The countdown has started…
… 30 days left!
The planning took off during the last month.
That’s what we can expect…
Mexico Pur
Our tour Mexico Pur booked at Miller Reisen took us from Frankfurt to Mexico from October 19 to November 11, 2019. Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tehuantepe, San Cristobal de las Casa, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, Tulum were our stops.
Table of Contents
Ready to go to Mexico
Ready to go to Mexico – flight from Frankfurt to Mexico City
We started with the S-Bahn to Stuttgart main station and continued with the ICE to Frankfurt main station.
After check-in Lufthansa brought us with a Boeing 747 from Frankfurt to Mexico City on time. During the landing approach we could enjoy the wonderful view of the sea of houses in the city. Because the plane had to take off during the first landing approach due to gusts of wind, we had a second chance to enjoy the view of the 29 million inhabitants of Mexico City.
Links to the stops of our Mexico trip 2019
Pure Mexico – Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tehuantepe, San Cristobal de las Casa, Palenque, Campeche, Merida,Tulum
Mexico Pure – Panoramas – Panoramas of Mexico (work in progress)
Countdown
Welcome Mexico City
Flight from Frankfurt to Mexico City
After arrival we tried to get to the passport control quickly. After a few meters we had to join a never ending queue. The passport control was still out of sight. We had the impression that “half the world” wanted to visit Mexico. After what felt like an eternity we could finally pick up our suitcases.
At the exit we were picked up by a driver of the travel organization. He brought us safely to our hotel Historico Central.
The hotel is located in the district Centro in the Calle de Bolívar 28. The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) and the Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México (Cathedral of Mexico City) were within walking distance. Immediately after checking in at the hotel we went on an exploratory tour. Av. 5 de Mayo, a well developed pedestrian zone near our hotel connects the Alameda Central Park with the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitucion). The Zócalo is surrounded by countless historical buildings such as the cathedral, the city hall and the Palacio Nacional with the seat of the prime minister of Mexico.
We were simply impressed by the beauty of the squares and the historical buildings.
Our first tour came to an end shortly before midnight.
Mexico City
Sunday in Mexico City
The breakfast buffet at the Hotel Historico Central tasted delicious. The first members of our tour group had already checked in. The first day in the city was at leisure.
We planned to visit the Alameda Central to Zócalo/Cathedral/Museo del Templo Mayor.
One of the first places to visit was the Palacio de Correos de Mexico (post office). A really impressive entrance portal. The route continued along Av Hidalgo with a view of the Museo Franz Mayer (Av. Hidalgo 45). The Alameda Central Park and Central Alameda Kiosk were the next stops. At Estación Hidalgo we had a great view of the Church of San Hipolito (Iglesia de San Hipólito y San Casiano). We walked past the Museo Convento De San Diego and SR HIDALGO to the Hemiciclo a Benito Juárez. Tribunal Superior de Justicia (Avenida Juarez Col. Centro) and the Chinese neighbourhood Barrio Chino (Dolores Street) were the other stops.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is an impressive building, as is the entrance area.
We walked along Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas and Calle de Tacuba towards the cathedral. The taxis and cycle stations at the República de Guatemala were interesting.
Zócalo – Plaza de la Constitucion and the Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México are the centre of Mexico City (CDMX). The Museo del Templo Mayor is right next door. Indian dances were performed on the Plaza Manuel Gamio. We strolled through Calle Moneda and then visited the Museo del Templo Mayor. Very interesting and highly recommended.
We crossed the Zócalo de la Ciudad de México past the town hall, visited a book fair and then made our way back to the hotel. We treated ourselves to a cappuccino in the Cafe de Historico. After a visit to the Arte metro station, we had dinner near the hotel. It tasted delicious. Great city!
Mexico City
Monday in Mexico City
After a delicious breakfast at the Hotel Historico Central, we first had to withdraw money from the HSBC. There are numerous ATMs just like ours.
At around 10.30am we went to the Bella Artes metro station. We bought four tickets at 5 MXN (approx. 25 ct) each and decided to take the Blue Line (2). On the way we realised that it was the wrong direction. At San Cosme metro station, the Blue Line (2) took us back to Pino Suarez station, a central junction. Now we took the Red Line (1) to Chapultepec station. Unfortunately, the entrance to Chapultepec Park was closed and we were unable to visit the Castillo de Chapultepec. What a pity!
At around 10.30am we went to the Bella Artes metro station. We bought four tickets at 5 MXN (approx. 25 ct) each and decided to take the Blue Line (2). On the way we realised that it was the wrong direction. At San Cosme metro station, the Blue Line (2) took us back to Pino Suarez station, a central junction. Now we took the Red Line (1) to Chapultepec station. Unfortunately, the entrance to Chapultepec Park was closed and we were unable to visit the Castillo de Chapultepec. What a pity!
Somewhat frustrated, we walked along the Hightway to Av. Paseo de la Reforma. The second entrance was also closed. Well, it was Monday! The parks are probably closed all over the world.
We walked along the wide Av. Paseo de la Reforma towards Hidalgo/Alameda Central. On the way to El Ángel de la Independencia, we marvelled at numerous decorative art figures.
We walked along the wide Av. Paseo de la Reforma towards Hidalgo/Alameda Central. On the way to El Ángel de la Independencia, we marvelled at numerous decorative art figures.
We passed a stand commemorating the 43 students kidnapped in 2014 and enjoyed a cappuccino at Starbucks Reforma Río Marne.
Our next stop was the Monumento a la Revolución. We took the lift up to the Monumento to enjoy the magnificent view over the city.
Our next stop was the Monumento a la Revolución. We took the lift up to the Monumento to enjoy the magnificent view over the city.
From the nearby Revolucion metro station, we took the Blue Line (2) to the Zócalo/Tenochtitlan station.
The metro trains were up to date, always on time and always clean. They are equipped with separate women’s compartments, which are taboo for men.
The metro trains were up to date, always on time and always clean. They are equipped with separate women’s compartments, which are taboo for men.
When the rain came, we headed for the hotel as quickly as possible. We enjoyed our dinner at El Campirano Centro, a highly recommended barbecue restaurant serving buffalo.
A digestive walk took us to the historic Reloj Otomano clock at the junction of Calle de Boliviar and Calle de Venustiano Carranza. It was getting dark and we rounded off the day.
A digestive walk took us to the historic Reloj Otomano clock at the junction of Calle de Boliviar and Calle de Venustiano Carranza. It was getting dark and we rounded off the day.
Mexico City – Sightseeing
Tuesday in Mexico City
After breakfast at the Hotel Historico Central, the tour group met up. 17 people from the DACH countries, the tour guide Juan Garcia and Victor our bus driver were to accompany us to Tulum until the end of the tour.
The children Ursula and Tanja with their parents from Rheinfelden (CH), Anne from Berlin and Maria from Leipzig, Christa from Hamburg, Alwin from Vienna, Martina from St. Gallen (CH), Jürgen from Paderborn, the FCK fan Juliane from Kaiserslautern, Irmgard and Claus M. from Einsiedeln (CH, Paraguay), Simone and Stefan with their 3 children from Lausitz, Ingrid from Salzburg and Inge and Hans.
After getting to know each other, the group set off at around 8.30 am on a tour of the city in the direction of Bella Artes. A visit to the post office, the cathedral and the Templo Mayor were on the programme. The visit to the National Museum – Diego Riviera – had to be cancelled due to a protest action by large landowners in front of the building.
The Placido Nacional just round the corner was our next stop. Past the town hall and across the Placa Zócalo, we waited at the bus stop for our bus.
Victor, the bus driver, took us along Av. Pseo de la Reforma to the Museo Nacional de Antropología. Here we learnt a lot about the Aztecs, Mayans, Tula and Oaxaca. The explanations given by our tour guide Juan Garcia were very detailed and easy to understand. Juan Garcia had studied to be a teacher in Mexico and worked for some time in Hamburg. He was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent German.
We had lunch at the museum at around 1.00 pm.
We had lunch at the museum at around 1.00 pm.
In the afternoon, Victor took us to the Museo Dolores Olmedo. Here we were able to see paintings by the most important Mexican modernist painter Diego Riviera and the painter Frieda Kahlo, one of the most important representatives of the popular development of surrealism.
We continued with Victor to the university and the Olympic Stadium. These are located in the Coyoacán district. Unfortunately, we couldn’t avoid the rain, so the visits were short and sweet.
We continued with Victor to the university and the Olympic Stadium. These are located in the Coyoacán district. Unfortunately, we couldn’t avoid the rain, so the visits were short and sweet.
After visiting a cathedral and the Mercado de Coyoacán market hall, we reached the Frieda Kahlo Museum. We had dinner in Calle Aende. Victor then drove us safely back to the hotel.
A short evening walk took us to the Cafe del Centro, Donceles 96b. There we enjoyed orange juice, cappuccino and cake.
A short evening walk took us to the Cafe del Centro, Donceles 96b. There we enjoyed orange juice, cappuccino and cake.
