From Mexico City: Teotihuacán Pyramids (1h), Tepoztlán (75m) & Cholula / Puebla (2h)
Board the direct coach from Terminal Central del Norte Gate 8 ($140 MXN round-trip) at 07:00 AM to climb along Teotihuacán's Avenue of the Dead ($100 MXN INAH entry) before midday crowds. Or head 75 minutes south to cliff-ringed Tepoztlán Pueblo Mágico, or 2 hours east past Popocatépetl volcano to the Great Pyramid of Cholula and Talavera-tiled Puebla.
From Cancún, Tulum & Mérida: Chichén Itzá, Isla Mujeres, Uxmal & Homún Cenotes
From Cancún's Puerto Juárez pier, a 20-minute Ultramar ferry ($540 MXN R/T) reaches reef-protected Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. From Mérida or Valladolid, ride Tren Maya or ADO to Chichén Itzá, the Puuc palaces of Uxmal ($561 MXN), golden-ochre Izamal, or the subterranean cenote ring of Homún.
From Oaxaca & Guadalajara: Hierve el Agua + Mitla & Tequila Agave Distilleries
From Oaxaca City, combine the 2,000-year-old Tule Tree, geometric Zapotec mosaics at Mitla, calcified cliff springs at Hierve el Agua, and a family mezcal palenque in Santiago Matatlán. From Guadalajara, ride the heritage train or Tequila Plus bus ($240 MXN R/T) 65 km northwest into the UNESCO Blue Weber Agave valleys of Tequila.
Key Takeaways
- Arrive at Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Monte Albán at 08:00 AM sharp when gates open.
- Pack a UV rashguard shirt rather than chemical sunscreen whenever your day trip includes a cenote swim.
- Carry $50 and $100 MXN bills for rural colectivo fares and artisan markets.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: