Mexico City Entwines Myth and Modernity with Mayatour

Mexico City, the oldest inhabited city in the Americas and one of the most fascinating cities on earth, blends the mystery of its mythic past with today's cutting edge modernity. This destination of intriguing complexities and soulful discoveries offers travelers a diverse wealth of incredible attractions.

Shakespeare himself could not have created a more dramatic tableau. It was once the capital of the formidable Aztecs, Tenochtitlan, built on an island in the waters of Lake Texcoco at an elevation of 7,350 feet, surrounded by colossal moody volcanoes. At the time of the Spanish conquest nearly five hundred years ago, it was perhaps the grandest city in the world with 250,000 inhabitants, a city of splendid temples and housing, the nucleus of a seemingly impenetrable empire.

As fate would have it, when Hernan Cortes with his unlikely band of audacious adventurers arrived on the scene in 1519, he was mistaken for Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec's legendary superhero. Moctezuma welcomed the Pretender. The stage for terrifying confrontation was set. Tenochtitlan utterly ravaged. The end of an era; the beginning of another; the near extermination of a people by warfare and disease, the cruel colonization which followed, tempered by a handful of compassionate priests. The conquistadors built the grand "city of palaces" over the razed ruins of the Aztec capital.

Today some 25 million people call it home, making it one of the world's most populous cities. However, it is quite easy to navigate; many areas within walking distance; others by taxi taken at marked sites, or on a tour.

Special tourism police units have been installed in addition to new street lighting in many tourist areas, making the city a much safer place, but as in any metropolis, commonsense care especially after dark, is a must.

Exploration of the city's multifaceted environs usually begins at its historical center, the ancient Zocalo, one of the largest plazas in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, a multimillion-dollar renovation is continuing to further beautify this area. The largest colonial cathedral in the Americas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, was partially built from the rubble of the Aztec's holy shrine, the Templo Mayor, construction which took nearly 250 years, 1573 - 1813. Workmen excavating for the Metro in 1978 discovered an enormous round rock slab adorned by carvings of the moon goddess Coyolxuahqui in the underpinnings of the Zocalo. Thereafter, archaeologists found thousands of other fascinating artifacts including life-sized eagle warriors.

These antiquities are now on display in the Temple Museum. Diego Rivera's brilliant murals, a pictorial history of this fabulous land, grace the interior walls of the National Palace. Directly west of the Zocalo, the Alameda Central boasts the opulent Palace of Fine Arts, home of the national symphony and famous Ballet Folklorico of Mexico.

Many luxurious world-class hotels, fine gourmet restaurants, glitteringnight spots, and upscale shops are located in swanky Polanco and ritzy Zona Rosa. Embassies including the U.S. Embassy, banks, and the Mexican Stock Exchange are to be found on Mexico City's most splendid avenue, the Paseo de la Reforma. The beloved landmark, the glorious Angel of Independence, has been placed here. The base of this monument contains the remains of twelve heroes of Independence, including those of Miguel Hidalgo, Andres Quintana Roo, Jose Maria Morelos and Vicente Guerrero.

It was not until 1821 that Mexico finally overthrew the yoke of Spanish rule after bitter struggles dating back to September 16, 1810, when Father Hidalgo uttered his famous grito (shout) for independence. However, Mexico's tumultuous history even included its governance by Austrian Emperor Maximilian for a brief period, 1863 - 67. He remodeled the Castle of Chapultepec for his Empress Carlota as the official residence in exchange for the National Palace's then somewhat gloomy ambiance. Now the castle houses the National Museum of History. The 1,655 acre magnificent Chapultepec Park is one of the oldest natural parks in the Americas.

The world renowned National Museum of Anthropology and History is situated in this park. At its entrance, a large stone monument of Tlaloc, god of rain, bids you enter.

This fabulous museum with its unique collection of pre-Columbian art treasures houses the famous Aztec Calendar Stone and impressive exhibits of the archaeology and anthropology of the various culturesof Mexico.

The southern suburbs of San Angel and Coyoacan are enchanting. On Saturdays, San Angel is the scene of a fantastic Bazar Sabado (Saturday Bazaar) with an irresistible array of traditional crafts and modern artworks offered for sale. The cornflower blue Museo Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan displays some of her artwork and personal possessions, a few rooms remaining as they were during her lifetime. The small plaza nearby is ringed by charming restaurants, perfect for a lunchtime interlude.

The name says it all. Teotihuacan: "The City of the Gods," designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Inhabited 100 B.C. - A.D. 650 by an unknown people, the sophisticated Teotihuacanos, this spectacular archaeological site with its imposing pyramids and temples is a sight not soon forgotten. The Pyramid of the Sun is second in size only to the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. The mysterious energies are palpably real along the broad Avenue of the Dead. Some of the interior walls of residential palaces are adorned with intriguing frescoes. Perhaps the most famous mural is the multi-hued representation of "the paradise of the rain god."

The thrill of discovering enormously exciting Mexico City is an experience not to be missed but to be savored again, yet again. However, very likely, a lifetime is not time enough.

For tours to this fascinating area, contact Mayatour:
800-392-6292
info@mayatour.com • www.mayatour.com