Welcome, travelers! Mexico City may be a cultural and political hub, but there’s a whole world of adventure waiting just beyond its borders. While the high-altitude capital offers great museums and dining experiences, the surrounding areas are ripe for exploration. From ancient ruins to colonial towns, there’s no shortage of day trip options to satisfy your wanderlust.
So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on some exciting journeys from Mexico City. Here are 15 of the best day trips you can take:
1. Teotihuacan
- Highlights: Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon
- Activities: Climbing the pyramids, sunset watching
- Distance from Mexico City: Approximately 30 miles
- Did You Know: The Pyramid of the Sun is the third largest pyramid in the world.
2. Cholula
- Highlights: Monastery of San Miguel, Largest pyramid by volume
- Activities: Exploring archaeological sites
- Distance from Mexico City: About 80 miles
- Fun Fact: Cholula boasts the world’s largest pyramid by volume.
3. Puebla
- Highlights: Tiled streets, Talavera factories
- Activities: Visiting onyx and talavera factories
- Distance from Mexico City: Around two hours’ drive
- Interesting Fact: Puebla houses an English castle in the middle of a lake at the Ex-Hacienda de Chautla.
4. Volcano Hiking in Izta-Popo National Park
- Highlights: Iztaccíhuatl volcano
- Activities: Hiking, enjoying natural scenery
- Elevation: 5230m
- Tip: Summit attempts start from the 4000-meter point.
5. Taxco
- Highlights: Silver production, Santa Prisca Church
- Activities: Exploring silver workshops
- Distance from Mexico City: Located in Guerrero state
- Did You Know: Taxco is known as the ‘silver city.’
6. Cuernavaca
- Highlights: Palace of Cortes, Tepozteco Mountains
- Activities: Visit to historic monuments
- Elevation: Around 5000 feet
- Nickname: ‘City of Eternal Spring’
7. Cacahuamilpa Caves
- Highlights: Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park
- Activities: Cave exploration, rock climbing
- Fun Fact: The caves form the second-largest cave system in the world.
8. Mixquic
- Highlights: Day of the Dead celebrations
- Activities: Witnessing rituals and traditions
- Experience: Celebrate Dia de Muertos in a vibrant and colorful setting.
9. Tula and Tepotzotlan
- Highlights: Atlantes statues, Jesuit church
- Activities: Exploring historical architecture
- Must-See: The baroque work at Tepotzotlan’s Jesuit church.
10. San Miguel de Allende
- Highlights: Cultural festivals, UNESCO heritage sites
- Activities: Exploring historic buildings
- Legacy: Town with buildings from the 17th/18th centuries
11. Magical towns of Hidalgo
- Highlights: Real del Monte, Huasca de Ocampo
- Activities: Exploring mining towns, canyon visit
- Unique Feature: Santa Maria Regla Canyon with basalt columns and waterfalls.
12. Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
- Highlights: Butterfly migration, Lake de Valle de Bravo
- Activity: Sanctuary tour, water sports
- Did You Know: Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico each year.
13. Tlaxcala
- Highlights: Tlaxcala City, Franciscan monastery
- Activities: Exploring colonial architecture
- Visual Delight: Dusky orange buildings with white detailing.
14. Santiago de Querétaro
- Highlights: Historical center, 18th-century aqueduct
- Activities: Wine tasting, museum visits
- Charm: UNESCO world heritage historical center.
15. Toluca
- Highlights: Historic museums, Botanical Gardens
- Activities: Educational visits, stained glass windows
- Did You Know: Toluca de Lerdo is the capital of the State of Mexico.
So, whether you’re into history, nature, culture, or adventure, there’s a day trip from Mexico City waiting for you. From ancient ruins to colonial towns, each destination offers a unique glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore beyond the bustling streets of the capital. Happy travels!