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In the past few months, traveling from India to Canada has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Canada implemented a ban on direct flights from India after the second wave of COVID-19, and this restriction surprisingly lasted until September!
To enter Canada, travelers from India were required to transit through a third country and obtain a negative RT-PCR test result from that country, even if they were fully vaccinated. This requirement meant an unavoidable layover in a third country to complete testing formalities. Options included the Maldives, Doha, Cairo (Egypt), Armenia, and Mexico. After careful consideration, I chose to travel from Delhi to Vancouver via Mexico.
There were two reasons I chose Mexico. First, it was the most hassle-free route since Mexico had no COVID restrictions for international travelers. Second, my best friend lives in Mexico City. Once my route was finalized, I thought, why not spend some time in Mexico before heading to Vancouver?
My flight to Mexico (via KLM) had a layover in Amsterdam for six hours. Upon arriving in Mexico City, my friend Piyush received me at the airport, and we headed straight to his place in Condesa. Condesa is a charming neighborhood in Mexico City, known for its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque streets.
On the first day, Piyush gave me a small neighborhood tour. We started with a traditional Mexican breakfast, and I had Chilaquiles — they were delicious! We strolled through Condesa, clicking pictures while Piyush shared insights about the local lifestyle.
Later, we visited Chapultepec Castle, perched atop Chapultepec Hill. The castle was breathtaking, filled with stunning artwork that captivated us. It felt like we could spend an entire day admiring the magnificent details.
The next day, we rented a car and embarked on a road trip to Valle de Bravo, a magical town in Mexico. Mexico's tourism highlights several such towns, known for their natural beauty, rich culture, traditions, historical significance, unique cuisine, handcrafted art, and warm hospitality. The drive from Condesa to Valle de Bravo took around two hours.
We had already booked a stay at Hostal el Alebrije for two nights. It was a simple, compact, and clean hostel, with breakfast included. The best part was its location — the Avándaro Lake, Zócalo, and the marketplace were all within walking distance. During our stay, we socialized with travelers from various countries, which added a delightful and lively touch to our experience.
On our second day, we visited the Great Stupa of Valle de Bravo, an unexpected and fascinating glimpse of Buddhist culture in Latin America. Nestled in the serene woods of Los Álamos, the stupa is a beautifully constructed site that exudes peace and spirituality.
Next, we drove to the Velo de Novia Waterfall in San Lorenzo, just a few minutes away from Valle de Bravo. This stunning multi-tiered waterfall is set in a dense forest park, surrounded by picnic spots and handicraft vendors. A moderately challenging trek led us down to a breathtaking view of the falls. After soaking in the natural beauty, we enjoyed a hearty lunch in San Lorenzo before heading to the center of Avándaro.
The lively atmosphere of Avándaro, with its vibrant restaurants, bars, and cafés, immediately drew us in. We enjoyed the ambiance so much that we decided to return later in the evening for dinner.
After an easy and short hike, we reached the top of Mirador La Peña, and the view was nothing short of spectacular. From the summit, we could see the entire magical town of Valle de Bravo along with the serene Avándaro Lake. It was truly a sight to behold and a place that should not be missed!
Following this unforgettable experience, we had breakfast in Avándaro before heading back to Condesa, Mexico City.
In Condesa, there are numerous bicycle stands where you can rent a bike and explore nearby places. The system is convenient—you pick up a cycle from one stand and drop it off at another.
Our first stop was the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes, the prominent cultural center of Mexico City. This iconic place hosts an array of events, including music, dance, theatre, literature, photography, and art exhibitions. The architecture alone is mesmerizing, making it a must-visit spot.
From the Palacio, we headed to the Zócalo Cathedral, where preparations for Grito de Dolores were in full swing. Grito de Dolores, or Mexico’s Independence Day, is celebrated with a grand ceremony on the eve of Independence Day. Each year, the President of Mexico addresses an enormous crowd from the National Palace. Although I wasn’t fortunate enough to attend the event, witnessing the preparations was an experience in itself.
The architecture in this part of Mexico City was breathtaking. You could easily spend hours admiring the grand buildings, historic cathedrals, and fascinating museums.
A day before my flight to Vancouver, we visited Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and colonial-era architecture. We explored a few bars, enjoyed some beers, and indulged in long, heartfelt conversations, making the most of my last night in Mexico.
Finally, I boarded my flight to Vancouver, a short journey of around five hours. The immigration process went smoothly, and my brother was there to pick me up from the airport.
Coming to Canada via Mexico was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m sure I’ll be visiting Mexico again soon!
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