Tag Archives: Mexico

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Dusk to Dawn in North America’s Largest City

Catedral Metropolitana, Mexico

Mexico City is bursting with so many different things to see and do, but if you only have one day to spend in the city, narrowing down all of your options can be quite tough. To make your life easier, this itinerary is perfect for those who only have a day to spare, and showcases some of the finest landmarks and sights that the city has to offer.

El Paseo de la Reforma
Begin your day in Mexico City at El Paseo de la Reforma, which is a famous avenue that sports many European influences. It begins at the city center, and runs all the way to the Chapultepec Castle, with several cultural highlights along the way, from the fountain of Diana the Huntress to the Angel of Independence.

Castillo de Chapultepec and the Museo Nacional de Historia
Castillo Chapultepec is a historic castle that has served many roles over the past, and today is home to the Museo Nacional de Historia. When entering the park, you will need to make your way down to the bottom of the hill to explore the castle, which is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. From here, there is special transportation to take visitors to the museum at the top, although you can also access it via a fifteen minute walk. While you may not have time to fully explore the collection here, the view of the city from the balcony of the museum is definitely not to be missed.

Catedral Metropolitana
Once you have explored Castillo de Chapultepec, head back to the city center to take a look around the Catedral Metropolitana. This cathedral sits on top of ancient Aztec temple ruins, and there are even a few remaining walls that you can check out. At one point in time, the cathedral was considered to be endangered, as the soft clay soil it was built on led to it sinking dramatically, but it has now been reconstructed to guarantee its conservation. While at the cathedral, be sure to sample one of the cookie-like biscuits that you will find here, cooking over a grill. Known as gorditas de nata, these are usually served up in a stack, which is rolled in wax paper, and should always be eaten while still warm.

Templo Mayor and Museo del Templo Mayor
Templo Mayor is where you will be able to see the ruins of an Aztec pyramid, with walkways laid across the dig site to ensure that visitors enjoy a good view. The museum here is equally fascinating, with over 6000 items on display, so be sure to allocate a couple of hours to explore its offerings.

Pata Negra
Since you likely grabbed a quick street food snack for your lunch, head to Pata Negra for an exceptional meal to round out your day. If you have a few hours to spare, the venue begins to play music later on in the evening, from modern to Latin, while Wednesdays sees free salsa classes being hosted here.

A single day in Mexico City is not nearly enough to even scratch the surface on all that the city has to offer. However, this itinerary will give you a brief taster of some of the city’s highlights, and guarantees an unforgettable, and educational, day out.

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Eat Your Way Through Mexico City’s Historic City Center

Mexican street food

Mexico City’s Historic Center is filled with remnants of the city’s heritage, and while its museums and landmarks are definitely educational to explore, you will also not be able to ignore the tantalizing aromas that waft over from the area’s many street food stalls. From tlacoyos to tamales, these are some of the street foods that you simply have to try.

Tamales and Atole
If you are seeking a street food snack to start your day with, then look for a stall that serves up tamales and atole. This is one of the most popular of street food dishes, and features steamed, corn husk pockets of masa that have been stuffed with a meat or cheese. Atole is a hot corn-based beverage that has been sweetened with unrefined sugar and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, and perfectly balanced out the tamale to result in a fresh and filling breakfast.

Tlacoyos
Believed to have been created by the original inhabitants of Toluca, a town that lies 40 miles west of Mexico City, tlacoyos are a snack that has barely changed since Aztec times, making this a truly authentic street food snack. These eye-shaped discs of blue corn masa are stuffed with a filling of your choice, whether this may be braised pork belly, mashed fava beans or fresh Mexican cheese, before being cooked on a large, open-air griddle. The crispy cakes are then topped with either wild spinach or grilled cactus paddles, before being drizzled with cotija cheese and red or green salsa.

Jugo
Mexico is home to quite the selection of fresh produce, and the juice bars that you will find all over the Historic Center make the most of these, while providing a refresher from the sun’s intense heat. Whether you opt for a single fruit or a more elaborate, mixed blend, these juices never fail to hit the spot on a hot day in the city.

