Mexico

We visited Mexico city and Cancun for winter break 2025

Day 1: Getting used to Mexico City

We discovered on our very first day in Mexico city, that a lot of the museums and parks are closed on Mondays. Sigh. We tried to make the best of it, and ended up visting Zócalo City Center, which was super dressed up and super busy for Christmas

Tejas ponders his breakfast choices. Maybe we dont want to be drinking that. Colourful and green, even in winter. Fresh corn tortillas being produced. The entrance to the Zócalo City Center, all decked up for Christmas. Christmas decorations lined the large central courtyard Taking in the crowds, and some photos too. The Metropolitan Cathedral The entrance to then Metropolitan Catehdral in Mexico City, head of the Mexican Catholic Church Sitting down to take it all in. A natural halo Majestic arches The organ was in use for a pre-Christmas mass. Settling in for dinner Say queso

Day 2: Teotihuacán

We visited the Teotihuacán Archeological Site. An early morning start, timed to catch the first entry into the historical site, meant that we left the city at 7.30 AM, and were allowed into the historic site around 9.30 am. We spent the day touring the pyramids, with our guide Frank telling us about the history of the site.

A first view of the Pyramids of Sun and Moon. Stone wall around the Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent) complex. Some temple constructions, with the pyramids and the mountains in the background A first view of the Quetzalcoatl temple pyramid Motifs of snakes, conchs, shells, and various repeated patterns on the façade The upper layers are more eroded A bit of a steep climb up to the pyramids. Aarav carefully climbs down On the steps of the Adosada, that hides the view of the front face of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent Walking through the central 'The Avenue of the Dead', through courtyards that were used for more living, marketplaces, and sports activities. Taking a quick break before we got to the Pyramid of the Sun Sid in front of the Pyramid of the Sun Aarav Getting closer to The Pyramid of the Sun, while listening to Frank, our guide, explain the theories for why these pyramids were built. Pyramid of the Sun. No longer open for the public to access the climb up the stairs. A mural of a jaguar. Possible for a lot more of the complex to have been similarly decorated, but lost to time. A closer view of The Moon Pyramid, now eclipsing the mountain behind it. Family photo. Courtyard of the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl Courtyard of the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl A bird of some kind, in the courtyard of the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl Courtyard of the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl Tourists and vendors in the area in front of the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl Climbing the steep steps of the Pyramid of the Moon Almost at the top of the steps of the Pyramid of the Moon A full view of the 'Avenue of the Dead', and the pyramid of the Sun from the top of the accessible steps on the Pyramid of the Moon. A view of the surrounding vegetation hints at how all the pyramids looked when they were rediscovered in the modern era. A full reverse view. Family selfie time Carefully climbing back down. Those steps were really steep and narrow. Appa borrowed a hat from a Mariachi band member at lunch. Walking home from dinner, through some lovely neighbourhoods, and walkways set in the middle of the street.

Day 3: We visit the 'Museo Nacional de Antropología'

After a chill breakfast, we visited the Anthropological museum. A treasure trove of artifacts representing the history and culture of Mexico, we wandered around for as long as our minds and stomach could handle. The museum cafe had a great selection of foods from across Mexico, giving us a chance to enjoy a culinary tour of Mexico. We chose to walk back through the park and climbed the hill to Chapultepec Palace on the way, giving us nice views of the city.

A bakery across the street had an amazing spread and nice sidewalk seats Outside the museum The central courtyard of the museum. The water feature was quite spectacular A book with drawings from the museum A typical ceremonial altar that we spotted quite commonly several times at Chichén Itzá later in our trip A ceremonial mask Tejas pretends to be a Quetzalcoatl, in front of a reproduction of the Quetzalcoatl temple pyramid façade that we had seen the previous day in Teotihuacán A fuller view of the reproduction of the Quetzalcoatl temple pyramid façade Double thumbs up Taking a brief break in the sunshine A diorama of a market scene It was quite intricate and fun to spot different details Some warriors? Book with intricate drawings A carved Obsidian vessel. Obsidian was a vital resource for ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs and Mayans. We saw a lot of obsidian items. Mesoamerican carvings Intricate stone carvings. Looks like a monkey to my eyes. A reproduction of a temple or buildings set in a tropical outdoor part of the museum Some Indiana Jones vibes Mounted funerary jewelry of Kʼinich Janaab Pakal I (Pakal the Great) Tejas in front of a painted façade Google translate hard at work, while looking through the diverse and copious menu Aarav Parents looking at the menu :) Aarav and Amma. The walkways in the middle of roadways were often quite pretty. Photo break while waiting for traffic to stop Climbing the path to Chapultepec Palace A mural of a boy who jumped to save The Mexican flag from capture by the American army on the ceiling of an atrium in Chapultepec Castle Exploring Chapultepec Palace Aarav in front of stained glass windows and some stairs that led nowhere. Mexico city beyond the park More city views

Day 4: Christmas day - Are things really open or not?

