7 Amazing Day Trips from Puebla Mexico (+ Tour Recommendations)
Wondering about the best day trips from Puebla Mexico? You’re in the right place!
Puebla is only a few hours from Mexico City but isn’t the only major tourist destination worth checking out. There are so many great day trips and adventures around Puebla, some of which you might have never heard of.
I’ve traveled to Puebla many times and am here to share the best Puebla day trips, the best tours in Puebla, and other important information.
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy my privacy policy.
Day Trips from Puebla Mexico
1. Cholula
There’s no question that Cholula is the best day trip and must-see in all Puebla itineraries. Cholula is a pueblo magico (magic town) about 30 minutes from downtown Puebla.
It’s most known for the Great Pyramid of Cholula, an archeological zone with a fascinating backstory. The Toltecs built the temple pyramid complex in Cholula between the 3rd Century BC and the 9th Century AD.
This archeological zone was a prominent, functional city in central Mexico. However, when the Spanish conquest began, they built the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios amongst the pyramid ruins in the 16th Century.
Cholula is an intricate combination of Toltec history and Spanish architecture. You can climb up the large hill to visit the famous church and learn more about this history and the ancient ruins.
Cholula is also a quintessential town, with many restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor markets in the parks and center square. It’s a really fun atmosphere that’s become one of the best Puebla day tours.
👉 How To Get To Cholula From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 30 minutes
The cheapest way to get from Puebla to Cholula is with a local colectivo (bus).
You can get a colectivo in downtown Puebla behind Mercado de Sabores (on Av 6 Pte between Calle 11 and 13 Norte) or even wave one down if it lists Cholula as its destination and is heading in the right direction.
Because Cholula is so close, taking a taxi or Uber is another great way to get there. You have more flexibility and can get picked up right from your accommodation.
Finally, the easiest way to get from Puebla to Cholula is with a tour group. This is nice because they’ll arrange transportation and the best activities in Cholula to ensure you don’t miss anything. It is also a great way to learn more about the history of the magic town.
🎖️ Top Cholula Tours
👍 From Puebla: Cholula and Atlixco Puebla´s Magical Towns
4.1 ⭐ 22 Reviews
This Cholula and Atlixco Tour from downtown Puebla is the perfect way to explore both magic towns closest to the bustling city. Cholula is undoubtedly a town worth its title, but so is Atlixco.
These towns have different histories and stories, as well. So, a tour to visit both in one is the best way to check off two Puebla day trips from your itinerary.
The trip was well organized and the guides were knowledgeable in history, local attractions, and even recommendations!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ angela,february 2024
👍 Puebla: Cholula and Atlixco Private Tour with Food Tastings
4.8 ⭐ 4 Reviews
One of the best things to do in Puebla is to sample all the excellent food, so one of the best ways to explore the magic towns is with this Cholula and Atlixco Private Tour with Food Tastings.
Not only will you visit both magic towns in one day and learn all about their culture and history, but you’ll also learn about local produce in Atlixco City and meet a local trout farmer. It’s one of the best day trips from Puebla Mexico for history buffs and foodies.
Excellent tour! Very informative!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ get your guide traveler, november 2022
👍 Puebla: Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour with Visit to Cholula
4.7 ⭐ 3 Reviews
If it’s your first trip to Puebla, I recommend a tour of the historical center and Cholula together. This Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with a Visit to Cholula perfectly combines two historically significant regions.
This is an excellent option for your first day in Puebla because it will also help you familiarize yourself with the city center’s area, culture, food, and sights.
Good information and nice guidance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ get your guide traveler, august 2022
2. Iztaccihuatl & Popocatepetl (Izta-Popo NP)
Iztaccihuatl (Izta) and Popocatepetl (Popo) are the two volcanoes towering over Puebla. Ista-Popo National Park protects both volcanoes, the area of Hacienda de Zoquipán, and other natural wonders.
The most famous tale about Izta-Pop goes back to Aztec mythology. Izta was the chief’s daughter who fell in love with Popo, one of the chief’s warriors.
Popo was sent off to Oaxaca for battle, and the chief promised his daughter’s hand in marriage if he returned. The princess was told Popo died in battle, and she subsequently died from grief.
Popo returned from battle to find his love had passed, and he was devastated. He carried her out of the village and curled up with her until the Gods covered them in snow and turned them into volcanoes.
Popo, the smoking mountain, still reigns down fire and lava to express his grief, anger, and sorrow over losing his love, Izta, the sleeping woman.
Popocatepetl is an active volcano with frequent eruptions. But you can visit Izta-Popo National Park (which is safe from Popo’s volcanic eruptions, as long as you don’t get too close to the volcano).
