Highlights of Mexico City

After a brief five days in New York, it was time to start my next adventure, five months in Latin America. First stop Mexico City aka CDMX.

Mexico City is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world with a population of over 10 million people. It's also on the verge of collapse. Hotter and drier temperatures due to climate changes has caused a water shortage. A third of the city has daily water shutdowns.

As the legend goes, Aztecs followed their god, Huitzilopochtli, to a lake where they saw an eagle eating a snake while sitting on a cactus. Huitzilopochtli then told the people that that this spot would be their new home - which is now Mexico City. When the Spaniards conquered Mexico, they dried up the lake and built what we know as Mexico City. However, there is no bedrock and the city is rapidly sinking. Some estimates have the city uninhabitable by 2050 as it shrinks 20 inches per year.

I had five days in Mexico City before my central American tour started. Here are some highlights

Free Walking tour of historic downtown.

The Zocalo or historic central area of CDMX comprises the central government as well as archaeological sites. It is home to the major shopping district. Interestingly, the streets are separated by trade. There is a lighting street, one that sells dresses, one that sells sunglasses etc. The tour begins in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral in the Zócalo Square, core of politics, social movements, religion, traditions and festivities. Continues to the Templo Mayor, where we will learn about the Aztec heritage of the Mexican people and the old Plaza de Santo Domingo known for its beautiful colonial architecture. DOWNTOWN FREE TOUR MEXICO CITY

Free Walking tour of the Coyoacan area.

Through its cobblestone street and magnificent facades, we traveled back in time to colonial Mexico to hear the different stories about Hernan Cortés, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and many others that happen to live and reside in this dazzling place. COYOACAN FREE TOUR -

A Night at Luche Libre.

Luche Libre is a tradition, sporting event and entertainment all wrapped up into one. This freestyle wrestling is a national pastime. Since its introduction to Mexico in the early 20th century, it has developed into a unique form of the genre, characterized by colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and high-flying maneuvers. LUCHA LIBRE EXPERIENCE

Xochimilco Canals.

These canals are what's left of the major lake that Mexico City is built on. Most people go to the canals on a party boat with tequila and loud music. However, there are many families that still love on the canals and use them for organic farming. We will sail on canoe through the most conserved channels of Xochimilco wetland. During the tour, we will tell you about the history of the place and its importance to the sustainability of Mexico City. In your way, you will recognize the biological richness like birds, snakes, frogs and plants. We will arrive at a chinampa where you can get your hands dirty experiencing the ancestral technique of cultivation and discovering why it is considered a world heritage. Also, you will get involve in the diary activities in the chinampa like crop irrigation, harvest or seeding. Before going back to land, you will have time to relax and enjoy the peace of the place. This is a cultural tour that helps to promote the community development. Chinampas: Living an ancient culture - Airbnb

Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in Mexico, measuring in total just over 686 hectares (1,700 acres). Centered on a rock formation called Chapultepec Hill, one of the park's main functions is as an ecological space. The area encompassing modern-day Chapultepec has been inhabited and considered a landmark since the pre-Columbian era, when it became a retreat for Aztec rulers. In the colonial period, Chapultepec Castle was built here, eventually becoming the official residence of Mexico's president. Bosque de Chapultepec is divided into four sections, with the first section being the oldest and most visited. This section contains most of the park's attractions, including the castle, the Chapultepec Zoo, the Museum of Anthropology and a large lake where pedal boats can be seen.