Last time, I promised you a guide to Puebla—here it is!
How to Get to Puebla?
Option 1: Take a day trip from Mexico City, visiting both Cholula and Puebla. Depart at 6 AM and expect a 12-hour journey in total.
Why Visit Cholula?
Just take a look at this breathtaking view with snow-capped mountains in the background—who wouldn’t want to go after seeing this?
At the foot of the church lies the second tallest pyramid in the world—the Great Pyramid of Cholula!
As for Puebla, it’s a must-see! Known as the legendary City of Angels, Puebla’s main square and cathedral are absolute highlights you can’t miss.
How to plan the itinerary between Mexico City and Puebla?
Day 1:
- Morning: National Museum of Anthropology
- Afternoon: Zócalo (Constitution Plaza) + National Palace + Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral + Templo Mayor
Day 2:
- Morning: Sun and Moon Pyramids
- Afternoon: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Day 3:
- Day trip from Mexico City to Cholula and Puebla.
Another option to reach Puebla is to depart from Mexico City, pass through Puebla, and continue on to Oaxaca.
Finally, let’s talk about Oaxaca, a major tourist destination in central Mexico.
Why is Oaxaca worth the trip?
- Monte Albán Ruins: While Mexico has many archaeological sites, Monte Albán stands out with its unique style. Standing on the city walls and feeling the breeze of central Mexico, you’ll sense a distinct vibe that’s unlike anywhere else.
- Hierve el Agua (Boiling Water Waterfalls): Not everyone who visits this waterfall will swim, but everyone is sure to be captivated by its beauty! How can such a waterfall be so naturally stunning? There’s a phrase for it—naturally beautiful—and that perfectly describes Hierve el Agua!
- Two Markets: Mercado 20 de Noviembre and the local favorite Central de Abastos Market.
As a true tourist, Summer couldn’t resist being the typical traveler and went straight to the touristy Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
But, to be fair, the grilled meats and Mexican chorizo at this market are absolutely delicious! Pair them with freshly squeezed juices available in the market, and during her three days in Oaxaca, Mercado 20 de Noviembre quickly became Summer’s personal dining spot.
How to arrange the itinerary for Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca?
Day 1:
- Morning: National Museum of Anthropology
- Afternoon: Zócalo (Constitution Plaza) + National Palace + Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral + Templo Mayor
Day 2:
- Morning: Sun and Moon Pyramids
- Afternoon: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Day 3:
- Depart Mexico City for Cholula and Puebla, stay overnight in Puebla
Day 4:
- Morning: Travel from Puebla to Oaxaca
- Afternoon: Explore markets, food, and drinks
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit Monte Albán ruins
- Afternoon: Explore Hierve el Agua (Boiling Water Waterfalls)
Day 6:
- Return from Oaxaca to Mexico City
Because Summer found taking the bus to Taxco inefficient, she decided to take a bold step and rent a car for her trip to Oaxaca. She drove all the way from Mexico City to Oaxaca, and after finishing her itinerary in Oaxaca, she drove back on the highway to Mexico City.
The efficiency was amazing—what was originally an 8-day trip turned into just 6 days! The extra 2 days gave her the chance to visit even more places. This unexpected self-driving adventure became a highlight of her Mexico journey!
Some friends have asked about visiting Puebla, Guanajuato, and San Miguel de Allende—how should the itinerary be arranged?
Day 1:
- Morning: National Museum of Anthropology
- Afternoon: Zócalo (Constitution Plaza) + National Palace + Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral + Templo Mayor
Day 2:
- Morning: Sun and Moon Pyramids
- Afternoon: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Day 3:
- Depart Mexico City for a day trip to Cholula and Puebla, then return to Mexico City
Day 4:
- Morning: Travel from Mexico City to Guanajuato
- Afternoon: Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato and take the cable car up Pípila Hill
Day 5:
- Travel from Guanajuato to San Miguel de Allende
- Visit San Miguel Church, Jardín Allende, and the El Mirador viewpoint
- Evening: Return to Mexico City
For those planning to experience Day of the Dead, here’s a suggested itinerary for Mexico City, Monarch Butterfly Town, Morelia (for Day of the Dead), and Puebla:
Day 1:
- Morning: National Museum of Anthropology
- Afternoon: Zócalo (Constitution Plaza) + National Palace + Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral + Templo Mayor
Day 2:
- Morning: Sun and Moon Pyramids
- Afternoon: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Day 3:
- Depart Mexico City for a day trip to Cholula and Puebla, then return to Mexico City
Day 4:
- Depart Mexico City for Ocampo, the Monarch Butterfly Town
Day 5:
- Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Ocampo in the morning
- In the afternoon, head to Morelia
Day 6:
- Depart from Morelia and explore three magical towns nearby
Day 7:
- Return to Mexico City
For anyone looking for more itinerary ideas around Mexico City and nearby areas, feel free to reach out to Summer!
I’m Summer, an outdoor-loving backpacker who’s passionate about sharing the best travel experiences.
I only recommend the most exciting destinations.
Follow me, and let’s chat about the journey to far-off places!
