22 Amazing day trips from Mexico City for the heritage lover in you. Discover these amazing places with the best Mexico City day trips and tours. #MexicoCity #DayTrips

22 Best Mexico City Day Trips For Heritage Lovers


Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by Soumya

Are you looking for the best day trips from Mexico City?

Good news. Here’s a curated list of 22 epic Mexico City excursions that’ll fascinate the culture vulture in you.

From beautiful colonial towns to mysterious ancient ruins, there are hundreds of wonderful places to visit near Mexico City.

Lost cities of the Aztec and Toltec Empires are scattered around Mexico City.

Magic towns or pueblo magicos near Mexico City are abundant with stories of the colonial era.

Whether you decide to visit the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacan, the colorful town of San Miguel de Allende, or the evolving foodie city of Puebla – the list of side trips from Mexico City is truly endless.

So, let’s see if we can help you find your favorite day trip from Mexico City from this incredible list. I am hoping you’ll turn some of these into amazing weekend destinations as well.


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5 Most Popular Day Trips from Mexico City

Teotihuacan Day Trip from Mexico City

Moon pyramid at Teotihuacan
Massive and mind-boggling pyramids of Teotihuacan. Visit here with an archeologist guide to get deeper insights into the lost civilization.

One of the best things to do in Mexico is to take a day trip to Teotihuacan from Mexico City.

Teotihuacan, a world heritage site, is home to 3 massive Mexican pyramids of the Sun, the Moon, and the Feathered Serpent that date back to more than 2000 years ago.

It is also home to many stunning murals at the Palace of Butterflies, the Mural Museum, and numerous niches and coves on the Avenue of the Dead. The Jaguar Mural is a highlight.

An interesting fact about Teotihuacan is that nothing much is known about the ancient civilization that built the city.

Nobody knows who were the ancient Teotihuacanos. Why did their capital collapse? How did they build these colossal pyramids?

This aura of mystery makes Teotihuacan one of the most fascinating day trips from Mexico City and a very popular one.

How to plan a Teotihuacan day trip from Mexico City?

It is easy to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City by public transport. Board a bus from Terminal del Norte and you’ll be there in like 1.5 hours.

Refer to my visiting Teotihuacan guide for all details.

Best Teotihuacan tours

Full day tours to Teotihuacan from Mexico City are extremely popular and so are hot-air balloon rides.

This hot air balloon ride over the pyramids is one of the best Mexico City day tours. 100% safe and a totally awesome experience.

And this early access tour with tequila tasting has got rave reviews.

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Best Xochimilco tours from Mexico City involve rides on colorful trajineras
The colorful trajineras of Xochimilco make it a sought after day trip from Mexico City.

I have always been fascinated by Xochimilco not because it is a UNESCO site but because it is a very unique one.

Xochilmilco’s canals are dotted with manmade islands called the “chinampas”. These islands were used by the Aztecs to grow crops in the absence of arable land.

A true engineering wonder, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are the last remnants of possibly the largest land reclamation project of the ancient world.

Today, Xochimilco is a popular day trip from Mexico City for both locals and tourists. The canals play host to hundreds of colorful gondolas called trajineras.

Ride a trajinera in Xochimilco, taste local delicacies, and listen to some wonderful Mariachi music for a fun day out in Mexico.

How to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City?

Getting to Xochimilco from Mexico City by public transportation is easy.

First, take the metro to Tasquena. From Tasquena, take the train “Tren Ligero” or Light Rail which goes all the way to Xochimilco.

If you don’t want to deal with public transport, then take a taxi or book a guided tour that usually includes round-trip transportation.

Best Xochimilco Tours from Mexico City

Several Xochimilco tours from Mexico City usually include a trajinera ride on the canals of Xochimilco.

This full-day tour from Mexico City includes a trajinera ride in Xochimilco and a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan.

Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum

Coyotes fountain in Coyoacan
Image courtesy: Kate McCully from New Hampshire Way

Coyoacan is a beautiful neighborhood within Mexico City that is filled with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and art markets.

If you are looking for a quick and peaceful getaway from the hubbub of downtown Mexico City, then Coyoacan is the place to be.