Google maps told us that the Museo Frida Kahlo was open, but it turns out that it was not. We walked around the Coyoacán neighbourhood, tried to establish contact with the Über driver that had Appas phone (that he accidentally left behind), walked around in Viveros de Coyoacán - A large park with nice walking and running paths - and headed home for a relaxing day at home.

Coyoacán! Exploring Coyoacán Coyoacán again. Different camera person Parroquia San Juan Bautista - a 16th century Baroque church A grandpa naps in the courtyard of a very colourful and scenic house. Tejas taking in the neighborhood Walking towards the park Peeking into houses and courtyards A flock of overly friendly squirrels inhabited the park. If you stared at them, they would approach you, and climb onto you, demanding to be fed. Squirrel attack! On an evening walk with Purni, a chance to see more colorful houses. Lovely Condesa neighborhood walks.

Day 5: Museo Soumaya and the Mall

Another failed attempt at visiting the Frida Kahlo house, but we pivoted and visited the Soumaya museum instead. The museum had a mix of contemporary across the centuries, mixed in with Mexican artists in a visually stunning building.

Part 1 of a Mural by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo's husband and a renowed muralist and Mexican Revolutionary figure Part 2 of the Mural Tejas the Thinker A collection of works by Dalí Another Dalí clock Descending the stops to the Museum Trying to fit the whole building into frame The Soumaya Museum After lunch at the Mall

Day 6: Xochimilco, island of the dolls

We visit the historic Aztec-era neighborhood of Xochimilco, sometimes called the 'Venice of Mexico'.

Assembling for the day before we get going on our canal boat ride Aarav waiting. On the boat now. Our tour guide telling us what to expect and telling us about the history of the area Some people still live and farm in the area, although its uncommon now. Canal view. Spotting some local residents Lots of egrets roaming around Some fellow tourists enjoying a canoe tour. More local characters Axolotl themed artwork On La Isla de la Muñeca, an island of haunted dolls. Lots of dolls collected by the former resident of the island, as well as donated by visitors and believers The altar of the island of the dolls Lady Gaga and Tim Burton's recent contributions to the island on the left A bit spooky, but we took a look around nonetheless. A collection of colorful boats that ply these canals. Visiting some axolotls at the axolotl preserve on one of the 'chinampa' man-made islands. A black Axolotl A bird was in a cage in the corner of the Axolotl room A white Axolotl. A shot of our boat Getting ready to try some insect snacks (Black) Ant salt on the left, and (Brown) Cricket salt on the right, to accompany the Mezcal that was being passed around. Some Ant thoraxes for snacks.

Day 7: Travel to Cancún

We spent most of the day in transit to Cancún. A last minute dinner reservation at Ilios, turned into something that was fancier than expected, and a lovely experience of food.

A quick stop at the beach, before we head out to dinner. The water was so pleasant. We were sorry to not have more time at the beach on that day. Getting seated to eat, as the sun sets. Amma and Aarav Purni, sporting her new shades. ❤️ Sunset lighting up the clouds on the horizon, above the Nichupté Lagoon. The restaurant had a pier for people to arrive by boat for dinner. Another view of the pier and the lights of a boat arriving An interesting piece of art.

Day 8: Water fun. In, under, on and above the lagoon

We had booked a semi-submersible ride, and Tejas wanted to try out Parasailing, which inspired everyone else to as well

We all spent the morning at the beach, enjoying the Sun, the sand and the waves. Getting ready to embark enroute to our sub-sea ride. Tejas and I were usually the only people on the roof of the boat. Departing. So many hotels along the whole Cancún strip. Enjoying the ocean air in our faces Breezy selfie Heading into some mangrove islands A path through the mangroves Speedboat tours were also quite popular. 2-man craft that you take to visit the mangroves, or take you to go snorkeling. A local resident watches us go by Aarav came up and volunteered to take a photo of us. Aarav taking a turn at the top of the boat. Purni's turn A family photo thanks to another family Another family shot Tejas and I signed up for parasailing ahead of time. Here we are getting ready to leave. We're in the air! It was quite calm and peaceful up there. Just that slender twine holding onto us. Super chill and peaceful A view of the Nichupté lagoon, and the mangrove islands. Aarav, Purni, Amma and Appa were inspired to give it a go too. They signed up for the second round. Appa and Amma being sent up in the Parasail

Day 9: Chichén Itzá

We booked an all day tour to go visit Chichén Itzá, the nearby city of Valladolid, and Cenote de X'ux-ha, an underground lake.

