Unconventional Ways to Discover Mexico City

Are you going to Mexico but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of too many tourists? If you are like me and want to learn about a place’s culture alternatively, then keep reading. I love traveling but hate being a tourist. Do you get me? In my experience of traveling, I have found out that tourists are scammed not only in terms of money but also the truth. Tour guides often tell lies or amplify the history of a place to wow the tourists. In other cases, they are not even trained properly to tell you about the true history of a place.

This is the reason I avoid popular tourist attractions and tour guides. Exploring a place on your own and doing unconventional activities is way more fun, trust me. You can save money as well as  make special memories that will last forever.

The Other Side of Mexico City

Mexico City is a popular destination for all travelers. It is full of culture and history. There is more to the city than its common street food, popular museums, and expensive handicraft shops. There is simply so much to explore, most of which you can easily do on your own. For instance, its pre-Hispanic roots and Aztec and Mayan cultures are some of the things that are largely ignored by tourists.

What’s more, visiting the popular tourists attractions of Mexico City in peak season can also be super overwhelming. Why? The large crowds of overly excited tourists can easily ruin your vacation. The sweltering heat and packed streets are not a good combination either.

But the good news is that you can dig a little deep and discover the city in unconventional ways. That way you get to know the true culture and history of Mexico City and experience them like a local.

Try the Ancient Caviar

There is a special kind of Mexican ‘caviar’ that you should try if you have a knack for eating rare things. Well, it is not really caviar. Ahuautle is considered Mexican caviar but actually is the eggs of a water fly. The word loosely translates to ‘seeds of joy’ in an ancient regional language.

These eggs have significant historical importance because they were considered the food of the gods by the Aztecs. It was rare even then too and was mostly consumed by Aztec kings. It was believed it would give them strength.

Interestingly, water flies are considered mosquitoes by the locals, so you can call Ahuautle mosquito eggs too. It is difficult to find it in the city, as it is very expensive. Four times more expensive than beef.

I tried them in the Iztapalapa neighborhood, in a local eatery. Aylurado’s serves pancakes made with this Mexican Caviar. Just a little warning, these have a fishy taste and are similar to dried shrimps. Their size is similar to Quinoa and is a rare delicacy for the locals. The sad part is that since it is so expensive to source, it is quickly becoming a forgotten ingredient.

Go Kayaking at Xochimilco

Are you one for the water? Then you should definitely try kayaking in the ancient canals of Xochimilco. It is a great way to unwind in nature. It is environmentally friendly too. You can see Xochimilco’s wildlife while cruising through the waters. It includes more than 200 bird species. Who knows, you may spot the critically endangered Salamander species Axolotl.

Xochimilco is a great site to revisit the Aztec chinampas system. This was an ancient build for feeding their population through floating farms. It is known as one of the world’s most productive farming systems. If you are not confident in your kayaking abilities, you can opt for colorful trajineras. These are a great way to access small places, which the big boats cannot. You get a closer look into the Aztec history and wildlife.

To remain connected while being in the wilderness, I would suggest you sign up for a connection with international data roaming in Mexico. Spectrum allowed me to connect where there was no WiFi, while in Mexico. For more information, you can contact Spectrum servicio al cliente Español.

Learn about Chocolate History at MUCHO

We all know that cacao is native to Mexico. But did you know there is a small museum in Mexico dedicated to chocolate? Set in a house built in the 20^th century, there is MUCHO, the Museum of Chocolate.

The Olmecs and Mayan were the first civilizations to process cacao beans. Cacao was even used as a form of currency in Mesoamerica. It was after this that it was taken to Europe to be processed with sugar to make chocolate.

The museum is a great way to learn about its history and see the houseware that was used to serve chocolate in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. It also has a chocolate room, which smells divine. There is also a café in there, which you can visit to taste the most delicious chocolate-based things.

Wrapping Up

Mexico is a city rich in history and culture. The best part is that you can visit it without being squished by throngs of tourists by checking out spots are less conventional.

Apart from the places discussed above there are more. You also check out the Parque Hundido or the Sunken Park. There is also Ballet Folklórico where you can enjoy an evening filled with Mexican folk dances. Whether you choose to go to Xochimilco or any of the other places, I can guarantee that your perception about Mexico City will change.