By Liam While I’ve discussed the merits of spending an extended period of time in Mexico City, we are yet to take a look at its beautiful surroundings. From so called “magic towns” (pueblos magicos) to archaeological wonders and crater lakes, there’s plenty to see within a stone’s throw of CDMX. There are plenty of excellent potential day trips from Mexico City and today we’ll discuss six of the best ones.
While Mexico City has it all, it’s nice to be able to escape the city sometimes. CDMX proper has over 9,000,000 inhabitants and can start to feel crowded at times. So, that’s where day trips from Mexico City become necessary. Of the following six places, you can reach five of them by intercity bus. Of course, renting a car is another option.
In any case, here’s our list:
Best Day Trips from Mexico City – 1. Teotihuacan
The clear number one on our list of iconic day trips from Mexico City is the Archaeological Zone of Teotihuacan. It’s also the most accessible from the historical center of Mexico City, at just under an hour away. There are frequent buses from Mexico City’s North station, which has its own stop on Metro line 5.
Teotihuacan is a must do for any visitor to Mexico City as it contains the famous and enormous Pyramid of the Sun. The scale of the pyramid truly makes you feel small and it is one of the most awe inspiring sights in Mexico. While you can no longer climb up the Pyramid of the Sun, the archaeological zone has a bunch of smaller pyramids to ascend.
If you want to get an early start to your day and see the best possible view of Teotihuacan, you can take a hot air balloon over the pyramids. Plenty of companies offer tours and while pricy, many rave about the experience. Even if you just pay 100 pesos to visit the pyramids on foot, I’d recommend getting there relatively close to the 8am opening time to beat the heat.
2. Tepoztlan
Tepoztlan is another one of the best day trips from CDMX. Legend says Tepoztlan, which is a 70 minute bus ride from Mexico City’s Taxqueña station, is the birthplace of the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl. Tepoztlan is a beautiful pueblo magico which is known for its Tepozteco pyramid and surrounding mountains.
You can take a relatively quick hike up to Tepozteco, which has incredible views of the valley below. However, it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. The center of Tepoztlan is very charming and you shouldn’t miss the Zocalo (central square) nor the central market.
Along with produce and food stalls, there are plenty of artisan handicrafts for purchase at the market. Tepoztlan also has a number of good restaurants. I ate one of the best meals I’ve had in all of Mexico at Las Calaquitas, which is also known for its mezcal cocktails. I can also vouch for breakfast at both Antojitos Magicos and El Corazon de Mexico.
Known for being a spiritual place, with meditation centers, spas and more, you could certainly extend a day trip to Tepoztlan into a relaxing weekend.
3. Cholula
Another day trip, another pyramid. Cholula (2 hr 10 min from CDMX’s TAPO bus station) is one of the biggest hidden gems in all of Mexico. You absolutely must visit its archaeological zone. There are remnants of a pre-hispanic pyramid which the Spanish built a massive church on top of (Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios). The contrasts are certainly interesting and the views from the church are unmatched.
There are plenty of beautiful churches in Cholula, just like in neighboring Puebla (more on that later). The enormous Zocalo is a great place to people watch. Along with the hilltop Santuario church, check out the ornate Templo de Santa María Tonantzintla and Templo de San Francisco Acatepec.
Cholula is also a well-known university town and has the nightlife to go along with it. Container City is an area with various bars and restaurants all made from shipping containers. Plus, the absolute best sandwich I’ve had in Mexico was in Cholula, at Cemitas Lupita.
4. Puebla
Puebla is one of Mexico’s most underrated cities. It is located just east of Cholula and is one of Mexico’s very best food cities. In Puebla, you’ll find delicacies like mole poblano, cemitas, chalupas, chiles en nogada and pipian. Puebla is also a city of nearly 1.7 million people. So, you could certainly fill a few days in Puebla. However, a day trip from Mexico City is sufficient if you’re short on time.
With just one day in Puebla you’ll want to spend most of your time in the city center. The Zocalo is very pretty and Puebla’s cathedral is the second largest in the entire country. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana, which is under $3 to enter is well worth a stop and is one of the most elegant libraries I’ve ever seen. Meanwhile, the Chapel of Rosario in the Temple of Santo Domingo is even more ornate and can’t be missed.
If you walk east from the chapel, you’ll reach the Artist’s Quarter, where there are plenty of small local art studios. Then, a few blocks south is Callejon de los Sapos, which is Puebla’s most iconic street. It’s a quaint pedestrian alley with colorful buildings and lots of energy. The Cinco de Mayo (named after the Battle of Puebla) pedestrian street is also worth taking a stroll on.
With just one day, it’ll be hard to sample all of Puebla’s culinary offerings. However, you can definitely try small dishes like tacos arabes, which are spit roasted pork tacos served in pita, and chalupas, fried corn masa with onions, salsa and shredded meat. If you’ve only got time for one big meal, try mole poblano. It’s a thick sauce made with 20 different ingredients and commonly served on top of chicken.
5. Nevado de Toluca
The fourth highest peak in Mexico, Nevado de Toluca is one of the more popular day trips from Mexico City. The inactive volcano has two crater lakes to hike up to. Of all of the potential day trips from Mexico City, this one is the most car dependent. Public transportation from CDMX to the trailhead is almost certainly not possible.
However, you can take a one hour bus from the Western (Observatorio) Bus Terminal to Toluca. Then, you can get a 45 minute taxi from there to base camp, which should come out to around $15-20. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to hike from base camp to the summit and it’s a very beautiful hike.
Make sure to layer up, as it can snow on the 15,350 foot peak during any month of the year. Both crater lakes (Laguna del Sol, Laguna de la Luna) are stunning. The landscape is not necessarily something we tend to associate Mexico with but it is awe inspiring nonetheless. Along with hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular in the national park area.
Best Day Trips from Mexico City – 6. Valle de Bravo
Situated on Lake Avandaro, Valle de Bravo is one of the most popular weekend day trips from Mexico City. Valle de Bravo is just two hours away from Mexico City’s Observatorio Bus Terminal. Relatively upscale, the pueblo magico Valle de Bravo is like the Hamptons of Mexico.
The lake, charming cobblestone streets and surrounding pine forests all contribute to a nice atmosphere. Some of the most popular activities in Valle de Bravo include boating, paragliding and kayaking. You can also swim in the lake if you’re up for it.
Make sure to take the 45 minute hike from town up to Mirador la Peña. It has some incredible views of the lake and town below. The Cruz de Mision viewpoint is another popular sunset spot. In the center of town, the black Jesus at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria is a popular draw. The Cathedral of San Francisco de Asis is also beautiful.
Having a car opens up a lot of other activites in and around Valle de Bravo. You’d be able to drive to the trails at the Monte Alto Natural Reserve. Some have great views of the lake from afar. Plus, you could also check out the monarch butterflies at the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is about a 40 minute drive from the center of town and the butterflies are usually there from December to March.
Day Trips from Mexico City: What Else?
There’s plenty more to do within driving distance of Mexico City. Stay tuned for more hikes and day trips from Mexico City in the future.
I left out beautiful places like Los Dinamos and Ajusco becuase they are within CDMX city limits. It is a big privilege to be able to drive 30 minutes and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and hike. The canals at Xochimilco also make for a very fun, and often boozy, day trip. While it’s far from most areas of CDMX, it is also technically in the city.