19 best day trips from Mexico City you would love (2024)
Are you looking for the best day trips from Mexico City?
Mexico City (also known as CDMX) is a perfect base for day trips in the region! It’s close to several nature wonders, and bustling cities like Pueblo, and there are plenty of fun things to do nearby.
While you can easily spend several days in Mexico City, I recommend venturing out on a day trip to see the pyramids, nearby hot springs, or charming magic towns.
Let’s jump right in with all the best places to visit near Mexico City and some necessary travel tips!
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Best day trips from Mexico City
1. Teotihuacan Pyramids
Driving time: 1 hour
Let’s start with one of the most majestic temples in Mexico!
Teotihuacan is an ancient city that dates back to around 100 BC. Here, you’ll find the majestic Pyramid of the Sun and the enchanting Pyramid of the Moon.
When you get there, stroll along the historic Avenue of the Dead and marvel at the intricate Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
The pyramids are located just an hour from Mexico City, so it’s an easy day trip.
🏞️ Witness the majestic Teotihuacan Pyramids on a thrilling hot-air balloon ride
2. Tolantongo
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Tolantongo is a natural wonder in Mexico, known for its hot springs, caves, and a series of warm, turquoise pools built into the cliffside.
The springs are heated by the surrounding volcanic mountains, creating a unique bathing experience. You can also explore the Tolantongo caves and a tunnel through the mountain.
Located about four hours from Mexico City, it’s an accessible destination for a rejuvenating weekend trip.
⛰️ Leave the city behind and discover the beautiful hot springs on this Day Tour to Tolantongo!
3. San Miguel de Allende
Driving time: 3.5 hours
San Miguel de Allende is a colorful town a few hours north of Mexico City.
It’s named after Ignacio Allende, a Mexican independence hero, and the town is full of history from the Independence War.
You can walk around old streets, check out museums, and even visit the nearby El Charco Botanical Garden and some hot springs like Spa La Gruta and Escondido Place.
🏞️ Experience San Miguel de Allende on this day trip from Mexico City
4. Taxco
Driving time: 3 hours
Taxco, once famous for its silver mines, is now a hotspot for silver crafts. It’s an easy day trip with streets full of colorful old houses from its mining days.
Taxco’s scenic views from its hilly streets, with white buildings and peach-colored roofs, make it one of Mexico’s prettiest towns.
It’s up in the Sierra Madres, so the views are amazing.
⚒️ Book your trip to Taxco and Cuernavaca
5. Puebla
Driving time: 3 hours
Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its Spanish architecture and great food, like the famous mole sauce.
Once you’re there, take a cable car ride for a bird’s-eye view of the city, then explore its churches and museums on foot.
It’s the fifth largest city in Mexico and is known for its lively Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
🌮 Explore the beloved town of Puebla
6. Tula
Driving time: 2 hours
Tula, just 60 miles from Mexico City, is where you’ll find the fascinating ruins of the Toltec Empire, which ruled before the Aztecs.
Wander through this ancient city from the 9th to 12th centuries, and see the towering warrior statues. It’s a unique spot with Mayan influences, unlike other central Mexican ruins.
👉🏼 Book here – Private Tour to Tula and Tepotzotlan
7. Tepotzotlan
Driving time: 1.10 hours
Tepotzotlan is a short drive from Mexico City and it’s known for its stunning churches and green parks.
Don’t miss the Museo del Virreinato with its colonial art and history.
The historic center is pretty, and great for picking up souvenirs and trying local food at the market.
👉🏼 Book here – Private Tour to Tula and Tepotzotlan
8. Xochimilco
Driving time: 1 hour
Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) isn’t far from downtown Mexico City, and it’s famous for its Aztec-era canals.
It’s a great escape to green spaces and open air. You can take a boat tour, where guides show you around while you enjoy drinks and live mariachi music.
There are even floating vendors selling tasty tacos and tamales.
Book here – 3-Hour Xochimilco Boat Tour and Fiesta in Mexico City
9. Morelia
Driving time: 4 hours
Morelia is known for its European-style architecture, with stunning stone fountains and buildings made from local pinkish stone.
The city’s highlight is the baroque Catedral de Morelia in the historic center.
Also, don’t miss the mile-long Acueducto de Morelia.
Experience the UNESCO protected natural site where butterflies hide in the woods
10. Santiago de Queretaro
Driving time: 3 hours
Santiago de Querétaro is often overlooked as a day tour from Mexico City, but it’s just as charming as popular picks like San Miguel de Allende.
Its historic center is a UNESCO site with a rich Mexican history, so make sure to take the guided walking tour.
You should also check out the Roman-style Aqueduct on the city’s edge and the world’s third-largest rock monolith nearby.
The city is known for its vibrant buildings and ornate fountains.