Tostadas
Tostadas are deep-fried corn tortillas with a delicious topping, and while they may sometimes be quite simple and humble, many street food stalls are now putting their own spin on this Mexican staple. Many stalls in the Historic Center will serve up dozens of varieties of tostada toppings, with everything from fresh shrimp, tomato and chilli to pork in mole.

Tacos al Pastor
While you may come across several delicious street eats in Mexico City, the majority of these have usually originated elsewhere. However, tacos al pastor is one of the only dishes to have actually originated in the capital itself, and were hugely influenced by the city’s Lebanese immigrants in the 1950’s. A variant of the Middle Eastern shawarma, this dish features marinated grilled meat that is thinly sliced, before being topped with onions and coriander, and then rolled up in a tortilla.

You will find a street food stall parked on just about every street corner in Mexico City, but this is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the city. From freshly fried tlacoyos to flavorful tostadas, you should definitely not leave the city without tasting these foods at least once.

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Travel Advice for Mexico

traveling couple

Travelling to a new destination for the first time can often be quite daunting, especially if you are not quite sure exactly what to expect. From safety tips to shopping tips, here are a few snippets of travel advice that promise to be a useful read before you set off for Mexico.

Avoid Flagging Taxis on the Street
While hailing a cab from the side of the street may not seem like a dangerous activity, this is a way in which a number of tourists are targeted each year, as thieves either pose as taxi drivers, or work with taxi drivers, to take advantage of visitors. Instead, if you need a taxi, have your hotel or restaurant call you one, so that you can be sure that they are from a reputable company.

Pack Breathable Fabrics
Many people travel to Mexico and watch in wonder as the locals go about their business in long, covered clothing, especially when the heat is really beating it down. However, the secret here is the fact that their clothing is made from breathable fabrics, such as cottons and linens. Even the traditional huipil, which is still worn throughout eastern Mexico, is made from cotton to ensure that the wearer does not end up feeling too hot. So, when packing your suitcase, be sure to leave the synthetics at home and opt for natural fabrics as much as possible.

Try to Speak Some Spanish
When visiting a new country, it is always a good idea to learn a few words in the local language beforehand. Not only does this improve upon your own language skills, but it is also something that locals will really appreciate when you are speaking to them. If you Spanish is extremely rusty, do not feel embarrassed, as locals are likely to help you out with your words and pronunciations rather than mock you.

Taste Regional Specialities
Mexican food is now available all over the world, but the food that you will actually encounter in Mexico is likely to be quite different from the Mexican cuisine you will have tasted in the past. While tacos, enchiladas and all of your other favorites will still be available, Mexican cuisine is so much more complex than this, and each region will have their own range of speciality dishes. From Mayan-influenced dishes to meals that date back to the Aztecs, make sure that you sample a wide variety of dishes when travelling to Mexico.

Don’t Drink Tap Water
The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink, and this includes the ice that is made from it, so be sure to purchase bottled water when travelling through the country. Some hotels may have purified tap water, but unless there is a sign stating this, be sure not to drink it.

Mexico is a diverse and fascinating country, with so much to offer. While you do need to take a few travel precautions when visiting, do not forget to let your guard down so that you can really enjoy the warmth and generosity that you will experience from locals.

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From Puebla to Choloula

Located just six miles west from the Mexican city of Puebla, Choloula is a city that boasts a range of unique attractions. From its Great Pyramid to its diverse churches, Choloula is a city that is steeped in history, making it a popular day trip destination for those that are visiting Puebla.

Piramide Tepanapa

Piramide Tepanapa
Famous for being the largest pyramid in the world, as well as the world’s largest monument, the Piramide Tepanapa is, without a doubt, Choloula’s most popular attraction. Also referred to as the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the pyramid can be found in the Cholula Archaeology Park, and visitors are able to walk through a 1200 foot tunnel that runs through the pyramid. The pyramid is made up of several pyramids that have been built on top of each other, and, over the years, archaeologists have dug around five miles of tunnels within the structure in order to explore it. There are guided tours available for visitors, and these will take you around some of the pyramid’s most impressive and unique features.

