Central Mexico - Mexico City, Puebla City, Oaxaca - Travel Adventure
Just the Facts
I’m traveling solo on another Gate1 travel tour of central Mexico. We overnight in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca and visit several other cities and tourist sites along the way. This is my first visit to this area of Mexico in 43 years and my first visit to Puebla and Oaxaca.
Thursday, March 27th - Travel to Mexico City
I took a Lift ride to TPA airport for my 4:50 p.m. direct AeroMexico flight to Mexico City. We arrived at about 6:00 p.m. local time - two hours earlier than Florida EST. Immigration went well, and soon, I met the Gate1 representative and driver. After a 40-minute drive from the Airport, I arrived at the Galeria Plaza Reforma Hotel in the Zona Rosa area of Mexico City. The hotel is only two blocks from the famous Angel of Independence statue (feature photo above). I was in my very spacious room by 8:00 p.m. and decided to stay in this evening as it was bedtime at home. I did order Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and Chips with several Coke Zeros from room service…they were great. I’m actually here a day early as the tour begins tomorrow evening with a group meeting.
Friday, March 28th - Mexico City, Mexico 
Today is a free day for me, having arrived early. I started it with a very nice buffet breakfast at the hotel with leche caliente. I am fairly close to Chapultepec Park, a very large green urban multi-use area locally known as Bosque de Chapultepec, so that was my plan. It was a 30+ minute walk along the beautiful landscaped Reforma Boulevard. I passed fountains and monuments, but the blooming Jacaranda Trees' violet colors dominated one's attention. Once in the park, I walked up to Chapultepec Castle, located at the highest point of the park. The castle has had a long history as a military location, upgraded as a Palace during the Empire period under Maximillion, the location of a famous battle during the U.S./Mexican War, and home to Mexican Presidents until 1928. It became a museum in 1939. The museum has been expanded to include both the history of independence and the Empire period with Emperor Maximillion. It was very nice, and I enjoyed my time there. When I was here at Chapultepec Zoo in 1982 to visit the first Panda Bears born in the Americas, my then-new wife and I ate at a restaurant located just outside the park called Los Panchos. It’s still there and has been since 1944. A very traditional Mexican Food establishment that still serves several salsas and pickled carrots on the table. The Flan was amazingly good. I returned to the hotel by 3:00 p.m., having walked 15,000+ steps, a bit more than my maximum on tours. After resting, I went up to the 14th floor Penthouse level to the swimming pool and outdoor deck area. It was very nice. Our Gate1 meeting was at 7:00 p.m., and we have a large group of 40 on this trip. I retired afterward to write this review and rest. It was a great day in Mexico City.
Saturday, March 29th - Mexico City, Mexico 
The perfect weather continues as we begin the tour. I had another great breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I again had three fresh eggs over easy from the omelet station. The Pan Dulce was great. Our bus left at about 8:45 for the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. It was in a newer building when I visited 44 years ago and is still considered one of the best in the world. We had approximately two hours to visit. We primarily concentrated on the sites we would visit at Oaxaca. I also had time to see the Mayan exhibits (photo) and enjoy a Coca-Cola in the Restaurant. At about 11:00 a.m., we boarded our bus for the drive to the Zocalo; however, demonstrators had blocked the roadway before we reached downtown, so we ended up walking further than planned. We passed by local parks where neighbors did their traditional and modern community dances, local bazaars, the entry to Chinatown, a Benito Juarez Monument, and then arrived at the beautiful National Oprea House. We did a quick walk-through of the Opera House, then walked to our restaurant, La Opera Bar, for lunch. I had the Beef Steak with Guacamole and Frijoles. It was much better than yesterday's lunch except for the Flan. We also had Mariachis, all courtesy of Gate 1. We then walked to the Zocalo (main square) and walked through the National Cathedral, the largest Catholic Cathedral in Latin America. We then walked to the former National Secretariat of Education Buildings and Courtyards, where Diago Rivera had painted most of his very first Murals in the 1923-24 era. These were very interesting, especially where he painted Frida and himself (disguised) into them. I was now quite tired and happy to be waiting for our bus near the Zocolo. I enjoyed a mango ice cream while waiting. We were back at the hotel at about 4:20, where we said goodbye to our local guide for the day. I’m already at 15,000 steps for the day and relaxed until our set dinner this evening at Real del Barro, an Oxahca Restaurant, only two blocks from our hotel. I had the Red Snapper, Vera Cruz style. We also had entertainers dressed in Day of the Dead outfits for our group, and it was a nice evening. I retired immediately after returning to the hotel. It was a tiring but interesting day in Mexico City.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 - Pueblo, Mexico 
I woke early this morning to pack and prepare for a travel day. T did sleep very well. I took my luggage down when I went to breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Another very good breakfast buffet with my fried eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, juice, pan dulce, and Leche Caliente. We boarded the bus at 8:30 a.m. and had less traffic crossing Mexico City on this Sunday morning. Soon, we were on the highway to Pueblo with one comfort stop and a great view of the snow-covered Iztaccihuatl Volcano. We arrived in the old town area of Pueblo at about 10:30 a.m. and did a walking tour, seeing many historic sites. The most impressive are the Zocalo, the Catedral de Puebla, and the Biblioteca Palafoxiana (photo). Biblioteca Palafoxiana is a Unesco Heritage Site that began in the 17th Century and is considered the oldest library in the Americas. Very impressed. We then had a wonderful lunch at La Casa del Mendrugo in a former Colonial Jesuit College. I had a Chicken entree with two different Mole sauces, mushroom & baby corn soup, and ice creme for dessert. It was very different and very good. After lunch, we walked to the bus parking lot and took a panoramic drive around the Historic Zone of the Forts and the May 5, 1862 battlefield, where the Mexicans defeated the French forces. The hill area has monuments, modern museums, parks, and areas for families, and it was busy this Sunday. We were then taken to our hotel located back in the historic old town and only two blocks from the Zocalo. The Qunita Real Puebla is located in a former Catholic Convent and is really nice, in addition to its great location. The rooms are modern, and the public areas are huge, including a full interior courtyard. Lots of period wooden doors and Talavera Tile accents. I went on a walkabout at about 6:00 p.m. The Zocalo area was full of locals and families. There were a LOT of street performers and a huge area for children with clowns and cartoon characters. I'm unsure if this is a holiday or just a Sunday in Pueblo. I finished the evening enjoying two Bohemia Claras and visiting with fellow travelers. I’m glad we have a free afternoon here tomorrow, as today was wonderful in Pueblo.
