8 Unforgettable Day Trips From Mexico City (+Map)

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico as well as the largest city, population wise, in all of North America. This teeming metropolis is enormous, and it is divided into more than 1,700 different neighborhoods. The historic downtown is packed with historic landmarks, and there is no shortage of world-class museums to choose from.

While you could spend days exploring Mexico City without getting bored, don’t miss out on the chance to discover the region. Day trips from Mexico City can allow you to see ancient ruins, remarkable scenery and plenty of culture, so be sure to include some of these destinations in your travel plans.

8. Malinalco

Drive two hours southwest of Mexico City, and you’ll approach Malinalco. This destination is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and during the week the colonial town can be very quiet. The main reason to visit is the dramatic landscapes, the beautiful cliffs and the ancient Aztec ruins.

You can still tour the ruins of Malinalco, which are set into a mountain overlooking the small town. Thanks to a handful of international restaurants and a few quirky boutique shops, it is easy to make a full day of this charming destination.

Getting to Malinalco

As it is a bit time consuming and complicated to get there by public transport, many people decide to take the car to Malinalco instead. The quickest route takes about two hours, although this does involve a toll road.

7. Tlaxcala

Tlaxcala is both a state and a city, and it should definitely be one of your top choices for a Mexico City day trip. The city of Tlaxcala is home to the breathtaking Palacio de Gobierno de Tlaxcala as well as a range of colonial buildings that have been carefully restored, such as the Basilica of Ocotlán.

With a large student population, good restaurants and bars and a handful of excellent museums, the city has a surprisingly vibrant cultural life. Outside of the city, you can see bright and colorful Mayan frescoes that are part of the Cacaxtla archeological ruins, or you could head to the ruins of Xochitecatl, which are home to ancient pyramids.

Getting to Tlaxcala

By public transport, the city of Tlaxcala is around a two-hour journey away, and regular buses depart from Terminal Oriente in Mexico City.
Another option for visiting Tlaxcala is to take a guided tour from Mexico City. As well as exploring the fascinating historical and architectural sites in the city center of Tlaxcala, tours also take you to see the amazing ruins at Cacaxtla. (More info and bookings)

6. Taxco

South of Mexico City is Taxco, a stunning colonial city built into a hillside. Known for its mining industry, Taxco is the ultimate place to shop for silver souvenirs. There is even a silver museum in the Casa Borda where you can admire a dazzling collection of silver artifacts from the past two centuries.

You can’t miss the Santa Prisca Cathedral, a beautiful baroque building from the late 18th century. As you stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, look for vendors selling the local dish called Pozole. White Pozole is served daily, but Thursdays are special days where the traditional red and green Pozole is offered.

Getting to Taxco

If you are pressed for time you may want to consider taking a guided tour to both Taxco and Cuernavaca. With a professional guide on hand, you’ll get to visit all the main sights in both cities. (More info and bookings)

5. Tepoztlan

Tepoztlan is a new age destination with a unique vibe and some fantastic ruins. A short hike of under an hour will take you to the top of a mountain known for its positive energy, which is where you’ll also find the ancient pyramid of El Tepozteco.

Back in the town, be sure to check out the beautifully restored convent known as Dominico de la Navidad. While in Tepotzlan, try out some of the progressive holistic rituals and pastimes like Temazcal, a kind of ancient sweat lodge, or yoga.

Getting to Tepoztlan

Located right next to Cuernavaca to the south of Mexico City, Tepoztlan takes around an hour and fifteen minutes to reach by public transport. On the way, you’ll pass some spectacular mountains. Just hop on a bus at Terminal de Autobuses del Sur and sit back and enjoy the ride. Once you arrive, it is only a short taxi ride to any of the main sights.

4. Puebla

Puebla is east of Mexico City, and it is a city known for its history, cuisine and landscape. Puebla is situated within a valley, and it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the 19th century, The city was the site of battles with the French, and two remaining forts from that time period are major attractions and points of pride for local residents.