Mexico City – Teotihuacan
Hotel Historico Central
Basilica Guadalupe
Teotihuacan
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Mexico City – Puabla – Oaxaca
From Mexico City to Oaxaca
Stop in Puebla
Sierra
Oaxaca
Hotel Casa Conzati
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Sierra
Oaxaca
Hotel Casa Conzati
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Oaxaca / Monte Alban
Oaxaca
Hotel Casa Conzatti
Monte AlbanOaxaca- Zapoteken
https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Monte AlbanOaxaca- Zapoteken
https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Oaxaca / Mitla
Oaxaca
Hotel Casa Conzatti
Santa Maria del Tule
Mittla
Archaeological site built by the Zapotecs
Pittoreske Kleinmärkte
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Santa Maria del Tule
Mittla
Archaeological site built by the Zapotecs
Pittoreske Kleinmärkte
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Oaxaca – Tehuantepec
From Oaxaca-to Tehuantepec
Sierra Madre del Sur
Pazifikstrand
Hotel BW Calli
Pazifikstrand
Hotel BW Calli
Tehuantepec – Azteken
https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Tehuantepec – San Cristobal d.l.C
From Tehuantepec to San Cristobal d.l.C
In the morning drive to San Cristobal de las Casa in Chiapas
In the afternoon boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon Rio Grijalva
Mini alligators, toucans, pelicans, herons in Sumidero NP
City tour
Hotel Mansion del Valle
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In the afternoon boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon Rio Grijalva
Mini alligators, toucans, pelicans, herons in Sumidero NP
City tour
Hotel Mansion del Valle
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San Cristobal d.i.C / Chamula, Zinacantan
San Cristobal d.i.C
Hotel Mansion del Valle
Chamula, Zinacantan
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Chamula, Zinacantan
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San Cristobal d.i.C – Palenque
From San Cristobal d.i.C to Palenque
Misol-Ha waterfall
Mayastadt Palenque
Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque
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Palenque – Maya
Uxmal – Maya
Cacamul – Maya
Ek Balam – Mayahttps://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Mayastadt Palenque
Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque
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Palenque – Maya
Uxmal – Maya
Cacamul – Maya
Ek Balam – Mayahttps://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Palenque – Campeche
From Palenque to Campeche
City tour Campeche
Hotel Plaza Campeche
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Hotel Plaza Campeche
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Campeche – Merida
Campeche – Merida
Uxmal
kolonaile Hauptstadt von Yucatan Merida
Hotel Holiday Inn Merida
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kolonaile Hauptstadt von Yucatan Merida
Hotel Holiday Inn Merida
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Merida – Chichen Itza – Tulum
From Merida via Chichen Itza to Tulum
Chichen itza
Tulum Riviara Maya
Hotel Cabanas Los LiriosChichen Itza – Maya
https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Tulum Riviara Maya
Hotel Cabanas Los LiriosChichen Itza – Maya
https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Tulum / Riviera Maya
Tulum / Riviara Maya
Hotel Cabanas Los Lirios
Hotel Cabanas Los Lirios
Tulum – Maya
https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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https://www.oyster.com/de/articles/the-10-best-aztec-and-mayan-ruins-in-mexico/
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Tulum / Riviera Maya
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Tulum / Riviara Maya
Tulum / Riviara Maya
Hotel Cabanas Los Lirios
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Hotel Cabanas Los Lirios
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Arrival in Germany
Return flight from Cancun to Zurich/Stuttgart – Back home
With a Boeing 777 from Edelweis (Swiss airline) we took off punctually at 11:00 pm in Cancun and 12 hours later we landed in Zurich. Two hours later we continued with a Boeing 737 from Swiss to Stuttgart.
We pick up your suitcase and then we rided home with the S-Bahn.
Summary
After 22 days, more than 16000 kilometres by plane and 3200 kilometres by bus and taxi, we arrived back home!
All in all it was a nice and eventful holiday.
We could enjoy the hospitality of the Mexicans.
The travel group with seventeen participants was pleasant. Many interesting biographies and a great togetherness made the trip a great experience.
Our tour guide had extensive knowledge and was able to convey this well.
The travel arrangements by Miller were well solved. The most important places and tours were chosen. Sometimes the tours were too tightly scheduled.
Lufthansa, Edelweis and Swiss – these airlines can be recommended without hesitation.
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Mexikio City an impressive ..
Oaxaca shines through …
Tehuantepe a…
San Cristobal de las Casa a…
Palenque a…
Campeche a…
Merida a…
Tulum a…
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Adiós – Hasta la próxima
Goodbye – Until next time
Auf Wiedersehen – Bis zum nächsten mal
It was beautiful
Many thanks to travel agency Discovery Reisen in Tamm
