From culture-filled cities to sprawling ancient ruins, these are the very best day trips from Mexico City. Add these nearby destinations to your CDMX itinerary and thank me later.
A blend of old and new, Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. And it boasts a lot to see and do.
But once you (finally) get outside the city limits, there is a lot more to explore. It’s a shame, really – many of the best day trips from Mexico City quietly slip under the radar of so many people travelling to CDMX.
Not anymore. Let me uncover the best places to visit near Mexico City. And, don’t worry, I’ve written about how you can get there and some handy tours to make things a breeze. You’re welcome.
The Best Day Trips From Mexico City
Teotihuacan Pyramids
Is there a more famous day trip from Mexico City than visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids?
Comparisons aside, the Teotihuacan Pyramids are in a class of their own and a must-visit on your inaugural trip to Mexico City.
Walk around the expansive archeological site and admire the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and other incredible artefacts in this well-known complex.
Make sure to stroll along The Avenue of the Dead (shudder), which stretches for about 1.5 miles. This was the main road for the Teotihuacanos way back from the 1st to 7th centuries CE and is home to numerous temples, palaces and residential complexes.
How to Get There: You can travel by bus from the Central de Autobuses del Norte station, take a ride share or drive. Driving takes about half the time as public transportation. You can look into renting a car here.
Average journey duration: 1-2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Teotihuacán Early Access & Tequila Tour
Xochimilco
Looking for Mexico City day trips that don’t involve leaving the city at all? Xochimilco is a perfect choice.
You’ve probably seen photos on social media of happy tourists floating down the ancient canals built by the Aztecs in colourful boats. Likely drinking a few too many shots of tequila while being serenaded by mariachis.
Trust me on this: it’s more fun when you’re on the boat and a great option if you’re apprehensive about going outside the city limits on your trip to Mexico.
How to Get There: Take the metro train line 2 to Tasqueña, then transfer to line 1 to Xochimilco before walking for about 10 minutes. But the easiest and safest way to arrive is by rideshare.
Average journey duration: Around 1 hour
Hassle-free option: Book This Xochimilco Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks Tour
Puebla
If you don’t mind heading out (a lot) further, a Puebla day trip from Mexico City is an excellent choice.
Visit the home of Mole Poblano (the delicious, complex sauce loved worldwide), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s also famous for gorgeous temples and cathedrals – don’t miss Capilla del Rosario – and walk the streets taking in the unique scenery and architecture in this famed city.
Puebla is also famous for its colourful Talavera pottery, and the best way to pick yourself up a pretty souvenir is at the Uriarte Talavera factory or Talavera de la Luz. You can also marvel at the detailed pottery process.
How to Get There: Take the ADO bus towards Puebla from TAPO station to the Puebla Terminal Capu, where you’ll want to hire a taxi to reach the city centre.
Average journey duration: 2 to 3 hours from most hotels
Hassle-free option: Book This Cholula Pyramid & Puebla Small Group Tour
Tepoztlán
You’ll likely see images of Quetzalcoatl throughout Mexico City and beyond. The feathered serpent is displayed throughout the region through artwork and architecture, new and old.
One of the best day trips from Mexico City is to the birthplace of the God of learning and knowledge, Tepoztlán.
Highlights include the Archaeological Zone Tepozteco and the Mercado Artesanal de Tepoztlan, where you can find some unique souvenirs and delicious food.
The latter – the craft market – actually runs everyday but is particularly sprawling on Sundays. So time your visit if you want a truly authentic experience.
How to Get There: Take line 1 from Pino Suárez station to Tasqueña. You can take a bus to Tepoztlán Caseta and then a taxi to your destination.
Average journey duration: Around 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Tepoztlán & Tlayacapan Magical Towns Tour
Cuernavaca
Culture lovers, listen up. One of the best day trips from Mexico City for art is Cuernavaca.
You could easily spend a couple of days exploring the museums, cathedrals and gardens of the “City of Eternal Spring.” Though a day trip is just as good.
Take my advice – the collection of art and furniture at the Robert Brady Museum is worth a stop on its own.
How to Get There: Starting at Pino Suárez station, you can take line 2 and transfer at Tasqueña to a bus which will take you to Cuernavaca Casino.
Average journey duration: A day trip to Cuernavaca from Mexico City takes 1.5 to 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Taxco and Cuernavaca History Tour
Taxco
For a laidback day trip with stunning surroundings, head to Taxco.
This fascinating town is renowned for hand-crafted products made from silver. It’s also a wonderful place to walk around and marvel at architectural sites like Santa Prisca Church.
Other popular activities include exploring caves and waterfalls (if you can get to Mil Cascadas, it looks incredible) and stopping by the Mercado de Plata ó Tianguis Sabatino for some handmade jewellery.
How to Get There: A day trip to Taxco from Mexico City is accessible by bus, but it takes 4 to 5 hours. You can drive in half the time.
Average journey duration: 2 to 5 hours.
Hassle-free option: Book This Taxco and Cuernavaca: Full-Day Tour from Mexico City
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
On one of the most popular day trips outside of Mexico City, you won’t believe your eyes when you see the magical underground landmark known as the Cacahuamilpa Caves.
If you’re looking for adventure on day tours from Mexico City, you’ll want to book now. Like right now.
Explore the underground formations and artwork from the Chontal tribes for several hours, passing plenty of stalagmites, stalactites and drawings as you go. And be sure to bring your camera.
How to Get There: The bus ride is long, and you’ll have to time your return just right, so I recommend taking a car.
Average journey duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Private Cacahuamilpa Caves and Taxco Tour Tour
Valle de Bravo
Migrating monarchs, picturesque scenery near Lake Avándaro and stunning architecture are all reasons to plan a day trip from Mexico City to Valle de Bravo.
