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Mexico City is the capital of the country, and has so much to offer! But some of our favorite things to do is to explore the areas around the city itself. If you've already explored the center, and want to see some really cool spots, then we're here to help! Here are 7 great day trips from Mexico City.

Day Trips from Mexico City #1: Xochimilco

This is one of our favorite parts of Mexico City, and is definitely one to add to the bucket list! Xochimilco features a long river running through it, with hundreds of colorfully painted boats for rent.

Head to one of the several piers in town and rent one of these boats by the hour. The cool thing is that the rentals are per hour and not per person. So the more people you have, the cheaper (and more fun) it is!

Float down the river and you will find people selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. There are also bands that will hop on your boat and serenade you! Not to mention the ride itself is very scenic. It has plenty of points of interest that you can enjoy and stop at. Take a look at our Xochimilco guide for all of the details about visiting.

Day Trips from Mexico City #2: Teotihuacan

Located just an hour outside of the city, this makes for the perfect day trip from Mexico City. In just this tiny town, there are some great spots to check out.

Visit the Pyramids

The pyramids are the main attraction in Teotihuacan. They are known today as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids. Built in the pre-Columbian Americas, they are believed to date all the way back to about 200 AD!

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

There is no better way to see the pyramids then from up above! Soar up high in a hot air balloon ride for a full hour, and admire the views. 

Eat at a Restaurant Inside of a Cave

Want a truly unique experience? There is a restaurant in Teotihuacan that has been actually built inside of a cave! Actually, there are two. But the most famous one is called "La Gruta", which is seriously magical. The colorful tables, lights, and flowers everywhere are just a few of the reasons to visit.

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Not only is the place extremely gorgeous, but the menu is incredible! All of the dishes are specifically local to the region, and are composed of organic and all-natural ingredients. So each plate is super tasty, as well as healthy! What could be better? We suggest heading over as soon as they open their doors as they get busy fast!

La Gruta opens at 11 am each day. As soon as they open, they have all of the employees lined up, greeting you with open arms, while they cheer and clap. 

A Second Choice

Can't get into La Gruta? Or want to go to a place open earlier? Well there is actually a second restaurant that isn't nearly as busy, but definitely has a similar charm. Right around the corner, just ask a local and they will walk you down to this hidden gem.

Don't want to go on your own? There are a ton of day trips from Mexico City to Teotihuacan that you can choose from.

Want to know more about Teotihuacan? We have a full blog article that you can read by checking out the link below.:

Day Trips From Mexico City #3: Arcos del Sitio

This spot is located about an hour and a half north of the city, and is great to spend a few hours. Here you will find an archeological site featuring a three-tiered aqueduct from the 18th century.

Not only can you admire the aqueduct from below, but you can walk across the top! They even have a hanging bridge on the other side to add a little adrenaline to your visit, and for some great views of the aqueduct from a far,

Here you will find vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, as well as families flying kites. (It is the perfect place to do so because of the wind). Grab your camera and enjoy the beauty of this great spot!

Day Trips from Mexico City #4: Prismas Basalticos

This naturally made masterpiece is the creation of a phenomenon that happened about 2.5 million years ago! The Basalt Prisms were created by the collision of water and lava, making this a truly unique landscape.

You can walk across the suspension bridge to admire the prisms from above them, and you can walk below to get an up-close look. With a couple of man-made waterfalls cascading along them, it is a true beauty. Also, you can find a souvenir shop, restaurants, and a parking lot where you leave your car safely.

Prismas Basalticos are located in the state of Hidalgo, just 2 hours north east of the center, making for a great day trip from Mexico City.

We haven't found any tours to go to them, so you'll most likely need to rent a car if you'd like to visit.

Day Trips from Mexico City #5: Puebla

This is one of our favorite cities in all of Mexico, and lies just 2 hours south east of Ciudad de Mexico. Roam the colorful streets, ride the famous Estrella de Puebla, or check out the awesome Pueblos Magicos nearby.

This is not only a great day trip from Mexico City. But with so much to do, it is an awesome weekend getaway.

Want to see all of the amazing things to do in and around Puebla? Take a look at our Puebla travel guide!

Day Trips from Mexico City #6: Taxco Guerrero

Taxco Guerrero is another Pueblo Mágico that is just a little over two hours from the Capital. Head South East to discover a place that will truly make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Enjoy the old town, ride the cable car, or discover the gorgeous nature that this area has to offer.

Want to read about all of the reasons to visit Taxco Guerrero? Well, we've written an entire article about this cool town.

Day Trips from Mexico City #7: Queretaro

Another great city that is just a couple of hours away from the capital is Queretaro. The cute city center has tons of handcrafted souvenirs and colorful streets, and there are some great restaurants and bars. The area is also known for its wine, cheese, and art. We love Queretaro because it features art galleries and vineyards all over the area. 

Want to see all of the cool things to do in Queretaro? Take a look at our Queretaro travel guide.

Mexico has an endless amount of places to explore, and there are new surprises around each corner. Looking to explore some cool weekend trips from Mexico City? Then we highly suggest Grutas de Tolantongo, or la Huasteca Potosina. As they feature some of the most beautiful natural wonders, they deserve a few days to visit.

Exploring different areas of Mexico? We have plenty more awesome areas throughout the country to share with you! Check out our 30 different Mexico guides.

Need help planning your trip? We're here to help! Unlike normal travel agencies, we make custom itineraries for our customers, and dedicate our time to helping you explore more while spending less. Want to learn the details? Take a sneak peak at some of our travel planning packages.

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