It features skirts, blouses, rebozos, headgear, shoes, outfits that show how, through attire, the artist revisited her family tradition, hid her disability, and constructed her iconic image. (Nov. 1, 2022)

On this photo in the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán is written: “Mother (Oaxaca) Matilde Calderon age 7 1890. Matilde Kahlo Calderon now with four daughters Matita, Adri, Frida and Cristi.” The photo by Ricardo Ayluardo is dated from 1890. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Young Frida Kahlo taken in 1932 and displayed at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The crutches, corsets and medicines attest to the surgeries and physical ailments Kahlo suffered from a horrific trolley car accident that left her broken as a youth and debilitated throughout much of her adult life are on display with her wardrobe at the Friday Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. And, her husband Diego Rivera’s incorrigible philandering – once even with Kahlo’s own younger sister, Cristina – only exacerbated her pain. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A display of a variety of Kahlo dress items and accessories at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A close-up of a decorative top Kahlo wore on display at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A red leather embroidered lace-up boot with a bell attached was designed by Kahlo when her leg was amputated in 1953. It is on display at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Several designers like Rei Kawakubo, Dai Rees and Jean Paul Gaultier reinterpreted Kahlo’s corset designs as the perfect symbol of her physical fragility and yet her resilience. These designers used Kahlo’s designs to stylize their own designs from Kahlo’s use of the corset as a medical contraption. Kahlo wore corsets as the result of a horrific trolley car accident that left her broken as a youth and debilitated throughout much of her adulthood. These designer garments along with Kahlo’s wardrobe are on display at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A close-up of the designer Dia Rees’ corset bodice in natural tanned leather at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Freckles, orthopaedic corset in salmon worn over a short dress with a flesh coloured silk ruffle printed with brown freckles was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier and is on display at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Tragically, at 18, Kahlo was travelling on a bus that collided with a trolley that killed many of the passengers onboard. She was impaled by a handrail that went straight through her pelvis, the impact of which apparently also tore off all her clothes. Confined to bed for three months following the accident, Kahlo began to paint. She became bedridden for the next nine months and had to stay in the hospital for several surgeries.
Her striking appearance was a political statement – she crafted her identity to reflect her own mixed-race heritage and allegiance to Mexico. Her wardrobe includes examples of traditional Mexican dress – rebozos (fringed shawls), embroidered huipiles (square-cut tops), enaguas (skirts) and holanes (flounces), as well as corsets painted with religious and communist symbolism. Photo of Kahlo wearing one of her plaster corsets from the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Dressing Gown designed by Ricardo Tisci inspired by Frida Kahlo at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

After the Frida Kahlo Museum, there was time to explore the street food and vendors in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Coyoacán street food and vendors. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A courtyard along the Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán is decorated for the Day of the Dead with an altar and statues of Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera inside. (Nov. 1, 2022)

A Day of the Dead altar in a courtyard along the Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Statues of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in a courtyard along the Plaza Hidalgo in Coyoacán. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Built of black volcanic stone, our next stop, the Anahuacalli Museum, which means “House Surrounded by Waters or Lakes,” was planned by Frida Kahlo’s husband, Diego Rivera, in the 1940s to display his extensive collection of nearly 60,000 pre-Hispanic pieces spanning nearly every indigenous civilization in Mexico’s history. It was also intended as a city of the arts. Rivera used on-site volcanic rock from the lava flow eruption of Mount Xitle. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The entrance to the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The first floor pre-Hispanic art room inside the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City is decorated as an altar for the Day of the Dead. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The mosaics on the roof of each hall vary in color and complexity inside the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. While the designs of the ground floor mosaics are monochromatic, the mosaics on the upper sections were made with stones of different colors. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Inside the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Both Diego and Frida were obsessed with death, which can be seen throughout their art. And, here at the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City, these two statues are named Diego and Friday. The description states: The dream of Diego and Frida was that their ashes will rest here, hopefully one day their dream will come true. Kahlo was cremated and her ashes are at her home in La Casa Azul or the Blue House where she was born, raised and lived for the majority of her life in Coyoacán. And, contrary to his last wish—to be cremated and have his ashes placed alongside Frida’s, so that they would be together eternally after death—Diego was buried in a pre-Hispanic-style tomb at the Rotunda of Illustrious Men in the Panteón Civil de Dolores cemetery in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Diego and Friday section inside the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. The description for these statues states: The dream of Diego and Frida was that their ashes will rest here, hopefully one day their dream will come true. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Solar Disk on the rooftop terrace of the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Me on the rooftop terrace of the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Views of the square below where the Chocolate Festival took place at the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

