Five Fun Day Trips from Mexico City

What do you get if you combine the populations of Scotland, Cyprus, Denmark, Costa Rica and New Zealand?

Nope, not the punchline to a terrible dad joke; the number of people in each of these countries added together is equivalent to the population of Mexico City and its sprawling suburbs. The city is home to roughly 22 million people, making it a truly mind-boggling metropolis and a must-see destination. From the roar of a lucha libre fight night, to the disco lights of the dance clubs and the sights and smells of a busy market, it imprints on the senses from all directions.

If you fancy getting out of the city for a day, the logistics can be a bit daunting. So why not book a private tour with an expert local guide? They’ve made the trip countless times, are adept at navigating the busy highways and have honed the timing of their tours to avoid getting stuck in the city’s notorious congestion. To inspire you, we’ve put together a list of five of the best day trips you can book, all of which start and finish in Mexico City.

Best Day Trips from Mexico City

Marvel At Monarch Butterflies Deep In The Forest

Local guide Alberto knows that an early start is vital to beat the traffic and make the most of the day. He’ll pick you up before breakfast and take you out of the confines of the city to the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, where you’ll hike through the forest to observe the arrival of thousands upon thousands of butterflies. Having flown almost 3,000 miles, the spectacle of the butterflies resting their wings amongst the canopies of trees has to be seen to be believed. The perfect tonic to a hectic few days in the city!

Tour “The City of Angels” With A Historian

Before you tour the enchanting town of Puebla, historian and guide Ricardo will take you to a typical food stop on the highway where you can fuel up ahead of your day exploring the atmospheric nineteenth-century streets. From Puebla, you’ll even get a view of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, something not possible from Mexico City which can so often be blanketed in smog. At one time, Puebla was a candidate to be the capital of Mexico, so you can be glad that it’s retained its historic streets and special character.

Take The Stress Out Of Visiting Teotihuacan

You won’t be alone in wanting to visit Teotihuacan, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Mexico City. But how to get there? Hire a car and try to navigate the myriad of highways out of one of the worlds’ biggest cities? Cram yourself on to a coach full of perspiring tourists? Grapple with Ubers’ algorithm and risk paying much more than expected? Introducing local guide Victor, who will collect you in his air-conditioned private car and take you directly to the site. With his expert local knowledge, you won’t just get an insightful tour of the vast archeological complex, you’ll also enjoy a stress-free day where you can relax and be in awe of “the place where men became Gods.”

Float Away From The Hustle and Bustle in Xochimilco

Think canal boats are just a ‘Venice thing’? Think again! Local guide Hilary loves to take travellers off the beaten path and her tour to Xochimilco neighbourhood is no exception. Located in the south of the city, it’s a very traditional place where you can enjoy a lunch like no other, floating on a ‘trajineras’ (a small private boat). A world away from the skyscrapers of downtown Mexico City and an ideal place to make the most of having a local expert on hand!

Travel Back In Time To Taxco

“Taxco is a … place taken from the old legends and tales that our grandparents told us, a place where literally time stood still.” Local guide Julio sums up the essence of Mexico’s ‘Little Italy’ and with his expertise, before you know it you’ll be heading out of the city and stepping back in time to a truly authentic town. Having a local guide means you can learn the stories behind the colourful streets, find the best stops for a proper Mexican feast, seek out the best local handicraft shops and really get the most out of your day trip.