Monday, March 31, 2025 - Tour Cholula & Tonanzintla from Pueblo 
I enjoyed a buffet breakfast in the huge, lovely courtyard this morning. Scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit selections, breads, and leche caliente. Our bus left at 9:00 a.m. for our day trip, and we began with the Churches of Tonanzintla. The first church was Santa Maria Tonanzintla. The building began in 1750, and it has a unique interior featuring many porcelain-looking faces covering all the walls. It is very different; please check the link, as photos were not allowed. Our second church was the San Francisco Acatepec Temple, dating from the 15th century. This church has more Talavera tiles in the interior and exterior than I have ever seen. Check this link as well, as it is hard for me to describe and to see many beautiful photos. We had a fair view of Popcatepetl Volcano. We then entered Cholula, Mexico, to visit the largest pyramid in the world. This pyramid is only partially restored, and at the top is built a Catholic Church. This is a huge site, and I passed on the walk up to see the Church and view. I spent an hour at the restaurant La Lunita, famous for its bar that serves local drinks, such as polque. I had the best meal of the trip (so far), starting with Tortilla Chips and three salsas. I ordered a half-liter of polque, which is served in a unique bowl…very different. I ordered a Pork Chop (butterfly cut) served with Guacamole, Frijoles, French-fried Potatoes (McDonald's quality), and Tortillas. A great hour break. I rejoined the group at about 1:00 p.m. for the bus drive back to Pueblo. We drove through the Archaeological area and made a stop at a Talavera Tile showroom, but I was not impressed with either. We returned to the hotel just after 3:00 p.m. I went on a walkabout to purchase a Talavera Bowl I discovered yesterday. I then spent an hour relaxing in the beautiful courtyard of the former Convent and drinking two Coca-Cola with hotel-quality service and ice. I made a purchase in the hotel jewelry store before retiring to my room. Some went to the Monday night Luche Libre (Mexican Wrestling), but a hot shower and rest & relaxation is my plan for this evening. Today was a great day in the Pueblo area.
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 Travel to Oaxaco 
I was up early to pack and leave my bag out by the door at 7:00 a.m. I then had a nice breakfast in the beautiful courtyard. We had a surprise visit this morning by our Gate1 manager’s daughter, who danced for us in full China Poblana costume. She is the spitting image of a young Frida Kahlo (photo). We were soon off on our 4+ hour drive to Oaxaca. Once away from the urban sprawl of Pueblo City, it was a nice drive. We had two comfort stops along the way, and crossing the Sierra Madre Mountains was very scenic. I have been across many mountain passes, but this was the first with large cactus plants growing on the sides of steep mountains. Very interesting. We stopped short of Oaxaca at a large roadside buffet, Hacienda Santa Martha. There was any type of Mexican dish that one could crave, as well as other selections. This was a comfort food for locals. We stopped outside Oldtown, and all walked the rest of the way along the old Aquaduct. We noted nice restored areas along this route. We arrived at our hotel, Quinta Real, at about 4:30 p.m. This is the same hotel operator as Puebla, and this hotel is located in a large former Catholic Monastery. It is a large complex and more spectacular than Pueblo. Amazing. At 6:00 p.m. there was a Folklorico Show in the former Chapel area with dancers’ in Oaxacan costume. We then walked to the main Zocalo for a group dinner at Tre3s 3isTro. The restaurant was very nice, and the meal was very good. It was a proper small Rib Eye Steak with trimmings. I walked around the busy Zocalo before returning the 3+ blocks to the hotel. Oaxaca is an experience that must be enjoyed. I can see why it’s considered a special place for Mexicans.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Oaxaca - Monte Alban 
I slept very well and went to breakfast at about 7:30 a.m. I had Huevos Rancheros with bacon from a set menu and leche caliente. It was very good. At 8:30 a.m., about half the group went on the excursion to Monte Alban, the pre-Columbian pyramid site just south of Oaxaca. I’ve been to many Mayan and Aztec sites, but this is my first true Zapotec complex to tour. It is a very large site with the oldest temple 3000 years old. The rest was built during the next millennia. I had time to see all of the Temples and then sit with a wide view of the site and reflect on the past. (The photo above is just one of many Temples) We also beat the heat by going early in the day. Check the link for more information. We then went back into old town Oaxaca for lunch