Best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Mexico City

Beyond the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of Mexico City lies a world of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From ancient pyramids to picturesque lakeside towns, these day trips and weekend getaways offer a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Mexico City!

Teotihuacan: Ancient Pyramids outside of Mexico City (Day Trip from Mexico City)

Teotihuacan, a mesmerizing archaeological site in the north, takes you back to the mesoamerican era, predating the Spanish arrival.

Teotihuacan, known as the “City of the Gods,” was a thriving pre-Columbian city, reaching its zenith between 150 B.C. and 450 A.D. The pyramids, aligned with celestial bodies, reflect the city’s advanced astronomical knowledge. The sites highlights are its two main pyramids, Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, surrounded by smaller temples.

After your pyramid exploration, visit La Gruta, a restaurant embedded in a rock, serving traditional Mexican food. Don’t miss the Nopal (cactus), a local delicacy.

How long to stay in Teotihuacan: Perfect for a day trip from Mexico City, leave early in the morning and return in the late afternoon. Plan for around 2-3 to explore the site of Teotihuacan. This day trip is a must-do from Mexico City during your stay.

How to get to Teotihuacan: There are multiple options to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City: by bus, Uber or via an organized tour.

Buses are leaving frequently from Mexico City’s Autobuses del Norte bus station. Near “Puerta 8” you will find a ticket booth selling tickets to “Piramides” in Teotihuacan. The bus will drop you off on the parking lot, from where you can already see the ticket booth.
Organized tours are leaving from Zócalo or you can book tours via Viator or GetYourGuide. A highlight is a sunrise hot air balloon tour overlooking the ancient site!

Nevado de Toluca: A Volcanic Wonderland (Day Trip from Mexico City)

Nevado de Toluca, an inactive volcano crater, offers breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.

Nevado de Toluca’s crater, formed by ancient volcanic activity, showcases the region’s geological history. The lakes within the crater add to its picturesque allure.

The volcano is located in the south-west of Toluca, around 1hr away from Mexico City if you head out westbound via Santa Fe.

You can walk and hike around the crater and explore the two lakes. There is a round tour that will take you across the whole crater. While the altitude itself is a bit challenging, the ascent is mostly done by car and the remaining hike up to the crater rim is not too long. The crater is super picturesque and a great place for outdoor lovers. It is rather a secret tip but from my personal point of view one of the best day trips from Mexico City that you can do!

Travel tip: Bring enough snacks and waters as there are no shops or restaurants near the mountain to buy something.

How long to stay in Nevado de Toluca: Perfect for a day trip from Mexico City, leave early in the morning and return in the early evening.

How to get to Nevado de Toluca: Getting to the national park is a bit more challenging than other places. The most convenient option is to hire a private driver who can bring you directly to the parking lot. From there, you will need to take a small colectivo that will bring you further up to the entrance of the national park. The entrance fee to the national park is around 75MXN (4USD).

Tepoztlan: A Pueblo Magico in the State of Morelos (Day Trip or Weekend from Mexico City)

Tepoztlan, a magical town in Morelos, offers a blend of natural beauty and vibrant markets.

Tepoztlan’s charm lies in its mystical roots, believed to be the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, an Aztec deity. The Tepozteco pyramid stands as a testament to ancient beliefs.

Recommended activities:

Hike up Tepozteco mountain for panoramic views.
Explore markets, shops, and cafes around the Zocalo.
Try the local specialty, Tepoznieves ice cream.
Dine at Parcela Restaurante, a bit outside of the main town, for its beautiful garden and view of Tepozteco

How long to stay in Tepoztlan: You can easily explore the place in one day but it is also a popular spot for an overnight stay.

How to get to Tepoztlan: Buses from Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Observatorio provide direct routes to Tepoztlan. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, making it an easily accessible day trip option. Check busbud for connections and prices.

Malinalco: A Hidden Gem in the South of Mexico City (Day Trip from Mexico City)

Malinalco, a lesser-known gem, captivates with its beautiful old town and ancient archeological site.

A small Pueblo Magico in the south of Mexico City and more a secret tip compared to the popular Tepoztlan – and honestly I liked Malinalco a lot more and would recommend it as one of the best day trips from Mexico City!

Make sure to hike up to the ancient site of Zona Arqueologica de Malinalco, a monolith overlooking the town with a captivating view.

The old town around the Zócalo is super beautiful and picturesque as well and offers a lot of options for a nice lunch or coffee break. I particularly enjoyed Los Placeres Malinalco, directly located at the Zócalo, with a quiet and green backyard and great food.

How long to stay in Malinalco: You can easily explore the place in one day and get back to Mexico City in the late afternoon.

How to get to Malinalco: Buses from Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Observatorio can take you to Malinalco. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, providing a convenient option for a day trip. Check busbud for connections and prices.

Valle de Bravo: Lakeside Tranquility and Charm (Day Trip or Weekend from Mexico City)

Valle de Bravo, a lakeside retreat, lures with its Mediterranean-like ambiance.

A weekend getaway place for the wealthy people of Mexico City, of which many of them have a second domicile here. The lake itself is artificial and while it does not match the experience of Italian alpine lakes, the place provides a welcome tranquility and nature around to explore.

The old town of Valle de Bravo is recognized as Pueblo Magico as well and offers a wide selection of markets, shops and restaurants to spend the time. You can also take a boat tour that will take you around the lake to view the town and houses around the lake from a different angle and also take you to more remote areas that are otherwise hard to reach.

Outside of the main town you find many great routes for small hikes or bike tours. One recommendation is hiking up Mirador La Pena for a full view of the town and lake.

How long to stay in Valle de Bravo: Perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay. If you just want to explore the town, one day is enough, for adventures around the lake, it is recommended to stay at least one night.

How to get to Valle de Bravo: Buses from Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Observatorio offer direct routes to Valle de Bravo. The journey takes around 2 hours, making it a feasible option for a day trip or a short weekend getaway. Check busbud for connections and prices.

San Miguel de Allende: Artistry in the Heart of Guanajuato (Weekend Trip from Mexico City)

San Miguel de Allende, famous for its cathedral and vibrant art scene, is a cultural haven.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, San Miguel de Allende boasts colonial architecture and a rich cultural heritage. The town’s main landmark is the cathedral Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with a stunning facade – especially during gold hour before sunset the view of the cathedral is simply magical.

But also around the Zócalo you find many pretty streets with lots of artisan stores selling handmade goods like hats, leather products, clothes or pottery. Make sure to head north to Fabrica la Aurora to explore the artistic vibe of the town.

The afternoons get quite hot in San Miguel de Allende, but you have plenty of options to make a stop for a coffee in the many specialty coffee stores like Cafe Oso Azul, Lavanda Café de Especialidad or El Cafe de la Mancha.

For sunset, I recommend to head to one of the rooftop bars around the Zócalo to enjoy a view of the city, for example The rooftop in the Selina Hostel. For dinner, I like Quince for its great atmosphere on the rooftop and delicious food.

How long to stay in San Miguel de Allende: Due to the relatively long 4 hour drive from Mexico City, you definitely want to spend at least one night in San Miguel de Allende to be able to explore the town fully. Going to San Miguel de Allende has been my favourite weekend getaway from Mexico City!

How to get to San Miguel de Allende: Direct bus services from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende are available from Autobuses del Norte bus station. Companies like ETN and Primera Plus provide comfortable and direct connections. Check busbud in advance for the schedule and make sure to buy your tickets in advance as the buses are usually full.

Puebla: Colonial Charms and Colorful Streets (Weekend Trip from Mexico City)

Puebla, a historic city, beckons with its charming old town, churches, and vibrant streets.

Puebla’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting colonial architecture and significant landmarks like the Puebla Cathedral and Rosary Chapel. Explore Calle 6 Sur with colorful houses, shops, and cafes.

Puebla is also home to some of Mexico’s culinary specialties, such as moles. I highly recommend Mural de los Poblanos for traditional Mole dishes. Also Puebla is known for arabe tacos de pastor, for example in the taqueria El Patio de las Ranas.

Also definitely visit Cholula, a small village and Pueblo Magico with a colorful and picturesque yellow church atop a hill. When the weather is nice and clear, you also have a spectacular view of the volcano Popocatepetl.

How long to stay in Puebla: Consider a 2-day stay to fully experience Puebla and its surroundings.

How to get to Puebla: Buses from Mexico City’s Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de San Lázaro offer direct routes to Puebla. Frequent departures make it a convenient option. Check busbud for connections and prices. From Puebla, local buses or taxis can take you to Cholula and other nearby attractions.

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