Stephania Ortega

Ciudad de Mexico sign outside of the Mexico City International Airport

Hi Travel Blogueras! I recently returned from a quick trip to Mexico City and wanted to share some of the best places to get those Insta -worthy pictures. It felt a little like a scavenger hunt trying to soak up as much of the sights, food and hospitality of this beautiful city. My trip was only 3 days long so I wanted to make sure and hit some of the best spots. If you have more time, I would definitely include the Frida Kahlo museum, the Soumaya, Palacio Postal and the Vasconcelos library.

In no particular order here are my top picks:

•Castillo Chapultepec

That is me genuinely trying to catch my breath after the steep climb it took to get here.

•This military academy turned castle turned Presidential home turned observatory and now the National Museum of History has been open to the public since September 27, 1944. The exterior was even used for the 1996 film Romeo and Juliet. There is a checkered floor observatory on the second floor that is great for pictures. The inside, staircase and gardens are also very picturesque.

•Xochimilco

A MUST. Especially if you’ve never been before. I will say this is easily a full day trip, the place is about an hour and a half ride by train or car. The actual boat ride can be as long as 6+ hours or as short as an hour. It is so colorful and there are many different types of boats with vendors that approach you so you get a complete experience without even stepping off.

•Palacio de Bellas Artes

This is a cultural center that holds musical productions, theatre and various exhibitions. The Ballet Folkorico de Mexico and the National Symphonic Orchestra are among the most notable groups that regularly perform here. For the best view of the building, you can cross the street to the Sears building and head to the 8th floor to the Cafe Don Porfirio. There is bar seating with a perfect view of Bellas Artes while you enjoy a nice artisanal coffee. Instagram gold.

•Zócalo

The hub for gatherings. It has been a gathering place since the Aztec times and now a common place for national celebrations and protests.This main square hosts the Cathedral, the National Palace, Nacional Monte de Piedad and the Templo Mayor. A grand Mexican flag sits proudly in the middle. For a great view of the Zocalo you can easily eat at one of the restaurants on the west side. If you walk near the area you can find vendors showing you menus of restaurants that boast a view of the plaza. Be warned, that when we went, our wait was roughly 2 hours since they first seat you at a different table until one of the coveted tables became available. Once we got the table after kindly asking the waiters over and over again when our turn would be, we quickly took pictures and pretended to still be eating and quickly left after. Gotta do what you gotta do for that “candid” eating shot.

•Angel de Independencia

Arguably the most well-known landmark of the city. This monument is located on a popular roundabout on one of the main streets in downtown Mexico City, built to commemorate the centennial of Mexico’s War of Independence. For a better view of the whole monument, I suggest walking up farther down the road and pose by either the walkway or by the flower pots in the middle of the street. On Sundays, the roads are closed along Paseo de la Reforma and you can easily run along the sides of popular landmarks.

Hope you enjoyed this list! Are there any insta-worthy places you’ve found in your travels?Please let me know in the comment section!! Would love to check them out on my next trip to Mexico City!

We are just a few days away from the largest annual event for Latino creators and digital innovation! I put together a quick list of Hispanicize Packing Essentials to make sure you have the best possible experience and enjoy the week in paradise.

Essentials

In a smaller bag or in your purse, bring along some things like hand sanitizer, mints, a hair tie, aspirin, band aids and snacks.

Notebook/Agenda

If you prefer writing things out to take notes at sessions, bring along a small notebook and pen to jot down key points. If you want to make friends easily, bring some extra pens. If you prefer, you can just record sessions on your phone.
Optional: Permanent marker – for those autographs with your favorite content creators

Business cards

Keep these handy to give when you are busy networking all week.

Tech

Phone, camera, laptop, tablet, vlogging camera, headphones, external flash, stabilizer……
If you’re attending Hispanicize you are probably already great at documenting and sharing so just make sure you bring an extra battery charger so you don’t miss out on all the action! A car charger would be great too in case your ride or rental doesn’t have a USB port.
*Don’t forget to download the Hispanicize app to have the schedule at a glance and get notified on any updates.

Different outfits

The dress code for the conference is “Business Casual” or ” Dress to Impress”. With that in mind, check the weather and plan accordingly. As of this weekend, it looks like the week will be full of sunny days with a high of 84F and a low of 67F.
Pack for different occasions like panels, dinners and the Tecla Awards! Don’t forget the light jacket or blazer in case it gets cold. Make sure you feel confident with your outfit and that it expresses your personal style. This is Miami after all so don’t shy away from bold prints and colors if that’s what you like.
Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable. The days will be long and if you’re not staying at the hotel (which you should!) then make sure to bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes to change. (Nothing getting in the way of you dancing all night!)
Also, don’t forget your bathing suit, sunglasses and some casual outfits for exploring after the sessions.

Packing

Although Hispanicize is 3 days long, the variety of outfits might make your load a little bigger. Make sure to pack light pieces that don’t take up too much space and roll your clothes to make the most of your luggage. If you really want to save space, pack things in plastic bags or packing cubes to suck the air out and stay organized.
Plan out your days and see what you will be wearing each day to only bring what you need and not overpack. Try to use basic pieces you can wear with different outfits or shoes that are versatile.

Don’t forget to leave a little room in your luggage for some extras you might bring home like material from the conference, goodies from booths or souvenirs.

See you at our panel “Will Post for Travel” (Presented by United Airlines) on Wednesday 4/18 at 4:45 pm in the Met Ballroom 2/3.
Feliz Viaje y nos vemos en Miami!