It was a festival of chocolates, mainly a tasteful variety of dark chocolates at the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

My Day of the Dead face-painted tour group members after a rather delicious lunch at a small restaurant in Mexico City before heading out to Tláhuac and the Barrios of La Magdalena and San Miguel to see how a small local community honors its ancestors on this official Day of the Dead. From left: me, Andrew, Lulu, Brittany, Anja, Denise, Maria, Salome and Maria. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Families are out in celebration of the Day of the Dead in the La Magdalena neighborhood of Tláhuac. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Avenida Hidalgo leading to the San Pedro Apóstol Church in the Tláhuac neighborhood of La Magdalena. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The San Pedro Apóstol Church in Tláhuac is the church at the center of what was once – all of Tláhuac – an island to itself. In fact, it remained an island until well into the colonial period. Settled at the end of the 12th century, today it’s a charming pueblito or small town. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Inside the San Pedro Apóstol de Tláhuac in the La Magdalena neighborhood. (Nov. 1, 2022)

In the atrium of the San Pedro Apóstol de Tláhuac in the La Magdalena neighborhood is this Mesoamerican ball game ring. The game, where you kick a ball thru the hole, was played by the Mayans but also throughout Mexico. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Thank you Salome for this beautiful photo of our guide for the evening dressed as a “Catrina,” a popular costume in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Catrinas typically feature calavera (sugar skull) make-up. (Nov. 1, 2022)

At the home and family altar or shrine of the Galicia Maldonado family in Tláhuac’s Bario San Miguel as they honor their loved ones who have passed away during this Day of the Dead celebration. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Day of the Dead decorated home of the Galicia Maldonado family in Tláhuac’s Bario San Miguel as they honor their loved ones who have passed away. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Panteón San Pedro Tláhuac is a cemetery in Mexico City. The town’s people have the custom of watching over the deceased on the night of November 1 and early morning of November 2. The pantheon is filled with food, music and joy for being with loved ones who have already left. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The Panteón San Pedro Tláhuac, a cemetery with Day of the Dead decorations, in Mexico City. (Nov. 1, 2022)

The group activities scheduled for today were just not for me. And, even though yesterday was an absolutely incredible day, it was also a full day starting at 8 am and not finishing until around 10:30 pm when we finally arrived back at the hotel. I needed a break and decided to take one and I’m so happy I did.

For me, it was a leisurely breakfast before taking an Uber to the National Anthropology Museum where I leisurely spent the afternoon before taking an Uber back to my hotel. This is what I would call a truly wonderful travel day. No rush, no fuss just allowing myself to take in the experience and enjoy the moment. And, there’s a lot to take in with this historically packed and beautiful museum. I’m so glad I was able to enjoy it at my own pace.

And, after returning to the hotel, I had time to kick back and take a little break before meeting my Intrepid Travel group in the hotel lobby for our last group gathering and dinner.

Here’s to a casual day in Mexico City at it’s brilliant National Anthropology Museum and a group dinner ending to our Day of the Dead tour.