Apart from being home to the famous Frida Kahlo House (Casa Azul) which is a museum now, Coyoacan has a lot of interesting things to do and see.

Step into San Juan Bautista Church, a beautiful Baroque building in the Coyoacan central square.

Visit the Anahuacalli Museum to explore murals by Diego Rivera.

Check out the drinking coyotes (Coyoacan gets its name from them) at Centenario Garden and shop at the artisan market.

If you wish to do more, you can also head to UNAM (University City) where you’ll see the wall of the Central Library covered with majestic murals. This mural collection was recently added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

How to get to Coyoacan from Mexico City?

Getting to Coyoacan from Mexico City by public transport is easy.

Take Metro Line 2 to General Anaya station. From there, you can simply walk to the Coyoacan Historic Center.

For details, check out my detailed Coyoacan Travel Guide.

Best Coyoacan Tours

Taking a guided tour is a good idea if you wish to see more than just Coyoacan on a day trip from Mexico City.

For example, have a look at this tour that takes you to 2 interesting UNESCO sites in Mexico City plus Coyoacan.

Or a private tour like this one that takes you to Casa Azul, Coyoacan, and the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.

Puebla Day Trip from Mexico City

Historic center of Puebla from Mexico city day trip
Puebla City is a town full of colors and character. It is one of the most popular Mexico City day trips.
Image courtesy: Noel from The Mature Traveler

Located at the foot of the Popocatepetl volcano, Puebla City is a stunning example of the fusion of European and American architectural styles.

The Historic Center of Puebla, a world heritage site, is full of Baroque buildings and colorful houses laid out in a grid pattern.

There are many wonderful things to do in Puebla.

First on your list should be trying some good food in Puebla, including eating some mole. Mole is the famous Mexican sauce made of chocolate, and Puebla is the birthplace of mole.

Stroll the vibrant streets of Puebla, marvel at colonial architecture, and step into Puebla Cathedral, which is a wonderful mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical architecture.

If you are looking to shop, Puebla is the best place to get some beautiful Talavera pottery.

From Puebla, you can also take a day tour to Cholula, one of the prettiest magic towns near Mexico City and home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

There is so much to do in and around Puebla. Naturally, the city makes for one of the best weekend trips from Mexico City.

How to get from Mexico City to Puebla?

The cheapest way to get to Puebla from Mexico City is by bus.

But there are many other options. Read my complete guide on How to get to Puebla from Mexico City for details.

Best Puebla tours

Here’s a highly recommended, small group tour of Cholula Pyramid and Puebla from Mexico City. It is very well organized and shows you the highlights of Puebla and Cholula in a day trip from Mexico City.

San Miguel de Allende

La Parroquia San Miguel de Arcangel
The beautiful La Parroquia Cathedral of San Miguel de Allende, a unique Mexico City getaway.

Travelers have repeatedly voted San Miguel de Allende as one of the best day trips from Mexico City.

Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 2008, San Miguel de Allende boasts of a rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture.

The city is home to several religious buildings that were built in the unique style of New Spanish or Mexican Baroque.

Be sure to check out the main cathedral, La Parroquia – a majestic pink structure with an unusually beautiful Gothic facade.

A beautifully-frescoed Sanctuary of Atotonilco is just 20 minutes away from the city center.

The city is filled with art galleries, handicraft stores, and modern boutiques. There are also some unusual museums such as the Toy Museum which gives deep insights into Mexican culture and heritage.

Simply walking through the narrow but colorful streets of San Miguel de Allende is an amazing experience.

How to get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City?

Driving to San Miguel de Allende takes about 3 – 4 hours.

A bus journey from Terminal Norte to San Miguel de Allende takes around 4 hours. Luxurious ETN buses operate between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende.

Find out more on my detailed guide on How to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende.

Best San Miguel de Allende Tours

If you are short on time and wish to visit San Miguel de Allende on a day trip from Mexico City, check out this highly recommended full-day tour from Mexico City.

Mexico City Day Trips to World Heritage Sites

UNAM Day Trip from Mexico City

Murals at UNAM
The fascinating murals of UNAM make it one of the best places to visit near Mexico City.
Image courtesy: Miguel Á. Padriñán via Canva Pro

The murals of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico or UNAM are a recent addition to Mexico’s list of UNESCO sites.

