Day trips from Mexico City

December 24, 2010

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, Dec. 24, 2010/ Troy Media/ – It is easy to spend most of your days exploring the vast and rich heritage of the metropolis of Mexico City. However, if you find yourself wanting to escape the hubbub and smog of the capital then a day trip to nearby towns and villages will be just perfect. There are more than a few options to choose from, and you can well be sure to find something that is truly to your liking.

Just an hour by bus from Mexico City are the remarkable ruins of Teotihuacan, believed to date back to 200 BC. The entire excavation site exhibits a meticulous layout for an ancient metropolis with about a hundred thousand inhabitants. It is also home to one of the largest pyramids in the world – the Piramide del Sol – believed to have been dedicated to the rain god Tlaloc. Another pyramid on site, the Piramide de la Luna, is dedicated to the moon god.

A breath of fresh air

Also an hour bus ride away is Desierto de los Leones. However, as buses run infrequently it is best to hire a car if you plan to visit the area. Instead of finding a desert, the place is literally a breath of fresh air from the fumes of Mexico City. Innumerable pine trees are sprinkled around and the sweet smelling atmosphere is a perfect accompaniment to hikes, walks or jogs through the woods, or as a pleasant picnic at a scenic spot.

Those looking for some exciting adventures should go on a two-hour drive to Amecameca. It is a small town, devoid of tourists, with a magnificent view of the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The romantic legend surrounding the summits is a beautiful story that is best heard from a local. Hiking the Iztaccihuatl is mandatory if you are into the sport but Popocatepetl is off limits because of its active status. However, if you are just content seeing the peaks from afar, then an exploration of the centuries-old town and the nearby national park is your best option.

Mural depicts locals’ history

If you wish to discover a charming colonial city near the capital, then check out what Tlaxcala has to offer. You will find quaint buildings in subdued hues of ochre and rose lining the streets and a tree-lined plaza will lead you to the impressive Palacio del Gobierno. A visit to the palace is a must for art enthusiasts because, inside, you will find a remarkable eight-foot mural that vividly depicts the history of the Tlaxcala’s inhabitants. You may also want to visit the Monastery of San Francisco for a look at its medieval-inspired facade, and a tour of the historical on site museum.

From Tlaxcala, proceed to the ruins Cacaxtla. It is an archaeological discovery found in 1975 and contains extraordinary murals believed to date back to 600 AD. From there, you can easily go back to Mexico City in just an hour if you take Puebla road instead of tracing your way back to Tlaxcala.

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