19 Top Excursions from Puebla City You’ll Love (Half-Day and Day Trips)

Are you staying in Puebla for a while and don’t know what to do? Have you already seen all the great architecture, parks, and restaurants the city has to offer? A day trip or excursion to the surrounding area might be just what you need to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas for what you can do with Puebla as your starting point—perfect for a day trip or even a half-day escape—from someone who lives here.

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Visit Nearby Pueblos Mágicos

Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) are lesser-known towns promoted by the Mexican government for their outstanding cultural, historical, or gastronomic heritage. They’re usually less crowded than the typical tourist spots, and each one has its own vibe. Here are some top picks for Pueblos Mágicos near Puebla:

1. See the “Dance of the Flying Men” in Cholula

The closest Pueblo Mágico to Puebla is Cholula. At Soria Park, you can watch the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flying Men), a daily performance around 1–1.30 PM where four men slowly descend upside down from a tall pole—an absolute highlight on any sightseeing tour.

Afterward, stroll Cholula’s colorful streets, buy some artisanal souvenirs, and enjoy local food. Don’t miss the Great Pyramid of Cholula—the world’s largest pyramid by volume (though most of it’s hidden under a hill). You can walk around the excavated ruins and get a panoramic view from the church on the top of the hill, from where you’ll also see Puebla and the volcanoes Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and La Malinche.

Travel time: 30-minute drive from Puebla city center

2. Buy Flowers in Atlixco and See a UFO

Atlixco is famous for its flower nurseries and the San Miguel Church on a hilltop with a great view of the Popocatépetl volcano (on clear days). Don’t miss the “Wide Stairs” painted in vibrant colors, visit the local market to grab a bite, and yes—see a UFO outside town. Seasonal tip: From mid-October to early November, Atlixco displays giant Catrina statues all over town for the Day of the Dead celebrations.

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes by car or bus

3. Admire the Mosaic Murals in Zacatlán

Zacatlán de las Manzanas is a mountain town with stunning views into the Goldfinches Canyon. But what stands out are the mosaic murals that line the streets: From religious themes to scenes from the village’s past and the things that are unique to Zacatlán: Apples and clocks!

Do a cider tasting, check out the giant flower clock in the main square, or go horseback riding in the Valley of Piled Stones, about an hour north of town.

Travel time: 2.5–3.5 hours by car or bus

4. Hike to Cuetzalan’s Waterfalls and Grottos

One of Mexico’s most beautiful mountain towns and my personal favorite, Cuetzalan, is surrounded by lush forests that invite you to hike to nearby waterfalls and grottos. Visit the weekend market and don’t miss the Danza de los Voladores here, too—an impressive pre-Hispanic tradition (see a photo here).

Travel time: 3.5–4 hours by car or bus

5. Relax in Chignahuapan’s Thermal Springs and Buy Christmas Spheres

Looking for unique Christmas decorations? Chignahuapan is home to workshops that produce Christmas spheres year-round. There’s also the Axolotl Museum, where you can see some of those amazing salamanders endemic to Mexico. Learn why they’re so unique and wrap up your visit by enjoying the warm thermal water in the town’s thermal springs.

Travel time: 2.5–3.5 hours by car or bus

6. Relax at a Spa in Tepoztlán

In the state of Morelos, Tepoztlán is surrounded by the Tepozteco mountains and has a laid-back, spiritual vibe. You’ll find spas and esoteric shops offering massages, temazcales (Mexican sweat lodges), tarot readers, and yoga studios. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets and try itacates (triangle-shaped tortillas with fillings) and tlatlequeadas (veggie patties) at the local market.

If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to the small pyramid on Tepozteco mountain for a breathtaking view of the town in the valley and the surrounding mountains. Be aware, though, that although there are stairs up to the mountain top, the climb can be pretty strenuous and takes about 1–1.5 hours.

Travel time: 2 hours by car

7. Where it All Began: Puebla’s First Magical Neighborhood – San Francisco, El Origen

If you’ve got only 1–3 hours and don’t want to travel far, check out Puebla’s first Barrio Mágico (Magical Neighborhood), San Francisco, El Origen. It actually includes four neighborhoods: San Francisco, La Paz, El Alto, and Analco. These were some of the earliest districts built when Puebla was founded in the 16th century.

Grab a bite at the El Alto market (often with live mariachi bands), relax in the San Francisco park near the convent ruins, and visit the colorful mural in Analco—my favorite in the whole city.

Travel time: 20-minute walk from Puebla city center

Half-Day Trips to Haciendas and More

There’s more to Mexico than Pueblos Mágicos, pyramids, and beaches. Enjoy villages with a European flair and visit former haciendas.