They represent a unique fusion of 20th-century architecture, engineering, and arts rising from a deep connection with Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past.

UNAM’s murals are fascinating. They have been painted by famous Mexican artists including Diego Rivera.

The highlight is the central library wall which is covered by a massive mural called “Historical Representation of Mexican Culture“. Painted by Juan O’Gorman, this is one of the largest mosaics in the whole world.

Each wall of the library depicts a different stage in Mexico’s history – pre-Hispanic, colonial, contemporary, and university life.

UNAM is located on the southern fringes of Mexico City, near the neighborhood of Coyoacan. Home to one of the best artsy things to see near Mexico City, UNAM is often clubbed with a day tour of Coyoacan and Xochimilco.

Xochicalco Archeological Site

The archaeological site of Xochicalco in Mexico
The ancient city of Xochicalo is a UNESCO site. Yet, it remains one of the least visited places around Mexico City.
Image courtesy – steve_is_on_holiday | Canva Pro

The Archeological Site of Xochicalco is a world heritage site. Yet, it remains a hidden gem in Mexico and one of the most offbeat Mexico City day trips.

Xochicalco is a fortified ancient city that dates back to the period between 700 – 900 CE.

Built after the collapse of Teotihuacan by an ethnic Olmeca tribe, Xochicalco is a rare example of a pre-Hispanic fortified town complete with ramparts, bastions, and moats.

The architecture at Xochicalco was influenced by both Teotihuacan and Mayan art.

The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is Xochicalco’s most iconic monument that displays these influences.

An interesting thing to see in Xochicalco is the three levels of buildings – a pattern that is common in fortified towns around the world.

The lowest level is the residential area for the working class. The middle level contains the market and a ball court. The highest and the topmost level consisted of temples and a palace for the ruling class.

How to get to Xochicalco?

Getting to Xochicalco from Mexico City by public transport is complicated and time-consuming.

You can rent a car and drive to Xochicalco.

A more convenient option is to take a guided tour. This guided tour shows you the best of both Xochicalco and Cuernavaca which are just 30 minutes apart.

Queretaro Historic Monuments

Santiago de Queretaro or Queretaro City is a special world heritage site in Mexico because of its unique layout. A Spanish grid street plan exists in complete harmony with the winding lanes of indigenous Mexicans.

Magnificent Baroque buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries dot every corner of the city. Taking in the beauty of the Queretaro Historic Zone is a must-do.

The highlight of Queretaro is a 23-meter-high aqueduct that is symbolic of the city. It was built in the 18th century, has 74 arches, and is 4,200 ft long.

There are several museums to hop through and an ancient pyramid to check out.

You can discover the historic city in a Classic Ford T Vehicle or join others on a beautiful hacienda and winery tour.

There’s just so much to see and do in Queretaro that travelers often vouch for it to be one of the best weekend trips from Mexico City.

How to get to Queretaro?

The Historic Center of Queretaro is located 135 miles to the northwest of Mexico City. A car drive from Mexico City to Queretaro will take you around 2.5-3 hours.

If you wish to go by public transport, you’ll need to take a bus from Mexico City Norte Terminal to Tepotzotlan and then take another bus from Tepotzotlan to Queretaro.

16th-Century Monasteries on Popocatepetl

The open chapel at the Cuernavaca Cathedral - one of the best hidden gems in Mexico
Open chapels, like these, at the Popocatepetl Monasteries were often used to evangelize large local populations.

This isn’t one heritage site but a combination of 14 different monasteries spread across three different states in Central Mexico – Morelos, Puebla, and Tlaxcala.

Some of these monastery towns are also beautiful pueblo magicos near Mexico City.

The Popocatepetl monasteries were built by the first missionaries who arrived in Mexico in the 16th century. These were the Franciscans, the Dominicans, and the Augustinians who converted the indigenous people to Christianity.

Their monasteries were heavily influenced by Renaissance & Mudejar styles but included a lot of local expressions. Wide open atria and corner chapels were key features.

Since these monasteries are spread over 14 different cities, visiting them is definitely not a day trip from Mexico City. But you can easily combine a few on a weekend trip.

