The 15 best weekend trips from Mexico City

One of the great things about Mexico City is how many places there are to visit nearby.

Whether you’re living in the capital or just on holiday, there are literally dozens of neighbouring pueblos magicos (magical towns) where you can escape for a day trip or a weekend break.

From magical Malinalco and the fascinating town of Bernal to the weekend favourites Tepoztlán, Cuernavaca and Valle de Bravo, these are some of the best weekend trips from Mexico City.

Updated for 2020

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[author] [author_info]Before you leave Mexico City make sure you read our post on the 50 best things to do in the capital! These include Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, the ancient canals of Xochimilco, riding the Turibus around the Centro Historico and exploring some of the city’s best museums. And not forgetting, where to get the bus churros in town![/author_info] [/author]

Weekend breaks from Mexico City

Tequisquiapan, Querétaro

Distance from Mexico City: 187km

Once famous for its thermal springs, the pretty town of Tequisquiapan is an easy day trip or weekend retreat from the capital. The cobbled streets are lined with colourful colonial architecture. At the heart of the town stands the pink sandstone church of Santa Maria.

Don’t miss the Museo Mexico Me Encanta!, a charming museum that details Mexican traditions via miniatures.

The mountains surrounding Tequis hide opals and there are tours where you can mine for the rocks yourself (or get the kids doing it!). Nearby is the small vineyard of San Juanito; buy a bottle and pair it with one of the 128 cheeses for sale at La Vaca Feliz.

Where to stay in Tequisquiapan: Take. look at these options on Booking.com or these holiday rental options on VRBO.

Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala 

Distance from Mexico City: Approx. 89km

The small village of Nanacamilpa is located in the state of Tlaxcala, to the east of Mexico City. During the summer months this small village comes alive with visitors arriving by the dozen to see the incredible firefly phenomenon.

Positioned within 200 hectares of the Santa Clara Forest, the Reserva de Luciérnagas is filled with thousands upon thousands of glowing fireflies between June to August. These are the months for mating when the female fireflies light up to attract a mate. The result is a sparkling, fairytale woodland like no other.

Where to stay Nanacamilpa: The Hotel Luciernaga comes recommended.

Bernal, Queretaro

Distance from Mexico City: 236km

The small town of San Sebastián Bernal is famous for its Peña de Bernal (Bernal’s Boulder or Bernal Peak), the largest monolith in the world that was formed some nine million years ago.

Many people believe that the rock has mystical powers. One legend says that the rock hides a cave where a giant snake sleeps, guarding riches and the secret to the origin and destiny of the human race.

Magical powers aside, visitors can hike to a small chapel located about halfway up the rock. Of, if you’re into rock climbing, you can scramble up the sides.

Where to stay in Bernal: Take a look at these recommendations on Booking.com.

Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro

Distance from Mexico City: 218km

The city of Santiago de Querétaro (or Querétaro, as its more commonly known) is one of a handful of old silver mining cities that lie north-west of Mexico City.

The UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with colourful colonial buildings, charming cobbled streets and dozens of tree-lined plazas.

Highlights include the historic centre where you’ll find the stunning 18th-century Baroque mansion, Casa de Ecala, and the town’s Aqueduct that still delivers water today. With kids, a trolley bus tour of the centre is a fun way to get around.

One of the most popular things to do for the weekend in Querétaro is a tour of the cheese and wine route. These tours include cheese-making demonstrations and the chance for kids to get a taste of farm life.

Where to stay in Querétaro: Mision Juriquilla is a beautiful Hacienda hotel and comes highly recommended as does La Casa de la Marquesa.

Malinalco, Estado de México

Distance from Mexico City: 95km

Malinalco is one of my favourite towns near Mexico City. It’s really pretty, filled with colourful houses and cobblestone streets, and surrounded by emerald green mountains.

There’s a wonderful bug museum, where kids can handle the local creepy crawlies if they dare. The town is most famous for its archaeological zone, once home to the Aztec military elite, the Eagle and Jaguar warriors. You can climb to the top of the Cerro de los Idolos (Hill of the Idols) to see what’s left of the House of the Eagles.

For more ideas on visiting Malinalco, take a look at this post.

Where to stay in Malinalco: Take a look at these hotel recommendations on Booking.com or at these vacation rental options.

Cuernavaca, Morelos

Distance from Mexico City: Approx. 95km

Known as the City of Eternal Spring for its year-round balmy weather, Cuernavaca is an easy and popular city to visit.

Highlights for visitors include the Palacio de Cortes that dates back to 1526. This two-storey stone palace was built over the ruins of a Tlahuica Aztec tribute collection centre that the Spanish destroyed during the conquest. Hernán Cortés turned it into his personal residence to demonstrate his rule over the local people.

Today, the former residence houses the Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac. Don’t miss the mural by Diego Rivera on the upstairs balcony.

Also worth visiting is the Museo Robert Brady, which showcases the private art collection of American artist and collector Robert Brady. Brady lived in Cuernavaca for 24 years but regularly travelled the world picking up paintings, carvings, textiles and from all over the globe. These are now all on display in his former house alongside works by famous Mexican artists.

Approximately 40km southwest of Cuernavaca is the pre-Columbian archaeological site, Xochicalco, which means “in the house of flowers” in Nahuatl.

Where to stay in Cuernavaca: Las Mananitas and Hosteria Las Quintas Resort both come recommended. 

Tepoztlán, Morelos

Distance from Mexico City: 90km

The pueblo magico of Tepoztlán is hugely popular with chilangos and can be very crowded at weekends.

But don’t let that put you off, this is a great weekend escape.

Legend has it that the area is the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, one of the major deities of ancient Mexico. Myths such as this one have seen countless spiritual pilgrims arrive in town to soak up some of the town’s perceived natural energies.

Not surprisingly, the town is filled with places to practice yoga or have a massage, try a traditional temazcal or try crystal healing.

The town is also famous for its craft market, the mural outside the church entrance and the remains of El Tepozteco temple built on top of the nearby Tepozteco Mountain. Climb to the top for amazing views across the valley.

Finally, the town is well-known for its crazy ice cream flavours!

Where to stay in Tepotzlan: The boutique hotels of Casa Bugambilia and Posada Del Tepozteco all come recommended. Alternatively, look at these houses to rent on VRBO.

Real del Monte, Hidalgo

Distance from Mexico City: 105km

Real del Monte is one of the best day trips from Mexico City. Unlike most colonial towns in Mexico, this one has a decidedly British feel. From the central square and its wrought iron gazebo to the colourful houses with their red tin roofs, it’s a charming destination.

Real del Monte is an old tin mining town and at one point was home to hundreds of Cornish miners who lived, worked and died here. You can even visit the British cemetery where all the miners are buried pointing towards England (except for one – see if you can discover which one!).

The first game of football in Mexico is credited with taking place in the mine yard at Mina Dolores Real del Monte and the first tennis match was apparently played here too.

The other highlight of a weekend in Real del Monte are the Cornish pasty shops which are prolific and delicious. Real del Monte sits at 2,660m and the weather can be quite British; don’t be surprised if its chilly and foggy when you visit!

Where to stay in Real del Monte: We stayed at this wonderful Historic Cornwall House when we visited. If you have never rented through AirBnB before, I can offer you a £27 Airbnb referral credit (this means you get £27 off your first booking).

Puebla City, Puebla

Distance from Mexico City: 135km

The colonial era-planned city of Puebla is one of the easiest weekend escapes from Mexico City.

Famous for its chiles en nogada, its mole poblano and its colourful Talavera pottery, Puebla is also good for antique shopping (try Callejon de los Sapos, Alley of the Frogs). Kids will probably find Museo Amparo and its organised kids’ activities more interesting however!

Just outside the city is Africam Safari, a wildlife park home to some 2,500 animals including giraffes, zebras, elephants and tigers. You can drive through the park yourself or hop aboard one of the park’s guided buses.

Nearby is Cholula, home to the widest pyramid ever built, El Pirámide Tepanapa. Despite this claim to fame however, the pyramid is largely ignored as it is so covered in trees and growth that it’s hardly recognisable as a manmade structure. You can visit the church on top of the pyramid and discover tunnels running through the base of the structure

If you stay overnight in Cholula you may we welcomed with morning views of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes.

Where to stay in Puebla: Booking.com has lots of good family hotel recommendations in Puebla.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Distance from Mexico City: 270km

San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most picturesque colonial cities. Home to stunning baroque architecture, twisting cobbled streets and its famous pink sandstone church, this is rewarding weekend trip from Mexico City.

There’s a brilliant toy museum, some fantastic food, and lively, welcoming atmosphere. The easiest way to explore with kids is on the trolley tour around the city. For more ideas on visiting San Miguel, take a look at this post. 

Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende: The Rosewood is amazing but it’s not cheap! For something a little more wallet-friendly, take a look at Vinedos San Lucas, which comes recommended as does Casa Carly.