Tejas taking in the very commercial vendors lining every part of Chichén Itzá Tejas Amma chats with our tour guide Joselyn 'El Castillo' - a Mayan temple pyramid The top of 'El Castillo' Family photo time. Walking over to the great ball court The entrance to The Temple of the Bearded Man Is that the Bearded man? Carvings at the top of the Temple. Reminded us a lot of Indian temple Gopurams Grr. The top of the Temple, from the side of the Ball court. A pair of downward facing snakes guard the entrance. A full view of the Great Ball Court. The game ends when they were able to get a ball through that hoop in the wall. Another entrance view. Snakes line the court. Depictions of players playing the game. The player on the left is depicted without his head, and blood gushes out as snakes. The game was more akin to a sacrifice to the Gods. Walking through the ball court. ❤️ A Bearded creature guards the temple of the Bearded man. Workers clean off the temple. The Tzompantli, or Skull Platform. Eagles and Jaguars complex An Eagle and a Jaguar, more clearly. The plinth with Eagles and Jaguars. 'El Castillo' from another side. The hall of a thousand pillars. Carvings on the pillars. An excavation showing layers of foundation that sit underneath the pyramid, to stabilize and act as a foundation. You can spot one of the Altars that we say in the Museum of Anthopology in Mexico city at the top of the structure. Our Lunch spot in Valladolid had a nice open central area. Very green, and lush. Our dining hall was luxurious too. Spanish architecture. Our first views of the Cenote at X'ux-ha The water was so clear, and blue. People swimming in the cenote Tejas and I took a dip in the Cenote, but we weren't brave enough to jump off the diving platform. The walls of the Cenote Relaxing in the cool waters. A view from above. The only light for the Cenote. Purni made friends with some locals.

Day 11: Ocean cruise to Isla Mujeres

We spent the day on an slow cruise to visit Isla Mujeres.

A partially cloudy day, departing from Playa las Perlas Flocks of pelicans above head. Aarav dressed in blue for a day on the ocean. Waiting in line to pay the dock fees. Kitsurfers. Missed catching the one jumping into the air. Cancun shoreline. Enjoying the sun and the air. Safe from the spray in the center of the boat. ✌🏽 Enjoying the boat ride. More cancun shoreline. The majority of folks were seated on the bow of the catamaran. Purni braving above decks again. Another catamaran, similar to the one we were on, operated by the same company. Shallow reef, where we were supposed to stop for some snorkeling. It was too windy, so that plan was cancelled. Making slow progress towards Isla Mujeres now. Purni and I took a chance at the bow, while the boat had stopped to let some people swim in the ocean. How do we make a heart again? ♥️ Hauling anchor. Back below deck again. Tejas and I took a post-lunch dip in the waters off Isla Mujeres Amma and Aarav. We rented some golf carts and drove a loop of the island, all the way from Playa Centro to the southern tip. Aarav in Isla Mujeres At Punta Sur - the southernmost tip of Isla Mujeres View northward from Punta Sur View southward from Punta Sur Walkways leading to the tip. A view from the dock, looking at Playa Centro Enjoying the sunset on the way back.

Day 12: New years day on the beach

A relaxing new years day on the beach (no photos, since I was in the water), and dinner at Funky Geisha

Dinner at Funcky geisha with views of the lagoon, and at sunset again. The Taiko drum, didnt get used, but we had a chance to see a drum performance with our dinner. Oh Hi! Amma and Purni. The whole family at dinner. Our view at dinner. Sunset views. Happy new year 2026! Sculpture surrounded by plants and lagoon at the restaurant A special table for a special meal.

Day 13: Kayaking, and returning home.

Tejas and I wanted one last adventure, so we took an early morning kayak trip through the mangroves, hoping to spot some wildlife. We saw schools of tiny fish jumping out of the water, and some local birds, but not much else. A nice relaxing cruise around the lagoon. On our return, we packed up and headed to the airport to catch our flight home.

Starting our cruise around the lagoon A nice shady spot for a break. The guide was hoping to spot some rays here, but no luck. Cruising back to the finish