There is no shortage of things to see and do in Mexico City. From museums and food tours to markets and art galleries – we are sure you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs at any point during your time in the capital of Mariachi.
However, if you do find yourself wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the most densely populated cities in the world, below you will find a list of 5 magical day trips you can take from the city that will take no longer than a 3 hours drive, sorted from closest to farthest. When we say magical – we mean it!
In 2001, the Mexican Tourism Department (SECTUR) launched a new program called ‘Pueblos Magicos’, meaning magical villages that looks to bring light to towns/villages that represent the nation’s identity in its own special way, whether that be through its’ rich history, delicious food or unique way of life. As of 2024, there are 177 (and counting) Pueblos Magicos – 5 of which are included in this list (you’ve got to start somewhere, right?)
Many of these destinations can be made into weekend trips if you really want to maximise your time in each town! So without further ado, scroll down and let’s get started.
DISCLOSURE: This blog post contains affiliate links which just means that we may receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything from our suggested links. This will help fund more of the 23 Travels blog posts which you love so dearly!
1. Tepoztlán
Just over 1 hour and 20 minutes drive away from Mexico City is the charming town of Tepoztlán. Located in the state of Morelos, this town is well known for the El Tepozteco temple situated on the Tepozteco mountain which you just cannot miss upon arrival. Get your hiking boots on and climb up hundreds of steps to the ruins of the Tepozteco Pyramid. The climb takes just over an hour and a half to complete and the views along the way are remarkable.
However, if you’re like us and your cardio levels are…suboptimal to say the least – feel free to only climb the steps as far as you see fit given that there is still so much to see and do without actually reaching the ruins! On each level, you will be graced with street food market vendors selling tasty traditional dishes such as sopes (fried corn tortillas with various meat or vegetarian toppings), chales (crispy pork belly crackling), huaraches (thick oblong corn flour cakes usually topped with beans, cheese and salsa), and so much more. Market vendors also sell crafts, jewellery and antiques just to make your quest to the top that little bit more interesting.
Once you do eventually descend, be sure to walk through Tepoztlán town. In just a short stroll down the cobbled streets, you will be graced with dozens of ice cream shops selling a range of weird and wonderful ice cream flavours that you cannot get anywhere else in the world! Yes, move over Milan! Be sure to visit Tepoznieves, a 120-year-old ice cream shop with over 130 (!!) ice cream flavours including rice, carrot and even tequila!
Finally, a trip to Tepoztlán would not be complete without a visit to a Temazcal. Temazcal, ‘meaning ‘house of heat’ is a medium-sized dome-shaped lodge usually made from mud brick or volcanic rock. It was used by ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs as a form of spiritual and physical cleansing. During this experience, water is poured over hot rocks alongside herbs such as sage, thus producing water vapour which heats the lodge to create a sauna effect. This is a perfect way to rest and unwind after a jam-packed day exploring the city so why not book this private Tepoztlán tour featuring a Temazcal Experience here!
How to get there from Mexico City using Public Transport:
By bus: Head down to Terminal Tazqueno where you can buy your bus tickets at the OCC counter. A return ticket from Mexico City to Tepotzlán costs just 260 Mexican Pesos (15 USD / 12 GBP)
2. Ixtapan De La Sal
Located in the State of Mexico just under a 2-hour drive from Mexico City, Ixtapan De La Sal is one of the lesser-known Mexican Magical Towns.
Why visit? Well, this Mexican town boasts warm weather almost all year round. With an average of 26 degrees, why not cool down in Latin America’s largest Waterpark, Itxtapan Water Park. Here you can find turquoise water pools, green areas and even a spa!
Perhaps on those days when the weather is a bit cooler, we suggest soaking in some warm thermal waters at the Municipal Spa “El Bañito” for only 80 Mexican Pesos (5 USD / 4 GBP) which covers both your entrance and locker fee. Here you can soak your tensions away in the 33-degree water. IMPORTANT – Do NOT let the greenish-brownish hue of this water deter you from visiting, it is completely normal for the water to be this colour due to the salt-rich minerals floating in the hot springs.
A trip to Ixtapan de La Sal would not be complete without a visit downtown where the colonial buildings give you an authentic Mexican small-town feel. Have a taste of the village by trying out the dishes of the region such as tamales (a steamed corn dish with a range of optional fillings) and pancita (a red Mexican soup made with tripe and chillies). If you’re in the mood for seafood, we highly recommend you visit El Delfin for some delicious and EXTREMELY generous portion sizes of well-seasoned fish.
How to get there from Mexico City using Public Transport:
By Bus – Upon arrival at Mexico City’s Terminal Poniente look for the bus company Flecha Roja and ask for the bus to Ixtapan de La Sal that is taking the toll road (this is the fastest route). A return journey costs just 200 Mexican Pesos (12 USD / 9 GBP)
3. Huasca De Ocampo
128 km North of Mexico City lies the country’s first-ever magical town – Huasca de Ocampo. In just 2 hours, you can find yourself surrounded by dense forests, colourful pottery pieces and cobbled, colonial streets. This town is renowned for its mining history thanks to Spanish Philanthropist, Count Pedro Romero de Terrenos who highlighted the town’s perfect mining properties.