Museums
Being a city that is so packed with history and culture, it is no surprise that there are a number of museums in Cholula that are dedicated to preserving this. The authentically restored Franciscan Library has collections that span everything from religion to philosophy to fine art, while the Casa de la Cultura hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops that range from art to music to theater. For those who are hoping to learn more about the city itself, a visit to the Museo del Caballero Aguila is a must, as this museum offers a walking tour that showcases the history of Cholula, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of the longest continuously occupied neighbourhood in the country, from pre-Hispanic times to the modern day.

The Ex Convento de San Gabriel
Churches
Considering the size of Choloula, the fact that it has around 40 churches is quite impressive, and many of these are worthwhile landmarks that are both fascinating and educational to explore, boasting a variety of architectural styles. The Ex Convento de San Gabriel is one of the most popular religious sites in the city that tourists visit, as this walled garden is home to three different churches that date back to the 1500’s. This is one of the oldest churches in the city, with the rest of them dating between the 17th and 19th centuries, such as the Parish of San Pedro, the Nuestra Senora de los Remedios, and the San Francisco Acatepec.

In addition to being a beautiful historic destination, Choloula is also a university town, meaning that it is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, which is able to perfectly round off a day spent visiting the city’s cultural attractions. Whether you head off from Puebla to Choloula for just the afternoon, or decide to spend the night in the city so that you can explore it in more depth, Choloula is a destination that will teach you incredible amounts about the region’s history and past.

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Cuexcomate – An Unusual Landmark

Located in Mexico’s Puebla City, Cuexcomate is the smallest volcano in the world, making it quite the unusual landmark. Measuring 43 feet high, and with a base diameter of just 75 feet, Cuexcomate may be an extinct volcano, but it is well worth taking the time to visit.

Popocatepetl volcano
The Birth of Cuexcomate
It is believed that Cuexcomate dates all the way back to the year 1064, when the nearby Popocatepetl volcano, which lies between Mexico City and Puebla, erupted. Popocatepetl is frequently erupting, but this eruption was exceptionally violent, resulting in the creation of a secondary crater, otherwise known as Cuexcomate.

A Dark Past
Cuexcomate has experienced a dark past, as it used to be the site at which human sacrifices were carried out. Priests at the time were hoping to appease the Gods and convince them to stop the volcanoes in the area from erupting, as they were slowly destroying the city. They decided that human sacrifices were the way forward, and would throw young individuals into the fiery mountain, but, of course, this did not stop the eruptions, and the priests soon realized that their methods were not making a difference. In following years, the volcano was also used as a depository for those who committed suicide in nearby areas, once again contributing to the dark past that surrounds Cuexcomate.

Inside the Crater
In addition to standing out for being the smallest volcano in the world, Cuexcomate is also unique due to the fact that it boasts a metal spiral staircase that enables visitors to climb all the way down into the volcano’s crater. Once visitors reach the platform at the bottom, they are rewarded with views of the interior of a volcano that many will never have the opportunity to experience. From the pool of water below to the stalactites that hang off the rocks to the eight meter stretch of lava, the view from within is definitely surreal, especially with the addition of the waterfall that ebbs and flows based on the volcanic activity of Popocatepetl. While geographers claim that the volcano is unlikely to suddenly burst into activity, the increased eruptions that Popocatepetl has been experiencing leads some to believe that, if there were to be another violent eruption, the subterranean link between the two volcanoes might become active again, which would put a swift end to Cuexcomate.

Health Benefits
Many claim that, due to its unique features, visiting Cuexcomate brings about some interesting health benefits. With the magnetism that it attracts from nearby volcano Popocatepetl, as well as the sound of the water outside, visiting the volcano is said to be able to relieve stress and tension, while promoting overall good health.

Since Cuexcomate is situated in the residential neighborhood of La Libertad, the best way for tourists to pay it a visit is by arranging for a taxi to take you there and back. With this landmark being open every day of the week, it is easy to plan a visit, and will definitely leave you with a memorable experience.

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Street Foods to Enjoy in Puebla City

Street vendor
Many consider Puebla City to be the birthplace of traditional Mexican cuisine, making it no surprise that the city is one of Mexico‘s top foodie destinations. From the tasty hybrid dish of Tacos Arabes to freshly grilled Esquites and Elotes, these are some of the street foods that you simply have to try when visiting Puebla City.

