Mexico City Travel Forum

Hi,
I am planning to visit Mexico from Dec 20th - Jan 2nd and wondering if there are things to do in Mexico city during Christmas.
We are thinking of splitting the time between Mexico city and either Puerto Vallarta or Cabo.
How easy it is to find domestic air in Mexico? Can we book it from here or is it better to get it locally?
And since yesterday, I am thinking of taking the train ride in Copper Canyon (either from Chihuahua or Los Mochis)
All info are highly appreciated!

I would definitely book ahead as many Mexicans travel over the Christmas holidays, I would book pretty soon. I booked our domestic air online, very easy -- we used Aeromexico.

Mexico City is a large city with a brilliant urban life and there are things to do all the year long, including Christmas. Note the number of "must-see" tourist sights is limited (it takes a couple of days to see them all), the rest is all about city life and party life.

Mexican domestic air transportation is easy and reliable. All Mexican Air carrier have pages in English on their websites with rates in MXP converted in USD. Except from last-minute bargains, there is generally no convenience in purchasing the ticket once in the country and you can buy it from your desk.

The Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) is a terrific destination, definitely one of the top spots in my Mexico-favorite chart. Mind two things though: (i) it is quite far from your itinerary and (ii) check the weather since it can be quite chilly during winter. If you decide to go, do not make the mistake of riding the train and then back but allot few days to have time to visit and enjoy the Canyon.

Enjoy Mexico.
Giuseppe

Always lots of stuff to do in Mexico City. Since you said you were thinking about going to the beach why dont you just wait untill you get there to decide definitely. There are many travel agencies that will be offering all- inclusive excursions to different beaches. I would wager that you could find one that wasnt full. You dont have to worry about the logistics of anything, its all taken care of (and reasonably priced in my opinion).

Or you could decide to do the Copper Canyon thing. You could fly to chihuahua, take the train (1st class to be sure of the views) then take a bus to Puerto Vallarta and after return to Mexico. As the previous poster said, give yourself plenty of time.

Whatever you decide to do will be pretty cool, even if its just hanging out in the city. Disfrute.

Airfare to Mexico at this time of year is at its most expensive, so it seems to me that Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and the Copper Canyon would be better saved for a different time of year. They represent tourist locations available year around. What I am saying is that if you are going to pay the extra to travel during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, you should try to experience the holidays as celebrated in Mexico by Mexicans.

Christmas can be a very special time of year to visit Mexico. The Xmas lights of Mexico City are impressive, but otherwise the greatest impression of the city at this time of year is its hugeness. There is lots to do, as always, but it may feel a little odd to be visiting museums or sites of archeological interest when most people are at home celebrating the holiday. Still overall what you will experience is the megalopolis feel that is also available year around. Although many Mexicans leave the city during the holidays so smog and traffic is down, such a large city can not compare in the feeling of Christmas spirit found in smaller towns and cities.
I would suggest that you consider going to Oaxaca or maybe Guanajuato, Morelia or Puebla. My extended family has spent two magical Xmases in Oaxaca over the years. (See VT pages.) Many Mexicans from Mexico City spend their holidays in Oaxaca so hotels do get full. You can go by bus to any of these cities and others more easily and cheaper than flying.

Good luck, bob

Thank you for your respond. I have talked to "andale" and look into spending Christmas in Oaxaca. Is the difference between 3 star and 4 star hotel in Mexico pretty big? Do you have any suggestion on a clean 3 star hotel in Mexico city, Taxco and Oaxaca? As I will spending most of my time outside the hotel, I do not mind staying in 3 star hotels.

Thank you!

Lucky you! We hope to maybe spend Christmas in Oaxaca next year. From what I've read the star system is different in Mexico than in the US, meaning the standards are lower. Perhaps some other VT'ers have more insight.

We were going to go to Mexico city this fall, but had to cancel. However, we were going to stay at this b and b, and it's in a nice area. It gets really good reviews. It may be booked up for Christmas, though, it's quite popular.

http://www.theredtreehouse.com/

WOW! That B&B does look nice! I just emailed them to see if they have vacancy. I certainly hope so!

Have you heard about AVIACSA airlines? I saw on kayak that they have flights from MEX to OAX.

Hopefully, you can get a booking :o) Jorge seemed really nice in my e-mailings with him, and he gets back to you right away. The area where the b and b is located is really safe, too.

I have heard of that airline. I would suggest booking your flights fairly soon or else you will be out of luck. Sounds like you're going to have an awesome time!

http://www.aviacsa.com/english/index.cfm