It’s one of the best day trips from Puebla Mexico. There are incredible trails with beautiful viewpoints and lots of flora and fauna.
However, remember the high elevation of Puebla (2,161 meters/7,093 feet) and how this may affect hiking and physical activity.
👉 How To Get To Iztaccihuatl & Popocatepetl From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 1 hour and 45 minutes
There’s no direct bus from Puebla to Iztaccihuatl and Popocateptl, and you won’t want to take multiple buses because they’re already far from the city center. You won’t be able to maximize your time in the national park.
You can rent a car in Puebla and drive yourself. To get to Izta-Popo National Park, you’ll take Autopista México – Puebla/México 150D.
The easiest way to get to the national park is via one of the Puebla day tours with a guide. This is great because they’ll also navigate through the park.
🎖️ Top Iztaccihuatl & Popocatepetl Tours
👍 Iztaccíhuatl Volcanoes Route and Ancestral Heritage
4.3 ⭐ 8 Reviews
You can hike around the national park with this Iztaccíhuatl Volcanoes Route guided tour. You’ll learn much more about the history of the people and region and get some of the best views at 4,002 meters (13,133 feet) above sea level.
The guide and the hike were very nice. The views of Popocatepetl were fantastic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ get your guide traveler, february 2020
👍 From Puebla: Hiking Iztaccihuatl & Izta-Popo-Zoquiapan Park
5.0 ⭐1 Review
You can turn your hike around Izta-Popo into a memory of a lifetime with this Izta-Popo-Zoquiapan Park tour from Puebla City.
On this hiking adventure, you’ll gain roughly 600 meters of elevation gain (2,000 feet) while reaching a maximum elevation of 4,500 meters (14,763 feet).
You’ll treat yourself to this accomplishment with a delicious wine and cheese tasting and a plethora of information about the beautiful region.
One of the best guides I ever had and I had many 🙂 Super fun, felt very safe and amazing background informations! Super Service, especially they prepared a picnic at the end of the tour, super exciting and great surprise 🙂
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ marvin, january 2023
3. Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala is one of Mexico’s oldest towns and smallest states. As you can imagine, it has a rich history, and despite its size, there’s so much to do here.
Tlaxcala is known for its farms, textiles, and overall cultural diversity. It’s not super tourist like Cancun, Mexico City, or Tijuana. And partially because of this, it’s one of the best places in Mexico to soak in the history and culture.
It’s great for shopping, and its beautiful town center is marked with colorful buildings and a large, intricate church.
👉 How To Get To Tlaxcala From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 50 minutes
You can get to Tlaxcala from Puebla by rental car, bus, or guided tour.
Taking a bus from Puebla CAPU Station to Tlaxcala is the cheapest way. The route usually takes about an hour from bus station to bus station, and buses run regularly throughout the day.
There are also local colectivos/combis from behind Mercado de Sabores (on Av 6 Pte between Calle 11 and 13 Norte) that head toward Tlaxcala, but this ride can take up to two hours, depending on the number of stops.
If you’re driving, you get there via Autopista Puebla-Tlaxcala. But the easiest way to get there is with a guided tour from Puebla.
🎖️ Top Tlaxcala Tours
👍 From Puebla: Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla Private Guided Tour
5.0 ⭐ 1 Review
If you want the most uncensored and exciting tour from Puebla, the Tlaxcala and Cacaxtla Private Tour is the perfect option.
The tour takes you to both towns, including Cacaxtla’s museum, through the beautiful mural-lined streets of Cacaxtla, the famous bullring in Tlaxcala, and a few other noteworthy stops.
👍 Puebla City: Cacaxtla Archaeological Site and Tlaxcala Trip
5.0 ⭐ 2 Reviews
If you’re more interested in the region’s cultural history, try the Cacaxtla Archeological Site and Tlaxcala Trip.
The tour first explores the archeological zones in Cacaxtla, followed by a visit to the beautiful city of Tlaxcala. A guide will also explain each stop’s cultural and historical significance.
100% recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ marcela, february 2020
4. Atlixco
Atlixco is one of ten pueblos magicos in the state of Puebla and the second-most popular near Puebla City (behind Cholula). And it’s every bit worth the hype.
Atlixco is best known for its ornamental plants and flowers, colorful murals, and beautiful backdrop. One of the highlights is the Zocalo de Atlixco (the city center), surrounded by trees, a large park, and decorated flowers.
👉 How To Get To Atlixco From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 40 minutes
Despite not being super well-known amongst the international community, it’s very easy to get to Atlixco.
The cheapest way to get there is to take a bus from CAPU Station in Puebla right to Atlixco (the Oro bus line is the best option). Buses leave frequently throughout the day.