You can’t say you visited Huasca de Ocampo without the Prismas Basalticos. For just 50 Mexican Pesos (3 USD / 3 GBP), you can be surrounded by basalt columns that were formed from a volcanic explosion which arguably look like tall wooden logs. Its shape is thanks to the cooling of hot volcanic lava over of hundreds of years. Photos don’t do the Basaltic Prisms justice, nor do they capture the pungent sulphur ‘rotten egg’ smell (don’t say we didn’t warn you!). The Basaltic Prisms are also home to not one, not two but four immense waterfalls that cascade down the columns.
The prisms can be viewed from many zones of the ecological park, including from the suspension bridge which provides birds-eye views from 40 meters above. If you’re more of a thrill seeker, be sure to zip line across the prisms for 360 views. Here you can also partake in fun activities such as horseback riding, rappelling and more!
How to get there from Mexico City using Public Transport:
By bus: Make your way to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to hop aboard the Autobuses Conexión bus to Atotonilco El Grande. The bus departs every 4 hours and a return journey costs 352 Mexican Pesos (20 USD / 16 GBP)
Or if you’d prefer to travel in style. why not book a private tour here with hotel pick up and drop off to both Huasca de Ocampo and Real de Monte – 2 Magical towns for the price of one!
4. Tecozautla
Tecozautla meaning “Place where the yellow earth abounds’ is a Mexican town 200km north of the city. The journey via car is hugely dependent on route and traffic, ranging from 2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours. This is definitely the most ‘off the beaten track’ day trip featured on this list with even Mexicans never having heard of it.
Situated in the state of Hidalgo, Tecozaulta is known for its colonial streets, mountainous backdrop and hot springs. Speaking of hot springs, El Géiser Balneario is the perfect way to relax in naturally warm pools with its heat source coming from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. And as if Mother Nature hadn’t blessed this town enough, she has also provided a 100% natural outdoor sauna area thanks to the water pipes that shoot out huge clouds of 35-degree water vapour.
Here you can also find slides, zip lines and hanging bridges to help you pass the time! Luckily enough, if you’re feeling peckish, there is no need to leave the springs! There are on site steakhouses and barbeques serving a range of affordable and classic dishes. Make sure to wash this down with a refreshing agua fresca i.e. – freshly made natural fruit juice, our favourite was the guava!
How to get there from Mexico City using Public Transport:
By Bus: From Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte, look for the bus company Autobuses Conexión which runs buses to Tecozautla each hour. The Fastest bus costs 440 Mexican Pesos (25 USD / 20 GBP)
It is important to note that the last bus back to Mexico City is at 18:30 so you can either make this a weekend trip or set off early in the morning so you can get the bus back in time.
5. Puebla
Our final contender on the list is the 4th largest city in Mexico, situated 100km east of Mexico City. It is situated 2 hours and 20 minutes away and is home to one of the tallest and most active volcanoes in the country, Popocatepetl. The prominent volcano forms the striking background of the city which is impossible to not see when arriving in Puebla. The city is blessed with not only one but two volcanoes, the second being Iztaccíhuatl, a dormant giant located on the opposite side of the city.
Looking for a panoramic view? Why not ascend 58 metres above ground on the Puebla cable cars? This is a great way of viewing this city for just a 30 Mexican Pesos (2 USD / 2 GBP) entrance fee. The cable car starts at the Exhibition Centre and ends at the Parque Paseo del Teleférico, a scenic park with fountains, sandy areas and dense greenery.
If you’re looking to take a greater step into nature, only a 40-minute drive away is the Africam Safari. Here you can find over 450 species of free-roaming animals such as giraffes, elephants and lions. The entry ticket costs just 350 Mexican pesos (16 USD / 20 GBP) if you plan on roaming the park in your own car but for just 644 Mexican Pesos (37 USD / 30 GBP) you can enter the park with round trip transportation on a dune buggy style safari bus and a tour guide on board too!
You can book a tour which includes entry, travel insurance, a tour guide and round trip transportation to Africam Safari from Puebla City here!
Now on to the most important aspect of your visit to Puebla – The food! If you ask any Mexican what the first thing comes to mind when they hear the name ‘Puebla’, 9/10 times they will say ‘mole’. Though there are many varieties of mole, mole poblano i.e. – Mole from Puebla, is arguably the most well-known of all mole varieties. This dark brown sauce is made from crushed dried chillies, nuts, seeds, and most importantly, chocolate! Whether the sound of chocolate in a savoury dish excites you or terrifies you – fear not. The chocolate is barely recognisable and is easily disguised by the flavours of the mild chillies.
How to get there from Mexico City using Public Transport:
By Bus: Head down to TAPO terminal (Terminal de Oriente) and look for a bus to ‘Capu’ station in Puebla. Buses to Puebla are very frequent and it costs just 220 Mexican Pesos (13 USD / 10 GBP).
That’s All Folks! Thank you for reading. We hope you enjoyed reading through these 5 exciting day trip ideas from Mexico City! This list is evidently not exhaustive and there are countless other Pueblos Magicos that are worth a day trip near Mexico.
23 Travels are Personal Travel Planners who have been creating bespoke custom made travel itineraries for many years. If you would like us to plan your trip to Mexico, or any other worldwide destination for you, please visit 23 Travels Itinerary Services.
Head to Pinterest and PIN this blog to your favourite board!
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!