10 Best Day Trips from Mexico City

Take a step back in time with a visit to Teotihuacan. This ancient Mesoamerican city was inhabited as early as 100 BCE, although archaeologists still don’t know by whom. That said, this mystery civilization left behind beautiful temples and pyramids for us to admire.

While you can explore Teotihuacan on foot, the coolest way to experience this Mesoamerican city is on a hot air balloon ride. With the help of your hot air balloon pilot, you’ll get to soak up an incredible birds’-eye view of this ancient Mesoamerican city.

Nicknamed the ‘Venice of Mexico,’ the city of Xochimilco is filled with picture-perfect canals. Add the chinampas – or floating gardens – into the mix, and it’s a scene unlike anywhere else in the world.

For the best Xochimilco experience, hitch a ride on a trajinera, a brightly colored canal boat. From there, sail your way from one floating garden to another, where you’ll see all sorts of thriving plants, thanks to the nutrient-filled soil. And since many locals like to use the land to the fullest, you’ll find lots of produce ready for picking, including radishes, parsley, cauliflower and mint.

Take a trip 3 hours outside of Mexico City to Izta-Popo National Park. With everything from expansive grasslands to towering volcanoes, there are so many things to see in Mexico’s oldest national park.

That said, the best way to experience Izta-Popo National Park is on a hike. Make your way to the Itza and Popo Volcanoes viewpoint, to the Paso de Cortes Visitor Center or all the way up to the top of the Iztaccihuatl Volcano. Just be sure you’re prepared – physically and mentally – for this very difficult trek if you plan to hike all the way to the peak.

The Great Pyramid of Cholula claims the title of the largest – not the tallest, the largest – pyramid in the entire world by volume. Also known as Tlachihualtepetl, this 4.45 million-cubic-centimetre structure is definitely a sight you’ll want to see.

As for what to do at the Great Pyramid of Cholula, you’ll have a few options. You can head into the pyramid’s tunnels and get a peek at the hidden pre-Columbian Mural of Drinkers. You can also learn everything you’d like to know about this historic structure at the pyramid museum. Or you can climb to the peak of the pyramid and enter the remarkable 16th-century Our Lady of Remedies Church that’s nestled at the top.

Calling all nature lovers. If you find yourself in Mexico City during the colder months of the year, you’ll definitely want to take the day trip to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán.

From October to March, 20 million bright orange monarch butterflies make their home in this 56,000-acre reserve. They’ll flit around the forests and cluster and tree trunks as the temperatures begin to drop. When coupled with the chirping birds and the bright rays of sunshine, it’s a magical experience.

Located just 80 kilometers outside of Mexico’s capital, you’ll want to make Tepoztlán one of your day trips from Mexico City. This bustling city is filled with markets, historical landmarks and saunas galore.

Start your visit with a stop at one of the beloved markets, such as the Traditional Town Market or the Weekend Artisan and Food Market. Then, hop your way from one historical landmark to another, including Piramide del Tepozteco and Ex Convento Dominico de La Natividad. Finally, wrap up your day trip with a visit to a temazcal, a traditional Mexican sauna, where you can cleanse your worries away.

Central America is dotted with ancient Aztec ruins, and Malinalco’s Cuauhtinchan Archeological Ruins is arguably one of the coolest spots. While much of pre-Hispanic Mexican history has been lost over time, the Cuauhtinchan Archeological Ruins remain largely intact, thanks to its high altitude.

As for what to see and do at the Cuauhtinchan Archeological Ruins, the best activity is to simply wander around the ruins. That said, if there’s just one stop you should make, it’s to the surprisingly well-kept Cuauhcalli Temple, complete with eagle sculptures, a thatched roof and a carved jaguar pelt.

Make your way below the surface with a visit to the Cacahuamilpa Caves. While this day trip from Mexico City requires a 2- to 3-hour drive, it’s more than worth the journey. And as one of the largest cave systems in the world, there’s a whole lot to see.

Snag a spot on a guided tour (most are in Spanish, but you can call ahead of time for a tour in English) and make your way into this jaw-dropping cave system. Stalactites and stalagmites abound, and you’ll immediately be in awe. And let’s not forget to mention the unique concert venue within the caves, where pop bands, opera singers and symphonies have performed.

If you’re a nature lover, a hiker or a volcano enthusiast, Nevado de Toluca is a must-see. This inactive stratovolcano in central Mexico is dusted with white snow, dotted with postcard-worthy lakes and covered in jaw-dropping hikes.

Hiking any trail on Nevado de Toluca is difficult, but doable if you’re physically and mentally prepared. With steep elevation gains and lengthy trails, the hikes aren’t for everyone. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of bright blue lakes and this striking volcano.

The 2-hour drive to Valle de Bravo will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip to Europe, not a town in Mexico. Located on the Valle de Bravo Lake, this adorable neighbourhood is filled with red-roofed buildings and cobblestone streets. Add that to the friendly atmosphere, and you’ll want to extend your day trip into a weekend getaway.

The best way to experience Valle de Bravo is just by wandering around. You’ll inevitably come across eye-catching historical buildings, aromatic local bakeries and stunning lakefront views. Can you imagine a more perfect day?