11. Pena de Bernal
Driving time: 3 hours
The small pueblo magico, San Sebastian Bernal is famous for the Peña de Bernal – the world’s third tallest monolith.
It’s great for hiking or just admiring the towering rock.
Known for holistic healing and believed to have an energy vortex, Bernal is a unique, less-traveled spot near Mexico City, especially popular during the Spring Equinox.
Book a tour – Peña de Bernal and Tequisquiapan Private Tour
12. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park
Driving time: 2.5 hours
The Cacahuamilpa Caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park are a must-see near Taxco.
Go underground for a 1.5-mile trek through caves lit with colorful lights, highlighting unique geological formations.
It’s an adventure that combines natural beauty with a hint of mystery!
Book a day trip from Mexico City to Cacahuamilpa Caves and Taxco
13. Pachuca
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Pachuca is an interesting old mining city that’s easy to get to.
It’s home to Mexico’s first soccer team and boasts the impressive Football Hall of Fame.
The city is rich in history and culture, with brightly colored buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit on this popular day trip to Pachua from Mexico City
14. Huasca de Ocampo
Driving time: 2 hours
The Basalt Prisms of Huasca de Ocampo are one of Mexico’s top natural wonders, towering at 75 to 150 feet in the Santa Maria Regla Canyon.
They’re unique rock columns formed from cooling lava millions of years ago. You’ll find four waterfalls cascading over them.
Walk the suspension bridge and hike down to touch these incredible formations, similar to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway or Reynisfjara in Iceland.
Experience the Basaltic Prisms and Real del Monte
15. Valle de Bravo
Driving time: 2.5 hours
In Valle de Bravo, you’ve got this amazing lake surrounded by mountains, great for boating and water sports. Look out for hang gliders landing – or try it yourself!
Just north, you should check out the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Reserve. It’s part of a bigger UNESCO site and is packed with millions of butterflies.
16. Cuernavaca
Driving time: 1.15 hours
Cuernavaca is a colorful colonial spot, perfect for a day trip from Mexico City.
Nestled in Morelos’ green hills, it was a summer getaway for Aztec royalty. Later, the Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes built his palace here.
Notice the Palace of Cortes with its history and Diego Rivera murals. It’s a fascinating dive into the past.
⚒️ Book your trip to Taxco and Cuernavaca
17. Tlaxcala
Driving time: 2 hours
Tourists often miss Tlaxcala, but it’s a great day trip from Mexico City.
It’s where Hernan Cortes allied with locals to defeat the Aztecs. The city has a great vibe, and don’t miss the Cacaxtla archaeological site.
Despite being Mexico’s smallest state, there’s lots to do. Check out the historic churches like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlan.
Plus, the Tlaxcala Art Museum has some early Frida Kahlo pieces.
18. Cuetzalan
Driving time: 5 hours
Cuetzalan is a bit of a longer trip from Mexico City, more of a weekend getaway. The drive itself is super scenic, with winding roads and beautiful views.
Once there, you’re in this cool, humid town known for its festivals, voladores shows, and Sunday markets. From the hilltops, you can sometimes see all the way to the Gulf Coast.
Don’t miss the town center with its unique clock tower and the two Gothic churches, especially the Santuario de Guadalupe with its clay vase decorations and design inspired by Lourdes.
19. Mineral de Chico
Driving time: 2.25 hours
Mineral del Chico is an old mining village and a new Mexican magic town, which are places that have great cultural and historical significance for Mexico’s national identity.)
It’s next to the Parque Nacional El Chico where you can do some hiking, with amazing rock formations and waterfalls.
The town itself is small but charming, with friendly locals living up to their motto “pueblo chico, gente grande” (small town, great people).
Most visitors stick to the main street, which is pretty much the whole town.
FAQ – Best day trips from Mexico City
How many days is ideal for Mexico City?
Ideally, you should spend at least three to four days in Mexico City. This gives you enough time to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city’s vibrant culture and cuisine.
What is close to Mexico City?
Close to Mexico City, you’ll find destinations like the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, the picturesque town of Valle de Bravo, and the charming city of Puebla.
These are all within a few hours’ drive and offer great day or weekend trip options.
How far are the pyramids from Mexico City?
The pyramids of Teotihuacan are about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City. It typically takes around an hour to an hour and a half to drive there, depending on traffic.
Can you do a day trip to Mexico City from Cancun?
No. The distance between Cancún and Mexico City is 1285 km. You can fly there in 2-3 hours, but it’s not feasible as a day tour.
More posts about Mexico City you might like
- 36 hours in Mexico City – itinerary for first-timers
- Is Mexico City worth visiting? Pros and cons
- Where to stay in Mexico City for first-time visitors
- How to plan an awesome day trip to Teotihuacán Pyramids
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