14 Best Day Trips From Mexico City

Although it’s hard to run out of things to do in Mexico City, it would be a shame not to embark on any day trips. The surrounding region is home to lush nature, idyllic towns, and ancient archaeological sites.

Like most capital cities, CDMX is its own thing. The sleepy vibe in smaller towns couldn’t feel further from the hustle and bustle of CDMX Centro Histórico. To feel the diversity of Mexico, you need to experience a bit of everything, and that means travelling further out.

Here are your best options for fun and beautiful days out from Distrito Federal…

Close day trips from Mexico City (1 hour drive)

Let’s start with a few essential places on the outskirts of the city. You could technically just spend half a day here but I’d recommend setting aside a whole day to explore them properly and factor in traffic. If you end up arriving back in time for late lunch tacos in CDMX, so be it!

Teotihuacan

From CDMX, you’re just a stone’s throw from one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites. The civilization predates the Aztecs by 1000 years, although much remains a mystery to historians.

Walk between the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon along the Avenue of the Dead and visit Museo del Sitio, one of CDMX’s most informative museums. Around half a day is enough for Teotihuacan; depart early and return to the city for lunch. A great day to visit is Monday, when other museums in the city are closed.

Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen because the site is very exposed with no shade in the middle of the day.

For the ultimate day trip from CDMX, fly above the ruins in a hot air balloon. These trips typically depart before sunrise, requiring an early start from the city. Book a balloon ride.

Getting to Teotihuacan: to catch a local bus from Central de Autobuses del Norte station (around $2 each way), you’ll need to take a taxi to the station. Uber should cost 100 pesos ($5). Once you arrive, look for ‘Autobuses Teotihuacan’ by ‘sala 8’. The ride should take around 1 hour.

Alternatively, take an organised day tour with pickup from your accommodation, or call Uber the whole way for around 500 pesos ($25-30).

Xochimilco

In the south of the city, the unique region of Xochimilco is renowned for its snaking maze of waterways and islands. Whether you want a ride on a colorful party boat or a culinary education into how the islands have been harvested since Aztec times, there’s plenty of reason to visit.

The most popular activity is riding the vibrant trajineras. These brightly colored boats can be hired by groups of passengers who, along with a driver, cruise the canals often with drinks (buy these in any nearby store) and music. Live mariachi bands are available for hire.

Floating vendors will serve you drinks and snacks as you pass. Buy some fresh mango, sure, but avoid hot food (especially meat) that’s likely been unrefrigerated for some time. Instead, eat at the restaurants on the banks for tasty, affordable CDMX street food like quesadillas and tlacoyos.

Xochimilco isn’t a million miles from Coyoacan or San Angel neighborhoods. For a fun Saturday in CDMX, browse at the Sabado Bazaar in San Angel then hop in an Uber to Xochimilco for an afternoon boat cruise.

Getting to Xochimilco: Taxi apps like Uber and InDrive are undoubtedly the easiest option (expect to pay around 300 pesos / $15), but you can take public transport, too. Ride the blue Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then change to the Xochimilco Light Rail. The whole journey should cost 5-10 pesos.

A final fun activity in Xochmilco is a sunrise kayaking trip. Although it’s a very early start, it’s worth it. I have fantastic memories of bobbing on the peaceful waters and watching a spectacular sunrise with only the local wildlife for company. Book a tour with Viator.

Tepoztlan

This beautiful town surrounded by mountains is perhaps my overall favorite day trip from the capital.

One of my favorite things about Tepoztlan is the delicious pre-Hispanic food. At the market, you’ll find delicious dishes not found elsewhere. My friend and I tucked into tasty vegetarian burgers flavored with hibiscus.

Don’t miss hiking to El Tepozteco pyramid at the top of the hill for panoramic views. It’s not an especially hard hike but do wear comfy shoes. It should take you 30 minutes to an hour to reach the top.

Other things to do include walking in Santuario Los Venaditos (Deer Sanctuary), visiting the grand Convent of Tepoztlán, wandering the backstreets splattered with street art, and indulging in the town’s spiritual scene with temezcal treatments and more.

Getting there: regular buses with Pullman De Morelos and OCC depart Taxqueña station in the south of CDMX, taking 1 hour to reach Tepotzlan. To access the bus station, ride the Metro (blue Line 2) or jump in an Uber.

Medium-distance day trips from Mexico City (2-3 hours)

If you don’t mind spending a few hours travelling, I recommend the following places…

Tepotzotlan

Don’t confuse Tepotzotlan with Tepoztlan, though I can see why you would!

The longer of the two town names refers to the charming town in the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico). If I had to choose between the two for a day trip, I think there is a bit less to do here, plus the journey is longer. However, if you’ve already visited Tepoztlan, this is another nice option.

In Tepotzotlan, you can visit the Museum of Virreinato and Church of San Francisco Javier (90 pesos for the vast complex including gardens), find the giant Jesus statue in the Zocalo, browse local markets in the same square, and wander the pleasant backstreets.