If you drive to Atlixco, you’ll drive via Atlixcáyotl/Carretera Federal Puebla-Atlixco/PUE 438D. Or, if you want everything taken care of for you, you can book a private tour from Puebla to Atlixco and other exciting places.
🎖️ Top Atlixco Tour
👍 From Puebla: Atlixco and Atlimeyaya Private Tour
5.0 ⭐ 1 Review
If you want an entire day to yourself (and your travel buddies) in Atlixco, this Atlixco and Atlimeyaya Private Tour is the way to go.
The tour first departs for Atlixco’s historical city center, where you’ll have time to explore and visit the main square and the municipal palace.
You’ll stop to taste local mezcal, chocolate, ice cream, and beer. Afterward, the tour continues to a plant and flower nursery and a trout farm to learn about the local industry.
Great variety of activities and guides were fabulous.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ get your guide traveler, december 2023
5. Zacatlan
Zacatlán, nestled in the Sierra Norte, is often referred to as Zacatlán de las Manzanas. Zacatlan comes from the Nahuatl word and translates to “the place of the Zacate grass.” The Spanish added De las Manzanas, which means “of the apples,” because of the abundant supply of apples.
It’s not very often you find a name derived from both Nahuatl and Spanish vocabulary, but that isn’t the only reason to add Zacatlan to your Puebla itineraries.
The town is serene, picturesque, and filled with friendly people and good food. The most iconic image of Zacatlan is the floral musical clock in the town center, one of the most unique things I’ve seen in Mexico.
👉 How To Get To Zacatlan From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Zacatlan de las Manzanas is a little further away from Puebla, meaning you could also consider it as one of your weekend trips from Puebla. However, visiting on a day trip is also possible, so if you’re short on time, don’t worry!
There are direct buses from Puebla City to Zacatlan at CAPU Bus Station. The bus takes about 2.5 hours and leaves frequently from several different bus operators.
If you’re driving, much of the route goes from Autopista Puebla-Tlaxcala to PUE 119D and Zacatlan-Chignahuapan/Mexico 119. You can also take a guided tour from Puebla City to Zacatlan de las Manzanas and Chignahuapan.
🎖️ Top Zacatlan Tours
👍 From Puebla: Zacatlan and Chignahuapan Magical Towns
3.8 ⭐ 4 Reviews
A combined tour including Zacatlan and Chignahuapan is the most popular way to visit both magical towns in one day.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation to Zacatlan and Chignahuapan and a sightseeing tour of each town. It’s a unique experience from other popular day trips from Puebla, Mexico.
6. Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is a must-see for a day trip to Mexico from Puebla. Teotihuacan is a large, ancient complex that dates back thousands of years.
At its peak, between 375 and 500 CE, the city’s influence stretched throughout Mesoamerica. Today, it’s the second-most visited archeological site in Mexico, behind Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula.
A tour of Teotihuacan is one of the best day trips from Puebla, Mexico. You can walk through the complexes and pyramids and learn more about this fascinating piece of Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec history.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan is a popular day trip from Mexico City, but if you don’t have the time to go to Mexico City for this trip, you can also visit the site from Puebla.
👉 How To Get To Teotihuacan From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 2 hours
There’s no easy way to visit Teotihuacan, but public transportation from Puebla is available. You would have to get to San Juan and Teotihuacan via Mexico City, adding several hours to your trip.
The best ways to get there from Puebla City are to drive (which can also be expensive), hire a private driver, or take a guided tour.
If you drive yourself, you’ll want to cut around Mexico City by taking 150D out of Puebla toward Mexico City and then turning onto 57D to stay east of the city.
🎖️ Top Teotihuacan Tours
👍 From Puebla: Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone Private Tour
5.0 ⭐ 1 Review
The easiest route from Puebla to Teotihuacan is with a Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone Private Tour. This tour allows you a lot of independence and freedom. Transportation and a private, guided tour of the complex are all included in the price.
Great tour!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ get your guide traveler, october 2022
7. La Malinche
La Malinche (also called Matlalcueitl, Matlalcueye, or Malintzin) is an inactive volcano near Puebla. La Malinche is inside La Malinche National Park, an underrated hiker’s paradise in Central Mexico.
Through La Malinche National Park, you can hike to the peak of La Malinche volcano, which is around 4,461 meters (14,635 feet) high. Given the elevation, hiking the volcano isn’t a walk in the park.
The high altitude certainly makes things more challenging, but this region’s views from the top and the experience from start to finish are unparalleled.
👉 How To Get To Malinche From Puebla
Distance from Puebla: 1 hour and 30 minutes
La Malinche is easily accessible from Puebla in many different ways. The cheapest option is to travel there via public transportation.
