Mexico City is the largest city, population wise, in all of North America. The city is packed with historic landmarks, and there is no shortage of world-class museums to choose from. Day trips from Mexico City can allow you to see ancient ruins, remarkable scenery and plenty of culture, so be sure to include some of these destinations in your travel plans.
TOP 8 DAY TRIPS
1.MALINALCO
During the week the colonial town can be very quite. The main reason to visit is the dramatic landscapes, the beautiful cliffs and the ancient Aztec ruins. You can also tour the ruins of Malinalco, which are set into a mountain overlooking the small town. The town has a handful of international restaurants and a few boutique shops.
2.TLAXCALA
The town is home to the Palacio de Gobierno and a range of colonial buildings that have been carefully restored, such as the Basilica of Ocotlán. The city has a vibrant cultural life with restaurants, bars and excellent museums. You can see bright and colorful Mayan frescoes that are part of the Cacaxtla archeological ruins outside the city, or you could also head to the ruins of Xochitecatl, which are home to ancient pyramids.
3.TAXCO
Built into a hillside the stunning colonial city is situated South of Mexico City. Known for its mining industry, Taxco is the ultimate place to shop for silver souvenirs. A dazzling collection of silver artifacts from the past two centuries can be admired in the silver museum in Casa Borda.You can also visit The Santa Prisca Cathedral which was built in the 18th century in baroque style.
4.TEPOZTLAN
Just North of Mexico City you will find the town with its new age destination with a unique vibe and some fantastic ruins. Take a hike to the top of the mountain where you will find the ancient pyramid of El Tepozteco. You can aslo visit beautifully restored convent known as Dominico de la Navidad in down town. While in Tepotzlan, try out some of the progressive holistic rituals and pastimes like Temazcal, a kind of ancient sweat lodge, or yoga.
5.PUEBLA
The city is situated within a valley and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains west of Mexico City. The city was the site of battles with the French, and two remaining forts from that time period are major attractions. You can also visit the Zocalo plaza, the 16th century Puebla Cathedral and the art district of Los Sapos. The town is also It is known for its history, cuisine and landscape.
6.CHOLULA
Home to the world’s largest monument – the largest pyramid in the world Piramide Tepanapa and built by the Tlachihualtepetl people. A Catholic Cathedral was built at the top of the pyramid in the 16th century. The inside of the cathedral is decorated with 24-carat gold. The pyramid itself has been neglected over the centuries and is virtually unrecognizable as a human-made structure but you can access some of the tunnels underneath the pyramid. In the small museum nearly you can view a number of fascinating artifacts and exhibits about what life in Cholula was like in centuries past.
7.CUERNAVACA
The City of Eternal Spring is located only an hours drive south of Mexico City. The city boasts plenty of gorgeous gardens and public parks as well as natural thermal springs and rivers. The nearly 700 years old Teopanzolco Archaeological Site is a must see landmark of the City. Other attractions include the 17th century Cathedral and the 16th century Palace of Cortes, which is now home to murals painted by Mexican artist Diego Rivera.
8.TEOTHUACAN
Know as the City of the Gods, this ancient city northeast of Mexico City is home to pyramids that predate Columbian times. According to an ancient legend this is where the gods gathered to create man. The four major landmarks include the Temple of the Moon, the enormous Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Museo Teotihuacán. The museum is home to a complete miniature replica of Teotihuacán.
The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May with beautiful weather. The city's winters can be chilly and the summers can be rainy.
