In And Around Centro Histórico

From the subway, walk up Avenida 20 de Noviembre:

And if there is a march planned in the Zócalo, switch gears and walk down Avenida Francisco I. Madero . . .

. . . perhaps eventually to Torre Latinoamericana

. . . before returning to the Catedral Metropolitana and the Zócalo:

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Basí­lica de Santa Marí­a de Guadalupe is an incredible display that reminded me somewhat of visiting Vatican City. Guadalupe is the saint of the Americas and even if you have only a passing familiarity with Catholic culture, you will at least recognize the iconography:

A moving walkway keeps things humming along:

The modern basilica dates to the 1970s:

The sprawling site contains beautiful works of architecture from previous eras:

…and even if you are oblivious to what is clearly a spiritual experience for those around you, you will at least appreciate the stunning views of the city from the perch of Iglesia del Cerrito on the hill above:

Back To The Bosque For The Botanical Garden

I misread the Museo Tamayo website and didn’t realize it was closed for renovations, so we shifted gears and visited the Jardí­n Botánico in Bosque de Chapultepec. Was beautiful, and we especially loved the OCD-level rows of cacti . . .

Also had some strong echeveria game:

Succulents!

And this is where your tequila and sotol (respectively) come from: