Attractions Nearby Mexico City, Day Trips and Excursions

(Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico)



Photo showing Tula's famous stone warriorsThere really is no other city in the whole world quite like Mexico City, with so many attractions that you will find it overwhelming. However, if you have had your fill of Mexico City and fancy a day trip, or would just like to go somewhere a little quieter, there are countless attractions nearby.

Popular with families, the Africam Safari can be found to the east of Mexico City and is full of animal attractions and exotic wildlife. Also of interest are a number of neighbouring cities and towns, such as Cuernavaca, Pachuca, Puebla, Tepotzotlán and Tula, each of which is within easy reach of Mexico City and have their own set of appealing attractions.


Different picture of the stone statues in Tula

Tula

Standing some 65 km / 40 miles north of Mexico City, Tula is an interesting town most famous for its enormous stone statues of warriors, which stand nearly 5 metres / 16 feet tall. The main attractions are centred around the Zona Arqueológica, the site of the town's old settlement.

Puebla cathedral photograph

Puebla

Puebla is a vast city with a population of well over a million. Known for its strong Spanish character, Puebla is relatively close to the eastern side of Mexico City and contains a staggering number of historic attractions, with more than 70 churches around the city centre alone, together with a magnificent cathedral, a series of museums, and the Casa de la Cultura, a 17th-century building that was once the bishop's palace.

Tepotzotlán

Situated a mere 40 km / 25 miles from Mexico City and on the northern outskirts, Tepotzotlán features an attractive central plaza, around which many of its best attractions are to be found. The Museo Nacional del Virreinato (National Museum of the Viceregal Period) is a definite must-see and features a mixture of folk art, paintings, statues, antique furniture and silverware.

View of the Pachuca cityscape

Pachuca

Around 90 km / 56 miles north-east of Mexico City you will find Pachuca, capital of Hidalgo. Although this is a big city, with around 300,000 inhabitants, Pachuca's tourism scene is far from developed and the city is quite understated, which is very much part of its charm and appeal. Pachuca is filled with many brightly coloured houses and features a number of interesting attractions worthy of a look, such as the Central Cultural de Hidalgo (Hidalgo Cultural Centre), comprising two individual museums, an art gallery, a theatre and a series of plazas.

Photo of African animals at the Africam Safari

Africam Safari

Address: Boulevard Capitan Carlos Camacho S/N Oasis, 72960 Tecali de Herrera, Puebla, Mexico
Tel: +52 222 281 7000
Email: contactanos@africamsafari.com.mx
Website: www.africamsafari.com.mx
In total there are more than 3,000 creatures within the Africam Safari attraction, all living in spacious and natural surroundings. The animals can all be viewed in their paddocks by either car or safari bus and are best viewed in the morning, when they are wide-awake. Particular favourites include bears, rhinos, white tigers, zebras, giraffes and wolves.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount available for children under 12 years old, children three years old and under are free

Central photo of Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca is a large and spreading city and the capital of the Mexican state of Morelos. With just under 350,000 inhabitants and plenty of good weather, Cuernavaca has long been a popular excursion from Mexico City and is full of attractions, all of which are less than two hours away by car. Central Cuernavaca is a pleasant place for a stroll and a number of grand buildings surround the Plaza de Armas, such as the Palacio de Gobierno and the Palacio de Cortés, a medieval-style fortress built in the early part of the 16th century.

Central picture taken at the neighbouring city of Toluca

Toluca

Just over 60 km / 37 miles from Mexico City, Toluca is a notable city with a population rapidly approaching half a million. Toluca enjoys a fairly elevated setting and the city centre offers a strong colonial style, with pleasant arcades, cultural attractions and public squares, such as the Plaza de los Mártires, which is surrounded by many historic buildings and the city's grand 19th-century cathedral. Look out for the enormous Juárez Market, which takes place every Friday and is a particularly favourite local attraction.

Parque Acuático Iguazú

Address: Morelos Sn, Tetelpa, Zacatepec de Hidalgo, MOR, Mexico
Tel: +52 734 343 3761
Email: info.iguazu@gmail.com
Website: www.iguazu.mx
This is perhaps the ultimate family attraction and only just over an hours' drive from Mexico City. Parque Acuático Iguazú is a popular water park and a great way to cool down on a hot, sunny day. Attractions include swimming pools, water slides, plenty of places to relax, and also an eatery serving a selection of refreshments.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discount available for children who measure between 90 cm and 1.3 metres

Image of ancient temple at Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan

Address: Zona Arqueologica de Teotihuacan, Carretera, Mexico
Tel: +52 5 956 0052
Email: teotihuacan.ventas@gmail.com
Website: www.teotihuacan.com.mx
If you are planning just one day trip from Mexico City, then the Teotihuacan is an absolute must. The archaeological zone of Teotihuacan lies some 50 km / 31 miles to the north-east of Mexico City and close to the Valle de México. Once the country's largest ancient cities and believed to be the capital of the pre-Hispanic empire, Teotihuacan contains a myriad of attractions, such as the spectacular Pyramids of the Sun and Moon (Pirámides del Sol y de la Luna) and also the Avenue of the Dead (Calzada de los Muertos), which leads to a number of ruined palaces and also the Pirámide de la Luna.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Parque Recreativo La Marquesa (Marchioness Recreational Park)

The Parque Recreativo La Marquesa is just over 30 minutes drive from Mexico City and boasts an array of recreational activities and attractions. Highlights include large playing fields suitable for soccer, walking and hiking trails, picnic spots and food stands selling a range of refreshments.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: free