SAN ANGEL -

(Loreto Plaza, Altavista and De la Paz Streets)

Why go all the way downtown when you have places like San Angel! This very old area of Mexico City is full of culture, scenery, nice people and nightlife. It is also VERY close to the Cenote Azul. This is one another reason that that you're at the best place in Mexico City. You can enjoy your time, enjoy Mexico City and without being crowded! Ever have that feeling of wanting something different, but the same, but more comfortable? ... Then you NEED to go to San Angel.

San Angel is a very old part of town, one that in fact used to be connected to the rest of the city only by train! When you go there your first stop should definitely be Plaza Loreto. In this quaint little shopping center is the Soumaya Museum. Probably one of the best kept secrets in all Mexico City, this place houses the likes of Picasso, Renoit, Rodin, Tamayo and several of the finest pieces of art you can find in Mexico and world wide. And, the best part of it is that access is 100% FREE!!!

After you visit the museum, keep walking North on Revolution Ave. You will pass by the local and very colorful fresh foods and art market, and then a 24 hour flower-shop strip. Lovely! Soon you will find yourself in the heart of San Angel. It homes several city highlights that you must experience when coming to the capital.

Several of the main attractions are on Altavista and on De la Paz Avenues. Walking South from Loreto Plaza on Revolucion Avenue you will find Avenida De la Paz first.  On your left hand side is Plaza San Jacinto. This charming little park is surrounded by several restaurants, old churches, cultural centers and theaters and hosts the famous Saturday Art Bazaar, where you can find and meet several local, highly talented artists, view and even buy their work. And, if your IRISH, check out the commemorative plaque to Saint Patick's Batallion!

Close to San Jacinto, but now on Altavista Avenue is Diego Rivera's modern studio (photo at top,) based on Mexican popular art and environmental space in its architecture.

Walking back from Diego Rivera's studio you will again find Revolution Avenue and on the corner is the 24 hour flower market. One block South from there you find find the ancient Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, founded by Carmelite monks in the XVII century. Annex to the church is a well stocked museum including an exposition of preserved mummies that were discovered in the church's undergrounds.

And, if you needed anymore, there is the Altavista and De la Paz Avenue's nightlife! Starting at the corner where the Carmel Church is, all the way to San Jacinto Plaza and continuing up to Diego Rivera's Studio you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and taverns that accommodate everything from the budget-minded traveler to the jet-set party goer!

HOW TO GET THERE

Very easy. From El Cenote Azul, walk one block towards your Right to the street corner.

- Turn Left and walk towards the University's (UNAM) gate.

- Wait there for any bus to come by and get on. Cost: $3 pesos (25 cents USD)

- Ask to get off at "Loreto" if you want to go the Soumaya Museum. Otherwise get off when the bus reaches its terminal, a few blocks ahead. Time: 7 minutes, with no-traffic.

- Get off bus and walk North one block to reach Av. De la Paz. Walk two blocks more and you're at Av. Altavista.

If you want to go walking from the Hostel, just ask one of El Cenote Azul's staff to make a map for you!

Download a map of San Angel here.

BASIC BREAKDOWN

Time to get there: .About 25-35 minutes walking to Plaza Loretto and 10 minutes more to Av. De la Paz.

On public transportation: 7 minutes to Loreto;  plus walking two minutes for Av. De la Paz .

Expected time to spend at site: plan on dedicating a good part of your day to San Angel.

Cost: Access is Soumaya Museum is free. Access to Carmen Museum is about $40 pesos ($3.50 USD).

Food and drink: All kinds of budgets here: meals from $30 pesos (about $2.50 USD) to about $180 ($16 USD). Beer can go from $20 pesos ($1.80 USD) to $80 ($7 USD)

Tips: - Refill your water bottle at El Cenote Azul's kitchen and carry it for your walk.

          - Some restaurants and bars are very trendy and can surprise you with how much things cost! Ask first!

          - Some bars are open until very late. Make sure you watch your time!

          - Be careful taking taxis! Altavista and De la Paz Avenue's has several SAFE TAXI sites that you can use, or ask us for a reference.

          - Remember to carry the essentials and not anything you might lose.

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