Day Trips From Mexico City
Beyond the limits of Mexico City there is a treasure trove of places that are worthy of a visit during a day-trip away from the busy capital
. These cities, towns and archaeological marvels provide a welcomed respite from the noise and traffic while charming visitors with their very own styles of architecture, history, traditions and handicrafts.
When venturing out for a day-trip from Mexico City probably the first place to come to mind is the site of the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, just 31 miles to the northeast. These massive abandoned ruins were encountered by the Aztecs when they entered the Valley of Mexico in the 1300s. So awed were they by the enormity of the ruins, with their towering pyramids, that they gave them the name Teotihuacan meaning Place Where Gods Are Made, believing that only giants or gods could have constructed such immense structures.
Today visitors can still visit these amazing architectural wonders that stand as a reminder of the advanced civilization which thrived here between 500 and 700 A.D. The ruins border a 40-meter-wide corridor which travels two kilometers and feature two massive pyramids.
The awe-inspiring Pyramid of the Sun is the second largest in volume in all of Mexico at more than 1 million cubic meters with sides measuring 225 meters at the base. Standing 65 meters in height the pyramid can be scaled by mounting hundreds of steep stairs. The vistas from various levels of the Pyramid of the Sun are breathtaking. The most marvelous view leads the eye toward the Pyramid of the Moon. Although 10 meters less in height than the Pyramid of the Sun, the higher ground on which the Pyramid of the Moon is situated makes them appear equal in height.
Thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts have been extracted from Teotihuacan and many of these can be found in two museums on the site. Items range from human bones to pottery, tools, masks, weapons, glyphs and engraved stones.
Also within a day-trip distance of Mexico City, just two hours east of the downtown, in the shadow of three volcanoes, is another place of historical importance. Puebla is famous for the victorious battles which are celebrated on the 5th of May each year during the Mexican national holiday known as Cinco de Mayo. Besides these triumphs of General Zaragoza over attacking French troops in 1862, Puebla is best-known for its architecture, cuisine and style of ceramics.
Pottery and ceramics known as talavera have been produced in the city since colonial times when artisans from Talavera de la Reina, Spain, brought their trade to this region of Mexico. Examples of these mostly blue and white ceramic tiles can be seen in the construction of many buildings in Puebla. Plates, bowls, pots, cups and a wide variety of decorative items fashioned in the talavera style are on display and can be purchased at a host of local shops.
Pueblas central plaza or zocalo is surrounded by many architectural splendors beginning with its majestic cathedral, the tallest in Mexico at 72 meters high. Constructed between 1588 and 1649 the interior of the cathedral features a gilded roof and massive columns. Adjacent to the zocalo on the opposite side of the Cathedral is a visual highlight of Puebla. Within the Santo Domingo Church is the Chapel of the Rosary which literally glows with real gold accents.
On weekends Puebla hosts open-air markets which sell ornamental plants, pottery, wood crafts and jewelry along with antique items and traditional cuisine. Puebla is known for its culinary inventiveness. Usually served with chicken or turkey, mole poblano is a thick, brown sauce combining more than 40 ingredients including chili peppers, nuts, seeds, chocolate and other spices. This popular dish was invented in Puebla by nuns at a local monastery. Sweets or dulces are also a well-known product of Puebla, especially one type of candy made from sweet potatoes known as camotes.
Cholula, the town just west of Puebla, is most known for its archaeological site. The pyramid has the largest base at 450 meters by 450 meters and is in fact, the largest pyramid in volume, not only in Mexico, but in the entire world at 4.45 million cubic meters. Now, mostly buried beneath earth and scrub-brush, this Great Pyramid was constructed by several cultures in succession from 800 B.C. to 1521 A.D. An intricate system of tunnels were carved through the structure and some of these tunnels which provide an insight into the enormity of the pyramid can still be traversed by visitors.
There are many extravagant churches in this region including Santa Maria de Tonanzintla and San Francisco Acatepec.
For a day-trip even closer to Mexico City, the city of Toluca is situated only 45 minutes to the west, on a high plain. Looming outside the city is an extinct volcano, the snow-capped Nevado de Toluca, Mexicos fourth highest mountain at more than 15,000 feet, located 27 miles southwest.
Back in the center of Toluca, there are a few very interesting sites to explore. The neo-classic Cathedral was constructed in the late 1800s and features a glazed alcove where a panel of the holy family is crafted with clear, rather than stained glass. Depending on the angle of the sun these scenes in glass can take on a brilliant glow.
Perhaps the most fascinating place to visit in Toluca is the Cosmovitral. Once upon a time this building housed a market but now features a botanical garden of mostly tropical foliage with pools and fountains. A visit here in the daytime is a feast for the eyes with a kaleidoscope of colorful stained glass cascading into the vision from all sides and from the roof above. This architectural and artistic wonder utilizes more than 500,000 pieces of glass.
Although Toluca has several museums and a theatre, the majority of activity for locals and visitors centers on a pedestrian mall and array of arcades known as Los Portales. Here musicians play and shops offer clothing, shoes, jewelry, leather goods and house wares. Also for sale at Los Portales are a common food item known as tortas (pastries or tortillas with a selection of fillings including a local brand of sausage).
Much more distant than Toluca but still accessible during a day-trip, is the silver-mining town of Taxco in the state of Guerrero, 100 miles to the southwest of Mexico City. Perched precariously on a mountainside, this town of steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets buzzes to the sound of Volkswagen taxis whirring past scores of pedestrians who find it more practical, although more exhausting, to get around on foot.
Silver was discovered in Taxco as far back as 1534. Today more than 300 silversmith shops can be found throughout Taxco.
The highlight of Taxco, in addition to the silver shops, is the Santa Prisca Church which predominates the landscape. The church features twin Baroque towers, 40 meters in height, a pink faade and a brilliantly colored tile roof. Inside, the church is dominated by carved figures and gilded accents in a dizzying arrangement on the walls and roof.
From Mexico City other day-trips may be taken to the spa retreat of Ixtapan de la Sal, the lakeside region of Valle de Bravo, archaeological sites such as Tula, or the locals favorite getaway spot of Cuernavaca.
Whatever the choice, a selection of day-trips to the regions surrounding Mexicos capital can add a whole new dimension to a visit to the worlds largest city and will certainly whet the visitors appetite to explore more of this delightful country.
by: Peter Knight
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