Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Mexico

3 Day Guide to Mexico City

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If you have a trip coming up to Mexico then you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to visit its incredible capital Mexico City. Most people who fly to Mexico do so to visit the coastal spots like Los Cabos in Baja California or down to Cancun in Quintana Roo, for a great addition to your trip check out flights to Mexico City and see if you can’t squeeze in a 3 day city break to this cool city. Domestic flights in Mexico are extremely well priced and a couple of days in the capital will not set you back very much money at all.

If you do manage to squeeze in a 3 day break in Mexico City then here is a quick guide to how you can get the most out of the city during those days.

Day 1 – Teotihucan, Basillica de Guadeloupe, Una Cantina 

Teotihuacan

One of the biggest attractions to visit during your time in Mexico City is the ancient city of Teotihuacan, a fascinating archaeological site which is around and hour and half outside of the city. The site features 2 beautiful pyramids and much of the city has  been either perfectly preserved or well restored. Expect to spend around 2 hours walking in the footsteps of these ancient civilizations. You can find several tours for Teotihuacan online.

Basillica de Guadeloupe

The Basillica de Guadeloupe is a vitally important place for Catholics in this country and whilst from the outside the building doesn’t look the most appealing, inside it is a real site to behold. Given that you won’t have much time after visiting the ancient city this is the perfect place to stop off for 30 minutes and check out the intricate stained glass designs in this important basilica.

Una Cantina

A cantina is about as Mexican as it gets and it is the perfect place to round off your day. Essentially these places are working class bars where the food is free once you have bought a bottle of alcohol, or a couple of beers. Sample great local food and enjoy the traditional Mexican music.

Day 2 – Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Street Food

Xochimilco

Once upon a time Mexico City was nothing more than two dried out lakes which over time became this swirling metropolis. Areas of the city still have water and Xochimilco is a vast canal network in the far south of city. Here you can hire a large gondola called a trajinero and head out on the water for some fun. You can take drinks and food on board and the bigger the group you have the better it will be!

Coyoacan

Once you have finished the festivities in Xochimilco a great place to spend the rest of your afternoon is in nearby Coyoacan. This is a quiet and very pretty area of the city where you can wander through cobbled-stone streets and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere than in the rest of the city. Mezcal is a drink which you must try here and if you head to Corazon de Maguey in the center of Coyoacan you’ll find a great range of drinks and waiters who can talk you through each type of Mezcal.

Street Food

Finish your day off with some great street food and here there is only one choice, tacos. If you are in Coyoacan then head to Rey de los Tacos on Division del Norte, they have a wide range of options which are cheap and delicious.

Day 3 – Zocalo, Anthropology Museum, Visit the Angel

Zocalo

Zocalo is the historic center of Mexico City and t is a great place to spend your morning.  Here you will find places to visit like the Plaza de Constitucion where many national events happen, including the inauguration of the president. You will also find the ancient cathedral here and Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most beautiful theaters which you are likely to see. Don’t miss out on taking some breakfast in the Torre Latino, which was one of the city’s first ever skyscrapers and offers some incredible views of the city.

Anthropology Museum

Given that Mexico City has over 150 museums it would be remiss not to visit at least one and the anthropology museum is the pick of the bunch. This museum near Chapultepec Park houses tens of thousands of artifacts from ancient civilizations, from the Olmecs to the Mayans, The Aztecs to the Incas. Here you’ll learn more about the history of Mesoamerica than you ever though possible, a truly fascinating place.

Visit the Angel

Before you slip off into the night to enjoy a final bit of street food and tequila, head to the Glorieta Insurgentes in Cuauhtemoc and visit the Angel of Independence. This golden angel sitting aloft a tall column is a symbol of freedom in Mexico and makes for the perfect photo opportunity before you go home.

Quick Tips

  • The currency in Mexico is the Peso.
  • Don’t use street cabs, they have a poor reputation and companies like Didi, Uber and Cabify are far cheaper and much safer.
  • Petty crime happens in this city, much like in any big city, so be sure to take precautions like not showing off your gadgets or jewels.
  • If you have a little bit of Spanish then give it a try, the locals love someone trying to communicate with them like this and they’ll help you out.
  • Be careful with the street food you buy, sometimes meat sits out for a very long time, avoid Moctezuma’s Revenge by eating in restaurants.
  • Tap water here is not potable, avoid drinking it and ensure that ice in drinks comes from a bag.

There you have it, a quick itinerary for your 3 day break in this awesome city, have fun!

Luxury Travel Mexico; Punta Mita Vacation Rentals with Golf Course

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Punta Mita is a fishing village and resort town located on a small peninsula about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. While internationally known for its abundance of beautiful and luxurious vacation rentals and luxury resorts. Beside the famous Punta Mita luxury villas community, it is also home to two world-class golf courses: Punta Mita Pacifico and Punta Mita Bahia, that are both part of the Punta Mita Club de Golf.

The private Golf Club can exclusively be used by Punta Mita homeowners, guests renting a Punta Mita villa, and hotel guests of the Four Seasons and St. Regis resorts.

Aside from the two outstanding 18-hole golf courses, the club offers state of the art practice facilities with experienced teaching staff, a pro-shop and several restaurants and bars. Residents and guests also have access to the tennis courts, the gym and the spas as well the as to exclusive beach clubs surrounding the golf course.

Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Punta Mita Pacifico was built in 1999. On eight holes, golfers will play right next to the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Banderas Bay.  The Pacifico is the only golf course in the world to feature a natural island green at hole number 3B, nicknamed “The tail of the whale”. At low tide, players can drive their own cart to the green over a paved sandbar. At high tide, an attendant will shuttle the players back and forth using a 6-wheel amphibious cart – a truly unforgettable experience for every avid golfer.

In 2009 Punta Mita Bahia was created as a counterpart to Punta Mita Pacifico. Also designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course features six stunning Oceanside holes, expansive water hazards and undulating greens and fairways, making it even more challenging and fun to play even for experienced players.

After a long day of golf, Punta Mita offers its guests world-class restaurants, upscale shopping, rejuvenating spas, sandy and secluded beaches and much more.

Arguably the best way to experience the beauty and sophistication of Punta Mita and its world-class golf venues is a stay at a luxury villa. All the featured Punta Mita villas are located in close proximity to the golf courses. Concierge staff will assist the guests with arranging tee times, transfers, dinner and spa reservations etc. Preferred tee times and reduced green fees are available to guests of selected properties as well.

Villa Lunada

Located on the southernmost tip of the peninsula, Villa Lunada sits right above the beach, offering stunning views of the Bay of Banderas. The 5,000 square foot villa has five bedrooms and sleeps up to 12 guests. A golf cart is included in the rental for easy transportation on the premises. The villa is fully staffed with a cook, a concierge and a housekeeper.

Villa Luna Lagos del Mar

Villa Luna Lagos del Mar offers its guests expansive views of the golf course and the ocean.

Up to ten guests can enjoy this Zen-style oasis, with designer furniture, high-end finishes and meticulous landscaping.  A personal chef, a butler and maid service is included in the price of this rental.

Villa Cascadas

Villa Cascadas is located inside the small-gated community “Paradise Cove” with only 12 other properties.  With five bedrooms and a total square footage of over 10,000 square feet, Villa Cascadas offers plenty of space for up 10 guests. The adjacent beach boasts some of the best surf waves in the area; Water sports equipment like surfboards, kayaks and snorkel gear is available for the guests. As with the other properties, personal chef service and house staffs are included as well.

Cities you probably haven’t heard of but should travel to right now

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Tired of all the same “top travel destinations” you see online? Perhaps you’ve visited all the conventional ones or would like to go somewhere few people have been. Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll go outside the box for vacation destinations.

Here are some lesser-known cities that some people are yet to discover. Check them out and see why you should visit them real soon.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Fancy Game of Thrones? This Croatian city portrays King’s Landing, so brace yourself for a trip to the very land where one of the best television shows are shot. Known to travellers as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, this city is filled with stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, palaces, monasteries, and fountains.

Visit Mount Srđ for a nice hike that offers a marvellous view of the town, upon of which sits a stronghold containing a small yet enthralling history museum. And don’t forget to try some Pag Cheese!

Cancun, Caribbean. This relatively unknown city lies on the shore of the Caribbean, with pristine beaches and lapping waves. It is however well-known to North Americans for its exciting nightlife and splendid resorts. Here you’ll find traditional and quaint downtowns that offer a good contrast to the all-inclusive nightclub districts and high-rise hotels, so you can always find and afford what you like.

Its superb beaches and flawless climate offer spots for families seeking some solitude, plus it’s a gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. Visit the MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte), an underwater museum of art. And don’t forget to sip Margaritas while in Cancun!

Almaty, Kazakhstan. Boasts as the cultural and commercial centre of central Asia, Almaty is also the former capital of and largest city in Kazakhstan. It is framed by majestic snow-capped mountains and gridded with easily navigable streets. Awesome for winter vacations, and also serves as a great jump-off point for eco-adventures in the steppes. If you prefer a city life, Almaty offers nightlife, good food, and a metro system that makes navigating the city easy and fun.

Here you’ll find cafes, a small zoo, an amusement park, souvenir shops as well as beaches to enjoy panoramic views. Medeu, which is the highest Olympic-sized ice stadium is also found here.

Basel, Switzerland. Known as one of Europe’s most unrecognized tourist destinations. Basel is Switzerland’s third largest city and sits on the Swiss border where it meets both France and Germany. It is beside the stunning Rhine river and also known for its amazing winter carnivals and the yearly Art Basel festival, which is a celebration of some of the best international modern arts. Walk up cobbled streets, check out Marketplatz for produce, try the street food, and bask in the sun on the banks of Rhine!

Havana, Cuba. Cuba’s biggest city is still littered with Spanish colonial architecture of the 16th century. It’s colourful alleys and narrow streets still retain a strong sense of history and the local culture. You can still see ancient American cars, music and laughter emanating from every blog. Indeed, it’s a town of life and vigour.

Bask in the beauty of the UNESCO Heritage Site La Habana Vieja, which boasts gorgeously restored building humming with life as the citizens of Havana strolls around. Don’t forget to learn some Spanish before you go and try the street side churros too!

End Note

There you have it! Some of the world’s most gorgeous cities that are yet to be filled with hordes of tourists. As most of these locations will be relatively new to you experience wise, don’t forget to secure an overseas travel insurance to ensure that any travel issues you may experience pre-flight and during your stay is covered so you can focus on the fun and not on worrying.

What are you waiting for? Invite your friends and/or family and plan ahead.