I’ve been pretty bogged down with work lately so I am playing catch-up with my 2025 travels. Here is a recap of a trip I did to Mexico City in March of 2025!
When I planned my trip to Mexico City, I knew it would be a whirlwind of history, culture, and incredible food—but nothing quite prepared me for the intensity and beauty of those 72 hours. From majestic castles to bustling plazas, from savoring street tacos to hiking near ancient volcanoes, the city and its surroundings offered a vivid adventure that I won’t forget anytime soon.
Day 1: Majestic Views at Chapultepec Castle and the Heart of the City
My first morning started with a visit to Chapultepec Castle, perched high on a hill inside one of the largest city parks in the world. Walking through the castle’s grand rooms, I felt the weight of Mexico’s history—the echoes of emperors, presidents, and revolutionaries who once roamed those halls. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering sweeping panoramas of the sprawling city below.
After soaking in the history and scenery, I headed to the Zócalo, the bustling main square at the heart of Mexico City. The sheer scale of the plaza was impressive, surrounded by colonial buildings, including the towering Metropolitan Cathedral. It was easy to imagine the layers of history unfolding here—from Aztec times through Spanish conquest to modern Mexico. The energy in the square was palpable; locals mingled, street performers entertained, and the city’s pulse was alive.
A Tacos Lover’s Dream
One of the best parts of Mexico City is its food scene, and I dedicated my afternoon to sampling tacos from every corner I could find. Whether it was tacos al pastor sizzling on vertical spits or fresh, tangy tacos de pescado, each bite was a revelation. I hopped between small street stalls and lively markets, savoring the bold flavors, spicy salsas, and homemade tortillas. I quickly realized that chasing tacos became its own adventure—each spot had its own unique spin and local charm.
Day 2: Volcanic Majesty Near Puebla
The next day, I ventured outside the city to explore the spectacular volcanoes near Puebla—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Their towering presence is deeply woven into Mexican legend and history. The story tells of two lovers—Popocatépetl, the warrior volcano, and Iztaccíhuatl, the sleeping woman—whose tragic tale explains the shape of the mountains. Standing at the foot of these giants, I was humbled by their raw power and the connection locals feel to this natural landscape.
The region around Puebla also offered charming colonial towns and a chance to experience Mexico beyond the urban sprawl. The contrast between the modern buzz of Mexico City and the serene volcanic landscapes made for a refreshing day of discovery.
Day 3: Mysteries of the Ancient Pyramids
No trip to Mexico City is complete without visiting the ancient pyramids just outside the city, and on my final day, I made the pilgrimage to Teotihuacán. Walking along the Avenue of the Dead, I was struck by the grandeur and mystery of this once-great city. Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun was a challenge, but reaching the top and looking out over the ruins was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The pyramids are a testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of the ancient peoples who built them long before the Aztecs. The silence and scale of the site transported me back in time, making it clear why this place remains sacred and captivating to so many.
Final Thoughts
In just 72 hours, Mexico City and its surroundings offered me a journey through centuries of history, flavors, and landscapes. From the heights of Chapultepec Castle to the volcanic peaks near Puebla, from the vibrant energy of the Zócalo to the mystical pyramids of Teotihuacán, every moment was a discovery.
This city is a place where the past lives vividly alongside the present, and where every street, every meal, and every view tells a story. My trip was a reminder of the incredible richness of Mexico’s culture and the warmth of its people—and I can’t wait to return.
If you want me to add more personal anecdotes or details about the food or hikes, just let me know!
How to Spend 72 Hours in Mexico City
I’ve been pretty bogged down with work lately so I am playing catch-up with my 2025 travels. Here is a recap of a trip I did to Mexico City in March of 2025!
When I planned my trip to Mexico City, I knew it would be a whirlwind of history, culture, and incredible food—but nothing quite prepared me for the intensity and beauty of those 72 hours. From majestic castles to bustling plazas, from savoring street tacos to hiking near ancient volcanoes, the city and its surroundings offered a vivid adventure that I won’t forget anytime soon.
Day 1: Majestic Views at Chapultepec Castle and the Heart of the City
My first morning started with a visit to Chapultepec Castle, perched high on a hill inside one of the largest city parks in the world. Walking through the castle’s grand rooms, I felt the weight of Mexico’s history—the echoes of emperors, presidents, and revolutionaries who once roamed those halls. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering sweeping panoramas of the sprawling city below.
After soaking in the history and scenery, I headed to the Zócalo, the bustling main square at the heart of Mexico City. The sheer scale of the plaza was impressive, surrounded by colonial buildings, including the towering Metropolitan Cathedral. It was easy to imagine the layers of history unfolding here—from Aztec times through Spanish conquest to modern Mexico. The energy in the square was palpable; locals mingled, street performers entertained, and the city’s pulse was alive.
A Tacos Lover’s Dream
One of the best parts of Mexico City is its food scene, and I dedicated my afternoon to sampling tacos from every corner I could find. Whether it was tacos al pastor sizzling on vertical spits or fresh, tangy tacos de pescado, each bite was a revelation. I hopped between small street stalls and lively markets, savoring the bold flavors, spicy salsas, and homemade tortillas. I quickly realized that chasing tacos became its own adventure—each spot had its own unique spin and local charm.
Day 2: Volcanic Majesty Near Puebla
The next day, I ventured outside the city to explore the spectacular volcanoes near Puebla—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Their towering presence is deeply woven into Mexican legend and history. The story tells of two lovers—Popocatépetl, the warrior volcano, and Iztaccíhuatl, the sleeping woman—whose tragic tale explains the shape of the mountains. Standing at the foot of these giants, I was humbled by their raw power and the connection locals feel to this natural landscape.
The region around Puebla also offered charming colonial towns and a chance to experience Mexico beyond the urban sprawl. The contrast between the modern buzz of Mexico City and the serene volcanic landscapes made for a refreshing day of discovery.
Day 3: Mysteries of the Ancient Pyramids
No trip to Mexico City is complete without visiting the ancient pyramids just outside the city, and on my final day, I made the pilgrimage to Teotihuacán. Walking along the Avenue of the Dead, I was struck by the grandeur and mystery of this once-great city. Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun was a challenge, but reaching the top and looking out over the ruins was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The pyramids are a testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of the ancient peoples who built them long before the Aztecs. The silence and scale of the site transported me back in time, making it clear why this place remains sacred and captivating to so many.
Final Thoughts
In just 72 hours, Mexico City and its surroundings offered me a journey through centuries of history, flavors, and landscapes. From the heights of Chapultepec Castle to the volcanic peaks near Puebla, from the vibrant energy of the Zócalo to the mystical pyramids of Teotihuacán, every moment was a discovery.
This city is a place where the past lives vividly alongside the present, and where every street, every meal, and every view tells a story. My trip was a reminder of the incredible richness of Mexico’s culture and the warmth of its people—and I can’t wait to return.
If you want me to add more personal anecdotes or details about the food or hikes, just let me know!
dhavalilama
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