Top 10: The Best Day Trips from Mexico City

Visiting Mexico City? We know you’ve already got so much you want to see, but we’d also highly recommend opening up your itinerary to include a couple of day trips from Mexico City. From towns with great food and colonial charm like Puebla to incredible natural landscapes in Tepoztlán to pre-Hispanic archaeological sites like Teotihuacán—you can’t get the full experience of this beautiful country by staying in the city. So, today at Civitatis we’re going to run through the best day trips from the city, from the essential, to some a little bit off of the beaten track. ¡Vamos!

1. Teotihuacán (1 Hour)

Just an hour north of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is an essential day trip from Mexico City and one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Teotihuacán is thought to date back to around 100 BC, reaching its height around 500 AD, when it was one of the largest cities in the world, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Which civilization founded this city is unclear, though the ruins show evidence of Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec influences—by the time the Aztecs rose to prominence, Teotihuacán was already in ruins.

One of the main sights to see in Teotihuacán is the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest of the three pyramids in the complex, and one of the largest in the world. The main thoroughfare of the ancient city, the Avenue of the Dead is a 2.5-mile (4 km) road lined with temples and other important buildings, and another highlight of the site. Also check out the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, which features beautiful, well-preserved murals and carvings.

Getting to Teotihuacán from Mexico City is quite straightforward and takes around 45–60 minutes by car, bus, or metro. However, we recommend enjoying this tour of Teotihuacán with transport from Mexico City, or, for a slightly alternative experience, check out this Teotihuacán bike tour!

• Check out more ways of visiting Teotihuacán with Civitatis.

2. Puebla & Cholula (2 hours)

Just two hours by bus from Mexico City, escape to the colonial city of Puebla. As you walk the streets, enjoy colorful architecture and ornate Talavera tiles and smell the aromas of local cuisine. The most famous dish from Puebla is mole poblano, a rich, dark sauce made from chile, chocolate, and spices, served with chicken or turkey—an absolute must when visiting Puebla.

A short journey from Puebla (a 10-minute taxi which should cost around $10), Cholula is best known for being home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula (the largest pyramid in the world by volume), framed by stunning mountain views, topped by the beautiful Our Lady of Remedies Church, a 16th-century Catholic church.

For a curated day trip (or a bit more if you’re up for it), consider one of these Civitatis experiences:

• Cholula & Puebla day trip
• Puebla & Cholula 2-day tour

3. Taxco (2.5 Hours)

A 2.5-hour bus from Mexico City will take you through the mountains into the vibrant, hillside town of Taxco. This colonial city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, while still being much more laid-back than Mexico City. When you arrive, take a stroll down Taxco’s narrow cobblestone streets, and enjoy its white-washed buildings, and fantastic landscapes. Explore Plaza Borda, Taxco’s main square, and visit Santa Prisca, one of the largest churches in the country. Taxco is also known for its silverwork, with lots of places to buy high-quality silver jewelry around town.

Taxco is often visited as part of a day trip to Cuernavaca, a city right in between Mexico City and Taxco, known as the ‘City of Eternal Springtime’. Another wonderful colonial city founded by Franciscan monks, be sure to see the Cortés Palace, once the residence of conquistador Hernán Cortés.

Check out how you can see Taxco with Civitatis:

• Taxco & Cuernavaca day trip
• Taxco & Cuernavaca 2-day excursion
• Taxco & Cacahuamilpa Caves day trip

4. Tolantongo (4 Hours)

For those looking to relax and unwind, Grutas de Tolantongo offers a natural paradise in the mountains of Hidalgo, about 4 hours from Mexico City. This stunning destination features enchanting hot spring pools, thunderous waterfalls, and caves filled with thermal waters. It’s definitely a long drive, but once you settle into beautiful turquoise pools and take in the canyon views, it’ll all be worth it! Enjoy this natural spa, with transport included on this Tolantongo Caves day trip from Mexico City.

• Pro tip: avoid visiting Tolantongo on the weekends, as it can get very busy.

5. Tepoztlán (1.5 Hours)

Tepoztlán, one of the most accessible Pueblos Mágicos from Mexico City, is a charming mountain town, known for its stunning natural beauty and strong cultural heritage. The city is a popular retreat for those looking to relax as well as those looking to party a little bit!

