Mexico City: A Healthy dose of the local life

Accommodations

Since she was traveling alone to an unfamiliar city, where she does not speak the language, Jessica wanted to stay someplace that had a good reputation, was located in a safe area and offered her the opportunity to interact with other international travelers (preferably those that speak English!). The Red Tree House bed and breakfast in the Condesa neighborhood, the highest ranked inn in Mexico City according to TripAdvisor seemed like the perfect option.

Steps leading to Red Tree House room

Bedroom at Red Tree House

Jessica’s plan was to book the Red Tree House for her first 4 nights and then, once she was on the ground in Mexico City and gained more familiarity with the city, possibly book a cheaper option for the remainder of her trip. Jessica did spend two nights at an AirBnB in Zona Rosa but ultimately decided her experience at the Red Tree House was superior and worth the $95/night fee; she spent the final three of her Mexico City nights there.

Food and Beverage

Jessica loves to try new foods while traveling but is also very conscientious about what she puts in her body. During her time in Mexico, she was able to try out a variety of health-focused restaurants. Some that stood out as being exceptional included Ojo de Agua and Origenes Organicos. El Califa was a favorite for more traditional Mexican comfort food.

Healthy lunch at Ojo de Agua

Handmade Tortillas at Nuevo Leon Condesa market

No one can eat healthily all of the time, and since mental health is as important as physical health, Jessica made sure to checkout the Mexico City happy hour scene! Favorite cocktail experiences included a lovely spicy concoction at La Capital; a cucumber mezcal mojito at the Hotel Condesa DF rooftop bar and the view that came with her beverage at Miralto.

Spicy cocktail at La Capital

Miralto drink with a view

Transportation

All forms of public transportation were put to the test during this visit to Mexico City; taxi, bus, bicycle and feet! Mexico City is at the forefront of utilizing innovative forms of transit to get it’s 8.8 million residents around the 573 square mile metropolis. Two initiatives, in particular, have gained international attention: Metrobus (Bus Rapid Transit) and Ecobici (Bicycle Sharing).

Metrobus Boarding

Ecobici user on green, separated bike lane

Activities

Her second day in Mexico City, Jessica was pleased to discover that her body had acclimated well to the 7,400 elevation of the city, and her favorite fitness activities, including running, yoga and crossfit, were all available in her local Condesa neighborhood! For yoga, she enjoyed a power yoga session at Power Flow Yoga, the fee (including mat rental) is donation based and ranges from 60-120 pesos ($4-$9). Her favorite neighborhood running route was the two kilometer Amsterdam Avenue loop, a former horse racing track, where she shared the path with other locals out for a walk or run.

Amsterdam Running Path

Reebok Rooftop Track

Crossfit, a popular excercise option in the U.S. is also quite the trend in Mexico City. During her stay, Jessica tried two different Crossfit studios: Reebok and Cygnus. While Reebok had an impressive view and rooftop running track, she ultimately preferred Cyngus, due in most part to the high quality of the instructors. The cost of the two were comparable; Reebok has a drop in rate of 250 pesos ($18), at Cygnus, Jessica paid $15 per class (first class was free).

Cygnus Crossfit

View from Reebok Crossfit

No inaugural trip to Mexico City is complete without a visit to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, located 50 kilometers outside of the city. Built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D., it is characterized by the vast size of its monuments – in particular, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Jessica spent the last day of her trip at the pyramids and it was a fitting way to symbolize the end of an adventure filled vacation.

Wrap Up

Jessica returned home after her ten days in Mexico with new friends, an insider’s perspective of a new city and maybe even a new muscle or two! All in all, a successful journey.