The 5 Most Underrated Day Trips From Mexico City

Mexico City has plenty to offer families, travelers and backpackers, but due to its vast size and the wealth of activities on offer at any given moment, many forget that its surrounded by equally as worthy destinations. Here are what we consider five of the most underrated day trips well worth trying out the next time you’re in the Mexican capital.

1. Ixtapan de la Sal, State of Mexico

Park

Ixtapan de la Sal, State of Mexico

Once home to Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto, Ixtapan de la Sal is a beautiful colonial town situated in the State of Mexico. Despite its popularity with Mexico City residents, it’s definitely an underrated destination as far as travelers go, even though it boasts aguas termales (hot springs)and a quaint historic center. If you’re traveling with children, Ixtapan de la Sal would also make a great day trip destination due to its water park Parque Aquático Ixtapan.

Ixtapan de la Sal, Estado de México, México

Ixtapan de la Sal | © Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca/Flickr

2. Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala

Ruins

Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala

Undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit from Mexico City — mainly due to its proximity to the capital and status as one of the safest, yet smallest, states — Tlaxcala is often overshadowed by Puebla and Querétaro. Despite being the capital of the smallest state in Mexico, this city has much to offer to the casual day tripper, from a Puppet Museum (more interesting than it sounds) and ancient Mesoamerican ruins, to colorfully painted houses dotted throughout the historic center.

Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México

Tlaxcala | © Russ Bowling/Flickr

3. Tecozautla, Hidalgo

Natural Feature

The small town of Tecozautla in Hidalgo is home to some impressive thermal baths that are good enough to entice anyone away from the hotbed of culture that is Mexico City. Sitting pretty at around two and a half hours from the capital, there is a veritable wealth of bath options to choose from (over 20!) as well as some delicious local cuisine and colonial houses to drool and marvel over, respectively.

5. Angangueo, Michoacán

Angangueo, Michoacán

Our final recommendation breaks out of the State of Mexico and into the bordering state of Michoacán. Although this state currently has a dangerous reputation, if you do decide to head there, you must make sure to visit the tiny village of Angangueo. This village is famed for being the gateway into the world of the monarch butterfly and each year, from November to February, you can witness the migration of these majestic creatures in this very spot.

Mineral de Angangueo, Michoacán, México

Angangueo | © Carlos Adampol Galindo/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.