If you have the time, enjoy a hike up to the Tepozteco Archaeological Site, home to the Tepozteco Pyramid, dating back 700-800 years. Here, you can learn a little bit about the local history and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Then, wander through the vibrant market, and take in the vibes! On this Cuernavaca & Tepoztlan day trip with Civitatis, you can combine your visit to Tepoztlán with the aforementioned Cuernavaca!

6. Valle de Bravo (2.5 Hours)

For a serene lake escape, Valle de Bravo is your best bet! Located just 2.5 hours from Mexico City, Valle de Bravo is a 16th-century colonial town that makes a popular weekend retreat for citizens of Mexico City. Sitting on Lake Avándaro, this Pueblo Mágico has everything you might want from a lake town, cruises, adventure sports, a lovely old center, great hikes in the hills… the list goes on! Chill out for a while at the Zocalo (the city’s main square), which is full of lovely trees and a gorgeous colonial church. Also, be sure to check out the market, where you can grab a lovely bit of authentic local food. Check it out for yourself on this Valle de Bravo day trip from Mexico City!

7. Xochicalco (2 Hours)

If you love history but want to avoid the crowds, the Maya site of Xochicalco is the perfect alternative (or, addition) to Teotihuacán. A 2-hour drive from Mexico City, this ancient pre-Hispanic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring impressive pyramids (especially the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpents), intricate carvings, and the so-called Observatory—an artificial cave, dating back over 1,000 years that acts as a solar observatory, highlighting an advanced astronomical knowledge.

• Visit Xochicalco and Cuernavaca with Civitatis.

8. Huasca de Ocampo (2.5 Hours)

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Mexico City, Huasca de Ocampo offers yet another unique experience for travelers. This Pueblo Mágico (the first Pueblo Mágico in the country!) in Hidalgo features stunning natural landscapes, especially the nearby Prismas Basálticos—otherworldly, towering basalt columns shaped by ancient lava flows. Huasca de Ocampo is also known for its pottery, traditional architecture, and folk tales!

A 30-minute drive away, you’ll come across Mineral Monte, another Pueblo Mágico, which was founded by English colonists as a mining town. You can discover both towns on this Huasca de Ocampo & Mineral del Monte day trip from Mexico City!

9. Nevado de Toluca (1.5 Hours)

For adventure seekers and nature lovers, a trip to Nevado de Toluca is the best way to escape the busyness of the capital city in favor of some fresh air and mountain views—which are often powdered with snow, an unusual sight in this part of the world! The fourth highest peak in Mexico, this volcano is just 1.5 hours from the city by car and offers one of our favorite hikes in the country. If you do decide to visit, just remember to wrap up, as it can get pretty cold!

For a guided tour from Mexico City, check out this Nevado de Toluca volcano hike with Civitatis.

10. San Miguel de Allende (3.5 Hours)

Renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to incredibly well-preserved colonial architecture (the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, for example) which lines its cobbled streets. San Miguel de Allende also boasts a very proud cultural heritage, a product of centuries of cultural exchange between Spanish, Native, and Creole people. Today, this city is known for its art scene, which can be discovered in its many galleries, fine food (check out this San Miguel de Allende food tour), and generally welcoming atmosphere.

For a guided journey through San Miguel de Allende, check out our San Miguel de Allende day trip. Or, if you have a little bit longer to spend in the city, check out more activities in San Miguel de Allende with Civitatis.

11. El Ajusco (30 minutes)

Just a short drive from Mexico City, El Ajusco offers a quick and easy nature retreat. Explore El Ajusco’s rugged trails, breathe the cool mountain air, and enjoy the panoramic views! it’s the perfect destination for both leisurely hikes and more challenging adventures. Whether you’re planning a family outing or seeking an adrenaline rush with activities like mountain biking and paragliding, El Ajusco’s natural beauty and accessible terrain provide an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!

There you have it! Those are our top picks for the best day trips from Mexico City. Whether you’re in search of a fascinating archeological site, an escape into beautiful nature, a colonial town, or something else, you have plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for more things to do in the Mexican capital, check out more tours and experiences in Mexico City! ¡Buen viaje!