Field trip
Mexico City Trip
Sat–Sun, Jun 20–21, 7am departure
Instituto Allende
Ancha de San Antonio 20
US$235 all-inclusive
152-0226


A ''capital'' visit
By Lou Christine

Instituto Allende heads to Mexico City for an overnight field trip and tour of the pyramids next Saturday. The trip includes a historic tour of the nation’s capital where you can take in the downtown area, the impressive Bellas Artes, El Caballito Monument, the Zócalo, the Cathedral and the National Palace.

The valley of Mexico was, as it is today, the center of Mesoamerica’s high civilization. For centuries it has been considered the richest of all zones not only in its geography and biodiversity, but also in its cultural and historical significance.

Participants visit the site of the Templo Mayor, the great temple which was once the heart of the Aztec ceremonial world. The temple was completely buried and remained hidden for 270 years after the conquest. Since its rediscovery, artifacts such as the eight-ton statue of the Moon Goddess and a 24-ton calendar stone have been unearthed.

A museum adjacent to the Templo houses a magnificent collection of Aztec art, including altars, statuary and weapons of the time. The quantity and quality of finds far surpasses anything previously discovered from this period of Mesoamerican history. 

The tour visits the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, a hallmark location dedicated to the study of humanity in this part of the world. The Museum is a profound complex that perpetually educates and inspires a nation and its people. Explanations of all artifacts and installations placed next to each exhibit are in Spanish and English.

Saturday night the group explores Mexico City’s nightlife and Sunday visits Teotihuacán, Mexico’s unsurpassable pyramids. This archaeological site is a true wonder and perhaps alone warrants the trip.

This trip includes transportation, hotel, museum fees, and four meals and refreshments. The tour returns late afternoon, Sunday, June 21. Bilingual guides lead all tours. A free preview lecture of field trips is held every Wednesday at 4pm at the Instituto. Reservations are required and fees must be paid in advance. For more information, visit Instituto Allende or call 152-0226.