Mexico City Info..

[+ Ace]

Hi Guys;

I'm in the planning stages with a client to go to Mexico City in the next few months..

Neither one of us has ever been..I've been to Puerto Vallarta many times (and again this year),as well as Acapulco but never Mexico City.

From what I've read here, Zona Rosa is the area to stay in & Tom's Leather Bar is a MUST see! Any additional comments/suggestions/warnings from my escort brethren, as well as clients & posters would be appreciated!

[Electra 225]

Mexico (the country and the city) is a dump. Mexico City is like Chicago in the 1920's and early 1930's (only much dirtier--don't drink the water or eat any fresh fruits, vegetables, or meats): lots of violence and gangsters and people looking to kidnap unwary gringos. The third world does not impress or intrigue me at all--poverty everywhere and a populace that would cheat you out of your last nickel and then beat you up for another peso. There is a reason that all of the wealthy and educated Mexicans are leaving and moving their assets and their families to the USA and other countries. Know this: if you get into trouble in Mexico (and this is true in many other places), you are on your own, so don't look for the American consulate to be of ANY assistance. My company pulled out years ago as we were tired of the graft and corruption (among other things). A better Latin American experience would be Costa Rica.

[bigvalboy]

Sadly I must Ditto what Electra said. I have had several friends killed there over the years due to the violence, and my housekeeper just lost her father in Mexico city in a random shooting. The police and American officials told her not to even inquire about the incident. If you do travel, be EXTREMELY cautious, TRUST NO ONE, and NEVER find yourself alone partying or drinking. Thousands still enjoy resorts south of the border, But as a friend said to me years and years ago, and Electra just said, when traveling in third world countries, "Just know this, if you get into trouble you are on your own." I take only Passport and travelers checks, absolutely NO jewelry of any value and never venture outside the main resort unless I am part of a tour. It is unfortunately, a sign of the times.

[nynakedtop]

Gosh....

 

Beg to differ, guys! I love Mexico City, although it has been a few years since I have been there. Maybe things have changed in a dramatic way, but I would find that hard to believe.

 

I actually prefer the area around Alameda Park and the Zocalo to the Zona Rosa - it is far more authentic and inviting to me. I have stayed in that area many times and always found it to be intriguing and inviting. And amazing food to be had in small places around there as well. (Don't miss the Cafe Tacuba!!)

 

Most of my fun was had in saunas. The guys there are quite wonderful in a mysterious sort of way.

 

I do travel quite a bit and have spent long times in countries and cities that are far from prosperous. Mexico City has so many wonderful things to see that I rate it high on my list of places to go.

[cany10011]

I had a great time in Mexico city and did not find it dangerous at all; busy and frenetic, yes but did not feel that my personal well being would be in danger. The excellent cuisine and museums (Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Modern Art, Museum of the Americas) were all pleasant surprises. I stayed at the Four Seasons near Chalputepec Park and enjoyed the ambience and service there (there was a great massage therapist, i think his name was Eduardo). I was advised not to eat street food but I did and enjoyed it thoroughly. Some great places to eat/drink include MPs (modern restaurant restaurant), Hacienda de los Morales (beautiful traditional house with lovely decor), and the Habitat hotel. Hope your trip is a safe and fun one

 

 

 

Gosh....

 

Beg to differ, guys! I love Mexico City, although it has been a few years since I have been there. Maybe things have changed in a dramatic way, but I would find that hard to believe.

 

I actually prefer the area around Alameda Park and the Zocalo to the Zona Rosa - it is far more authentic and inviting to me. I have stayed in that area many times and always found it to be intriguing and inviting. And amazing food to be had in small places around there as well. (Don't miss the Cafe Tacuba!!)

 

Most of my fun was had in saunas. The guys there are quite wonderful in a mysterious sort of way.

 

I do travel quite a bit and have spent long times in countries and cities that are far from prosperous. Mexico City has so many wonderful things to see that I rate it high on my list of places to go.

[bigvalboy]

Not sure how long it has been since you have been there, but things have rapidly declined in the last few years, the violence has really escalated. Yes, in better times Mexico City was quite wonderful and the boys...well that just goes without saying, lol however, as I said, while many do go every year, you would be foolish not to take EVERY precaution. And as Electra said, Costa Rica is a better option, although you must be careful there as well. Does anyone remember Rio in the day...WOW.... now, one can still have a great time there, but crime and petty theft is really on the rise and you cannot just go there and kick back like the ol days, one now is required to be more prudent. As I age, I think I realize how vulnerable we really are. When I was younger, I had no fear, and traveled without any real sense of danger, now looking back I realize that I was just lucky all those years.

[+ Ace]

WOW! A LOT happened while I was at the gym!..lol

Guys...thank you SO MUCH for the input..(keep 'em coming!). I'll pass it on & let you know the final destination.

[EZEtoGRU]

Gosh....

 

Beg to differ, guys! I love Mexico City, although it has been a few years since I have been there. Maybe things have changed in a dramatic way, but I would find that hard to believe.

 

I actually prefer the area around Alameda Park and the Zocalo to the Zona Rosa - it is far more authentic and inviting to me. I have stayed in that area many times and always found it to be intriguing and inviting. And amazing food to be had in small places around there as well. (Don't miss the Cafe Tacuba!!)

 

Most of my fun was had in saunas. The guys there are quite wonderful in a mysterious sort of way.

 

I do travel quite a bit and have spent long times in countries and cities that are far from prosperous. Mexico City has so many wonderful things to see that I rate it high on my list of places to go.

 

Right on ny. I couldn't disagree more with the other two posters. I have been in Mexico City 3-4 times in the last year and had zero problems. Whilst the current violence in border cities like Juarez and Tijuana would put me off going to those towns now, I would not hesitate going to Mexico City. There is lots to see and do there Zona Rosa, Chapultepec Park, and the historic downtown are all fine places to stay. As long as you are in a good 4-5 star hotel, you will be fun. Tom's Leater bar (not much leather) is fun cuz of the hot naked strippers. There are lots of gay bars in the Zona Rosa area butthey don't really do much for me. Kinda like West Hollywood......tons of queeny gay men....no thanks.

 

Yes take precautions like you would on any international trips. Lock up your valuables in the hotel room safe. DO NOT follow BVB advice and take your passport out with you when you go out of the hotel room. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. Keep your passport locked up in the hotel room safe and take a photocopy of the photo page with you so you have it case you need to show ID somewhere. Only drink bottled water.....but by all means eat cooked meats and vegetables. There is some great food in Mexico City.

 

Have a great trip.

[EZEtoGRU]

Oh I forgot. Someone suggested you take "travelers checks". WTF? Seriously?? Do they still make those things?

 

I never change money on foreign trips anymore. I have not used travelers checks for at least 20 years.

 

Your US bank ATM card will work just fine in foreign locations. I have a BOA ATM card and have no difficulty using it at various banks in Mexico to withdraw pesos when needed.....and usually at a pretty fair exchange rate.

[crok]

I take only Passport and travelers checks, absolutely NO jewelry of any...

 

I think he means on the trip. Credit and ATM cards work fine and get a better exchange rate because the issuer buys the currency in million $ increments.

 

On the original issue, I have been to Mexico probably 40 times over the last 30 years, all over the country, and don't have any plans to go back. The narco violence has gotten out of control and the whole vibe of the place is very different in the last 5 or so years. If I did go back, I would probably pick the southern tip of Baja as the last time I was there it still seemed OK. Not alot going on there, but a nice place to unwind.

 

Until something changes in Mexico, there are much safer destinations in Central and South America than Mexico that I would consider.

[Steven_Draker]

I think AmEx Travelers Cheques are useful if you need a large (or very large) amount of cash when you're traveling internationally that you can't withdraw with your credit/debit cards from an ATM due to various limits. At the same time they're safer than cash because you're covered if the cheques get stolen or lost.

[EZEtoGRU]

Crok,

I think you may be right and I may have misinterpreted the comment on the passport. If so, I withdraw that part of my comments and apologize.

 

Steven,

You well may be correct on the travellers check issue if one needs a large sum of cash quickly. As you say, it also depends on what your bank limits are in terms of daily withdrawls. If one has say a $200 withdraw limit per day, I could see that being a problem. I have a $1000/day limit and have never felt restricted at all. Also, I could have that temporarily increased with one call to Bank of America if I have a cash emergency. Large purchases (hotels, fine restaurants, etc) I cover with my credit card. I even covered a hospital stay in Peru with a credit card once!!

 

Anyway, one thing I have learnt in this thread is that travellers checks still exist. WOW....I had no idea.

[crok]

Here's a link about how important travelers checks are:

 

[bigvalboy]

Eze, I take my passport with me, I said nothing about carrying it around while I am there.

[bigvalboy]

Ace...well there you have it, a variety of opinions on what you should or should not do..lol...I will say this, if you and your client do decide to go, and I am assuming that he is your senior, look out for one another.. Have fun, but PLEASE be careful, DO NOT let your guard down even for a moment. Take advice from the post as to the handling of your money. I know you have traveled before and your client probably as well, would hate to have anything happen to such a sexy person as yourself...And remember as gay men and women and as Americans we do stand out and become targets. Be Safe and well.. Please let us know how it goes.

[bigvalboy]

Yes Eze, travelers checks...use them all the time. Much safer that money and the Amex ones can be replaced immediately if lost. Unlike cash or a credit card or Atm. Lost a Credit card in Thailand once and my Well Fargo told me 7-10 business days to replace, WTF? Seriously? I was going to be home by then.

[EZEtoGRU]

Thanks for your comments BVB. Good to know about the travelers checks but I have zero need for them with my international travel. Just don't see the point these days. I never had an issue not having them in the last 20 years traveling internationally nearly on a monthly basis. I saw the value before ATM's were easily accessible internationally...but not really today. Having said that, my international travel is limited to Western Europe, all of Latin America, and Canada. If US ATM cards and credit cards are not readily useable in the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, then I could see the need. I don't go to those places....so no issue for me.

 

In the end, its a personal decision on what each individual is comfortable with. To me, travelers checks are a relic of the past. However, I do respect those that feel they need that extra level of comfort.

[jackboy48]

From my own personal experience, Mexico City is still a wonderful and delightful place to visit. I am there 4 times per year, on my way to and from Puerto Escondido. It is one of the largest cities in the world, so you just have to take that into account, like when you're going to NYC or Tokyo. That said, I do take certain precautions like loading up on acidophilus for a week or two before I arrive. I no longer stay near the Zocalo (Centro Historico) because there are so many demonstrations and the neighborhood gets closed off to auto traffic. I still go there because I enjoy so many of the museums, shopping, the aforementioned Cafe Tacuba, etc. The Diego Rivera murals in the Presidential Palace are not to be missed as well as the crazy juxtaposition of the ruins of an Aztec temple next to a magnificent colonial cathedral. The Zona Rosa is full of gay bars like Lipstick, Papi Fun Bar, or Boy Bar. If you're not crazy drunk it's perfectly safe for a couple of guys to wander about. Tom's is in the Colonia Condesa which I think is a nicer place to stay (my current fave for some time is the Hotel Camino Real), more fun to walk about in this neighborhood as well as the Colonia Polanco, and the proximity to Chapultepec Park with it's gardens, monuments, and museums. There is a bar called el Taller which you enter through another bar's basement, I would definitely have my wits about me before going there, but then I just probably wouldn't. I use Moon's or Lonely Planet's guidebooks for Mexico City which are your best safety precaution if well read before going. Most hotels will be able to arrange small or private guided tours for some great day trips around the city. I enjoyed having a guide to the Museo Antropologia which covers about 4 city blocks. It's like the Smithsonian of Mexico, actually a cluster of about 10 museums, each dedicated to one particular area of Mexico, so there is one with Mayan relics, etc., etc. It's obviously more than can be absorbed in one day or one visit. I still use a guide sometimes, there are usually several near the entrance for a small fee. Another day trip is to the home estate of Dolores Olmedo who was the major benefactor/mistress of Diego Rivera and put together the largest collection of Frieda Kahlo's work, the home and museum buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens, and I think it has the country's best shop for mexican art crafts. The ultimate daytrip is to Teotihuacan with the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon from a pre-Aztec culture, climbing to the top is quite a feat, but the view of the whole valley with all the ruins of the dozens and dozens of lesser pyramids is astounding. There are more museums in this city than any other in the world. Travelers checks are really hard to use these days, most hotels have a small daily limit, so that means getting to a bank during their hours, and then standing in a line, and regular shops and restaurants just don't take them anymore. Call your credit card companies in advance and give them your travel dates to avoid any hassels. Debit cards in an ATM give the best exchange rate and the fee is generally about what they're charging anyways. I really like the American Express Platinum card which does cost about $450/year, but gets you into most VIP airport lounges if you get stuck or need some extra help in a strange airport, found me great private clinics for my Mother in all kinds of places (she traveled up to her last day at 97), and will arrange for a replacement card within a very reasonable amount of time if you're within the boundaries of normal civilization. Then there is always the shrine to Guadalupe, which has now expanded into a whole neighborhood of churches and plazas, you actually get on a moving sidewalk to view the cape so there is no lingering. A guided daytrip in a nice car is generally $75 to $100/day, $50 for an afternoon.

[EZEtoGRU]

Very informative and accurate response jackboy. One question. You mentioned "El Taller" bar. That was one of my favorites years ago. I passed by there earlier this year and it was closed ("Clausurado"). Do you know if it has re-opened?

 

Regarding travellers checks, credit cards, and ATM cards, you and I are on the same page.

[+ Ace]

Gentlemen;

ABOVE & BEYOND!

Thank you so much...I'm leaving the final decision up to my client/friend..

I don't want to put him in any sort of jeopardy, (or have him have his trip marred by worry).

The information so far is a valuable tool whether or not I go.

Thanks again guys!

[Epigonos]

I agree totally with Jackboy48. When traveling in any large city in the world one "should" exercise certain precautions. I live in a suburb of Los Angeles and there are parts of L.A. which I avoid at all cost. I steer clear of the area from the Mexico/U.S border to a depth of about 150 miles. Thus, as stated by another poster, I do NOT visit Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez or any of the other border cities.

 

I have spent a lot of time, over the last few years, in the Yucatan, Acapulco, Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, Guanajato, Morelia, Patzcuaro, and Puerto Vallarta. At NO time have I ever been threatened or even felt threatened in any of these places or cities. With that said I make a point of NOT being in sleazy parts of these towns, in sleazy basr at two or three in the morning.

 

If you know some Spanish it will be a great help. Even if you don't know any Spanish take along a small phrase booklet of common Spanish expressions. Mexicans will fall over anyone who make, even a poor, attempt to speak their language.

 

Mexico is a wonderful country with a wonderful history and a unique culture. If you expect to find the U.S. replicated in Mexico you will be terribly disappointed and should stay home.

[jackboy48]

Very informative and accurate response jackboy. One question. You mentioned "El Taller" bar. That was one of my favorites years ago. I passed by there earlier this year and it was closed ("Clausurado"). Do you know if it has re-opened?

 

Regarding travellers checks, credit cards, and ATM cards, you and I are on the same page.

 

Hi EZE,

I think you asked me about El Taller on a previous thread and I forgot to give you my report. El Almacen/El Taller is still open, according to my old friends, but we heard that there were various unpleasant problems within the owner's family which lasted for several years, so the bar was frequently opening and closing. I'm curious about your observation of a sign, as one of the "charms" about the place, was that there was no sign. Anyways, I only mentioned it during my ramble, as the type of place to avoid if you have safety concerns in a big city after dark. I doubt that it is the bar of your memories, though it still has a following of some "hardcore" men. I must say from your various postings, that you seem to go on quite a few risky adventures during your extensive travels, I'm always happy when you post again and don't report any injuries. My worst "gay" traveler's experience happened in Greensboro, NC, and yes, heavy alcohol abuse was involved, so trouble can find you just about anywhere. The tragic killings that have happened in Mexico are truly awful and must be acknowledged, so judicious planning just has to be done and not ignored.

[EastbayMike]

Go to Mexico City. Calling it a "dump" is ignorant and offensive. It's the 8th richest city in the world by GDP. I've been going 2 to 4 times a year for over 10 years. My most recent trip was two weeks ago. It's a liberal city (gay marriage is legal), full of charm, history, warm people, sexy men, and great food. The government has been pouring money into the central historic district over the years restoring old buildings and creating pedestrian only streets. The metro is cheap, clean and fast. Taxis are cheap and plentiful (and yes, safe). You could easily spend two weeks there seeing all the sites. There are numerous easy day trips by bus to take to colonial cities (Taxco, Puelba, Cuernevaca) or see amazing ruins (Teotihuacan). Great neighborhoods (referred to as colonias) include Polanco, Roma, and Condesa. The Reforma is lined by modern skyscrapers up to 55 stories. San Angel (mentioned earlier) is great on weekends and full of museums (be sure to see the Trotsky House). Mexico City is one of the great cities in the world and I say that having traveled to four continents. GO!

[raulgmanzo]

Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in all the world. If one has never been there then it is probably difficult to imagine what it is like because it is not like any other part of Mexico or any other city in North America. Hmmm Day of the Dead is coming up, November 1st and 2nd, a super fun time to see the city anyone want to go?

 

An enormous city it can be a bit overwhelming and at over seven thousand feet above sea level and along with often polluted air it can take a moment to acclimate.

 

But once you relax you find a magnificent city that is actually very easy to get around, the Metro is very clean, safe and fast though at times unbelievably crowded, certain lines even have cars reserved for women and children only. Many of the stations have interesting themes or educational displays, or archaelogical artifacts discovered while excavating the stations. There are taxis everywhere, probably more than any other place in the world and the bus and system is mind boggling.

 

I like to stay in an area near the Alameda central hidden between Chinatown and the rest of the historic center or sometimes closer to the Zocalo in the heart of the centro historico. Yeah streets get closed off and traffic rerouted for the frequent demonstrations and marches but those are fantastic to watch and impressive to see how they are handled. But there are several great places to stay closer to the Zona Rosa or in Condessa or Roma. Places ranging from ultra-uber trendy to classic to simple.

 

Ace you really need to see Plaza Garibaldi. Friday or Saturday nights after about 11pm are best but there are things going on 24/7. Hundreds of Mariachis, mostly traditional ones with with their tight pants but also some unusual ones, punk, or all female, or wearing leather or white vinyl. Cool to watch dozens of hot men in tight pants carrying a musical instruments chasing cars all the way down Eje central to serenade the occupants while traffic backs up.

 

Just walking around the imense historic center is fabulous and it seems that every year more streets get converted to pedestran streets and there are just thousands and thousands of beautiful colonial buildings from as far back as the 1500s and then there are the ruins at the templo mayor (also the plaza de tres culturas further north) dating from the citys founding in 1325. All over the place you will find an obscure museum, or maybe an avant garde art venue, the city is absolutely amazing for music and art and at times in the most unexpected combinations. I've seen hardcore erotic art perfomances in repurposed 17th century cathedrals, transvestites reenacting historic events, and government officials facilitating a punk rock show.

 

In the south of the city Coyoacan and Frida Kahlos house are fun to and relaxing to see, Xochimilco with it's canals and chinampas gives you a taste of what the city was like when it was the venice of the americas before most of the canals and lake texcoco was filled in. U can hire a boat in Xochimilco and while you tour the canals other boats will come up to you selling music, beer and food. Truly special and although a bit tacky and turistic it seems mostly to cater to Mexican tourists and city residents celebrating a special occasion. Also In the south is UNAMs impressive campus and the sculpture space complete with a volcanic crater. I've seen some pretty cool outdoor theater there.

 

Not far away the cuilcuilco ruins dating from 1200 BC are notable for having unique circular pyramids and remants of plumbing! The city, valley of Mexico and surrounding areas are littered with interesting ruins and pyramids that make great day trips. Some like Teotihuacan or Tula are well known and others like my favorite (whose name I won't publicly mention) are relatively unvisited but sometimes immense and stunning in their own right.

 

The city has great restaurants ranging from precolumbian food to every ethnicity imaginable and regional Mexican food that is hard to find in the states. But my favorite is the street food. Tlacoyos, quesadillas de huitlacoche (corn smut!) or things made with squash blossoms. And of course no trip to central Mexico is complete without trying some pulque. The most mexican of drinks, THE pre-european alcoholic drink of mesoamerica. The traditional pulquerias do not admit women, or anyone in uniform. Pulque has a shelf life of a few hours to a day or two and so one doesn't find the real stuff outside of the agave growing regions of mexico.

 

And everywhere juice bars, that will make up a juice or smoothie for you with every known fruit and vegetable.

 

Wow glad to hear that El Taller is open, haven't been there for years but am looking forward to getting back there.

 

Raul

[+ Italiano]

Comments and statements made by people like Electra225 (and bigvalboy who "dittoes" him) are those which eventually create prejudices and generalized ignorance. Of course Mexico City can be dangerous as any other big city with a high crime rate and definitely a noticeable level of poverty.

But I have no patience with people who can have the balls (and arrogance, and stupidity) to state "Mexico (the city and the Country) is a DUMP". Unbelievable.

 

Just ignore those comments and enjoy a beautiful city full with fantastic things to offer. Of course be careful and avoid the avoidable, be careful, definitely increase your level of guard as you would do anywhere, but relax and open up to a colorful beautiful place.