17 Unbelievable Day Trips from Mexico City You Have to See to Believe
While there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Mexico City, there are also so many amazing day trips from Mexico City you can take within a 1-4 hour drive.
Ready to discover the BEST day trips to all the fantastic cities near Mexico City?
Let’s get to it so that you can find the right popular day trip from Mexico City for you.
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1. Teotihuacan Ruins
Planning to visit Teotihuacan (pronounced tay-oh-tee-wok-on) from Mexico City?
You can’t go wrong, as the famous Teotihuacan Ruins in Mexico are a place any visitor to Mexico City will want to see.
Historians date this incredible construction as early as 300 BC, making it well worth a visit and a place in your Mexico City itinerary, to get up close with Mexico’s incredible history.
Teotihuacan has been used by various pre-Columbian civilizations, from the Teotihuacanos to the Aztecs.
As this UNESCO World Heritage Site is so interesting, the best way to visit Teotihuacan is with a guide.
While it is possible to see on your own, someone who understands the complexities of this ancient marvel will help you understand why Teotihuacan is such a special place.
Climbing the Teotihuacan pyramids is no longer permitted.However, you can still marvel at the site’s largest of the three pyramids:
1️⃣ the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl (pronounced ketz-al-co-ah, the Aztec Feathered Serpent God), 2️⃣ the Pyramid of the Moon, and 3️⃣ the Pyramid of the Sun.
You’ll also want appropriate footwear to explore this large site — which is approximately 8 square miles (20 sq km) in total.
With that much walking, the wrong shoes will ruin your Teotihuacan day trip from Mexico City.
It’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat, and plan to spend one full day at this Mexico bucket list place.
2. Las Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs
Las Grutas de Tolantongo (pronounced toe-lawn-tong-go), also known as Tolantongo caves, is one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Mexico.
It is an amazing day trip to Mexico City—but only if you go with a group tour. Otherwise, you’ll have to stay the night at a Tolantongo hotel or campground.
This turquoise water playground is 4,200 feet (1,280 m) above sea level in Mezquital Canyon in Hidalgo, Mexico.
This state isn’t popular with tourists, which is a shame because Hidalgo is safe and has many other unique places, like Pachuca, Huasca de Ocampo and Tula de Allende.
The word tolantongo comes from the Aztec word tonaltonko, meaning “where it feels warm,” and like the name says, the water at Tolantongo is always warm.
It comes from hot springs and underwater thermal pools, which heat all the waters throughout Las Grutas de Tolantongo.
The word gruta means cave (or grotto), and Tolantongo does have one.
There are also pools on the side of the cliff, a river, zipline, suspension bridge, regular swimming pools, hotels, campsites, about 10 restaurants, convenience stores, lockers, medical facilities, and more—yes, Tolantongo is a big place!
3. Xochimilco (Mexico City Boats)
Technically located within CDMX city limits, Xochimilco is certainly one of the day trips in Mexico City you can take.
Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is located in the south part of the city, about an hour from Centro Historico, so it can feel like a day trip.
One of the best places to visit in Mexico City, a trip to Xochimilco is a fun way to spend the day.
Depending on how long of a boat cruise you take, it can be a full day trip in Mexico City, or you can combine with a visit to the nearby Coyoacan neighborhood.
This unique part of CDMX can feel like a different world.
It can even have two worlds within it — one part is lively and busy with multicolored boats playing mariachi music, and in another part, it’s quiet with lots of nature and no other people around.
The more popular way to visit Xochimilco, which you’ve likely seen online, is with lively parties on the colorful, gondola-style boats called trajineras (trah-he-ner-as).
4. Puebla
Puebla is among the best cities near Mexico City that you’ll want to visit.
Mexico’s fifth-largest city, Puebla is a fantastic escape from the country’s sprawling capital to a more manageable size.
It is also one of the only places in Mexico that hosts a large-scale Cinco de Mayo festival for this important Mexican holiday.
If you’re visiting in early May, you’ll definitely want to add a day trip from Mexico City to Puebla to your CDMX itinerary to experience this festive time in Puebla City.
5. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful colonial town with a very international feel — though some would call it a weekend getaway from Mexico City, more so than a day trip.
In the past decade, many people from Europe, Canada, and the U.S. have fallen under its spell and relocated to San Miguel for its moderate climate, authentic Mexican cultural vibe and gorgeous esthetics.
There’s a lot to see in town, but if you want to venture out a bit, head to the El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden.
Nearby, there are the two best hot springs in San Miguel de Allende, Spa La Gruta and Escondido Place.
