Mexico has a lot to offer; an electric megalopolis, majestic beaches, exotic fauna and flora, great food, and beautiful camping grounds. However, the magic of this country lies within its mystical small towns scattered throughout the countryside. Keep reading to discover the most beautiful cities in Mexico.
If you are planning on paying Mexico City visit, take a look at our curated list of the most beautiful cities in Mexico worth exploring around the capital. They are all accessible with a short bus ride from Mexico City.
5 day trips from Mexico City
1. Puebla – Puebla
Similar to Tecozautla in Hidalgo, Puebla offers a delightful getaway with its own unique charm. For a rejuvenating experience, make sure to explore the soothing hot springs at Balneario Aguas Termales. These natural thermal pools, boasting temperatures reaching 40ºC, are enriched with minerals that can work wonders for your skin. While you unwind, you can also enjoy water slides, various pools, and relaxing whirlpool baths.
Puebla boasts historical gems such as the impressive Puebla Cathedral, a masterpiece built in the 16th century that showcases stunning architectural details. The Zócalo, or Main Square, serves as the heart of the city’s bustling activity, while the Cholula Archaeological Zone unveils captivating architecture dating back to 450 to 950 AD.
Food enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on Puebla’s culinary delights. Savor the delectable flavors of dishes like savory chicken mole, both the green and red variations, and for the adventurous palate, consider indulging in escamoles (ant larvae), a luxurious delicacy in Mexican cuisine.
The best time to go: If you want to avoid the rainy season, plan your trip between may and august, when you’ll find dry weather and nice temperatures.
How to get there: Hop on a comfortable bus from CDMX to Puebla for a scenic 2-hour journey, and you’ll arrive at your destination for around $12 USD.
2. Huauchinango – Puebla
Looking for a relaxing city break surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, dams and the “Cerro de Zempoala”, a mountain known for its perfect rock climbing façades? Then this place is perfect for you. This beautigf
Start by visiting the Xopanapa Waterfall, where you can hike, camp and rock climb. If you want something quieter, you can go on a boat trip through the Tenengo Dam or to the Campestre Las Truchas, a dam with a small waterfall where you can enjoy a deliciously prepared trout and go horseback riding while enjoying the scenery.
Do you want to take home a souvenir? Visit the craft shop “El Sabor de la Sierra“, where you can find jams, liqueurs, typical Mexican sweets, wooden toys and amate paper.
The best time to go: late February and March, since the Flower Fair is held.
How to get there: Catch a bus Mexico City Huauchinango for $7 USD.
3. Huichapan – Hidalgo
If you go through the cobblestone streets of this beautiful city, you will discover colonial buildings, old houses, and quiet squares full of trees.
You will be able to find thermal hot springs and a zip line that overhangs an imposing 155-meter long aqueduct. Adrenaline lovers can get their fix in Huichapan!
The traditional dishes are carnitas, barbecue (mutton, beef or chicken) and meat or chicken mixiotes. The traditional drinks are the pulque de mamey and the Carnavalito (tequila, orange juice and cinnamon).
The best time to go: after Easter is the Fiesta del Calvario, a five-day festival with dance, music, bullfights, and livestock as well as artisanal exhibitions.
How to get there: Bus Huichapan to Mexico City for only $12 USD.
4. Tecozautla – Hidalgo
Similar to Huichapan, Tecozautla stands out for its spas with thermal baths, perfect for a relaxing time. We highly recommend you visit the Balneario el Geyser. With a temperature of up to 38ºC, this thermal hot spring holds many minerals that will do wonders for your skin. In addition to its healing properties, it has water slides, multiple pools, and whirlpool tubs.
Other staples of this town are the Ex-convent of Santiago Apóstol, founded in the 16th century by the Franciscan friars, the Main Square (Plaza Principal) and the Pañhú, an archaeological zone with typical architecture from the years 450 to 950.
Foodies should try the rich chicken and potato skins, green and red mole and, if you are very brave, the escamoles (ant larvae, considered luxury food in Mexico) and mesquite and maguey worms .
The best time to go: on July 25 the celebration of Santiago Apóstol and the Fruit Fair is held.
How to get there: Sit on a comfortable bus for 3 hours from Tecozautla to Mexico City and you will arrive at your destination for $18 USD.
5. Zacatlán de las manzanas – Puebla
Manzanas means apples in english is, so it is fair to say that this quaint town is famous for having the best apples in the country. Whether they are dried, in spirits, in jams or right off the tree, the apples from Zacatlán de las manzanas are known across the region! The old Franciscan Convent, surrounded by foggy landscapes also reels in people from all over with its watchmaking tradition.
You also cannot miss the Valle de Piedras Encimadas, where you can go horseback riding and explore all the rock formations.
Don’t forget to visit the Museum of Watchmaking and the floral clock located in the central square. Every hour, it interprets one of its nine melodies.
If you get hungry, we recommend you try the quesadillas with fried pork and mole poblano, a special bread made in the town stuffed with cheese.
The best season to go: in August they celebrate the Apple Festival with music, dances, and parades of allegorical floats.
How to get there: $11 USD and 3h20 on the bus from Mexico City will get you to Zacatlán.
With a state-of-the-art bus system and a modern fleet of buses, you can easily visit all the most beautiful cities in Mexico by bus.
Do you want to get the most out of your trip? Check out the 10 top commandments for bus travel in Mexico.
Planning a trip around Mexico? The best way to get around the country safely and on a budget is by taking the bus. Busbud helps you find the best fares, routes and schedules for your Mexico adventures. Check Busbud out now and start planning your next trip.