22 Amazing day trips from Mexico City for the heritage lover in you. Discover these amazing places with the best Mexico City day trips and tours. #MexicoCity #DayTrips

Father Tembleque Aqueduct

A Franciscan friar, Father Tembleque, commissioned and built this awe-inspiring aqueduct in 16th century with the help of local Mexican people.

What is about the Father Tembleque Aqueduct is that it combines European water conduction technology with indigenous building techniques such as the use of adobe, a mixture made of earth and straw.

It is also one of the highest aqueducts ever built, thus making it an architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO site.

How to get to Father Tembleque Aqueduct?

Father Tembleque Aqueduct is located to the northwest of Mexico City. It takes 1hr 10mins to get here by car.

To get here by public transport, get to Teotihuacan by bus from Mexico City Norte Terminal and then take a taxi.

Day Trips to Colonial Towns Near Mexico City

Taxco Day Trip from Mexico City

Taxco city in Mexico - an amazing day trip

Image courtesy: Zoe from Zoe Goes Places

Taxco, also known as Taxco de Alarcon, is a magic town near Mexico City.

Located in the state of Guerrero, Taxco has always been known for its silver mining industry.

It gained the pueblo magico status for its beautiful colonial architecture and pretty houses draped in bougainvillea.

Nestled deep within the mountains, Taxco has steep cobbled streets lined with white houses with red roofs – a scene that’ll transport you back to the colonial era.

Visit the Zocalo, a petite square surrounded by atmospheric cafes and shops.

Visit the famous Cathedral of Santa Prisca, a Baroque beauty that is more than 250 years old.

Remember to buy some authentic silverware (a worthy Mexican gift) in the city of its making. Be sure to visit the Silver Museum for a deeper insight into the art.

With a rich history and stunning architecture, Taxco is one of the most amazing side trips from Mexico City.

How to plan a Taxco day trip from Mexico City?

Getting to Taxco from Mexico City by public transport is a little complicated and can take 3 to 4 hours.

Rent a car or join a highly recommended guided tour that allows you to see Taxco and takes you on a pre-Hispanic mine tour.

With 350+ 5-star reviews, this Taxco day trip from Mexico City is absolutely one of the best tours in Mexico City.

Cuernavaca

Palacio Cortes in Cuernavaca Mexico
The towering Palace of Cortes and its history – one of the many reasons why Cuernavaca is one of the best towns near Mexico City.

If you are looking for an easy weekend trip around Mexico City, head to Cuernavaca, the “City of Eternal Spring“.

This place was once a favored Mexico City day trip destination for celebrities. Now, it appeals to all kinds of heritage lovers.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to do in Cuernavaca is to visit the Palace of Henan Cortes. Cortes built the palace on top of an Aztec pyramid that he destroyed in the 1500s.

Today, the palace houses the Regional Museum of Cuernavaca, an amazing repository of Mexican history and culture.

You should also visit the majestic Cuernavaca Cathedral which has some great frescoes.

The archaeological site of Tepanzolco is just 10 minutes away from Cuernavaca center.

If you wish to see some more ruins when you are here, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochicalco is only 40 minutes away.

How to get to Cuernavaca?

Cuernavaca is less than 2 hours trip from Mexico City. You can get here by taking a Pullman bus from Mexico City Tasquena to Cuernavaca Centro.

Or join a more convenient guided tour like this one.

A private Cuernavaca tour further adds to the experience by enabling you to customize your day.

Tepoztlan

Tepoztlan is a pueblo magico in the state of Morelos and is the best day trip from Mexico City.

This charming, little town is surrounded by rugged mountain cliffs and has a mystical aura about it.

It is believed that Tepoztlan was the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent God of Aztec mythology and other pre-Hispanic cultures.

This makes Tepoztlan a spiritual destination for people seeking calm and tranquility.

If you’re not someone in search of the mystic, don’t worry. There’s plenty of other things to do in Tepoztlan.

Step into the Church of Our Lady of Nativity, the interior of which contains several stunning murals.

Visit the crafts market that is set up every Wednesday and Sunday and pick your favorite Mexican souvenirs.

Explore the ruins of Tepozteco and climb the pyramid for stunning views of the city and valley.

How to get to Tepoztlan?