You’ll need a rental car to access both, or you can take a taxi or Uber.
6. Morelia
Morelia is the capital of Michoacan state, and the 22nd largest city in Mexico.
Four hours west of Mexico City, Morelia, is a great day or overnight trip.
Its gorgeous yet affordable hotels, like the stunning Hotel de la Soledad, are known as the best in Morelia.
This is one of the most European-looking cities in Mexico, with classic architecture and beautiful stone fountains scattered throughout the town.
While many of Mexico’s colonial cities are painted in varying bright colors, Morelia’s buildings are all made of natural stone.
These instantly recognizable and well-preserved 17th—and 18th-century buildings are built of a characteristic pinkish-colored stone from this part of Mexico.
7. Queretaro
Santiago de Queretaro, or simply Queretaro (pronounced care-uh-tare-oh), has long been overshadowed by its colorful neighboring towns of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato.
However, Queretaro City is worth visiting in its own right.
As it’s located about 45 minutes closer to Mexico City than San Miguel de Allende, you’ll have more time to wander this colorful and historic town.
Known for colorful buildings, fancy fountains and flower-covered houses, get your camera ready for Queretaro.
Queretaro Pueblos Magicos
Besides the capital city, Queretaro state has other noteworthy places and pueblos magicos (magic towns).
Visit Bernal, the world’s third-largest monolith, and enjoy the Wine & Cheese Route in Tequisquiapan, Mexico’s second-largest wine-producing region after Valle de Guadalupe.
8. Pena de Bernal
The small pueblo magico of San Sebastian Bernal is well known for its Peña de Bernal, the third tallest monolith in the world at 1,420 feet tall (433 m).
Bernal is worth visiting for those who enjoy hiking outdoors — though even if you don’t hike the Peña de Bernal, you can admire it towering over the landscape.
Bernal offers the chance to see a beautiful, authentic, off-the-beaten-path Mexico travel destination.
The town is famous as a holistic healing destination, and many believe there’s an energy vortex in Bernal.
It is a popular Mexico City day trip year-round, but many people head there during the Spring Equinox.
9. Taxco
Taxco de Alarcon, usually called Taxco, has also been called the most beautiful pueblo magico in Mexico.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Taxco certainly doesn’t disappoint in the aesthetics department.
Located in the Sierra Madres, this hilly mountain town offers interesting vistas from anywhere you stand, including its iconic white buildings and peach-colored Spanish tile roofs.
It is also well known for its gorgeous silver art and jewelry and is one of the few towns still mining silver in Mexico today.
10. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (Taxco Caves)
One of the must-see Taxco sites and a favorite among visitors is the Cacahuamilpa Caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park.
Venture underground and journey for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) through this cave, which is lit up with colorful lights that reflect off unique geologic formations.
11. Huasca de Ocampo (Basaltic Prisms)
The Basalt Prisms of Huasca de Ocampo are truly spectacular and one of Mexico’s most interesting natural wonders.
In 2007, the Mexican Council for Touristic Promotion included the basaltic prisms on their list of Mexico’s 13 Best Natural Wonders.
Ranging from 75- to 150 feet tall (22-45 m), these giant stone columns in the Santa Maria Regla Canyon are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
If the basaltic prisms weren’t enough, four beautiful waterfalls cascade over them in some parts, feeding the San Antonio Regla dam below.
These basaltic prisms were formed millions of years ago during the Pleistocene Period. They are giant rocks formed by the slow cooling of volcanic lava.
Rock column formations like these are rare but can be seen in a few other places, including Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
While at Huasca de Ocampo, start by walking across the suspension bridge that crosses over the rock formations.
Afterwards, hike down to the bottom of the ravine, where you can touch the prisms and the waterfalls that run over them.
Located next to the prisms, the 18th-century Hacienda of Santa Maria Regla is one of the oldest haciendas in Mexico still standing.
It is a gorgeous estate and was used as a filming location in The Mask of Zorro with Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, it has a very dark history.
12. Real de Monte
Besides Huasca de Ocampo, the state of Hidalgo has another pueblo magico worth visiting.
Real de Monte, Mexico, sometimes called Mineral del Monte, was once one of the biggest mining towns in Mexico. Today, the Acosta Mine can still be seen.
Head to the Plaza Principal (Town Square) to see the beautiful Spanish colonial buildings and old churches.
Here, you can also sample a local delicacy called paste (pronounced paste-tee) from a Paste Shop like Pastes el Portal, known as the best pastes in Real de Monte.
These hand pies are similar to the Cornish pasty from Cornwall, England.