Taxco, Guerrero

Distance from Mexico City: 177km

Located to the southwest of Mexico’s capital, the hilly town of Taxco is famous for its silver jewellery production and colonial-era architecture. Arrive for your weekend getaway on a Saturday when the weekly market takes over the centre of town. Learn where the silver comes from with a visit to Mina de Taxco.

Silver asides, there’s lots to see and do in Taxco. Take a taxi up to El Mirador del Cristo, a statue of Christ that sits on a hilltop overlooking the town for great views. You can also ride the teleferico for vistas over Taxco and beyond.

Near to town are two waterfalls, Las Pozas Azules and Cacalotenango, where you can swim if it’s warm enough.

Where to stay in Taxco: The following hotels come recommended Hotel Agua Escondida, Hotel Los Arcos, De Cantera y Plata and Hotel MonteTaxco.

Valle de Bravo, Estado de Mexico

Distance from Mexico City: 140km

The Pueblo Magico of Valle de Bravo (or Valle as it’s more commonly known) has long been a favourite weekend escape.  It’s a pretty colonial town that looks and feels like an Alpine village with a smorgasbord of adventure sports to boot.

At the heart of the town sits Lake Avándaro and here you can sail, fish, kayak, water-ski and stand up paddleboard. Out of the water there are opportunities for mountain biking, go-karting, motorcross racing, paragliding and more.

Nearby to Valle is the Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary), a great place to take the family in the months of January and February during the migration of the Monarchs.

Around town it’s worth visiting the Mercado de Artesanías (Artesanal Market), and Iglesia de Santa María del Cristo Negro (Temple of Saint Mary of Ahuacatlan, featuring the Black Christ).

Where to stay in Valle de Bravo: Stay on the lake if possible, there are some great holiday rentals available. Hotel Rodavento is popular with families.

Las Estacas, Morelos

Distance from Mexico City: 121km

One of the easiest day trips from Mexico City is to this natural water park, Las Estacas.

Just two hours from Mexico City, this is not a water park in the traditional sense, rather a mineral spring, day spa and natural reserve located in the town of Tlaltizapan. You can visit for the day or you can stay overnight; there is a camping area and a trailer as well as hostel and hotel accommodation.

A river winds its way through the park and the water is beautifully clean and clear for swimming. There are diving platforms, rope swings and even a kiddie pool with a playground positioned in a couple of feet of water.

Away from the water you can go zip lining or horseback riding. There’s also a small petting zoo tucked away in a corner of the park with goats and chickens.

Where to stay in Las Estacas: Hotel Las Estacas

Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo

Distance from Mexico City: 124km

The first town in Mexico to be given the title of pueblo magico, Huasca de Ocampo is one of the most popular places to visit in Hidalgo.

Known for its red roofed buildings and cobbled streets, it’s also famous for Los Prismas Basálticos, columns of basalt rock 30- to 50-metres high rising in uniform from a gully. Some say it looks similar to the Giant Causeway in Ireland.

To get a good look at this geometrical phenomenon, formed by minerals in the ground, walk along the rope bridge that hangs over the gully. Los Prismas Basálticos are located to the north of town.

Within Huasca de Ocampo itself, kids will love the quirky Museo de los Duendes (Museum of the Elves), dedicated to popular local stories and legends.

Where to stay in Huasca de Ocampo: Booking.com has a good selection of hotels.

Cuetzalan, Puebla

Distance from Mexico City: 296km

The charming hillside town of Cuetzalan (meaning Place of the Quetzals) is filled with whitewashed buildings and steep stairs running up and down the mountain slopes. The elevated location means that mist often covers the streets in the morning giving way to views over the hilltops to the Gulf coast, 70km away. It also means that you should pack for both warm and colder weather.

Best known for its caves and waterfalls, this is a fun weekend break.

Within the forest surrounding the town is La Cascada de las Brisas, one of the most famous waterfalls, as well as the spectacular Las Golondrinas. You can hire a guide to explore the forest and rappel down a 160-feet fall before taking a swim in one of the natural pools. Guides will also point out traditional medicinal plants and tell the history of the area.

For those who like going underground, the cave system around Cuetzalan, the Cueva de Alpazat, is very popular with local and international cavers alike. Make sure you go with a guide! Also nearby is the pre-Columbian site of Yohualichan (House of Night in Nahuatl).

Where to stay in Cuetzalan: Reserva Azul comes recommended. Booking.com has a good selection of family-friendly hotels.