After sightseeing and touring the Zocalo plaza, the 16th century Puebla Cathedral and the art district of Los Sapos, dig into some of the traditional cuisine. A few local specialties include fresh fried potato chips with lime juice, cemitas and chorizo filled quesadillas.

Getting to Puebla

Getting to Puebla by public transport from Mexico City is very easy; buses depart around every 15 minutes from Terminal Oriente. The journey takes about two hours if there’s no traffic, and you pass by some lovely scenery.
Another option is to take a guided tour from Mexico City to Puebla. As well as taking you around the marvelous historical and religious buildings in the center of Puebla, tours also include a trip to Cholula to see the largest pyramid in the world. (More info and bookings)

3. Cholula

Just outside of Puebla is another destination you won’t want to miss: Cholula. This small city is home to the world’s largest monument, which also happens to the largest pyramid in the world. The enormous earthen pyramid called Pirámide Tepanapa was built by the Tlachihualtepetl people.

In the 16th century, a Catholic cathedral was built at the top of the pyramid, and it still stands. You can tour the cathedral, which is decorated with 24-carat gold. The overgrown pyramid itself has been badly neglected over the centuries and is virtually unrecognizable as a human-made structure but you can access some of the tunnels underneath the pyramid.

You’ll also want to check out the small museum nearby, which is home to a number fascinating artifacts and exhibits about what life in Cholula was like in centuries past.

Getting to Cholula

To get to Cholula by public transport, you’re first going to have to take a bus to the nearby city of Puebla. The most frequent buses depart from Terminal Oriente in Mexico City; these take around two hours (depending on traffic) to arrive at Centro de Autobuses Puebla. From here, you can either take a 40-minute bus ride or a 20-minute express bus to Cholula.
If you don’t want to faff around driving or taking public transport, then lots of tours run daily to both Cholula and Puebla from Mexico City. As they are so near to each other, it is very easy to see both cities in one day. (More info and bookings)

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2. Cuernavaca

Miki-Plebs / Wikipedia

Only an hour south of Mexico City is Cuernavaca, also known as The City of Eternal Spring. It gets that nickname thanks to the mild climate, which makes it the ideal place to visit and explore outdoors no matter what the season.

Cuernavaca boasts plenty of gorgeous gardens and public parks as well as natural thermal springs and rivers. The Teopanzolco Archaeological Site is an Aztec influenced site that is likely 700 years old, and it is a must-see landmark in the city.

Other important attractions include the 17th century Cathedral and the 16th century Palace of Cortes, which is now home to murals painted by Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

Getting to Cuernavaca

Buses to Cuernavaca run very frequently from Mexico City. You can either get one from Terminal de Autobuses del Sur, Terminal de Autobuses del Norte, or Mexico City Airport. From the former, the journey takes around an hour and twenty minutes, while it takes about two hours from the airport.
Many people combine a visit to Taxco and Cuernavaca into one day trip, and guided tours are the best way to see what both cities have to offer. (More info and bookings)

1. Teotihuacan

If you’re interested in Mexican history, then there are few day trips more suitable than one to Teotihuacan. This ancient city northeast of Mexico City is home to pyramids that predate Columbian times. Known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacan is where the gods gathered to create man, according to ancient legend.

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The four major landmarks include the Temple of the Moon, the enormous Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, which is decorated with stone serpent heads, and the Museo Teotihuacán. The museum is home to a complete miniature replica of Teotihuacán, which can help you understand the scale and layout of this incredible destination.

Getting to Teotihuacan

To get to Teotihuacan by public transport is quite easy; the journey should take around an hour by bus. From the Autobuses del Norte bus terminal, you just need to buy a ticket, which costs around $3. You can get these at the ‘Piramides’ booth.
Many people who visit Teotihuacan opt to take a guided tour, as this then enables you to learn all about the history of the incredible edifices from a professional guide. After exploring the site to your heart’s content, the day culminates with a stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (More info and bookings)