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8 Best day trips from Mexico City
Escape the city life with the 8 best day trips from Mexico City: Teotihuacan, the Nevado de Toluca, and more. Plan your adventure with travel times and tips.
Mexico City is brimming with cultural and culinary wonders, enough to fulfil any vacation or weekend itinerary. However, it’s also a fantastic base to discover the true heart of Mexico.
Ancient archaeological sites, charming pueblos mágicos, and breathtaking natural landscapes await just a short bus or car ride away from the capital city. Join us as we explore the eight best day trips from Mexico City and tell you practical tips – like choosing the best eSIM for Mexico to stay connected – that will make your travel as smooth as possible. Let’s dive in!
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Discover Mexico’s rich history: Day trips to archaeological wonders
Several archaeological sites are easily accessible from Mexico City. On a short day trip, you can explore monumental pyramids, warrior statues, culturally significant hilltop ruins, and a glimpse into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past.
1. Teotihuacan: the city of the gods
Journey time: 1 to 1.5 hours by car, 1.5 to 2 hours by bus
If Mexico’s ancient past interests you, the sheer scale and historical significance of Teotihuacan guarantee an unforgettable journey.
Here, you can climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, walk down the Avenue of the Dead, and explore the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
How to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan
Organized tours offer a convenient way to experience this ancient metropolis, often including transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes lunch. When journeying by car or minivan, expect the travel to take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and time of day.
For a more budget-friendly option, public buses depart regularly from the Autobuses del Norte station and will take 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis or ride-sharing are also available.
2. Tula: land of the Toltec warriors
Journey time: 2 hours by bus
Admire the Atlantes, explore the Palacio Quemado, and visit the Tzompantli. If you’re a history enthusiast or are intrigued by the Toltec civilization, a visit to Tula and its iconic Atlantes is a worthwhile experience. However, if you have limited time, you might want to prioritize the more expansive site of Teotihuacan to cover more ground in one day.
How to get from Mexico City to Tula
The drive to Tula takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic. Public buses, available from the Autobuses del Norte station, take slightly longer, around 2 to 2.5 hours. For extra convenience, consider an organized tour that includes Tula.
3. Xochicalco: the hill of flowers
Journey time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus
Explore the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (different from Teotihuacan’s) and enjoy the panoramic views. The mix of cultural influences and hilltop setting with impressive vistas make Xochicalco a great destination if you’re after a less crowded archaeological experience. However, public transport can be less direct.
How to get from Mexico City to Xochicalco
Reaching Xochicalco by car usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Public bus options are less direct and may involve transfers, extending the travel time. If you’re after a more direct journey or pressed for time, renting a car offers the most convenience and flexibility for navigating the site and surrounding areas.
Escape to a pueblo mágico: discover colonial charm near Mexico City
Trade the bustle of Mexico City for a day and check out some of the region’s pueblos mágicos. Within a few hours of the city, discover the colonial beauty of Puebla and the mystical energy of Tepoztlán.
4. Puebla: a culinary and architectural gem
Journey time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus
Puebla’s rich colonial heritage and renowned culinary scene, exemplified by its complex and flavorful mole poblano, make it a delicious and worthwhile city near Mexico City to visit. Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Puebla Cathedral, and admire the Talavera tiles.
How to get from Mexico City to Puebla
The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Luxury bus lines like ADO Platino or ETN offer a direct and comfortable journey from Mexico City’s TAPO station. Driving is also a straightforward option via well-maintained highways.
5. Tepoztlán: mystical mountains and spirituality
Journey time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus
The combination of stunning scenery, mysticism, and the town’s charm makes Tepoztlán a highly appealing escape and well worth the trip! Hike to the Tepozteco pyramid (allow a few hours for this), take in the colorful food and Mexican souvenirs at the artisan market, or participate in a temazcal ceremony.
How to get from Mexico City to Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Mexico City by car. Depending on traffic conditions, direct buses from Mexico City’s southern bus station, Terminal Central del Sur, take around the same time. Renting a car and driving to Tepoztlán also offers more flexibility to explore surrounding towns near Mexico City.
