Mexico City is truly a magical place! Not only is there plenty to explore within the city, but stepping out opens up a variety of incredible day trips or short getaways:
- Northeast of Mexico City: The famous Teotihuacán Pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun and Moon).
- Farther north: The stunning Tolantongo Hot Springs—an absolute must-visit! Highly recommended by Summer!
- Northwest: The unmissable San Miguel de Allende and its charming neighbor Guanajuato—both are must-visit destinations in Mexico.
- West: Ocampo, the sanctuary for Monarch butterflies, and Morelia, a must-visit during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
- Southeast: Puebla, the “City of Angels,” nestled at the foot of a snow-capped volcano.
- Southwest: A hidden gem—Taxco, a breathtakingly beautiful colonial town. While not as famous as other destinations, it’s a place you’ll fall in love with at first sight! Summer strongly recommends adding Taxco to your Mexico City itinerary!
Why recommend Taxco?
Summer still can’t forget the experience of sitting on the rooftop of a budget hotel (just $12 per night), with the sunset painting the sky and a gentle breeze in the air. Looking up, the iconic church from Lonely Planet’s Mexico cover stood right before her eyes. That feeling? Pure magic—beyond just relaxation!
How to Get to Taxco from Mexico City? Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1: Travel to Taxco & Explore the Historic Town
In the morning, take a bus from Mexico City to Taxco—super convenient! (Though, fun fact: after this bus ride, Summer switched to road-tripping and never took another bus in Mexico—more on that later!)
Upon arrival, dive straight into exploring the charming streets of Taxco. The town’s atmosphere is simply magical—you really have to experience it yourself!
Day 2: Sleep In & Enjoy Pozas Azules
The best way to travel? Wandering without a rush. So, sleep in and take it slow. Around noon, head out to Pozas Azules, a beautiful series of natural pools hidden in the mountains just outside Taxco.
For an outdoor enthusiast like Summer, the perfect combo is a historic town + a refreshing water adventure—it doesn’t get better than that!
Day 3: Visit Cacahuamilpa Caves & Return to Mexico City
In the morning, head to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, a massive cave system located conveniently on the way back to Mexico City. If you’re taking a bus, you can ask the driver to drop you off near the caves and catch the next bus to the city after your visit.
The caves themselves are optional, but the hanging bridge nearby? A must! Summer highly recommends crossing it—because let’s be real, what’s a trip without a little adrenaline rush?
How to Plan a Mexico City & Taxco Itinerary?
Minimalist 3-Day Itinerary: Mexico City + Teotihuacán Pyramids + Taxco
- Day 1: Morning at National Museum of Anthropology; afternoon exploring Zócalo, National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor.
- Day 2: Visit Teotihuacán Pyramids + Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- Day 3: Day trip to Taxco from Mexico City.
Relaxed 4-Day Itinerary: Mexico City + Teotihuacán Pyramids + Taxco
- Day 1: Morning at National Museum of Anthropology; afternoon exploring Zócalo, National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor.
- Day 2: Visit Teotihuacán Pyramids + Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- Day 3: Travel from Mexico City to Taxco in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring the town.
- Day 4: Morning visit to Cacahuamilpa Caves, then return to Mexico City in the afternoon.
5-Day Itinerary: Mexico City + Taxco + Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
If you have five days, Summer highly recommends combining Mexico City, Taxco, and Ocampo—a perfect mix of history and nature, where you can experience both the charm of a colonial town and the breathtaking Monarch Butterfly migration.
- Day 1: Morning at the National Museum of Anthropology; afternoon exploring Zócalo, National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor.
- Day 2: Visit Teotihuacán Pyramids + Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- Day 3: Travel from Mexico City to Taxco in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring the town.
- Day 4: Journey from Taxco to Ocampo, the gateway to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
- Day 5: Witness the Monarch Butterflies in the morning, then return to Mexico City in the afternoon.
How to Get from Taxco to Ocampo?
Now comes the big question—how do you get from Taxco to Ocampo?
It’s a bit of a journey! You first transfer in Toluca, then switch buses again in Zitácuaro, before finally making your way to Ocampo. And getting back to Mexico City from Ocampo? Another multi-transfer adventure.
Summer once took this route, transferring twice on the way back to Mexico City. Left in the morning, only to arrive late at night—exhausted.
Later, when traveling from Mexico City to Taxco, despite taking a direct bus, the whole process—including waiting for the bus and finding the hotel—took up most of the day. Then, at the hotel, Summer met a group of road-tripping foreigners who drove from Mexico City to Taxco in just two hours—insanely efficient!
From that moment on, Summer went from a seasoned bus enthusiast to a reluctant newbie driver, kicking off an unexpected self-driving journey through Mexico. When driving wasn’t an option, joining day tours or multi-day tours became the go-to—way more efficient than navigating buses!
Next up: Puebla! 🚗✨
For more Mexico City and surrounding travel routes or travel tips, feel free to message Summer! 🚀✨
I’m Summer, an outdoor-loving backpacker.
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