The area around Mexico City has drawn people for centuries. The Aztecs built their capital on top of a lake back in the 1300’s, and the Spanish made a base of operations for their empire two centuries later. While each city block can tell you of the epochs of Mexican civilization, there are current adventures unfolding in the area too. If you’re looking for the adrenaline rush in la ciudad, take a look at what it has to offer.

Popular activities / experiences in Mexico City. While the Spanish tried their to eradicate native culture, many sites are still preserved throughout the ages. To the northwest of Mexico City lay the remains of Teotihuacan. The pyramids, open forums, and preserved architecture have amazed people for centuries. Archaeologists still debate who made this city. The area serves a wonderful backdrop of hiking through the ancient city, offering guided tours both on foot and in hot air balloons. Not all adventures are done in hiking boots and with rapid heartbeats. Sometimes it can be tasting an octopus taco for the first time, sitting in the house where Leon Trotsky spent his last days in exile, or watching the ceremonies of El Grito, the cry of Mexican Independence. There are plenty of adventures that are worth a story to tell friends back home without having you worried about carrying a first-aid kit.

Best time of year to travel to Mexico City. Mexico City experiences a comfortable climate year round; however, if you are looking to avoid the rains, consider traveling there outside of the rainy season (May thru October). The most popular time to visit is between December and April.

Average costs for tourists in Mexico City. Taking in the metro costs a quarter per ride, $5 for a daily pass, or a few squats if you want to get a workout on your travels (talk about physical innovation!). Taxi rides vary depending on your negotiating skills, distance, and driver. Some rides can be done for under $5 and cover most distances you need. Uber is a great alternative to the many different colors of taxis in the city; if you do opt for a local taxi, make sure that it is government-approved (“Soy de Sitio!”). When it comes to food, you will certainly not go hungry. Street food starts at a dollar, and some of the freshest and most flavourful meals you will ever have come from cheap market stalls.