Mexico City has so many things to do: with more than 150 museums, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, churches, parks, shopping, and eating you can never get enough. But, if you’ve done it all, maybe you’re thinking about doing a day trip from Mexico City to Teotihuacan or Taxco or Tepoztlan.
Whatever your vibe, either wine tasting in Queretaro, a day swimming and lounging in Las Estacas, or visiting other archeological sites near Mexico City, here are my favorite 10 day trips from Mexico City.
1. See the pyramids of Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, or the “place where gods were created”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D. and was one of the most important cultural centres in Mesoamerica. It was not built by the Mexica, also known as Aztec, but archeologists believe either by the Toltec or Totonac. There is evidence of multiple cultures including the Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec.
The most famous pyramids in Mexico City —Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Temple of Quetzalcoatl— are in fact not inside Mexico City, but in Mexico State, just 40 km away.
Do not confuse Teotihuacan and Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan is the old capital city of the Aztec Empire, the Aztec pyramids in the heart of Mexico City. You can visit Tenochtitlan in the Zocalo and visit the Templo Mayor Museum. Both are obviously one of the must see sites in Mexico City.
For a day trip from Mexico City to Teotihuacan try a small group tour or a private tour with transport.
It was the largest city anywhere in the Western Hemisphere before the 1400s with thousands of residential compounds and multiple temples. It is believed that between 100,000 and 200,000 people of different ethnicities lived in its different barrios or neighborhoods. There is evidence of Teotihuacan’s influence around Mesoamerica, in the art and architecture of other cities and cultures. Their obsidian tools were one of their main exports.
The city collapsed around 600 A.D. and, like the Mayans, we still don’t know what brought about this collapse. Their buildings were deliberately burned, their artworks and religious sculptures destroyed. Centuries later, the Mexica, or Aztec, took over the city and rose to power, bringing the city back to its glory days until the Conquest.
Walking on the Avenue of the Dead imagining the the streets full of life, a planned city for thousands with many big markets attracting commerce, I can see the city how it’s supposed to be. Surrounded by mountains, sitting in a valley, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon peak out, urging you to go up its steps.
You can no longer climb the pyramids in Teotihuacan in order to preserve this piece of Mexican history. It is still worth it to walk around its main avenue and side streets, and visit the museum. My husband loved being able to roam the site. The Temple of Quetzalcoatl is also worth the walk! Doesn’t seem like it, but it is a long walk. Don’t forget to check out some of its most amazing archeological finds in the Museo Nacional de Antropologia one of the best museums in Mexico City.
Teotihuacan’s opening hours are from 9am to 5pm every day.
2. Bask in culture and mysticism in Tepoztlan
This Pueblo Magico, Magical Town, filled with history and mysticism is located at the steps of the Tepozteco Mountain, just 70km outside of Mexico City in the state of Morelos. It is an easy and fun day trip from Cdmx!
Walk its narrow cobbled streets down to the zocalo, the Ex-Convent of Nativity and enjoy some delicious food in its daily local market. Or visit its weekend market full of artisan, souvenirs, and food. It is very popular among Mexicans, so expect a crowd on weekends. If you like micheladas, have a chamoyada; a beer with chamoy (a chili and fruit sauce), lime and chili powder on the rim. It is delicious!
Don’t forget to try the hike up the Tepozteco Mountain all the way to its summit, where the Tepozteco Pyramid sits at the top with an amazing view of the town and the valley. The first time I hiked up the Tepozteco I was 3 years old! The pyramid was built circa 1130 A.D. in honor of the god of harvest, fertility and pulque (alcoholic drink made from fermented sap of maguey), Tepoztecatl. It is easy to find where the trail starts as it is at the end of the Avenida del Tepozteco, Tepoztlan’s main street. It is a fairly easy 2km hike up rocky pathways with several resting areas, and a metal staircase reaching the top to summit.
Bring some change as there is an entrance fee to be payed in cash. Some days they don’t charge, but some they do, especially on weekends.
You are starting at 1,715 m (5,500 feet), going up to 2,310 m (7,200 feet), so be aware of the altitude and your level of fitness. The hike can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours. Don’t try to rush, enjoy every moment, you are in a magical place!
