The Aztecs and the altitude: getting high in Mexico City
Located in a large valley in the highlands of central Mexico, and sitting at an altitude of 2,240 m, Mexico City is one of the highest capitals in the world. Originally built by the Aztec civilization in 1325, the city was nearly destroyed during a 1521 attack by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, when he and his forces attempted to capture the city; but it ended up enduring a 79-day siege, which reduced most of the Aztec city to rubble. After finally managing to capture the city, it was rebuilt and has continued to expand ever since. Today it is the most populated city in Mexico with more than 8 million inhabitants.
Today, the city is a leading center of culture and popular music, and unsurprisingly, Mexico City has an extremely vibrant and diverse nightlife. The music scene offers jazz clubs, late-night parties, mariachi music, flamenco, Cuban and salsa clubs. For the more discerning, there is also opera, orchestra, and chamber music, plus many dance clubs, rock and roll bars, and Broadway-style theater shows.
Mexico City is famous for being one of the most difficult cities in the world to drive in due to hectic traffic, congested roads, and drivers who seem to follow their own rules. So instead of renting a car, it’s better to take a licensed taxi; one of the classic green and white VW Beatles that make up most of the city’s taxi fleet is a must.
If your time in Mexico City is limited, why not start the day in Condesa, the bohemian enclave just west of downtown, where you’ll find quaint cafes and great people-watching offerings. Then head to the indigenous street market and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the locals buying everything from poblano peppers to mangoes and lamb meat. After the market crowds, the Bosque de Chapultepec, a city forest, is a good place to seek solace and take a break from the fort of the people. Hotels in Mexico City range from cheap and cheerful hostels to the most luxurious and luxurious five-star hotels, so there is something for every budget.
Like most big cities in developing countries, Mexico City is a place of stark contrasts: glittering skyscrapers loom over fancy cafes and restaurants filled with wealthy upper-class Mexicans; however, there is also the poverty and stale smells of open sewers in the shanty towns, and there is always the risk of crime if sensible precautions are not taken.
However, most travelers describe Mexico City as an assault on the senses, and with so much color and noise, it is a place full of energy and visitors will never get bored.