Dynamics Days Latin America and the Caribbean

Useful information about the Mexico City airport can be found at
http://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.php
including information on authorized taxis within Mexico City and on travel by bus to locations outside Mexico City. Note that the information depends on whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Exchange rates at the airport tend to be quite reasonable. There are also various ATMs to withdraw cash with credit cards.

The bus to Puebla is called the "Estrella Roja". There are two possible Estrella Roja buses, to different destinations in Puebla. Take the one to "4 poniente" ("4 west") in Puebla, which is the most convenient destination.

Ask for a window seat on the right so you can enjoy the view of the volcanoes.

The trip to Puebla takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival at 4 poniente there are authorized taxis. Buy a ticket at the outside ticket counter, mentioning that you are going to the Hotel San Leonardo near the zocalo. The pre-paid fare will be around 54 pesos. A small tip to the driver upon arrival at the hotel will be appreciated.

If you need to spend a single night in Mexico City, then there are many hotels close to the airport (which is right inside the city!). As you can expect, these tend to be on the expensive side, while lacking in charm, among others, I have been in the JR Plaza Hotel, the Fiesta Inn, and in the very conveniently located Camino Real. Information on these hotels can be found with google.

If you spend more than just one night in Mexico City, then I would recommend a hotel in the historic center or near the "Zona Rosa". You can get there by authorized taxi for a fixed rate. I have stayed in the Hotel Maria Cristina (Rio Lerma 31, near the Zona Rosa), the Best Western Hotel Majestic (right on the Zocalo, in the historic center), and in the nearby Hotel Catedral.

Information on these hotels can be found with google.

"Must-see" in Mexico City are the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (in Chapultepec Park; go there by taxi, or long, but pleasant walk), the murals of Diego Rivera in the Palacio Nacional, right on the Zocalo (and also his "Sueno de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central", in the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, at walking distance from the Zocalo). Also impressive are the Zocalo itself, the Catedral Metropolitana, the monolith in the Templo Mayor, adjacent to the Zocalo, and the Alameda Central. As for streets, the Paseo de la Reforma (outside the historic center, towards Chapultepec Park) is imposing (while crossing its intersections can be challenging!). Along it, take time to reflect at the monument in remembrance of the Aztec leader Cuauhtemoc, at the intersection with Insurgentes. Another great monument along Reforma is "El Angel".