Grilled Esquites and Elotes
Corn is an ingredient that has always played a significant role in Mexico, and while this street food may be a simple dish, it is a common one that can be found throughout the country. However, while most areas of Mexico choose to boil the corn, Puebla stands out by grilling it over charcoal, and then serving it up either in a cub, known as Esquites, or on the cob, known as Elotes, along with a flavorful helping of mayonnaise, cheese, lime and chili.

Tacos Arabes
Taco Arabes is a dish that can be described as a mix between a Middle Eastern Shawarma and an Al Pastor Taco, and was conceived after Lebanese immigrants brought the Shawarma to Mexico. This hybrid dish is a fantastic example of how globalization and immigration have had an impact on Puebla’s traditional cuisine, and, served up in a large pita-style bread, packed with spit-roasted pork and topped with lemon juice, is a dish that many find difficult to resist.

Cemitas
Cemitas
Many destinations have their own specialty version of a sandwich, and in the case of Puebla, this would be the Cemita. These sandwiches are made in a variety of ways, but are usually always quite over-the-top, and are commonly filled with pork Milanesa, Quesillo cheese, which comes from Oaxaca, onions, and chipotles, although there are plenty of other fillings to choose from.

Chalupas
Chalupas, which are not to be confused with the chalupas served up at fast food chains around the world, are one of Puebla’s most legendary street food dishes, and can be found frying on a multitude of street corners every evening. Consisting of corn tortillas that have only been lightly fried, and then topped with onions, salsa and shredded meat, chalupas are one of the most popular street food items in the city.

Empanadas
Empanadas
Just like Tacos Arabes, empanadas are not a traditional Mexican dish, having originated in Spain, but, when it comes to street food in Puebla City, a local version of empanadas can just about always be found. Unlike the empanadas that are served up around the rest of the country, the Puebla City version uses a flaky, pastry-like bread, and is baked into a triangle shape. Whether stuffed with mole, pineapple and ham, or a variety of other delicious fillings, this is a street food that is perfect for all times of the day.

The cuisine that you will find in Puebla City is unlike that of any other Mexican destination, which is why this city really stands out in the culinary world. From their unique take on Empanadas to the explosive flavors of the traditional Chalupa, these are some street food dishes that really need to be experienced in order to be truly appreciated.

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Mexico’s Luxury Spa Accommodations

Luxury resort

When it comes to a luxury spa hotel or resort, no setting can quite top what Mexico has to offer. With lush tropical jungles, secluded stretches of white sand, and a deep history of natural healing, Mexico is the perfect place to head to when you want a luxury spa getaway.

Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
Inspired by Mayan traditions, this luxury resort opened in 2008, and, situated just north of Playa del Carmen, sprawls out across 1600 acres of emerald jungles and pristine white beaches. The resort has 130 suites, each with their very own private plunge pool and individual docks. The resort’s spa is quite special – situated on its own little island, the spa’s setting seems almost magical. The treatment menu features everything from an Intuitive Wellness Massage to a Mayan Shaman Consultation, offering guests some of the best traditional healing methods around.

The Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas
Carved into a cliff on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, The Resort at Pedregal offers the ultimate in luxury – residential style villas dot the 24-acre resort, each boasting private plunge pools, rainforest showers, modern amenities, and, best of all, a personal concierge service. The resort’s spa, called Luna y Mar, was inspired by three specific aspects – the moon, the sea, and Mexican folk healing. By combining these three elements, the spa is able to offer some truly unique treatments that have a whole stream of guests coming back time and time again.

St. Regis Punta Mita, Punta de Mita
Situated about an hour’s drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, the St. Regis Punta Mita is a stunning Mexican resort that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Their wide range of guest rooms cater to a variety of needs, while their 10,000 square foot spa is one of the best in the area. Each treatment is specially customized to suit the needs of each guest, ensuring that specific issues are properly addressed, and the spa makes a concerted effort to ensure that all ingredients used are not only natural, but of the freshest quality.

