Must-see Places Near Mexico City
Perfect Weekend Trips from the Capital City--Tepoztlán and Queretaro
Feb 19, 2009
From a quaint colonial city without the heavy tourist traffic to a relaxation haven, places nearby Mexico City offer the perfect mix for every kind of traveler. Hopping aboard a comfortable, safe and clean bus from Mexico City makes traveling easy and worry-free.
Tepoztlán, Morelos
Famous for its alternative medicine, healing massage therapy and pre-Hispanic steam baths, Tepoztlán is the ideal place for a relaxing getaway. Nestled into a lush valley surrounded by impressive mountain cliffs, this small town claims to be the birthplace of the Aztec serpent god, Quetzalcóatl.
- Visit the monastery Ex-Convento de la Natividad that dates back 400 years. The colorful and beautifully designed archway forms a mural made up entirely of seeds.
- Detox with a temazcal or pre-Hispanic steam bath. Most hotels offer this service, but the most picturesque place for the steam bath is at the hotel Posada del Tepozteco. Lush gardens, beautiful rooms and an amazing view also make this hotel a great place to stay or, at least, a great place to grab some lunch or drinks and enjoy the scenic view.
- Visitors looking for more adventure, can climb the Pyramid of Tepozteco. This steep climb is not for everyone, but those who do find their way to the top will be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view.
Getting to Tepoztlán from Mexico City
Buses depart the Tasqueña bus terminal every 30 minutes starting at 5:45 am. Cost is $74 Mexican pesos. Estimated travel time is one hour.
Queretaro, Queretaro
One of Mexico's most underrated cities, Queretaro boasts beautiful gardens and plazas, historical sites and a not-so-touristy ambiance. This colonial city played an important role in Mexican history, as this is where revolutionary heroes plotted Mexico's freedom from Spain and where the 1917 Mexican constitution was signed.
- Strolling through Queretaro's beautiful downtown plazas and the cobblestone pedestrian walkways that connect each other is a great way to soak in the local atmosphere.
- Visit the Teatro de la República, which dates back to 1852. Top Mexican leaders gathered in this charming theater on January 31, 1917 to sign Mexico's constitution. Behind the theater's stage, a large plaque reveals the names of all the leaders who signed and what state they represented.
- Check out Los Arcos or Queretaro's famed 17th century archways that tower over the city. The archways are actually the foundation for an aqueduct that provides water to the city.
Getting to Queretaro from Mexico City
Buses depart from the Terminal del Norte bus terminal every half hour starting at 6 am. Estimated travel time is two hours and 45 minutes. Cost is $195 Mexican pesos.
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