Getting to Tepoztlan from Mexico City by public transport can take you close to 2 hours. Driving a car or getting a taxi could get you there in an hour.

Board a Pullman bus from Mexico City Tasquena and get off at Tepoztlan Caseta.

Or sign up for a guided tour of Tepoztlan and Tepozteco.

Magical Towns of Hidalgo

Real del Monte - magical towns of Hidalgo
Image courtesy – fergregory | Canva Pro

The state of Hidalgo has 7 magic towns – each with their unique character. 3 of the most popular pueblo magicos in Hidalgo are Real del Monte, Huasca de Ocampo, and Mineral del Chico.

Real del Monte, located in the middle of the mountains, is well known for its English mining past, delicious stuffed dough patties also called “pastes”, and old British architecture.

Huasca de Ocampo has a rich mining heritage too and is filled with beautiful basaltic prisms that were formed millions of years ago.

Basaltic columns like these are unusual geological formations that are seen in rare places on the earth including Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, St. Mary’s Island in India, and Devil’s Postpile in California.

It is also home to one of Mexico’s first haciendas, the Hacienda of San Miguel Regla.

The colorful walls and tiled homes of Mineral del Chico remind us of a medieval town that was created just for the miners.

How to get to the Magical Towns of Hidalgo?

The good part is that the magical towns of Hidalgo are just an hour and a half from Mexico City. Therefore, they are perfect day trips from Mexico City.

This highly-rated full-day tour by Amigo Tours LATAM gives you a feel of Hidalgo’s rich mining heritage and a taste of its local cuisine.

Or you can take a bus from Mexico City Norte Terminal to Pachuca and then take a taxi from there.

Tepotzotlan

The ornate chapel of Tepotzotlan
Ornate Churrigueresque architecture at Museo Nacional del Virreinato in Tepotzotlan.

It is easy to confuse Tepotzotlan with Tepoztlan (Mexico is one of those countries where I am always confused with names!).

But let me tell you that Tepotzotlan is in the State of Mexico (north of Mexico City) whereas Tepoztlan is in the State of Morelos (south of Mexico City).

Both are magical towns near Mexico City. So, that’s something more to add to your confusion.

The highlight of Tepotzotlan is the National Museum of the Viceroyalty of New Spain or the Museo Nacional del Virreinato which is well known for its Churrigueresque architecture.

It was once home to Jesuit monks and has some of the most unique hallways and display rooms now.

Do not miss the Domestic Chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto which is adorned with stunning murals and gold leaf.

Another impressive Baroque building in Tepotzotlan is the Church of San Francisco Javier.

Not very far away is the Arcos del Sitio Ecological Park which is home to a massive aqueduct from the colonial era.

How to visit Tepotzotlan?

Tepotzotlan is midway between Mexico City and the archaeological site of Tula. That means you can easily combine both in a single Mexico City day trip like this one.

Or visit Tepotzotlan on your own by taking the Suburban Train Line 1 to Cuautitlan and then take a taxi from Cuautitlan to Tepotzotlan.

Pro Tip: Read our Ultimate Tepotzotlan Travel Guide for further details.

Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo near Mexico City
Image courtesy: arturogi | Canva Pro

Valle de Bravo is a pueblo magico in the state of Mexico that is one of the lesser-known day trips from Mexico City.

The colonial town of Valle de Bravo has tons of interesting things to do and see.

Be sure to roam the cobbled streets and step into Templo de Santa Maria Ahuacatlan which is famous for its Black Christ.

Take a stroll on Calle 5 de Mayo which is literally the heart of the colonial town.

And if you are looking for something spiritual, you can visit Maranatha House of Prayer built for Carmelite monks.

You can also travel to the Sanctuary of Mariposa Monarca (a natural heritage site) where you can see thousands of Monarch butterflies in the most beautiful spectacle of nature.

How to get to Valle de Bravo?

Valle de Bravo is located 2 hours to the west of Mexico City.

Getting here by car, taxi, or a guided tour is the most convenient.

If you wish to use public transport, getting a Zina bus from Mexico Poniente Terminal is the easiest.

Toluca & Metepec

The capital city of Mexico state, Toluca, is one of Mexico’s largest cities with a colonial heart.

The old town is picturesque, filled with charming streets, mind-blowing art galleries, and happening city squares.

Toluca’s highlight is a building with the Arches of Toluca or Los Portales of Toluca.

Los Portales has one of the longest collections of arches in Mexico and is home to several handicraft and souvenir stores.

There are many small restaurants where you can enjoy some good old chorizo.

Do not miss the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden housed in an Art Nouveau building.

You can club your visit to Toluca with a trip to Metepec, a magic town known for its pottery. Their traditional “tree of life” sculptures are especially popular.

On this full-day Toluca tour from Mexico City, you’ll enjoy a trip to Toluca as well as to Metepec and San Mateo Atenco, a footwear shopping hub.

Best Mexico City Day Trips to Other Heritage Sites

The Valley of Mexico was the home of Aztecs and Mexico City their capital. If you love Aztec history, then day trips out of Mexico City are the best way to learn more.

Apart from the usual UNESCO world heritage sites, there are several smaller Toltec and Aztec ruins near Mexico City that will appeal to the history buff in you. Here are some of my favorite ones.

Tula Pyramids

Tula warriors
Tula, the ancient capital of Toltecs, is an interesting day trip from Mexico City.

I know that we usually talk about the Mayans and the Aztecs when we talk about Mexico. However, there is another illustrious Mesoamerican civilization that we barely know of – the Toltecs.

The Toltecs were a Nauhatl-speaking people who ruled from their capital in Tollan (now known as Tula) in the Mexican state of Hidalgo.

They came before the Aztecs and had a lot in common with the Mayans.

The ancient city of Tula prospered between the 10th – 12th centuries and became the site where majestic palaces and stunning monuments were constructed.

Today, you can see the ruins of two tall pyramids, a large palace building, and a couple of ball courts.

The highlights of Tula are the 15-foot-tall warrior figures that stand atop the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl. In the olden times, these figures would have held up a roof structure.

How to get to Tula from Mexico City?

Tula is located about 1.5 hours north of Mexico City.

To get to Tula, head to Mexico City’s Terminal Norte bus station and board an Ovnibus to Tula de Allende that runs every hour or so. And then you can take a taxi to the ruins.

You can also join a highly recommended guided tour like this one that includes a visit to the Magical Town of Tepotzotlan.

Pro Tip: Visiting Tula? Check out our ultimate guide for visiting the ruins of Tula from Mexico City.

Tlateloco

There are a couple of Aztec ruins within the boundaries of Mexico City.

One of them is Tenochtitlan (located right in the historic center) and the other is Tlatelolco (located at Three Culture Plaza in the Cuauhtemoc borough).

Tlatelolco is a lovely Mexico City day trip if you’re interested in Mexican history.

At the Plaza of Three Cultures in Tlatelolco, you’ll see ancient Aztec ruins, colonial buildings from the Spanish era, and modern Mexican architecture.

That’s why, Tlateloco is an important stop in every heritage lover’s Mexico City itinerary.

You can easily club Tlateloco with a day tour of Teotihuacan.

Or even better, see Tlateloco, Teotihuacan, and Guadalupe Shrine – all in a day in this full-day tour from Mexico City.

Aztec disc at the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City
The region around Mexico City is dotted with Aztec ruins which make for excellent day trips from CDMX.

Tepozteco

Located in the state of Morelos, El Tepozteco is an ancient Aztec ruin dating back to more than 600 years ago.

Here, you’ll find a small shrine that pays homage to Tepoztecatl, the Aztec God of pulque (an alcoholic beverage), fertility, and harvest.

Once upon a time, it was a very important religious site and drew pilgrims from as far as Guatemala.

It requires a bit of climbing (approximately 1 hour) to get to the archaeological zone and the pyramid. From there, you can experience the breathtaking views of the mountains and the city of Tepoztlan below.

How to get to Tepozteco?

You can get to Tepozteco by car or taxi from Mexico City. The drive takes around 1.5 hours.

If you wish to use public transport, take a bus to Tepoztlan from Mexico Taxquena. Hike up to Tepozteco from there.