Me under the carved and decorated Central Courtyard Umbrella of the Museo Nacional de Antropología or National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The largest and most visited museum in Mexico, the MNA contains significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from some of Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage, including Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltec, Aztecs, Huastecs and more which flourished for nearly 4,000 years before the first contact with Europeans. The museum is so huge that the close to four hours I spent there only got me through three of the sections: Sala Los Mayas, the Aztecs and Teotihuacan. (Nov. 2, 2022)

A reproduction of a Mayan temple inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Mayan artifacts inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The Mayan Sala inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Murals along the Mayan Sala inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

A replica of a Mayan temple in the outdoor courtyard of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The Bonampak building of the Sala Maya in the outdoor courtyard of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City houses the brightly colored reproduction murals of war. (Nov. 2, 2022)

A close-up of the reproduction mural of war in room 2 the Bonampak building of the Sala Maya in the outdoor courtyard of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The recreation of K’inich Hanab Pakal, also known as Pakal the Great’s (March 603 – August 683) mausoleum in the Sala Maya inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The actual sarcophagus contained the body wrapped in a funerary bundle covered with cinnabar, a highly toxic, red-colored mineral. His body was adorned with many jade objects that are displayed here on a modern reproduction of Pakal’s body. Pakal, the ruler of the Mayan city-state of Palenque, expanded the area’s power in the western part of the Mayan states and initiated a building program that produced some of the Mayan civilization’s finest art and architecture during his reign of 68 years. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The funerary mortuary mask of Pakal the Great at the Sala Maya inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is incrusted with more than 200 tiny carved, polished and perfectly assembled bits of jade mosaic to create an extraordinary masterpiece. His body was adorned with many jade objects that are displayed here on a modern reproduction of Pakal’s body. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The Piedra del Sol at the Sala Aztec inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The “Sun Stone” is a large stone monolith unearthed in 1790 in Mexico City . It depicts the five eras of Aztec mythical history with calendric images. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The goddess head of Coyolxauhqui and the Piedra del Sol at the Sala Aztec inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

A close-up of the Stone of the Sun at the Sala Aztec in the National Archaeological Museum in Mexico City. The “Sun Stone” is a large stone monolith unearthed in 1790 in Mexico City. It depicts the five eras of Aztec mythical history with calendric images. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The goddess head of Coyolxauhqui at the Sala Aztec inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Inside the National Museum of Archaeology in the Sala Teotihuacán is this colorful replica of the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent -also known as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Sculpture from Teotihuacán with the mural at the entryway showing what has been identified as the Great Goddess of Teotihuacanthe in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

A mural showing what has been identified as the Great Goddess of Teotihuacán in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Face masks and murals at the Sala Teotihuacán in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

The two skull sculptures were excavated in 1917 and the half circle skull disc of Mictlantecutli, the god of death in the Mexica origin, was found in 1963 at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán and are on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Thank you Andrew for the group photo of our Intrepid Travel farewell dinner at the Raffaello Restaurant in Mexico City. Starting at front to the left: Maria, Andrew, Lulu, Sharon, Graham, Brittany, Denise, our Intrepid leader Nathan, Salome, me, Kathy and Maria. (Nov. 2, 2022)

Teotihuacán an ancient site of more than 2,000 years old, and just outside of modern-day Mexico City, was the largest city in the Americas and is known today as the site of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas, namely the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.

I thought I was being picked up by a driver and then taken to a group where we would all do the balloon ride together and then, with a guide, do the walking tour of Teotihuacán. Except, I was the only person. And, from the pick up at my Hotel Geneve in Mexico City a little after 5:00 a.m. to the drop off back at the hotel, things went perfectly and made for an absolutely beautiful day out.

Ariadna, my guide and Edgar, our driver brought me to the Aventura en globes balloon airport just outside of Mexico City. It was a hefty cost of $225 for the air balloon ride, a delicious breakfast afterwards and a guided tour of Teotihuacán, but there are just some things worth doing and that you just don’t want to miss. I figured, I came all the way to Mexico City, I may as well splurge on something I really wanted to do and viewing Teotihuacán from high up and on the ground was important to me. And, it was worth every penny.

The morning was cool, but the afternoon was hot. I think that’s why all the walking tour programs recommend dressing in layers plus bringing a hat, water and sunscreen when walking through the ancient site.

It was so worth spending an extra day in Mexico City for the hot air balloon ride and guided walk through this ancient and treasured archaeological site. Here’s to my day in the sky and on the ground of Teotihuacán.