Eat at the bustling Municipal Market Tepotzotlán for local food and Casa Quintal for breakfast and coffee.

Getting there: take a Primera Plus bus from CDMX in 1.5 hours.

A longer but cheaper route is boarding the Ferrocarriles Suburbanos train from Buenavista station in CDMX, then changing to a local minibus outside Cuititlan station (the end of the line) destined for Tepotzotlan.

Taxco

One of my all-time favorite places in Mexico is the idyllic city of Taxco in the state of Guerrero. I recommend staying overnight if you have the time; the journey takes just over 2 hours each way, and I think you’ll fall in love with this idyllic town!

Ride the cable car over the cobbled streets for panoramic views. The ride finishes at Hotel Montetaxco where you can stop for a drink and take in the impressive vistas. The Jesus state (El Cristo Panoramico) is another scenic viewpoint in town.

Easily another top reason to visit Taxco is the chance to shop for silver jewellery. The silver trade is what made Taxco wealthy, and to this day, you’ll get great bargains on quality jewelry.

Be sure to try a berta, the town’s famous cocktail made from lime, honey, and tequila.

Getting to Taxco: the bus journey from Taxqueña (Terminal de Sur) in the south of Mexico City takes 2 hours 20 minutes and drops you in the center of Taxco.

Note – Guerrero has some safety concerns and, although I’ve always found Taxco to be very safe, do check recommendations from your state department before travel.

Puebla City

One of the richest cities in the Americas during Spanish rule, the capital of Puebla state is full of grand churches, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural displays.

During a day trip from CDMX, you can shop for Talavera Pottery, visit the many museums, wander colorful Barrio de los Sapos, watch live music at Casa de la Cultura, and stick your head in Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest library in the Americas recognized by UNESCO.

Puebla is one of Mexico’s top foodie cities, boldly battling with Oaxaca as to which city invented mole. A few of the top Puebla dishes to try include:

Mole obviously! It’s best eaten with chicken, rice, and tortillas.
Chile en nogada (below left) – translating as chile in walnut, this dish comprises a large chili pepper stuffed with stewed fruit and bathed in a creamy walnut sauce. It’s thought to have been invented by the convent’s nuns when an important general visited, matching the colors of the Mexican flag.
Cemitas (below right) – a twist on the classic Mexican torta. They’re typified by sesame seed-studded bread and generally contain a milanesa (fried meat cutlet), Oaxaca cheese, avocado, chipotle peppers, and papalo herb.

Sip shots at La Pasita – this historic bar in its third generation of ownership is where to sip alcohol with walnuts, raisins, and even cubes of cheese. Don’t ask, just do!
Try regional delicacies on Calle del Dulces (Sweet Street) home to stores specializing in everything from chicken-shaped desserts to candied sweet potato.

Getting to Puebla: ADO and AU buses take 2.5 hours to Puebla from TAPO station. They arrive into CAPU station in Puebla; jump in a 15-minute Uber to the center.

Cholula (Puebla state)

Although this would be a long day trip from CDMX and ideally better as an overnight trip, it’s possible to explore Cholula during one day by catching a bus to Puebla then an Uber.

The yellow church (Our Lady of Remedies) perched on the top of the hill is the most recognizable feature of Cholula. You should climb up to see the cityscape – and Popocatepetl volcano on a clear day – but don’t forget to investigate what’s below.

What might resemble a hill is, in fact, the remains of what some consider the world’s largest pyramid. Built by the Toltecs, it’s an important archaeological site dating back to 300 BC. Visit the outside ruins, plus the warren of tunnels underneath for around 80 pesos.

If you have more time, the Regional Museum of Cholula is worth a visit for its colorful alebrijes (vibrant creatures from Mexican folklore).

Read next: my full Cholula guide

Getting there: ride the bus (2.5 hours) from CDMX’s TAPO station to Puebla’s CAPU station. Call an Uber that will bring you to Cholula in 30 minutes. There’s also a local bus but you’d want to waste no time if trying to see Cholula during a 1-day trip.

Organised day tours are another way to see Cholula (along with Tonantzintla and Puebla). You’ll be picked up in CDMX at 6.20am and return around 6pm after visiting all three places.

Grutas Tolontongo

This is one of the longer day trips from Mexico City, but I’ve done it myself so I know it’s doable!

Grutas Tolontongo is a stunning complex of natural hot springs and caves running through a canyon. In recent years, they have been made into a resort with an Instagrammable series of layered pools where you can lounge in warm waters and overlook the gentle river.

Entry costs 230 pesos ($12), cash-only when I visited. The best way to visit is with an organised day trip; pick up is early at 5.30am but it’s worth it to get on the road and see this beautiful natural paradise!

Day trips generally include an adventurous trip to the caves and time spent relaxing in the pools at your leisure, plus breakfast and lunch.

Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo is where chilangos (CDMX locals) spend their weekends, escaping the busy city and relaxing at this beautiful lake. Try paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, visiting nearby waterfalls, or simply relaxing with a good book and taking in the views.

