Why You Should Spend 2 Days in Mexico City Before Visiting Peru’s Sacred Valley
During our time in Mexico City, adhering to the dietary restrictions required for the Ayahuasca retreat proved to be a formidable challenge amidst the city’s vibrant culinary scene. The rich aromas of street tacos, the allure of fresh pastries, and the vibrant colors of tropical fruit markets tempted us at every turn. However, our commitment to the spiritual journey ahead kept us disciplined, focusing on the profound experiences that awaited us in the Peruvian Andes.
Altitude in Mexico City
As we prepared for our spiritual journey in Peru, we discovered an unexpected yet beneficial detour that would significantly enhance our experience: a brief stay in Mexico City. Unbeknownst to us initially, Mexico City’s elevation reaches an impressive 7,349 feet, surpassing Denver’s well-known altitude of 5,280 feet. This unexpected altitude advantage in Mexico City provided us with a natural step for acclimatization before venturing to the higher elevations of the Andes.
Opting to spend two nights in Mexico City turned out to be a pivotal decision. Although I grappled with a persistent headache during our stay, this minor discomfort paid dividends as we ascended further, reaching up to 15,190 feet in the Andes. Remarkably, none of us suffered from altitude sickness throughout Peru, a testament to the effectiveness of our acclimation in the bustling Mexican capital.
Our ultimate goal was to participate in a transformative Ayahuasca retreat and embark on a challenging 5-day hike along the Salkantay Trail to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. You can read more about these experiences in my dedicated posts:
5 Day Hike on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
Ayahuasca & Mescaline: 5 Nights in the Heart of the Peru
10 Days in the Sacred Valley of Peru
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Right after we landed and were on our way from the airport, we stumbled upon quite the spectacle—a fistfight right on the highway, surrounded by scattered popsicles of all things! It was about a 25-minute drive to our Airbnb, which turned out to be an unexpected gem and a fantastic start to our trip.
From the outside, the place doesn’t look like much, but stepping inside is like walking into a different world. The walls are adorned with beautiful marble, intricately etched with images of jungle animals. The entryway leads to an impressive library where you check in, feeling more like a royal reception than a simple Airbnb greeting. From there, you step out onto an incredible terrace that just takes your breath away.
And the price? Only about $50 a night. It’s an absolute steal for the experience. You can check out the Airbnb HERE.
Taxi in Mexico City
After settling into our stunning Airbnb, we ventured out to explore the heart of Mexico City. Our adventure quickly took an unexpected turn during our taxi ride. As I struggled to catch my breath in the backseat—likely still adjusting to the city’s altitude—I rolled down the window for some fresh air. That’s when things got even more interesting.
Suddenly, another driver pulled up alongside us and began speaking urgently with our taxi driver. My friend shot me a concerned look and explained that by rolling down the window, I had accidentally let the taxi driver’s permit fly away. I was mortified.
In an attempt to remedy the situation, our driver retraced our route, hoping to locate the lost permit on the highway. There we were, scanning the pavement for this crucial piece of paper, quickly realizing the peril of our actions amidst the bustling traffic. Eventually, recognizing the danger and futility, we conceded defeat.
Feeling responsible, we offered to compensate the driver for the lost permit. He suggested $50 as a fair amount, and we agreed, though later we couldn’t help but wonder if we had fallen for a scam. Nevertheless, the guilt of causing such a mishap lingered.
This incident taught us a crucial lesson about taxi etiquette in Mexico City: tipping isn’t customary, but if you choose to tip, around 10% is generally appreciated. More importantly, it underscored the unexpected challenges and ethical dilemmas that can arise when navigating a new city.