Visiting Chapultepec and Coyoacan in Mexico City

The fountain of two coyotes in Coyoacan

Last day in Mexico City, and also the last day in Mexico. It was a sunny Thursday morning when Leo and I headed out. I joined him in taxi ride towards his University, but have jumped out close to a neighbourhood called Coyoacan. I didn’t know what to expect, only that it is an interesting place worth a visit. While walking towards it I went to a bank to pay for my exit fee out of the country (around 20 USD). It went smoothly, so I continued towards the center of Coyoacan.

Upon arriving, I felt like being in some charming Italian town. It didn’t feel at all like being in Mexico City. Well, in the past this neighbourhood was a town of its own. It became part of DF (Mexico City) in the 19th century. Its name apparently comes from Nahuatl and it means “place of coyotes”. In the main park, where there is a fountain with two coyotes, I bought a typical Mexican ice-cream and sat down on the bench. Going further, one reaches another part of the square where the church is and another nicely designed park area with some monuments. What struck me the most about this place is that it really feels like you are in a completely different town in Mexico City. I could easily live here for some time. Walking further along one street, I stumble upon an entrance to a building that caught my attention. Having all the time in the world, naturally I went inside to explore it, and I’m so glad I did. Inside is a secret little park, with a caffe, a little fountain, the labyrinth, and other interesting things. I could easily see how this would become one of my favourite spot if I were ever to live in Mexico City.