While there are plenty of museums, restaurants, and historical sites to keep you busy in Mexico City, the central region of Mexico is filled with pueblos mágicos (magical towns) and beautiful areas that are well worth your time for a weekend getaway. Mexico City is conveniently located, making day trips both easy and numerous. Moreover, it’s a fun way to learn more about this incredible region.
Top tip: Mexico City is well connected to the surrounding states with four bus terminals, making it easy to get around. However, finding the right terminal for your desired destination can be confusing. Be sure to check terminals, times, and prices using local transport apps.
Explore the ancient city of Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is by far the most popular day trip from Mexico City for travelers. The main pyramid on site, the Pyramid of the Sun, is one of the largest pyramids in the world, and you can climb all the way to the top. Just be sure to take it slow, as the altitude of the city is well over 2120 meters (7000ft).
This ancient Meso-American city is believed to have been built as early as 400 BCE. It wasn’t until 1400 CE that the Aztecs stumbled upon this city and gave it the name we know now, Teotihuacán or “the place where the gods were created.”
Visitors can expect to spend anywhere from one to four hours here, depending on how long they linger at each pyramid. There is also a site museum and a set of well-preserved murals, all included in your entry ticket.
Getting there: Tours are available that also include stops at the Basílica of Guadalupe and lunch near the pyramids. Alternatively, you can take the bus directly from Terminal de Autobuses del Norte, with buses leaving every 10 minutes from 8am to 9pm.
Find peace in the traditional sweat lodge of Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán is a pueblo mágico about 82km (50 miles) south of Mexico City and easily reached by bus. It’s believed to be the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec feathered serpent god, making it a place of great healing and spirituality.
Visitors come to participate in a temazcal; a pre-Hispanic sweat lodge used to purify the body and mind. It serves as a traditional method of healing for many Indigenous people across the nation.
Another popular activity in Tepoztlán is climbing El Tepozteco, the mountain at the end of the town’s main street, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Getting there: Take the bus from Terminal de Autobuses del Sur located just outside of the Tasqueña metro station, with buses departing every hour.
Eat your way around the city of Puebla
Puebla deserves a whole trip of its own. Known for its culinary contributions, the most famous dish is the Pueblan mole—rich with chocolate notes, it adds decadent flavor to any meal.
While in Puebla, try cemitas and pelonas, delightful Pueblan sandwiches, or indulge in chalupas and memelas, corn-based snacks cooked in lard and topped with spicy sauce, onions, and tender pork.
In between meals, explore the Cathedral of Puebla, which is surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, or visit the meticulously detailed Temple of Santo Domingo.
Getting there: Travel by bus from TAPO bus terminal to Puebla, located just outside of the San Lazaro metro station. Buses run every 40 minutes.
Shop for jewelry in Taxco
Taxco is located about 170km (100 miles) from Mexico City, famed for its silver craftsmanship. When the Spanish discovered its mineral riches, they established the largest silver mine in the Western Hemisphere.
Even after the mines dried up, craftsmen remained to create some of the finest silver jewelry in Mexico. Visitors flock here to purchase unique pieces and enjoy the stunning cityscape.
In addition to shopping, explore the magnificent Templo de Santa Prisca, known for its beautiful architecture.
Getting there: Buses run from Terminal de Autobuses del Sur every hour, taking roughly three hours each way to reach Taxco.
Take in the jaw-dropping views of Cuetzalan
Although it requires a slightly longer bus ride than other destinations, the breathtaking drive to Cuetzalan makes it an exciting adventure. This enchanting town is renowned for its vibrant festivals, weekend performances, and lively street markets.
Start at the zócalo, the central plaza where you’ll find impressive structures including a clock tower and Gothic churches.
Restaurants in Cuetzalan are family-friendly and serve hearty regional specialties, featuring unique options and delicious homemade drinks.
Getting there: Vía buses run between Puebla and Cuetzalan every hour, with regular services from Mexico City’s TAPO bus station.
Take a retreat in the charming village of Mineral de Chico
Mineral del Chico is among the newest pueblos mágicos, perfect for a lovely day trip or weekend retreat from Mexico City. The town is surrounded by stunning nature and hiking trails within the Parque Nacional El Chico.
In town, enjoy fabulous views, fresh air, and engaging hiking opportunities among captivating rock formations.
Getting there: Travel from Mexico City to Pachuca, then take a colectivo bus to Mineral del Chico, which takes about 40 minutes through scenic roads.