Escape the city buzz: day trips to natural wonders
From thermal springs, to a snow-capped volcano and the incredible monarch butterfly migration, these day trips offer fantastic experiences.
6. Grutas de Tolantongo: thermal pools and caves
Journey time: 3 to 4 hours by car, potentially more by public transport (buses and local taxis)
Grutas de Tolantongo is an adventurous location where visitors can explore caves, ride a zipline, and unwind in thermal waters. The travel time to this destination requires dedicating a full day for the trip, but it’s well worth it!
How to get from Mexico City to Grutas de Tolantongo
Reaching Grutas de Tolantongo typically involves a combination of transport and takes between 3 to 4 hours by car – potentially longer by public transport. Organized tours often provide the easiest way to travel to Tolantongo’s unique attractions. Independent travel involves a bus to Ixmiquilpan followed by a local colectivo or taxi.
7. Nevado de Toluca: majestic volcano and crater lakes
Journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours by car
If you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking dramatic landscapes, the stunning crater lakes of Nevado de Toluca are a worthwhile destination. The high altitude can bring unpredictable changes, including cold temperatures, fog, and even snow, regardless of the season. Weather permitting, you can hike around the crater lakes and enjoy the stunning scenery.
How to get from Mexico City to Grutas de Nevado de Toluca
The drive to the Nevado de Toluca usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours by car, or you can also join an organized tour, as that tends to be the most practical option for reaching the volcano. Public transport directly to the crater is limited and unpredictable.
8. Monarch butterfly sanctuaries
Journey time: 2.5 to 4 hours by car or organized tour
Witness the awe-inspiring migration of millions of monarch butterflies in their wintering sanctuaries near Mexico City. This unforgettable natural spectacle is best experienced through an organized tour, which will give you the best opportunity to see millions of monarch butterflies in their wintering grounds.
How to get from Mexico City to the Monarch butterfly sanctuaries
The incredible migration of the monarch butterflies is an unforgettable natural spectacle that undoubtedly justifies the travel time. The journey to the different sanctuaries varies depending on location but generally ranges from 2.5 to 4 hours. An organized tour is highly recommended for visiting the sanctuaries, as they often handle all logistics and permits and provide knowledgeable guides. Driving is possible but requires careful navigation.
Practical tips for Mexico City day trips
Planning is key to ensuring a smooth experience during your Mexico City day trips. Here are some practical tips on transportation, timing, costs, how to use your phone in Mexico, and what to bring on your day trips.
Transportation:
- Consider organized tours for ease and convenience, especially for further destinations.
- For budget travel, consider public buses, but verify schedules and the number of stops to minimize travel time. Alternatively, pricier companies like ETN offer a faster, more direct service.
Timings:
- Be aware of significant traffic congestion in Mexico City, particularly on weekdays during the morning rush (around 7 am to mid-morning) and the afternoon/evening rush (around 4 pm onwards).
- Check attraction opening times and consider early starts.
Costs:
- Budget for transport and entrance fees.
- Factor in food, drinks, and potential souvenirs.
What to pack on your day trip:
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothing you can layer to your Mexico packing list.
- Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and light sweaters.
- It’s important to bring water, snacks, sunscreen.
Booking:
- Book tours and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
- Internet access is essential to experience these activities fully. Ensure your phone is ready for international use.
Enjoy stress-free day trips from Mexico City with Holafly
Venture beyond Mexico City to explore incredible destinations like Teotihuacan, Puebla, and the Grutas de Tolantongo. To easily navigate these adventures, contact guides, and find transport, reliable internet is key.
Connect to unlimited internet at up to 5G speeds with a Holafly Mexico eSIM. Enjoy reliable, fast, and stable internet for maps and staying in touch with your family and friends, all without the hassle of physical SIMs or navigating roaming in Mexico.
Make the most of your day trips from Mexico City – stay effortlessly connected with Holafly.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Mexico. Use local networks at local rates.
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