Misión del Sol Resort and Spa, Cuernavaca
The Misión del Sol Resort and Spa is considered to be a destination spa. This wellness resort is all-inclusive, with the accommodations consisting of a mixture of rooms, apartments and villas, most of which feature separate living and dining areas. Every inch of the resort has been designed specifically to help harmonize the body, mind and soul, making this the ideal destination for those who want some time away from the grind of daily life. The spa offers a wide variety of treatments, and their extensive menu ensures that you leave feeling completely rejuvenated.

From Cabo San Lucas to Punta de Mita, there are luxury spas to be found all over Mexico. The very best ones manage to incorporate Mexico’s healing traditions, as well as native ingredients, so be sure to keep an eye out for treatments like this the next time you are at a Mexican spa.

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Travel Review of 2015

2015 saw more people than ever spreading their wings and travelling to new destinations, and, even though there were quite a few unfortunate events that occurred around the world, it was still, overall, a great year for the travel industry. From the biggest industry game-changers to the hottest emerging destinations of the year, here is OROGOLD’s travel review of 2015.

Woman holding passport

Passport Changes
Towards the end of 2015, several countries began to make a few changes in regards to passports. The Australian government announced that they would be trialling a new electronic cloud-based passport, doing away with the need for physical passports completely. Technology has also played a part in US-based passport innovations, with a new app called Mobile Passport enabling passengers to store their passports and travel details on their phones and other devices. The app has been proving successful, and will soon be introduced at many more American airports, something that OROGOLD is definitely excited about. Another major passport change that occurred at many countries around the world was the ability to be able to tick an ‘Other’ box when it comes to stating your gender, which was a change highly appreciated by a large number of people.

Do It Yourself
Advancements in technology have had a huge impact on travel in 2015, and the concept of being able to use this technology to make your journey more efficient and convenient has really caught on. From booking your flight online, downloading your boarding pass to your phone and checking in at the airport through a machine, the whole airport experience has become much more seamless. Hotels are also catching on to the trend, with the Mar Adentro Hotel in Mexico offering guests a high-tech ‘menu’ for them to customize their room, controlling everything from lighting concepts to room service. The Four Seasons has also launched a mobile app that enables guests to order anything they need from their phones, whether it be a midnight snack or an extra toothbrush.

Woman working on the laptop in an airplane

Airline Innovations
Airlines are constantly facing stiff competition, leading to new and exciting innovations as they each try their hardest to stay ahead of the curve. Onboard technology has seen some huge advancements, from WiFi being introduced across a larger number of airlines to the new entertainment system launched by Virgin America that is partnered with Netflix, Spotify and the New York Times, for some of the best in-flight entertainment around. Other airline innovations of 2015 include quieter cabins, wider seats, personal power outlets and a bigger emphasis placed on high-quality service and the customer experience. 2015 also saw airlines experimenting more with ticket prices, as they tested out ‘un-bundling’ their fares to offer lower prices to those who weren’t going to be checking in baggage or making use of other airline facilities.

2015 has been an exciting year when it comes to travel, and innovations in technology have played a significant role in this. From travelling around the world without the need for a passport to being able to control your entire journey from your smartphone, OROGOLD believes that each of these travel aspects are going to become much more mainstream in 2016.

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Mexico’s Cultural Hotspots

Welcoming over 20 million foreign visitors each year, Mexico is a country that appeals to just about every type of traveler. While many travel to Mexico to seek out its best beaches, jungles or food, there are others that want to soak up as much Mexican culture as possible during their trip, which is why OROGOLD has put together this quick guide on some of Mexico’s top cultural hot spots.

Chichen Itza pyramid.

Chichen Itza
Out of all of the Mayan cities on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is the largest, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. The most popular landmark here is the temple pyramid of El Castillo, which has huge astrological significance. Other Chichen Itza sites that OROGOLD would recommend visiting are the Great Ballcourt and El Caracol, a circular temple that was used by the Mayans as an astrological observatory.

Guanajuato

Charles Harker / Shutterstock.com

Guanajuato
The pretty colonial city of Guanajuato lies in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato, and used to be one of the richest silver mining regions in Mexico. The mining boom in the 16th Century led to the city being developed in a beautiful way, with stunning colonial architecture and gorgeous haciendas. Colorful alleyways and streets run in every direction, and since most of the traffic travels through the city’s network of underground tunnels, pedestrians are able to fully explore Guanajuato.

