Dino sent us the following message13 August 2003 14:51

Hi, I read this in Lonely Planet, and then I see in Enkidu that you offer exploration of Tepito as part of one of your city tours.

 

http://enkidu.netfirms.com/Enkidu_travel/enkidu_citytours.htm

 

It sounds dangerous if half o what LP writes is true, and you DO emphasize that it is for the really adventurous... Sounds exiting though, but could it be TOO exiting sometimes? How do you organise these tours? I'd like to hear more about the place and the tour, how do you get there and back again. Did anything ever happen to anyone taking this tour???

 

Dino

 

Tepito (Page 215)
You give a warning that it has reputation for thieves and pickpockets. This area is notorious in Mexico and extremely dangerous. Many people in Mexico City avoid it completely. Two years ago it was the scene of serious riots and battles with heavily armed police. Apart from the likely event of an assault, it could be very dangerous for anyone perceived as a foreigner. It would be assumed that such a person would be carrying dollars, and certainly invite assault or kidnapping. The place is now a no go area for the police. Even they are attacked here. On Wednesday, 27th November, many police in riot gear arrived concealed in the back of a lorry. The rear doors were thrown open. The police jumped out en masse, and tried to arrest drug dealers. They had to stay closely together, covering each other with automatic weapons, then to return together in just a few minutes into the lorry to avoid being captured by the 'residents'. Criminals work with impunity here. Television reports showed the incident nationwide, also explaining how many of the residents hook up illegally to power lines to power their stalls and businesses. My own family in Mexico City insisted that I shouldn't go there, saying, "They are capable of anything". It cannot be emphasized too much how dangerous a place it is.

Agustín Villalpando, one of Enkidu's cultural guides replied:

Hi Dino,

In reality Tepito is one of those real-life oportunties to get in
touch with the REAL Mexico, not the one from guides or tourist books.
I can mention that this is a place of huge contrasts, but this is
never mentioned for instance that this is one of the most avant-garde
tech sites in the country. Whenever a new development in gadgets or
electronics is around in the world, Tepito has it. In reality, even
before CD's were recordable at home, you could find the newest CD's
of music and of computer games, for instance.

My personal experience is that Tepito in itself is a place packed
with Mexicans and you can find ANYTHING you have imagined, from
clothes to music, to sex toys and movies. The atmosphere is of an
incredible Tianguis, with some police personnel around, so nowadays
it is a place you can visit. Knowing of course that you must not go
with all the jewelry or expensive watch there. I would say jeans and
a shirt or t-shirt is ok.

The most impotant advice would be that you don't show off that you
are a turist nor try to take pictures or video there, as they might
not like that. But who knows, if you are charmed enough... maybe some
of them would say yeah.

Thanks for you mail and I am looking forward to have you in one of
our adventures.

Agustín Villalpando.
Enkidu's Cultural Guide.

If you are interested in an Enkidu City Tour, please send us an e-mail for further information