Malinalco

Aztec ruins of Malinalco near Mexico City
Image courtesy: Byelikova_Oksana | Canva Pro

The archaeological site of Malinalco, also known as Cuauhtinchan, is unique because it is the only Aztec ruin to feature monolithic structures carved from a hill.

The highlight is the Cauachalli Temple (House of Eagles – pictured above) which is probably the only monolithic temple the Aztecs ever built.

Malinalco was an important religious and military center for the Aztecs. The indigenous people of Malinalco once used this place to initiate and train their Eagle and Jaguar-Ocelot warriors.

Look out for eagles and jaguar sculptures carved into the hillside.

How to get to Malinalco?

Located 70 miles from Mexico City, Malinalco is easy to get to by car or taxi. The drive takes around 2 hours.

Getting there by public transport is a long process and involves a couple of changes.

You can do a private guided tour that is more convenient and shows you an old monastery in Desierto de los Leones as well as the archaeological site of Malinalco.

Tenayuca

Tenayuca was originally a Chichimec city and was later conquered by the Aztecs in the 14th century.

The Aztecs constructed an elaborate pyramid complex in Tenayuca in the 14th century.

Tenayuca was special because the Aztecs built their first double pyramid here.

They also built a series of serpent walls that were inspired by the Toltec city of Tula, another interesting place to visit near Mexico City.

How to get to Tenayuca?

There were so many serpent walls here that the Spanish named Tenayuca, “The City of Serpents” when they arrived here.

You can get to Tenayuca by car from Mexico City. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Or you can take a Metrobus to Tenayuca from the La Raza bus stop.

Bonus: 2 Best Nature Day Trips from Mexico City

If you have had an overdose of heritage day trips Mexico City has some cool nature getaways too. Here are two of the most popular ones.

Monarch butterfly reserve
Watching Monarch butterflies can be a fun family getaway from Mexico City.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, located in the state of Michoacan, is a must-visit destination for every nature lover.

Every year, the butterfly sanctuary experiences a unique natural phenomenon. Millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the USA to Mexico for the winter, creating a breathtaking sea of vibrant orange and black.

A true natural wonder, the Monarch butterfly migration in Mexico is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re visiting Mexico between November – March (the migrating season), then it is worthwhile to do this day trip from Mexico City.

How to get to Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary?

The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Mexico City. The most convenient way to reach the sanctuary is by car or through a guided tour.

Well-organized tours like this one usually include transport, a guide, and sometimes lunch.

Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs

Grutas Tolantongo is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a relaxing Mexico City getaway in the lap of nature.

Nestled in the mountains of Hidalgo, Grutas Tolantongo is a natural paradise filled with hot springs and some cool caves.

Unwind in Tolantongo’s warm turquoise waters surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and lush vegetation. Explore the river area, walk through the tunnel, or try some zip-lining.

How to get to Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs?

Grutas Tolantongo is about 3-4 hours drive from Mexico City. You can rent a car and drive.

Or book a full-day tour from Mexico City to explore the waters of Tolantongo.

Interactive map for day trips from Mexico City

Interactive map for the best day trips from Mexico City
Click on the map above to get directions to the best places to visit near Mexico City.
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Mexico City | Visiting Mexico City? You’ll want to see this helpful 4-day Mexico City itinerary covering the best attractions, heritage sites, museums, and best food.
Mexico City Historic Center | From visiting the ancient ruins of Tenochtitlan to stuffing yourself with tacos, there are many wonderful things to do in the Historic Center of Mexico City.
Teotihuacan Pyramids | Grab this ultimate guide to visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City. Or check out some of the best Teotihuacan tours in the market.
Mexico City Landmarks | Wondering what to do in Mexico City? See the best Mexico City landmarks.
Aztec Ruins | From the famous Teotihuacan to the lesser-known Tenayuca, here’s a list of 8 Aztec ruins in Mexico City that you cannot miss.

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22 Amazing day trips from Mexico City for the heritage lover in you. Discover these amazing places with the best Mexico City day trips and tours. #MexicoCity #DayTrips

Soumya is an acclaimed travel writer who has traveled to 30+ countries and lived in 8 while pursuing her passion for history and culture. Her writings have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. She loves exploring world heritage sites and has a deep affinity for everything ancient, especially the lost civilizations of Mesoamerica!

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