You can get a bus at CAPU Station in Puebla to Apizaco, about 50 minutes from La Malinche National Park. From Apizaco, you can take a colectivo/local bus from the corner of Hidalgo Avenue and Serdan Avenue or a taxi to the entrance.
If you’re taking a bus, the tricky part is taking a bus back to Puebla. The return buses run on much more limited schedules in the later afternoons. The last bus back to Puebla is around 5:00 p.m. (you need to double-check this before you enter the park, though, because it constantly changes), so you won’t want to miss your routine.
If you’re driving, you can hop on Av. Alfredo Toxqui and Huamantla toward Tlaxcala almost the entire way there.
You can also take a guided tour from Puebla City to La Malinche, which is handy if you’re worried about getting lost on the way up to the peak.
🎖️ Top Malinche Tours
👍 Puebla: Full-Day Malinche Summit Experience
5.0 ⭐ 1 Review
If you’re looking for the best tours in Puebla, look no further than the Malinche Summit Experience. This exhausting, action-packed adventure is also one of the city’s most rewarding experiences.
It’s a thorough tour that includes transportation, a guide up the volcano with recommendations, hiking equipment (a helmet and hiking sticks), and some snacks.
👍 From Puebla: 7-Hour Malinche Volcano Hiking Tour
4.5 ⭐ 2 Reviews
Check out this amazing Malinche Volcano Hiking Tour if you want another option. The tour also takes you to the summit of La Malinche. It includes hiking sticks, an 8-ounce bottle of water (you’ll want to bring more), an energy bar, coffee or tea, a guide, and transportation.
How To Get Around Puebla Mexico?
Puebla City is a bustling, international city with good public transportation, plenty of taxis, tour options, and rideshares on every corner.
The colectivos, or public buses/vans, go by all the main streets and run every route around the city. You can use Google Maps or Moovit to find most bus routes and other navigation needs.
Uber, DiDi, and other rideshare apps are also very popular in Puebla, and they are very easy to take on from almost anywhere. You can also walk almost anywhere in the historic center of Puebla.
Unfortunately, there’s no metro or train system in Puebla City.
What Should I Pack For A Day Trip From Puebla Mexico?
What you should back for a day trip from Puebla may vary depending on exactly where you’re going and what you’re planning on doing, but here’s a simple list of some must-have items in your day bag:
🎒 Water: Remember that Puebla is a very high-altitude city, and you might need more water than you’d think.
🎒 Comfortable walking shoes (or hiking boots if you’re hiking): All the best Puebla day tours typically involve a lot of walking and exploring.
🎒 Jacket and/or sweater: Because Puebla is high elevation, it can get chilly at times, especially at night or up in the mountains/volcanoes).
🎒 Sunscreen: The sun can also be intense, so bring sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses can also be helpful.
🎒 Cash: Many places accept credit cards, but you might want some money (Mexican pesos) on hand for tipping or small purchases.
Is it safe to do day trips from Puebla?
Yes, Puebla is a relatively safe city, and most day trips from Puebla are fine. There are always things to be aware of.
For example, you should never drive in Mexico at night and always drive on toll roads when possible. If you have any doubts, join a guided tour for more peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Puebla Mexico
Can I Do A Day Trip From Puebla To Mexico City?
However, there are also so many great things to do in Mexico City that you should try to spend a few days there if you can fit it in.
How Many Days Do You Need In Puebla?
However, if you want to schedule several day trips from Puebla Mexico, I recommend around 3-4 days so that you can spend one or two days in Puebla City and a few other days exploring more of the state.
Is Puebla Worth Visiting?
There are fewer tourists in Puebla, but there is so much to do and an abundance of rich culture on every corner and street.
Why Is Puebla So Popular?
Furthermore, it’s the birthplace of some of the best Mexican cuisine (mole, chiles nogada, and cemitas, to name a few) and is known to have some of the best food in the country.
What Is The Best Way To Travel To Puebla?
There are direct buses between Puebla and Mexico City, and buses run from Mexico City International Airport to Puebla. Alternatively, it’s also very easy to hire a transfer service.
Is One Day Enough To Visit Puebla?
Wrapping Up: Best Day Trips From Puebla
Puebla, the city of angels, is one of Mexico’s most beautiful large cities. There’s a lot to love, whether it’s the oldest public library in the Americas, the breathtaking churches with a long history, and the scenic views.
If you want to see the most of Puebla, you should escape the city and consider some of the best day trips from Puebla Mexico.
Cholula and Atlixco are two of the most popular magic towns, and there’s a lot to it. But there’s also a lot of nature between La Malinche and Izta-Popo National Park!
Before You Go…
Here are some useful posts that you might be interested in:
