Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and some say it is the largest city in the world. This huge city of 20 million which is over a mile high is built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital. Reminders of past civilization pervade the city, particularly at the Templo Mayor excavation.

Mexico City, now the center of, business, culture and government for the country, was once the center of the entire Aztec empire. The current Zocalo, or town square, is built on the same spot where once stood Montezuma's palace. Many of the old mansions and public buildings in the area were built hundreds of years ago using the stones from the Aztec temples that were destroyed by the Spaniards. The Zocalo is Latin America's largest main square with over 13 acres. Despite its size, the Zocalo tends to get crowded in the evenings and on weekends.

It is a city of many museums such as the Museum of Anthropology, which rivals museums around the world, to carefully restored colonial buildings, churches and mansions, to beautiful parks and plazas, and great monuments. The streets are filled with the traditional mariachi music and spicy Mexican food.

The Ballet de Folklorico is a magnificent show of regional Mexican dances performed in their traditional dress that no visitor should miss.

Fifty miles east of Mexico City are the Pyramids of Teotihuacán or "City of the Gods," home of the Teotihuacano culture. The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl are impressive remnants of this culture which predated the Aztecs and is linked to the Toltecs and Mayas.

Visitors to Mexico City will find a cosmopolitan city struggling with the effects of expansion and growth. With approximately 2% growth per year, the population of Mexico is continually outpacing the efforts of government to provide services. That said, travelers will still find a pleasant, enjoyable and historic city lying beneath the surface.

Mexico City is truly one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world. The city holds many pleasant surprises for those who choose to vacation here.