Uruapan, Michoacan.

Michoacan
Mexican heritage places a strong emphasis on arts and crafts, and one of the best regions to see this is Michoacan. Paracho is known as Guitar Capital, as it is famous around the world for being an artisan location that produces some of the finest guitars and stringed instruments. Patzcuaro is famous for its basketry and embroidery, while the artisans in Capula are able to craft the most beautiful objects out of clay, with over 400 different workshops in the area. If you are looking for one location where you can buy crafts from all over Michoacan, OROGOLD suggests visiting Quiroga, where you will have your pick of Michoacan’s best handicrafts.

Fine Arts Palace, Mexico City.

ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com

Mexico City
With a strong colonial past, a rich Aztec heritage, and its exciting new world additions, Mexico City is a great destination for those looking to experience some Mexican culture. Each of its 16 districts has managed to retain a sense of originality and individuality. The largest one is Alameda Central, which used to be an Aztec market, as well as an execution site during the Spanish inquisition. Other places in Mexico City that OROGOLD would recommend you visit include Arena Mexico, to see traditional Mexican wrestling, Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, one of the holiest Catholic sites in America, and Temple Mayor, one of the largest Aztec temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those seeking a vacation packed with culture, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Mexico. From ancient history to arts and crafts to stunning examples of colonial architecture, Mexico is overflowing with heritage and culture, no matter where in the country you visit.

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Best Mexican Destinations for Solo Travel

Traveling to a new country on your own can often be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language and are unfamiliar with the culture. When it comes to Mexico, there are some areas that it’s best to stay clear of if you are on your own, but there are many others that are known for their hospitality and generosity, making solo travelers feel extremely welcome. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best Mexican destinations for solo travel.

Ancient ruins in Tulum.

Tulum
Tulum is a quaint Mexican beach town located on the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a great place to relax while taking in the sights at your own leisurely pace. The beaches have managed to escape all of the development that is seen on other parts of the coastline, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some unspoiled natural beauty. Tulum is also known for its freshwater pools, many of which form an underground network of rivers that can be explored with a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. The Tulum ruins are just to the north of the town, and can easily be reached by renting a bike, or catching a taxi. These are known for being one of the Mayan civilization’s only walled cities, and are definitely worth the visit. OROGOLD recommends heading there early in the morning, to not only escape the heat, but also the majority of the crowds.

Cathedral in Mexico City.

hodschanas / Shutterstock.com

Mexico City
Mexico City is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, as many of the hotels and hostels have rooftop bars that are aimed at introducing solo guests to other travelers. This is the oldest city on the American continent, and, understandably so, is filled with many different museums and historic sites. The city is easy to navigate, and, if you don’t feel safe alone on the metro, taxis are easy to find. For those days where you don’t have a set itinerary, it is always enjoyable to wander through the city, appreciating the Art Deco, the street entertainment, and the fantastic array of authentic street snacks. If you have an afternoon to spare, OROGOLD recommends heading to Condesa, a laid-back area with a bohemian vibe and some cute outdoor cafés to sit back and do some people-watching.

Sunset in Huatulco

Huatulco
Situated in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco is a resort region that, until the 1980s, was nothing more than just a single fishing village. Development restrictions mean that building heights are limited, and each developed area is separated by areas of unspoiled coastline, leaving 12 miles of natural shoreline for you to explore. While such a developed area may not be for everyone’s tastes, it does come with its advantages, the main one here being that there is no end to the number of different activities on offer. From snorkeling to diving to surfing to cycling to rafting, there is so much to fill your day with while meeting other similar-minded travelers. If you start to feel a thirst for exploring more of the region, there are many tours that you can join, from visiting magnificent waterfalls to a guided tour of a coffee farm.

While many may believe that Mexico isn’t safe for a solo traveler, these thoughts are usually based on rumors. Mexican culture places a huge emphasis on hospitality and warmth, and this will make you feel comfortable and right at home, no matter where in Mexico you visit.