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Day Trips From Mexico City

The most Popular Day Trips

Most Popular Day Trips from Mexico City

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Everything you need to know about Day Trips from Mexico City

Mexico City, the vibrant heart of Mexico, offers a wealth of experiences within its boundaries. However, venturing beyond the city limits reveals a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. These day trips from Mexico City provide the perfect opportunity to escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of central Mexico.

1. Teotihuacan: Ancient Pyramids and Mysteries

A day trip to Teotihuacan is a journey back in time to one of Mesoamerica’s most impressive archaeological sites. Located just 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan was once a thriving pre-Columbian metropolis.

The site’s main attractions include:

  • The Pyramid of the Sun: The third-largest pyramid in the world
  • The Pyramid of the Moon: Offering panoramic views of the entire complex
  • The Avenue of the Dead: A 4-kilometer-long main thoroughfare
  • The Temple of Quetzalcoatl: Adorned with intricate stone carvings

To make the most of your day trip to Teotihuacan, arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat. Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to unravel the mysteries of this ancient city and its enigmatic builders.

2. Taxco: Silver Mining Town with Colonial Charm

Nestled in the mountains of Guerrero, Taxco is a picturesque colonial town renowned for its silver mining history and exquisite craftsmanship. A day trip to Taxco offers a delightful escape into a world of cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and red-tiled roofs.

Key attractions in Taxco include:

  • Santa Prisca Church: A stunning example of Mexican Baroque architecture
  • Plaza Borda: The town’s main square, perfect for people-watching
  • Silver shops and workshops: Explore the town’s famous silver crafts
  • Teleferico: A cable car offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains

While in Taxco, indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants and cafes dotting the town’s winding streets.

3. Valle de Bravo: Lakeside Retreat and Adventure Hub

For nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, a day trip to Valle de Bravo is a must. This magical town, set around a picturesque lake, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Popular activities in Valle de Bravo include:

  • Paragliding: Soar over the lake and surrounding forests
  • Horseback riding: Explore the lush countryside on horseback
  • Water sports: Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing on Lake Avándaro
  • Hiking: Discover nearby waterfalls and forests

Don’t miss a stroll through the town’s charming centro, with its colonial architecture and artisanal shops. For a truly memorable experience, time your visit to coincide with the annual monarch butterfly migration between November and March.

4. Puebla: Culinary Capital and Colonial Gem

A day trip to Puebla, located about two hours southeast of Mexico City, is a feast for the senses. Known for its rich culinary traditions and stunning colonial architecture, Puebla offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy.

Must-see attractions in Puebla include:

  • Puebla Cathedral: A masterpiece of colonial architecture
  • Biblioteca Palafoxiana: The Americas’ first public library
  • Calle de los Dulces: A street dedicated to traditional sweets
  • Mercado El Parián: An artisanal market for traditional crafts

No visit to Puebla is complete without sampling its famous cuisine. Try the iconic mole poblano, chiles en nogada, or cemitas at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants or street food stalls.

5. Tula: Toltec Capital and Warrior Statues

History buffs will relish a day trip to Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltec civilization. Located about 100 kilometers north of Mexico City, Tula offers a glimpse into pre-Columbian Mexico’s rich past.

Key sights in Tula include:

  • Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl: Topped by the famous Atlantes warrior statues
  • Burned Palace: An expansive structure with intricate bas-reliefs
  • Ball Court: Where ancient Mesoamerican ball games were played
  • Tula Regional Museum: Housing artifacts from the site and region

Combine your visit to Tula with a stop at the nearby town of Tepotzotlán, home to the stunning National Museum of the Viceroyalty, housed in a former Jesuit college.

6. Cuernavaca: City of Eternal Spring

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant year-round climate, Cuernavaca makes for an ideal day trip from Mexico City. Just an hour’s drive south of the capital, this charming city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Top attractions in Cuernavaca include:

  • Palace of Cortés: Home to impressive Diego Rivera murals
  • Jardín Borda: A beautiful 18th-century garden
  • Teopanzolco Archaeological Zone: Aztec ruins in the heart of the city
  • Robert Brady Museum: An eclectic art collection in a stunning setting

After exploring the city’s sights, relax in one of Cuernavaca’s many lush parks or enjoy a meal at a traditional Morelense restaurant.

7. Pachuca and Real del Monte: Mining History and English Heritage

A day trip to Pachuca and nearby Real del Monte offers a unique glimpse into Mexico’s mining history and surprising English influences. Located in the state of Hidalgo, about two hours northeast of Mexico City, these towns are often referred to as “Little Cornwall” due to their Cornish mining heritage.

Highlights of Pachuca and Real del Monte include:

  • Reloj Monumental: Pachuca’s iconic clock tower
  • Museo de Minería: Learn about the region’s mining history
  • Pastes shops: Try these Cornish-inspired meat pies
  • English Cemetery: Final resting place of Cornish miners

Don’t miss the opportunity to descend into a former silver mine or visit one of the area’s many abandoned haciendas for a truly immersive historical experience.

8. Malinalco: Mystical Town and Nature Retreat

For those seeking a blend of history, nature, and spirituality, a day trip to Malinalco is the perfect choice. This pueblo mágico (magical town) is nestled in a lush valley about two hours southwest of Mexico City.

Key attractions in Malinalco include:

  • Cuauhtinchan Archaeological Zone: A unique monolithic temple carved into the mountainside
  • Ex-Convento Agustino: A 16th-century monastery with stunning murals
  • Casa Museo Luis Mario Schneider: A cultural center showcasing local art and traditions
  • Malinalco’s botanical garden: Home to a diverse array of local flora

After exploring the town’s historical sites, take time to wander through Malinalco’s charming streets, browse its artisanal markets, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine.

9. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park: Underground Wonders

Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers will be thrilled by a day trip to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park. Home to one of the largest cave systems in the world, this park offers a unique underground experience about three hours south of Mexico City.

Highlights of the park include:

  • Grutas de Cacahuamilpa: A vast network of illuminated limestone caverns
  • Río Subterráneo: An underground river perfect for swimming and exploring
  • Limontitla Botanical Garden: Showcasing the region’s diverse plant life
  • Adventure activities: Including zip-lining and rock climbing

Guided tours of the caves are available, allowing visitors to marvel at the intricate formations and learn about the geological processes that created this underground wonderland.

10. Tlaxcala: Off-the-Beaten-Path Colonial Charm

For travelers looking to escape the crowds and discover a lesser-known gem, a day trip to Tlaxcala is an excellent choice. The capital of Mexico’s smallest state, Tlaxcala offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty just two hours east of Mexico City.

Must-see attractions in Tlaxcala include:

  • Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Ocotlán: A stunning example of Mexican Baroque architecture
  • Plaza de la Constitución: The city’s main square, surrounded by historical buildings
  • Palacio de Gobierno: Home to impressive murals depicting Tlaxcala’s history
  • Museo Regional de Tlaxcala: Showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local specialties like tacos de canasta or escamoles (ant larvae) at one of Tlaxcala’s traditional markets or restaurants.

Day Trips From Mexico City