The town is worth a visit with plenty of surprises, but the outdoor adventure is why many locals flock to this underrated town in Mexico.
Looking for a beach day trip from Mexico City? Head down to the lake and take a (chilly) swim, or rent a paddle board for a unique and enjoyable experience.
How to Get There: You can arrive by bus in around 3 hours, but hiring a private driver or rental car is best.
Average journey duration: 2 to 3 hours by car
Hassle-free option: Book This Private Tour to Valle de Bravo
Tlaxcala
Another day trip that could easily stretch into a few days if you have the time, Tlaxcala is a Mexican State known for its art and fireflies (those adorable bugs that light up at night).
It’s one of the smaller states in the country but is home to plenty of excellent attractions, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlan and the murals at Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Tlaxcala – its orange tiles are all-too-Instagrammable.
As well as this, make sure to swing by the Cacaxtla archaeological site, where you can ogle displays of colourful Mayan frescoes.
How to Get There: I recommend pairing this with a drive to Puebla.
Average journey duration: 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Firefly Sanctuary in Tlaxcala with Snacks Tour
Malinalco
Many people take a day trip to Malinalco for the Zona Arqueológica de Malinalco (Cuauhtinchan Archeological Ruins). And rightly so, as its monoliths and tree-topped pyramids are truly a sight to see.
But the museums and galleries are also reasons to visit this gem of a day trip from Mexico City.
There’s the oddly named ‘A living museum of Malinalco, Malinalco Critters,’ a pretty garden space filled with bugs (I wouldn’t make the journey solely for this, but it’s a fun addition). Or, head to the UMA Malinalcóatl and look up – the ceilings are phenomenal.
How to Get There: From the Merced station in CDMX, take the 1 train and transfer to a bus at the Observatorio station, then get off at Ahuatenco and hire a taxi.
Average journey duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by car, 2-3 hours by public transportation
Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park
If you’re after something a little less culture filled and more focused on exploring MExico’s rugged surroundings, head out on a day trip to Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park.
Hikers and nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss this day trip from Mexico City. You’ll get up close views of two of Mexico’s largest volcanoes, with the active Popocatépetl often putting on a show.
How to Get There: You can take a bus from the TAPO station to San Martín Texmelucan and then hire a taxi, but driving or booking a tour is much easier.
Average journey duration: 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Iztaccihuatl Volcano Hike with an Alpinist Tour
Desierto de los Leones National Park
You’re probably aware of the volcanoes, idyllic towns and pyramids surrounding Mexico City. But what about a day trip to a national park and one of the greenest spaces within the city limits?
Desierto de los Leones National Park is a serene section of the city featuring a vast wooded forest and a 17th-century monastery. Tour the monastery, hike the gorgeous trails or rent a bicycle before visiting to cover the most ground.
How to Get There: You can take a bus, but hiring a car is easiest and allows you the most time inside the park.
Average journey duration: 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Cholula
A day trip to Cholula from Mexico City is a must if you want to see one of the largest pyramids in the world. Tlachihualtepetl is actually the largest pyramid in the world, but much of it remains underground.
Be sure to head into town later and see the Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios and sample food from the many great dining options.
How to Get There: Take a tour or drive, as the bus takes up to 3 times as long.
Average journey duration: 2 hours by car
Hassle-free option: Book This Cholula Pyramid & Puebla Small Group Tour
San Miguel de Allende
A day trip from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is no longer a well-kept secret. The beautiful small city is home to excellent dining, sightseeing, and shopping.
Famous attractions include street festivals and the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel with its impeccably designed towers.
How to Get There: Schedule a tour or hire a car. The bus ride can take over 6 hours each way.
Average journey duration: 4 hours by car
Hassle-free option: Book This San Miguel de Allende Day Trip from Mexico City
Nevado de Toluca
If snow-capped mountains and a relatively epic hike sound like the perfect day trip from Mexico City, choose Nevado de Toluca.
The views of the mountains and lakes are gorgeous from any angle but prepare for this hike.
Nevado de Toluca has spots with elevation as high as 4,130 metres (over 15,000 feet), so it’s best for serious hikers.
How to Get There: You can arrive at the base camp by bus, but getting to the hiking area is difficult without a car.
Average journey duration: Under 2 hours by car each way
Hassle-Free Option: Book This Private Hiking Tour at Nevado de Toluca
Tolantongo Caves
For something totally different, head to the Tolantongo Caves. I’ll warn you, it’s a longer day trip, but it’s well worth it.
Located in the state of Hidalgo, atop a lush green mountainside, are the Tolantongo Caves or Grutas Tolantongo.
Taking a day trip to this increasingly popular spot gives you a chance to swim in one of a few dozen natural hot springs while overlooking the gorgeous Sierra Madre Mountains. Once you’ve rested up, you’ll be in perfect condition to drive back to CDMX again.
How to Get There: You can technically arrive at the Tolantongo Caves via public transportation, but you’ll hop from one bus to another, and if you don’t time it right may be out of luck for the day. Driving takes approximately four hours each way and is much more reliable.
Average journey duration: 4 hours by car
Hassle-free option: Book This Tolantongo Caves Tour
Practical Tips for Easy Day Trips From Mexico City
- Plan your trip in advance if you want to take a tour. Many of the best day trips from Mexico City fill up quickly.
- Schedule your day trip during the week; crowds at some of the day trips around Mexico City get ridiculously busy on the weekends. Especially when it comes to the ancient ruins.
- Talk to your hotel to see if they offer any tours – these can sometimes be discounted to super affordable rates.
Map of Day Tours from Mexico City
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