Distrito Federal Tourist Attractions
The Federal District, where the capital Mexico City is located, is home to countless tourist attractions, such as the Zoo and Park of Chapultepec, the canals of Xochimilco, and the imposing Basilica of Guadalupe. As it would be almost impossible to describe them all, the following is a short list of some of the favorite family-oriented destinations
TOURIST ROUTES
This routes or strategic paths, designed and suggested by the city government, can each be taken in a day while visiting the magnificent Mexican capital. Through them, tourists can acquire a deeper understanding of the ancient and present cultures of the nation, discover the fusion of two worlds, and experience the current dynamic of one of the most populated cities in the world.
The historic center of Mexico City is considered to be an absolute must, as it is the oldest part of the city, built over the remains of the ancient city of the Aztec empire, the great Tenochtitlan. Another route known as Coyoacan or "Place of Coyotes" takes visitors to the first political seat of Spanish rule in the province of Nueva España, where tradition is nowadays blended into an intensive commercial and cultural activity that includes numerous spaces for the arts, fine dining, night-clubs and entertainment.
Other preferred and recommended routes include Tlalpan, the famous Paseo de la Reforma, Ciudad Universitaria , Chapultepec and Polanco, the Villa of Guadalupe, Condesa-Roma, San Angel, Santa Fe and Xochimilco.
XOCHIMILCO CANALS
A famous feature of the capital city, these canals formed as a remain of the man-made islands over which the city was built, are traveled by lovely and festive local women on canoes. One of the greatest Mexican attractions, Xochimilco is also valued as a reminder of the paramount task that the ancient Aztecs had before them when they decided to erect their city from within lakes and wetlands.
More than 200 canoes filled with color are available to take a trip through the ancient canals, admire the folkloric communities settled along its borders, enjoy fine local dishes, listen to great marimba or Mariachi music, and even acquire magnificent flowers or ornate plants from the specialized markets and greenhouses found along the way.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
There is no place for boredom in the exciting Ciudad de Mexico, which apart from offering an extensive range of cultural and sporting events, also includes family oriented spaces such as parks, zoos, children museums and enclosed spaces for recreational activities.
Within the various options available, tourists can choose between the Chapultepec, San Juan de Aragon, and Los Coyotes zoos; the Botanical Garden; the Papalote Museum; and the Alameda Oriente, Mexico, Chinampero Michmani and
Lion Desert parks.
RELIGIOUS AND ARCHITECTONIC TOURISM
Capital of the most powerful colony of the Spanish empire, Mexico City is home to hundreds of temples and spiritual premises built by the catholic missionaries of different orders involved in the evangelization of the New World. Nowadays, the city includes religious centers for major world religions such as Jewish synagogues, Protestant temples, Islamic masijds and a Tibetan House.
The Basilica of Guadalupe, visited by some 14 million pilgrims every year, represents the home of Mexican spirituality, the house of patron saint of all Mexicans, the venerated and worshipped Virgin of Guadalupe. With a capacity of up to 20,000 people, this premise presents a modern look built out of marble and wood. The inner space is of course focused towards the image of the Virgin, which can actually be seen from any point within the temple. The huge Basilica also contains images of Juan Diego, a native declared as saint by Pope John Paul II in August 2002.
The historic center is also the location of many other religious premises, such as the church of San Bernardo, the Souls Chapel, the church and convent of Santo Domingo, and the churches of Regina Coeli and of La Profesa, among many others.
The Condesa area is the location for the beautiful Tibetan House; and the southern part of the city is home to the chapel of Martyr Saint Sebastian, the church of John Baptist, the chapel of The Calvary and the former convent and church of San Jacinto, just to name a few.