For lunch you can also head up to the Posada del Tepozteco, one of my favorite hotels and restaurants with a view. They have amazing mole and other Mexican foods overlooking the town and the Tepozteco Mountain. Or if you are looking for a more eco-friendly, wellness retreat there are many hotels and spas offering stays with yoga, meditation, massages, and temazcal. Temazcal is an ancient indigenous healing therapy. By pouring a mixture of water, herbs (copal and sage), and oils on very hot rocks creates a steam bath Inside a large dome structure made of cement, wood or stone with bare ground floor. It is not just a steam-bath, but a spiritually cleansing ritual led by a shaman, giving thanks to the earth and letting go of physical and spiritual blocks.
Be careful if you’re planning a temazcal because they can be very taxing as it gets really hot inside the igloo-like structure and crowded, as it is normally in small groups almost touching and no room for standing up. If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or are pregnant consult with your doctor. I had a horrible reaction when I participated in one but it was before I knew I had heat intolerance and dysautonomia.
If you get to see the chinelos you are lucky. The traditional festive dance is colorful, lively, and very fun. The chinelo music makes you want to jump and dance with them, while their black robes and painted designs, big round colorful hat, and masks with pointed beard and European features. The dance developed as a mockery of European conquerors during Carnival, keeping the anonymity of the chinelo with gloves, robes, and mask. Today, it is a symbol of the state of Morelos, with small groups of chinelos, the tradition passed down, no outsiders allowed, their costumes expensive (some costing almost $20,000 dollars). I grew up with the chinelos in every Morelos festivity and love them! They are a symbol of my home.
3. Swim in a natural spring in Las Estacas
Las Estacas is a natural park in Morelos State. Its beauty is unmatched as the mineral spring gives way to a river surrounded by forest. The deepest blues and clearest water are characteristic of this natural reserve. Swim along its river or cruise down with inflatables in a relaxing way. Be aware, since it is a natural spring, the water is cold. But fear not, the climate in Morelos is quite warm and sunny year round, allowing you to enjoy Las Estacas even in the winter.
In Las Estacas you can enjoy a swim or relaxing day by the river. Or many more activities like zip line, snorkel, diving, kayaking, a spa, and camping. While it’s not Cozumel, diving here is quite fun and a great place to learn! My favorite part is jumping from the platform into the eye of the spring, where there is also a waterfall. Then, you can just float downriver!
You can also board your dog, so there is no excuse for not going!
You can bring in food that are not in styrofoam or glass containers, but don’t bother, there is an amazing restaurant inside. There are actually two, but my favorite is Los Amates. Try the cecina rasurada which is a sort of ceviche but made from cecina, or salted and dried meat originally from Morelos.
Look out for swings along the river that you can jump off from! Las Estacas is one of my favorite places and I really recommend it As a day trip from Mexico City on a sunny and warm day.
Check opening times and entrance fees here.
4. Enjoy a park day at La Marquesa
🐾This is a great dog friendly activity in Mexico City🐾
Its real name is Parque Nacional Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, but nobody knows it by that name. For Mexicans it is just, La Marquesa. It got its name because during the Spanish Conquest it was called Marquesado del Valle de Oaxaca.
Head to one of La Marquesa’s valleys to spend the day horseback riding, hiking, renting an ATV, biking, or just having a picnic in this beautiful park. The valleys are Valle del Silencio, Valle de las Monjas, Valle de la Amistad, Valle del Conejo y Valle de Salazar. There is also space for camping and kids playgrounds.
You can even fish your own trout in any of the trout farms in the park, and have it cooked right there. Or eat some Mexican antojitos, like quesadillas, chocolate, sopes, and cecina. You can also visit the Monte de las Cruces, where a very famous battle of Independence was fought.
Enjoy the day in the beautiful park!
5. Basaltic Prisms of Huasca Ocampo
The slow cooling of lava formed these basaltic prisms in the state of Hidalgo millions of years ago. They average between 30 and 50 meters in height, with waterfalls along them making them unique among these very rare formations.
