Best Day Trips from Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Puebla, Taxco & More

Why day trips from Mexico City work so well

Mexico City sits in the heart of the Valley of Mexico, with world-class ruins, colonial towns, and mountain escapes within easy reach. If you’re staying in the Historic Center, you can often be on a bus or tour in under 30 minutes.

How to choose your day trip (quick planning guide)

Before picking a destination, decide what you want most: history, food, nature, or a slow scenic day. Then choose the simplest transport option for your pace.

• Easiest logistics: join a small-group tour (best when you want “no surprises”).
• Best value: intercity buses (comfortable, frequent, and straightforward).
• Most flexibility: private driver (ideal for early starts or combining stops).

Best day trips from Mexico City (and what to do there)

1) Teotihuacan (pyramids + sunrise views)

Teotihuacan is the classic day trip for a reason: it’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Americas, and it’s close enough to do in half a day if you start early.

Distance & travel time (from Mexico City Historic Center)

• Distance: ~50 km / ~31 mi
• Typical travel time: ~1–1.5 hours by car; ~1–1.5 hours by bus/tour (plus pickup time)

Why go: Iconic pyramids and vast avenues—Mexico’s most famous ancient city in an easy day trip.

Don’t miss

• Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon
• The Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Ciudadela complex)
• Murals and artifacts at the on-site museums

Plan it well

• Best time to go: arrive when the site opens for cooler temperatures and better photos.
• Time needed: 3–5 hours on-site for a comfortable loop (more if you add museums).
• Practical tip: Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen—there’s little shade.

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2) Puebla + Cholula (colonial streets + famous tiles)

Puebla is one of the easiest and most rewarding cultural day trips: beautiful architecture, great museums, and some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes. Pair it with nearby Cholula for pyramid views and a lively plaza.

Distance & travel time (from Mexico City Historic Center)

• Puebla: ~135 km / ~84 mi, ~2–2.5 hours by car or bus
• Cholula (from Puebla): ~15 km / ~9 mi, ~25–45 minutes by car/taxi

Why go: Colonial architecture, Talavera tiles, and some of Mexico’s best food—plus a classic “pyramid + views” stop in Cholula.

Don’t miss

• Puebla’s Historic Center (UNESCO-listed)
• Talavera ceramics and the tiled architecture the city is known for
• Cholula’s Great Pyramid area and the hilltop church views

Plan it well

• Best time to go: morning for Puebla’s center (lighter crowds), then Cholula in late afternoon for views.
• Time needed: full day (8–12 hours door-to-door).
• Food note: Puebla is a strong pick if you’re traveling for gastronomy—plan time for a long lunch.

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3) Taxco (whitewashed town + silver shops)

Taxco is a dramatic hillside town known for steep streets, viewpoints, and silver craftsmanship. It’s a great “photo day” and feels very different from the capital.

Distance & travel time (from Mexico City Historic Center)

• Distance: ~170 km / ~106 mi
• Typical travel time: ~2.5–3.5 hours by car or bus (traffic dependent)

Why go: A photogenic hillside town with a stunning church, viewpoints, and Mexico’s signature silver craftsmanship.

Don’t miss

• Santa Prisca Church and the main plaza
• A viewpoint stop for panoramic photos
• Silver workshops (compare prices and quality before buying)

Plan it well

• Best time to go: start early; daylight helps for viewpoints and photos.
• Time needed: full day (8–12 hours door-to-door).
• Practical tip: Wear shoes with good grip—streets are steep and can be slippery.

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4) Valle de Bravo (lake + forest vibe)

Valle de Bravo is a relaxed weekend-style escape: pine forests, lake views, and a walkable town center. It’s ideal if you want fresh air and a slower pace.

Distance & travel time (from Mexico City Historic Center)

• Distance: ~140 km / ~87 mi
• Typical travel time: ~2.5–3.5 hours by car or bus/van (weekend traffic can add time)

Why go: Fresh air, lake scenery, and forest vibes—an easy “nature reset” outside the city.

Don’t miss

• The lakefront promenade and viewpoints
• A short hike in the forest (weather permitting)
• Coffee and pastries in town before heading back

Plan it well

• Best time to go: weekdays for a quieter vibe; weekends are popular.
• Time needed: full day (8–12 hours door-to-door).
• Practical tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication—the roads can be winding.

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5) Tepoztlán (market town + mountain hikes)

Tepoztlán is a favorite for nature lovers and a good “choose your intensity” trip: you can spend the day shopping the market and eating well, or hike up to the Tepozteco ruins for a big view.

Distance & travel time (from Mexico City Historic Center)

• Distance: ~85 km / ~53 mi
• Typical travel time: ~1.5–2 hours by car; ~1.5–2.5 hours by bus/van

Why go: A lively market town with a laid-back vibe—and an optional hike to big views at Tepozteco.

Don’t miss

• Weekend market (great for snacks and crafts)
• Hike to Tepozteco (start early; bring water)
• A calm lunch with local flavors before returning to the city

Plan it well

• Best time to go: arrive early if you plan to hike (cooler and less crowded).
• Time needed: full day (7–10 hours door-to-door).
• Practical tip: Avoid late afternoon traffic by returning earlier on Sundays.

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6) Xochimilco (canals + music + a half-day plan)

Xochimilco is technically part of Mexico City, but it feels like a completely different world—especially on the canals. It’s perfect when you want a festive, social outing without long travel time.

Distance & travel time (from Mexico City Historic Center)

• Distance: ~25 km / ~16 mi
• Typical travel time: ~45–75 minutes by car (traffic dependent); ~60–90 minutes by public transport

Why go: UNESCO-listed canals, colorful trajineras, and the most uniquely “Mexico City” water-day experience.

Don’t miss

• A trajinera ride on the canals (choose a route and timing before paying)
• Snacks and music along the way (and a calmer weekday experience if you prefer)
• Pair it with Coyoacán for a full-day city-side itinerary

Plan it well

• Best time to go: mornings for calmer canals; afternoons for a more festive vibe.
• Time needed: half-day (4–6 hours) or full day if you add Coyoacán.
• Practical tip: Agree on the total price and duration up front.

What to pack for a Mexico City day trip

• Comfortable shoes (cobblestones, ruins, or trails)
• Sun protection (high-altitude sun is intense)
• Cash (markets and small vendors)
• A light layer (mornings can be cool; afternoons warm)

Stay central to make day trips easier

If day trips are part of your plan, staying near the Historic Center helps you start early and return easily.

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