Day Trips & Excursions in Central Mexico

Take a break from the beach to experience Mexico's cultural richness on this all-day tour. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to Mexico City for four hours of sightseeing. Admire the city's historic center and check out the ruins of Templo Mayor - the center of the Aztec universe - the Metropolitan Cathedral, Bellas Artes and more. Witness the archaeological marvel of Teotihuacan, with its ancient temples, pyramids and Avenue of the Dead.

On this half-day guided tour from Veracruz, travel to Cempoala, site of Mesoamerican archaeological ruins, and La Antigua, the first Spanish settlement in Mexico. An informative guide brings to light Mexico's history as you walk by Cempoala's ancient temples and the idyllic streets of La Antigua. Visit Hernán Cort es' house and Ermita del Rosario, the very first Catholic church in all the Americas.

Travel to the colonial heart of Mexico on a private 12-hour day trip to Puebla and Cholula from Mexico City. Learn about Mexico's pre-Hispanic and colonial past, as well as its famous culinary scene, on a personalized tour to the "City of Angels," designated a UNESCO World-Heritage site for its history and architectural significance.

Enjoy personalized attention and a flexible itinerary on this private day trip to Puebla from Mexico City. Learn about the history and culture of Puebla and visit some local landmarks such as the Rosario Chapel and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convent of Santo Domingo. All entrance fees and round-trip private transportation included.

Avoid the crowds on this early morning tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids, also known as the City of the Gods. On this tour, an archeologist takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage site and gives you insight into the majestic plazas and murals. Snap memorable shots from the top of Sun Pyramid and Moon Pyramid, and then cap off your day trip from Mexico City with a visit to an obsidian factory.

A great choice for first-time visitors to Mexico City, this tour mixes a variety of locales and activities to keep things interesting. First, visit the National Museum of Anthropology, the largest and most-visited museum in the country. Drive the Paseo de la Reforma to learn about the monuments that line its route, and visit several other important landmarks and locales. You'll also taste a few Mexican sweets along the way.

Mexico City's vibrancy extends across arts and culture, cuisine, and history. This tour combines six of the area's top sites over a two-day trip, all seen with the expertise of a local guide. Dive into ancient history at Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco, learn explore the Guadalupe Shrine, visit  Xochimilco, learn about art in Coyoacan, and tour the Frida Kahlo museum.

A guided day trip is an easy way to see the archaeological sites of Veracruz without the hassle of navigating public transit. In addition to explaining the purpose of the unmarked Quiahuiztlan and Cempoala ruins, your guide brings you to the highlights of Antigua, the oldest colonial town in Mexico. With round-trip hotel transport, the tour is a popular choice for visitors passing through Veracruz.

Discover architectural wonders on this guided day trip to Cholula and Puebla from Mexico City. Inside Cholula's archaeological zone, feast your eyes on Pirámide Tepanapa, or the Great Pyramid, the world's largest - even bigger in volume than Cheops in Egypt! Wind your way through the UNESCO-listed city of Puebla, home to gorgeous tiled buildings and Mexican Baroque churches, including the Church of Santo Domingo and Chapel of the Rosary. Bonus: Hotel transport and lunch are included.

Tour the UNESCO-listed Teotihuacán pyramids and join a family for dinner on this day tour from Mexico City. With the help of a guide, reach Teotihuacán by public transport, and walk through the ancient city that Aztecs called 'the place where men become gods.' Enjoy the sunset from the top of the Sun Pyramid. After a visit to a pulqueria, soak up cultural traditions, conversation and food as you share dinner in a local Mexican home. This small-group tour is limited to just 12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Experience the cultural richness of the Mexican highlands on an all-day guided tour from Mexico City. Visit the silver mining town of Taxco and the picturesque colonial city of Cuernavaca in an outing that includes transportation in a climate-controlled bus and a traditional Mexican lunch. See centuries-old cathedrals, ornate silver works, and the scenic landscape of central Mexico on one convenient tour.

Venture deep into the great outdoors during this action-packed day trip, which makes it easy to escape the city. You'll have personalized attention from a private guide as you cover four different stops, from the largest head of the Olmec civilization to a secluded island inhabited by a lively monkey population. You'll also climb to the top of a stunning waterfall and learn about Mexican biodiversity in an ecological park.

While in Veracruz, take a guided day trip to the historic towns of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado. Admire the beautiful colonial architecture of Alvarado and at the same time, gain insight into Mexico's history after the Spanish conquest. In UNESCO-listed Tlacotalpan, see city landmarks and immerse yourself in the local art from the 19th and 20th centuries during visits to two charming museums. Hotel transport included.

Knock out visits to two important sites of Mexico's pre-Columbian Totanac culture - the archaeological ruins of El Tajín and the 13th-century city of Papantla - in one day on this guided trip from Veracruz. Wander through the pyramids and plazas of the UNESCO-listed El Tajín, learn about Mesoamerican history and discover the cultural treasures of Papantla, from its flying pole dancers to vanilla. Hotel transport by van included.

Discover the architectural and cultural delights of Taxco and Cuernavaca on an enriching full-day excursion from Mexico City. Accompanied by a professional guide, explore Taxco, a unique colonial town renowned for its silverworks, and gaze at the majestic 16th-century Santa Prisca Church. Then, stroll the quaint cobbled streets of Cuernavaca as you delve deeper into the region's fascinating colonial and cultural history, delighting in the magnificent architecture of Cuernavaca's 16th-century cathedral and admiring the grand structure of Palacio de Cort es.

Discover the best of Teotihuacán and its lesser-known gems on this full-day guided tour from Mexico City. See the UNESCO World Heritage site's top attractions including the Quetzalcoatl, Sun and Moon pyramids, as well as mural paintings and the Butterfly Palace. Visit an obsidian workshop, and taste pulque and tuna products at local factories. Upgrade your experience with a bike tour at no additional charge! Buffet lunch and hotel transport included.

Experience Mexico's coffee tradition and impressive pueblos magicos on this full-day guided tour. Save time with convenient hotel pickup and drop off and travel in a comfortable, climate-controlled minivan. See the hacienda that once belonged to Antonio López de Santa Anna, the notorious former military leader and president, cruise through coffee farms and visit the picturesque colonial towns of Xico and Coatepec, one of the region's most important coffee producers.

Immerse yourself in Mexican culture on a day trip to Mixquic's Day of the Dead celebration in late October or early November. With round-trip hotel transport, avoid the stress of taking public transit or navigating from Mexico City on your own. In addition to navigating, your guide offers inside tips, anecdotes, and background information on the holiday's traditions.

The pre-Hispanic city of El Tajín is home to remarkably well-preserved ancient sites, including pyramids, palaces, and ball courts. On this fully narrated, small group tour, you'll explore these well-preserved sites, see a pre-Hispanic "Dance of the Flyers" ritual, and visit a vanilla factory and plantation to learn about the growing, harvesting, and processing of the vanilla orchid.

Visit Mexico's culinary capital on a full-day trip from Mexico City to Puebla, where you'll enjoy a private tour of a fascinating city. The day is designed just for your group, whether you're sampling rich mole poblano, shopping for handmade talavera tiles, or climbing into Cuexcomate, the world's smallest volcano. Before returning to Mexico City, tour the pre-Columbian city of Cholula, whose Great Pyramid is the largest on earth. With pickup and drop-off at Mexico City hotels, this day includes all entrance fees and transport by climate-controlled vehicle.