Walk among the 2.5 million year old formations and imagine how the lava flowed, slowly creating these rare shapes. As the water splashes gently on your skin, think about how it has the power to create forms with its consistency. It is an incredible place to visit!
On your way there or back, stop at Real del Monte, another Magic Town in Mexico. It is an old mining town with English-style buildings where you can warm up as the fog sets in the afternoon with some pan dulce and pulque. If you visit in October, don’t miss the International Pastry Festival!
You can also try your fear of heights in the Via Ferrata in Mineral del Chico, visit some of the old mines, or just stroll around the city.
6. Explore underground at the caves of Cacahuamilpa
Cacahuamilpa is a national park in the state of Guerrero that has one of the largest cave systems in the world. It extends over 2,700 hectares with activities like rappelling, rock climbing, underground river exploring, and touring along the big salons of the cave system. It is a living system, or a cave where water continues to flow and drip growing the formations. The park is also home to animals like the nutria, quail, armadillo, huilota, and tejon.
This cave systems extends through three municipalities in Guerrero and one in Morelos. It has about 90 salons connected through a central gallery, but only 20 are fully explored and open to the public. The maximum height of these salons is 21 meters and maximum width is 42 meters. The caves had been occupied since pre-hispanic times as pottery and other artifacts have been found inside the cave system. During the conquest, the indigenous people managed to hide the caves from the Spanish until 1834 when they were “discovered”.
You can only visit the caves with a guided tour, because careless tourists damaged the glittering walls as well as the stalactites and stalagmites. The tours are budget friendly and cost approximately $5 USD and take you around the salons on a 4km route for about 2 hours.
Seeing Mexican creativity is the best part of the tour, as each salon was named after the figure a formation created, like the elephant trunk, the kiss, and the curtain. Your guide will also use his lantern to lit up these stalagmites and stalactites showing you different figures like the Madonna or the bottle spilling over.
Every year you can also enjoy concerts inside the caves during the Jornadas Alarconianas in May and the Silver Festival in November which both take place in the city of Taxco.
7. Find silver in Taxco
Close to the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is the city of Taxco, Guerrero. Taxco is known for its silver and here you can find many silver artisans when you walk around its cobbled streets. Buy silver jewelry and artwork in its fine shops or go to the local market. Learn some Mexican slang to get the best deals!
Perched on top of a hill, surrounded by mountains, its white colonial buildings and the baroque Templo de Santa Prisca make for an amazing sight as you approach. It has kept its architecture throughout the years, making it an amazing small town to visit as a day trip from Mexico City. Walk its cobbled streets to Santa Prisca, one of Mexico’s most beautiful baroque architectures. Enjoy this majestic legacy of Jose de la Borda, the town hero and wealthy silver miner who was nearly bankrupted by building this church between 1751 and 1758.
You can also take a tour of the Prehispanic Mine seeing what gold and silver look like in a mine. Or take a ride in the cable car Montetaxco and enjoy the view of the valley and towns. Don’t miss the restaurant Rosa Mexicano on top of the Hotel Pueblo Lindo where you can not only enjoy the best views of the city while you dine but you can have some amazing enchiladas de jamaica. Or head to La Parroquia restaurant for some cocktails and an amazing view of the zocalo and church!
Don’t forget to look for great silver pieces to bring back as souvenirs from Mexico!
8. Discover an ancient sun observatory in Xochicalco
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochicalco is an archeological site of a fortified political, religious, and commercial center, the most important in Central Mexico between 700-900 A.D. It was founded in the second half of the 7th century AD, when the great capitals of the Mesoamerica Classic Period like Teotihuacan, Monte Alban and Tikal were in decline.
It is an amazing ancient convention center where artifacts from different cultures like Maya, Teotihuacan, and Zapotec have been found. The city was abandoned abruptly in the late 9th century AD after being sacked. It is one of my favorite archeological sites in Mexico and definitely one of the best day trips from Mexico City.
Try this Xochicalco day trip from Mexico City.
This tour also takes you to my hometown of Cuernavaca, the place Cortes settled in because of its beauty!