As many Real de Monte residents trace their lineage back to Cornwall, this town has been dubbed “Little Cornwall.”
It is one of the most unique traditional Mexican foods, though many don’t even know pastes exist.
13. Valle de Bravo
Valle de Bravo is a town on Lake Avandaro, located west of Mexico City.
It’s known as the “Hamptons of Mexico City” thanks to the posh hotels in Valle de Bravo, gorgeous nature and relaxing vibes.
The beautiful lake, surrounded by mountains, makes boating and water sports very popular Valle de Bravo activities.
But don’t forget to look up to see all the hang gliders descending back to land.
Just north of town is the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Reserve, a habitat for millions (maybe even billions) of migratory butterflies.
This sanctuary is part of Mexico’s larger UNESCO World Heritage Property Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
If you want to take a Mexico butterfly tour, Valle de Bravo is one of the best places.
14. Tepoztlan
Looking to go off the beaten path near Mexico City? Look no further than Tepoztlan in Morelos, located about an hour from Mexico City.
The mountain town of Tepoztlan is one of Mexico’s 177 or so pueblos magicos (magic towns).
Tepoztlan is one of Mexico’s spiritual epicenters, and many visitors come for a weekend wellness getaway to experience a temazcal ceremony.
Staying overnight? These beautiful spa resorts — Hotel Boutique Casa Fernanda, Hotel Amomoxtli and Hotel Posada Del Tepozteco — are the best hotels in Tepoztlan.
15. Pachuca
When looking for places outside of Mexico City that offer a more local and authentic experience, Pachuca de Soto, usually just called Pachuca, must be on your list.
This city is not short of history, colors, and culture, so get your camera ready to capture your favorite scenes.
Located in a small valley, Pachuca (pronounced pa-choo-kah) is noted for its charming fluorescent-colored buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the picturesque City Center.
Pachuca is the capital city of Hidalgo state, known for having the best barbacoa (barbecue) tacos in all of Mexico.
When visiting, also try some authentic Hidalgo barbacoa at some of the best restaurants in Pachuca, like Restaurante La Blanca and Taqueria Guerrero, both in downtown.
Tembleque Aqueduct: Mexico UNESCO Site
If you’re visiting Pachuca in your rental car, head just outside of town to the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, or Tembleque Aqueduct.
This 30-mile-long aqueduct, constructed from 1554-1571 under the guidance of a Franciscan friar named Padre Francisco de Tembleque, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. Cuernavaca
Cuernavaca is a super easy day trip from Mexico City, perfect for lovers of history, architecture, nature, and art.
As many old haciendas have been turned into resorts, you can stay in luxury for relatively little money at Anticavilla Cuernavaca Hotel and Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas.
Cuernavaca is the capital of the Morelos state of Mexico, often called the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its lovely, balmy weather.
The city has gorgeous views of the Tepozteco Mountains, and plenty to do on a day trip from CDMX.
17. Tula (Tollan Ruins)
Mexico is a traveler’s paradise with gorgeous yet cheap Caribbean beaches — but there are also bustling cities with fascinating history, exciting culture, and utterly delicious food.
If you’re traveling to Mexico City, you already know the country’s capital personifies all of these traits.
Beyond the city itself, spend some time exploring the surrounding areas, which can be just as fascinating as the capital itself.
One of the best day tours from Mexico City is the city of Tula, home to the remains of Tollan.
Tula Ruins: Mexico Toltec Statues
The ruins of the former capital city of the Toltec civilization are located about 60 miles north of CDMX, in the city of Tula de Allende, or just Tula.
During the 9th-12th Centuries, Tollan (present-day Tula) was once one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica.
Unlike most of the ruins in central Mexico, which have closer ties to the Aztec civilization, the ruins of Tollan are thought to have been influenced by the Mayans.
The site’s central focus, the colossal statues known as the Atlantes, can be seen on the platform of the temple pyramid.
However, other pyramids are on the site, including a five-story-high one that used to house the Temple of the Morning Star.
Final Thoughts: Best Mexico City Day Trips
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing day trips from Mexico City and great places to visit near Mexico City.
With some of the trips on this list about four hours away, you could even turn some of these into overnight or Mexico City weekend trips — so check out all the great Mexico hotel options on Booking.com.
CDMX, as it’s known, is one of the biggest cities on Earth, so getting out for the day almost feels like you’re visiting another country.
Also, seeing the pueblos (small towns in Mexico) offers another insight into this diverse culture and its people.
Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:
Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.
Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.
- The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
- Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
- 20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
- Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
- Best Waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico
- The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
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