Mexico City is a massive metropolis with countless attractions and activities. However, it’s worth exploring beyond the city limits. If you’re interested in the best day trips from Mexico City, there are numerous fantastic places nearby to visit. Sometimes, a break from the city to discover the surrounding areas can be refreshing.
During my time in Mexico City, I went on several day trips and found the city to be an excellent base for digital nomads, thanks to its vibrant nightlife, diverse food scene, and numerous amenities. The biggest challenge is often deciding which places to visit. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the top 15 day trips from Mexico City.
Teotihuacan is one of the most popular day trips, located just 50 kilometers north of Mexico City. This ancient city, dating back to around AD 600, boasts some of Latin America’s most impressive ruins, including the Temple of Quetzalcóatl, the Moon Pyramid, and the Pyramid of the Sun. Plan to spend at least half a day, ideally a full day, to explore the vast site and its museum.
To get there, direct buses run from the North Bus Terminal in Mexico City, taking about an hour. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that includes transportation.
Puebla, located 130 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, is known for its stunning colonial architecture and traditional Talavera ceramics. It’s also famous for mole poblano, a rich and delicious sauce, often served with chicken. Near the city, the Cholula archaeological site features the world’s largest pyramid by volume.
You can drive to Puebla in just over two hours or take a bus from either Benito Juárez International Airport or the TAPO bus terminal. Guided day trips from Mexico City are also available.
Cuernavaca, an hour south of Mexico City, is famous for its colonial architecture, art galleries, museums, and parks. Known as the “city of eternal spring,” it has a pleasant climate year-round. Key landmarks include the Palace of Cortés, Cuernavaca Cathedral, and the ornamental Borda gardens.
Regular buses link Mexico City and Cuernavaca from the airport and Southern Bus Terminal, with the journey taking 60-90 minutes. Guided tours are also an option.
Taxco, about three hours southwest of Mexico City, is renowned for its silver mines and beautiful silver jewelry. The city features impressive churches, cathedrals, and art galleries. A popular activity is riding the Taxco Cableway for fantastic city views.
Buses frequently depart from the Southern Bus Terminal in Mexico City to Taxco, taking about 3-4 hours. Some tours combine Taxco with Cuernavaca in a single day trip.
Tula, just north of Mexico City, is an intriguing archaeological site once the capital of the ancient Toltec culture. Highlights include the Tula Warriors, large stone statues part of a temple. Reach Tula by car or bus from Mexico City, with the journey taking about 1-2 hours. Guided day tours are also available.
Malinalco, two hours southwest of Mexico City, features well-preserved Mexica (Aztec) ruins, including the Templo Mayor. The town offers colonial churches, traditional craft shops, and scenic mountain views. Buses from the TAPO bus terminal take about 2.5 hours.
Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park, a few hours from Mexico City, is perfect for nature lovers. Home to two of Mexico’s tallest volcanoes and numerous hiking trails, the park is ideal for both strenuous hikes and leisurely strolls. Buses from the TAPO bus station take 1.5-2 hours, and guided tours are available.
San Miguel de Allende, located in the central highlands, is known for its beautiful architecture, art galleries, and delicious cuisine. Famous dishes include mixiote, pozole, and barbacoa. The city also has several spas and thermal baths. Buses from the Norte bus station take about four hours, making it a long day trip. Guided tours are also an option.
Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, offers a rich cultural experience with its museums, archaeological sites, and colonial center. Local dishes to try include enchiladas placeras, uchepos, and criollo avocados. Reach Morelia by bus from the Western Bus Terminal, with the journey taking about four hours.
Querétaro, located about three hours northwest of Mexico City, is famed for its Spanish architecture, art galleries, and museums. The city’s aqueduct is a must-see landmark. Buses from the North Bus Terminal take about three hours, with guided tours available.
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, in Guerrero, is home to caves, hiking trails, and scenic lookouts. Highlights include impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations and the Bat Cave. Buses to Tixtla de Guerrero from Mexico City take around four hours, followed by a taxi or shared minibus to the park.
Valle de Bravo, two hours southwest of Mexico City, is a charming town on Lake Avándaro, offering water sports, hiking, and mountain biking. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is also nearby. Buses from the Terminal de Autobuses de Poniente take about two hours.
Huasca de Ocampo, in Hidalgo, is famous for its waterfalls and hiking trails. The town’s Museo Casa del Alquimista and Museo Nacional de la Cultura Otomí showcase local history and culture. To get there, take a bus from the North Bus Terminal to Pachuca, then a taxi to Huasca de Ocampo.
Tenayuca, an hour northwest of Mexico City, features an important Mexica archaeological site. To reach Tenayuca, take a bus from the North Bus Station to San Juan Teotihuacan, then a taxi or shared minibus.
Tlaxcala, two hours east of Mexico City, is home to the Cacaxtla archaeological site, the Centro Cultural Luis Cardoza y Aragon, and the Museo de la Cultura Tlaxcalteca. Buses from the TAPO bus terminal take about two hours.
All these destinations are generally safe for day trips, but always take precautions such as avoiding late-night travel and keeping your valuables secure. Popular day trips include visits to Teotihuacan, Puebla, and Cuernavaca. The best time to visit Mexico City is in the spring (March-April) or autumn (October-November).
Mexico City is a fantastic place to visit, and exploring the surrounding areas adds to the experience. Start planning your day trips today!