There’s also a cute, traditional town where you can eat at quality restaurants and cafes, or indulge in the local street food.

How to get there: unfortunately, there aren’t any easy bus connections so driving is the best option. The journey takes around 2 hours.

Monarch butterfly migration (November-March)

A memorable highlight from my time living in Mexico is seeing the Monarch butterfly migration. Monarchs arrive from Canada and the US in early November and leave again in March.

The winter months – in particular January and February – are ideal to admire the butterflies, thought by many locals to be the souls of their ancestors (due to the shared timing with the Dia de Muertos celebrations).

Visit Mariposa Monarca Biosphere Reserve, located in the states of Mexico and Michoacán. Some of the main sanctuaries include El Rosario, Sierra Chincua, and Piedra Herrada.

The easiest way to visit as a day trip from Mexico City is to take an organised tour. The drive takes just over 3 hours from the capital; it’s a long day out but worth it to witness this miraculous spectacle of nature.

Queretaro

This is another beautiful, historic city in Central Mexico. With colorful streets, colonial buildings, and regional cuisine, it’s little wonder Queretaro city center is one of Mexico’s 25 UNESCO sites.

Aside from strolling the old city and soaking up the atmosphere, top things to do include visiting the baroque wonder of Temple de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, hearing stories on a guided tour of the Church of Santa Cruz (only 20 pesos), and climbing to the mirador to admire views of the aqueduct.

The Popular Art Museum is also worth a visit.

During my trip, I ate breakfast at Bisquets Querétaro, tamales at Los Arcos, and chocolate goods at Fabrica de Chocolate.

Getting to Queretaro from CDMX: the bus takes 3.5 hours, making it one of the longer day trips on this list. I’d recommend staying over if you have time but it can be done in a day, at a push!

Some people will tell you to visit Bernal, Tequisquiapan, and the wineries as a day trip from CDMX. However, since you need to transit in Queretaro if visiting by public transport, I think this is impractical for a day trip.

Read my guide to exploring the Queretaro wine region while based there for a few days. However, if you drive or can find a day tour from CDMX, it could be possible.

San Miguel de Allende

This charming city in Central Mexico is one of the country’s top tourist attractions. It’s a popular location with North American retirees, making it an easy choice if your Spanish isn’t yet up to scratch, yet it doesn’t fall short where culture and authenticity are concerned.

Shop for textiles at Mercado de Artesanías, admire the stunning pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (church), climb up to the mirador, and eat chocolate-stuffed churros at Chocolates y Churros San Agustín and indulgent torta sandwiches at Ignacio Ramírez Market.

Simply wandering the adorable backstreets and admiring the ornate doorways and characterful door knockers is time well spent in San Miguel!

Getting to San Miguel de Allende: regular, comfortable buses run, but as they take 4-5 hours, I would recommend taking a guided tour if you just have one spare day. Travelling in a group of around 15 others and a tour guide, you’ll stop to stretch your legs yet the driving time is notably less than with the bus.

Hiking day trips from CDMX

I love to hike and there are some stunning natural places close to CDMX. Sadly, they’re not THAT easy to reach by public transport and I find the hikes often to be poorly signposted.

Saying that, here are a few you can do…

Ex Convento Desierto de los Leones

A sanctuary of nature surrounds this 17th-century convent located a 40-minute drive from CDMX. Even if you don’t hike, it’s worth exploring this beautiful historic venue that’s survived the elements, civil war, and acted as an army barracks before becoming a tourist attraction.

Entry is 21 pesos and it’s open from 10am-5pm; closed Mondays.

Several hiking trails begin from the monastery, displayed on large boards that you should snap a photo of. There’s no signal and few signposts afterwards. We got pretty lost but all ended well, and we were rewarded with tasty tlacoyos beside the monastery.

Getting there: it’s easy to call an Uber from the city, costing around 250 pesos.

However, since there’s no signal at the convent, it’s harder to get back. Hop in a local taxi to the nearest hub of Santa Rosa where buses depart towards the capital. They drop in places such as Viveros and San Angel neighborhood. From either, call Uber or hop on the Metro to wherever you’re staying.

Los Dinamos

Another option to escape the busy city and enjoy Mexican nature is a trip to Los Dinamos. This elevated national park offers incredible views of the city and forest, with natural attractions like waterfalls thrown in.

Choose from hiking trails up to 20km long. Just be aware of the altitude if you’ve just landed. Mexico City is 2,200 meters above sea level and Los Dinamos is even higher. Don’t attempt the hike until you’ve had a couple of days to acclimate.

There are plenty of restaurants in the park where you can indulge after exercising, including those serving trout from the many ponds in the park.

Getting there: I hear from Metro Copilco, buses depart and will drop you a 15-minute walk from the park entrance. I haven’t tried this myself as I went with a small group hiking tour organised via one of the expat Facebook or WhatsApp groups. Viator also offers an option.

More challenging hikes include Nevado de Toluca and El Ajusco, both best with tours. These are still on my to-do list – watch this space!

Thanks for reading!

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