at Las Quince Letres Restaurant for the best meal of the trip. I had Filete de pescado tapado and it was fantastic. I later discovered that they are a 5-star eatery with a Michelin rating, so I made a reservation for tonight before leaving. I then had a nice haircut in a Barber Shop just a few blocks from the hotel; I needed it as my last was in Cozumel with Martin months ago. The cost was $200 pesos ($9.87) with the tip…a bargain. Our second large group walking tour of Oaxaca began at 3:30 p.m. We went to the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, located next to the Santo Domingo Church. Here, they have items on display from Monte Alban that we visited earlier. After the museum, I returned to the hotel, skipping the rest of the walk. Forty people are just too many, and I prefer to do my own thing. I had some rest before returning to Las Quince Letres Restaurant at about 7:30 p.m. for dinner. I had a great dinner ordering a Tequila & Star Fruit Margarita for my cocktail; for my starter, a Guacamole with Pico de Gallo, Totopos, & Chapulines (grasshoppers). My entree was the Specialty of the House, a gourmet Chiles de agua a vinagreta (Two Peppers stuffed with fresh Fish and unique greens, tomatoes, and seasoning Vera Cruz style). And a Flan for dessert. The entree was amazing, and all for less than $40 USD. After returning to the hotel, I retired. It was a great day in Oaxaca.
Thursday April 3rd, 2025 — Oaxaca 
I slept very well overnight. At about 8:00 a.m. I enjoyed an excellent leisurely breakfast as I am not joining the group on tour today. I will enjoy Oaxaca and this wonderful hotel. I went on a walkabout during the cooler morning hours, first going to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, the most ornate and impressive of the old town's three very large historic churches. I next walked to the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaco Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, the largest of the churches and located at the Zocalo (main square) of Oaxaca. Both are well worth visiting. I then had a rest and an original MX bottled Coca-Cola at Terranova on the north side of the Zocalo; it was great. I then shopped in the local market area, looking for a very particular style of silver wrist bangle bracelet for the DW. I had a catalog photo to show the style. No luck at any of the area jewelry stores or stalls in the huge Mercado Benito Juarez. After a period of time, I wanted to make my way back towards the Zocalo and was only two blocks away when I showed a lady at the last shop the photo, and she said YES…not only that style but THAT very bracelet. She took it out and quoted me $4500 MX, which I knew was too much; I showed her the price on the photo, and she smiled and said she would match it. So $2250 pesos it was…I felt like a successful hunter/gatherer. I celebrated with another Coca-Cola at Terranova Restaurant located on the south side of the Zocalo. Another good people-watching location. I made my way back the 3+ blocks to Quita Real while enjoying a double-dip ice creme from a nice shop. Chapulines were available as a topping. At about 1:00 p.m. I was headed out to get the famous local sandwich but made a query at the hotel restaurant about that sandwich; they talked me into having their nice custom premium sandwich based on it. I did, and it was the best sandwich ever. A toasted triple-decker loaded with Ham, Oaxacan Cheese, Tomato, Bacon, Avacado, and Chicken mayonnaise. Wow. I then had cabin time to digest the market, take a nap, and update this blog. BTW my room is on the far left of the above photo; the second opening is the window. Very quiet and lovely area. At 7:00 p.m., we had our farewell dinner at Catedral. I had the pulled pork with tortillas and a nice mole sauce. After farewells, it was the four blocks back to the hotel. I retired as I had an early ride to the airport in the morning. A great final day in Oaxaca.
Friday, April 4th, 2026 — Travel Day
I packed up early, met my airport transport at 6:10 a.m., and soon arrived at the small Oaxaco Airport. Bags checked through to TPA, and it was only a one-hour flight to MEX. Only 45 minutes between flights, but soon was on AeroMexico to Tampa. Just over a 3.5-hour flight, but I had the entire Exit Row to myself. Nice. Once at TPA, I had Chick-fil-A for dinner, then a 45-minute Lyft ride to the Villa in Meadow Oaks. Home by 5:00 p.m. Easy travel day.
Gate1 Travel
Again, the tour company and its local tour providers did a wonderful job. Our Gate1 tour manager, Rubin, was very efficient. The group was large, with 40 people, and that’s hard to manage. I’d prefer fewer; my next tour is a small group category (less than 22), so that is always an option.
Oaxaca is a very special place. Great people, great food, and interesting history.