It is built on top of a hill with evidence that the surrounding hills were also occupied. There are three levels in Xochicalco, the lower part encircled by walls has residential buildings. The intermediate level, or Market Ensemble, has more residential structures and the southern ball court, the biggest in Xochicalco. Beyond the ball court is a group of structures called the Palace composed of residential rooms, kitchens, workshops, storerooms and a temazcal.
The highest level is a group of temples and other buildings around the Main Plaza. The east ball court can be found here separated by a ramp paved with stone slabs engraved with images of birds, reptiles, insects and mammals.
The north of the Main Plaza has a large rainwater cistern for the complex water system that covered the whole of Xochicalco. Yes, ancient Mesoamerica cultures had complex water and plumbing features in their cities. In this level, we also find caves where they got their construction material and one that makes up the Observatory for study of the heavens and for ceremonies.
The ball court is something to not be missed, especially a description of the ball game. It was not only a game, but had religious significance with the players of special games being used in religious sacrifices. The ball, which could break bones, was a solid rubber ball measuring anywhere from 10 to 30 cm in diameter and weighing from 500 g to 3.5 kg. Mesoamerican art depicts the players often wearing protective gears such as belt and padding for knees, hips, elbows, and wrists. Some even have a padded helmet or feathered headdress. The point of the game was to get the ball through the two rings high on the walls without using their hands. The teams were male only with two or three players, sometimes even using warriors and war captives. The surviving depictions of the game were of mostly elites players and viewers, even though it was widely played by everyone in society.
The Observatory has a chimney that lets the sunlight in as it was used to track the sun’s movement. It is incredible how accurate ancient Mesoamerica cultures were in their studies of the sun and stars. For a period of 105 days, April 30 to August 15, the sun’s rays penetrate the chimney into the cave’s floor- twice a year directly overhead. The way the light enters this observatory is unique, it creates an optical illusion where if you place your arm through the light you can see your skeleton on the floor of the cave. It also creates a double vision illusion. It is amazing to see!
The Main Plaza, has two pyramidal structures, the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents, for the god Quetzalcoatl and the Temple of the Stelae (Templo de las Tres Estrelas). Through the architecture of both pyramids we see the clear binding of the three major civilizations of the Classic Era: Teotihuacano, Zapotec, and Maya. It is a truly amazing sight and so well preserved.
Do you notice the similarities between representations of the god Quetzalcoatl and dragons from far away cultures, like the Chinese dragon?
9. Adventure hike at the Nevado de Toluca
Mexico’s fourth highest mountain, also known as Xinantécatl, is actually a volcano. In its crater there are two incredibly clear lakes, the Laguna de la Luna y Laguna del Sol. It is incredible to think that some Aztec artifacts have been found in the lakes!
Day trip to hike the Nevado de Toluca with an expert guide from Mexico City
This ensures safety and that you have fun!
You can drive all the way up to the National Park Hut (where there is a bathroom) and then hike 1-2 miles to the crater. Be aware that the altitude here is 4,050 m (13,287 feet) so it can be hard to breathe for some, and there is risk for altitude sickness. Take it slow and don’t leave the main trail and try to climb on your own.
Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds, or go very early. There have been multiple deaths and rescue attempts because of people who go beyond their abilities, into places they shouldn’t, or with the wrong equipment/clothing. It is safe if you are a smart traveler and one of the best Mexico City hiking places!
If you are more of an adventurer, summit the Nevado de Toluca, either to its Pico del Aguila (4,620m) or Pico del Fraile (4,691m). The dry season is November through March, making them the best times to climb. I climbed during November as it is the least crowded month. If you do decide to summit, please take the necessary gear (including helmet), snacks, and hire a guide.
When I climbed to the summit of Pico del Fraile, I realized the importance of helmets as a huge rock one climber above us dislodged and it came tumbling down. This head sized rock, gathered momentum and speed as it bounced down directly towards me and two more women in my group behind me. Our guide screamed rock, as I looked up, managed to scream rock so the one’s behind me could get out of the way and I jumped to the side. It barely missed my face.
My ex and I celebrated our five month anniversary summiting the Nevado de Toluca and it was an amazing day trip from Mexico City! We were picked up at our meeting point in Mexico City early in the morning. They provided the helmet and poles and we had great guides.
It was definitely not an easy climb to the summit. Even in the beginning, my legs felt like they were weighted down because of the altitude. I also wasn’t aware of my dysautonomia back then, but I did have a horrible migraine on the way back. I am not sure if it was because of dysautonomia, the effort, or my period. Either way, I really am happy I did it!
It was such a fun activity to do in Mexico City, and, despite the struggles, I felt so accomplished! The view from the top was amazing, and it felt like success when I ate my sandwich in the summit!
10. Nature and wine at Peña de Bernal
Two and a half hour drive from Mexico City, we find the Peña de Bernal, a 433m monolith, one of the tallest in the world. It is actually the third tallest!
Go up to the small chapel located on the highest hiking point and enjoy the view. There are also climbing routes for the adventure traveler!
The town of San Sebastian Bernal, built at the feet of the Peña, is a Magic Town, or Pueblo Magico. Walk around this little town, with the monolith as a background. It is incredibly imposing and majestic juxtaposed with the colonial architecture of this small beautiful town.
Don’t forget to try the gorditas de maiz quebrado, where instead of using flour they’re made from broken up corn. It gets cold in the winter, and, even in the summer, nights get chilly, so bring something to cover from the cold or buy a chipiturco, of wool in the Aurora Workshop or warming drinks at Folk Bar.
Bring cash as it is a small town and most people might not take cards.
You can also visit the wineries that are around town in a cheese and wine tour. Visiting a Mexican vineyard is a great day trip activity from Mexico City. Drive the wine route and visit Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet México and Viñedos Azteca.
Where to stay in Mexico City
In Mexico City I would recommend staying in a hotel in Polanco, Roma or Condesa neighborhoods. These are all very nice, safe, full of restaurants, night life, shopping, and easy access to all the must visit places of Mexico City.
Polanco is more upscale while Roma and Condesa have a younger vibe. Historic Downtown is also a good place to stay to walk to the Zocalo. Be aware of the way you visit and interact as a tourist as gentrification has become a problem. If you are interested in museums and activities the locals do, check out this post.
You can also board the Turibus, or Mexico City tour bus, from Polanco. I am warning you about traffic, especially during rush hours (8-10am and 7-9pm) and lunch (around 2-3pm). It will take a long time to get places by car sometimes.
Best Hotels in Mexico City
Whether you stay in Mexico City while you visit, or take a day trip, these are my favorite hotels in Polanco, Condesa, Roma and Centro. I’ve either stayed in these hotels or eaten at their terraces enjoying the amazing views.
Presidente InterContinental Mexico City by IHG ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Polanco
great location, great restaurants inside and around, luxury, pet-friendly
Hotel Parque Mexico Boutique ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Condesa
great location, amazing terrace with restaurant/bar, great for jacaranda season
Hotel Marbella ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Roma Norte
walkable neighborhood, close to bars and nightlife
Hotel Catedral ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Centro Historico
amazing views of Cathedral from rooms and restaurant
More Mexico City Guides
Mexico City Travel Guide: Best Neighborhoods, What to Do, Where to Eat, written by a local
33 Mexican Slang Words
What To Eat In Mexico City: 7 Mexican Foods You Need To Try
Where To Shop The Best Mexican Souvenirs In Mexico City
Off The Beaten Path Mexico City: 22 Non-Touristy Things To Do
5 Fun And Unique Activities In Mexico City
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Wow, all these places look incredible! I would love to visit Mexico City, but I wouldn’t have known about all these day trips. I hope to visit one day 🙂 thanks for the post!
I hope you visit, too!
I have been to Cancun numerous times and Los Cabos once, but this area looks and sounds like there is way more culture and a way from the tourist areas. I would love that.
Yes, there is so much more culture in and near Mexico City! It is worth a visit!
I had no idea there were so many amazing places you could reach on day trips from Mexico City. It’s been a place high on my bucket list for a long time, but it’s now moved up the list a bit!! Thanks so much.
I am glad I can help! Definitely visit Mexico City and plan for more than a few days to see everything there!