Coyoacán: A Charming Oasis in Mexico City

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon may-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido(a)
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh(ah)]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo(a)
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh(ah)]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dheez-eez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo viene el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh vyeh-neh ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Coyoacan's history stretches back to the pre-Hispanic era, where it was an important settlement for the Mexica (Aztecs). It was known as 'Coyoacan' which translates to 'place of coyotes'. The area was a key agricultural hub, with fertile lands supporting the cultivation of maize and other crops. Evidence suggests that the region was home to several small towns and was inhabited by the Mexica before the Spanish conquest.

After the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century, Coyoacan underwent significant transformation. The Spanish established a colonial government, and many indigenous structures were replaced with European-style buildings. Coyoacan became a favorite retreat for Spanish nobility, leading to the construction of several grand colonial homes and churches, including the Church of San Juan Bautista, which dates back to the 16th century.

In the early 20th century, Coyoacan emerged as a center for intellectual and artistic activity. It became home to notable figures such as the painter Frida Kahlo and muralist Diego Rivera, whose Blue House (La Casa Azul) remains a key attraction. The neighborhood fostered a vibrant arts scene, and many artists and writers were drawn to its bohemian atmosphere, greatly influencing Mexican culture.

Coyoacan played a vital role in Mexico's political history, particularly during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and the subsequent political upheavals. The neighborhood became a refuge for exiled leaders and revolutionary figures, including Leon Trotsky, who lived in Coyoacan from 1937 until his assassination in 1940. His residence is now a museum, reflecting the neighborhood's importance in global political history.

Today, Coyoacan is a vibrant neighborhood that beautifully blends its rich historical past with modern life. It is known for its cobblestone streets, lively markets, and cultural festivals. The area hosts numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters, making it a focal point for cultural tourism in Mexico City. Coyoacan continues to celebrate its heritage while embracing contemporary influences, attracting both locals and visitors.

Coyoacán is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Mexico City. From downtown, you can take Metro Line 3 to Hidalgo Station and transfer to Line 12, which takes you to Coyoacán Station. Alternatively, take a taxi or rideshare service directly, which typically costs around 100-150 MXN. Buses from various parts of the city, including the Centro Histórico and Polanco, also connect to Coyoacán.

Coyoacán is best explored on foot due to its charming streets and plazas. Public transport options include the Metro, with Coyoacán Station on Line 3, and several bus routes. Biking is also a popular option, with bike-sharing programs available. Taxis and rideshare services are widely used for longer distances.

Coyoacán is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas, particularly around the outskirts. Petty theft can occur, especially in busy markets like Mercado de Coyoacán. Stay vigilant with your belongings, and keep an eye on your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available in the area, such as Hospital 20 de Noviembre. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency situations and medical needs.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress modestly when visiting churches. Don't wear flashy jewelry that may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches like the Church of St. John the Baptist, dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Don't use overly formal titles unless in a business setting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like churros and pan de muerto. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Coyoacán like a local, visit the vibrant Mercado de Coyoacán for fresh produce and traditional snacks. Explore the less touristy areas, such as the quaint streets of the neighborhood, to discover local art and crafts. Engage with residents, who are often friendly and eager to share their stories. Don't miss the chance to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, but be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.