8. Visit the Ex-Hacienda Chautla and its Castle

Certainly not what you’d expect to find in Mexico: An English-style castle overlooking a lake divided by a dam. The ex-hacienda Chautla is a great destination for a half-day trip. Paddle the lake, take some photos from the castle’s rooftop, or even go fishing and have your catch cooked at the on-site restaurant.

Travel time: 45 minutes by car

9. Visit Val’Quirico, a Tuscany-Style Village

Val’Quirico is a themed village that was built to mimic a medieval Tuscan village. Walk cobblestone streets along rustic stone facades, ivy-covered walls, and charming plazas. Although Val’Quirico is located in the neighboring state of Tlaxcala, poblanos (people from Puebla) like to come here to dine in the restaurants at the plazas, go shopping in small boutiques, or walk along the cobblestone alleys. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the alleys are lit with lanterns.

Keep in mind that Val’Quirico is not a historic village, but was built as a tourist destination. It therefore lacks the originality of an organically grown place like Chipilo. However, it’s a nice change of scenery and a great location for dining out with your loved ones.

Travel time: 30 minutes by car

10. Eat Pizza and Pasta in Chipilo, an Italian Enclave

If you don’t want to travel too far, take a half-day trip to Chipilo, a small village just 40 minutes from Puebla city center. In the 19th century, Italian immigrants from Venetia settled down here and preserved their language and parts of their culture until today. A great place to buy some Italian-style groceries and eat pizza. On your way back, stop at the San Francisco Acatepec church, known for its beautiful facade decorated with Talavera (colored ceramic tiles).

Travel time: 40 minutes by car or Uber

Dive Into Mexico’s Past – Ancient Pyramids

Who hasn’t heard of Mexico’s great pyramids and archaeological sites? It doesn’t have to be Yucatán’s Chichen Itza, as there are more and often less crowded places to see. Below you see which pyramids you can reach in a half-day or day trip.

11. Climb the Archaeological Ruins of Cantona

Stroll along the ruins of one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico: Cantona. From its pyramids, ball courts, and cobbled streets, you have a great view of the surrounding mountains. Best of all, you can still climb the pyramids (which isn’t allowed at many sites). On your way back, stop at the nearby Hacienda Tepetlcalli for a meal in its garden, watching peacocks strolling by.

Travel time: 1.5–hour drive from Puebla

12. Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula

As mentioned earlier, the Great Pyramid of Cholula deserves another shoutout as the world’s largest pyramid by volume (though mostly covered under a hill). To understand the pyramid’s history, first visit the museum north of the hill (entry included in your ticket) and then enter the archaeological site on its south. Afterward, climb the hilltop with its beautiful church, and enjoy the stunning view of Puebla and the volcanoes Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and La Malinche.

Travel time: 30-minute drive from Puebla

13. Go on a Day Trip to Mexico City’s Teotihuacán

Teotihuacán is one of the most iconic archaeological sites of Mexico. UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site in 1987; its Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon are massive. Plan a full day to have enough time to explore the site and visit its museums. I suggest to get a guide, so you really understand the history and meaning behind it all. And above all, go early, as this is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico!

Travel time: 2 hours by car from Puebla

14. Explore the Pyramids of Tehuacán

If you prefer archaeological sites that are less known and not overrun by tourists, the pyramids of Tehuacán might be just for you. You’ll probably have the place for yourself. Just check my tips on how to arrive, as Google Maps can be misleading here. You’ll find temples, residences of governors and priests, and pyramids. Even if the site is not as impressive as Mexico City’s Teotihuacán, its solemn atmosphere and the surrounding nature make it worthwhile.

If you’re into nature, add a stop in Zapotitlán Salinas, just 40 minutes away, to visit a botanical garden of cacti in a desert-like scenery.

Travel time: 2 hours by car or bus from Puebla

For Nature Lovers

If you love nature and wildlife, Puebla has several things to offer. Go on a safari, for a hike, or on a day trip to the cactus fields and salt mines in Zapotitlán—all you have to do is decide where you want to go first.

15. Go on a Safari at Africam Safari

Africam Safari is a drive-through wildlife park just outside Puebla where the animals roam freely and have more space than in traditional zoos. You can drive your own car or take a guided bus tour from Puebla.

Travel time: 50 minutes by car (plan about 6 hours total if taking a bus tour)

16. Hike to the Volcanoes Izta or La Malinche

If you’re up for some outdoor adventure, you can book guided hiking tours up the nearby volcanoes Iztaccíhuatl (short: Izta) or La Malinche. The air gets thin, so it’s a challenge—but the views make it worthwhile. Make sure to wear proper hiking boots and clothing.

Note: Popocatépetl (short: Popo), the third volcano surrounding Puebla, is currently off-limits due to volcanic activity.

Travel time: 2 hours by car; tours are full-day experiences

17. Go for a Walk on Cholula’s Cerro Zapotecas

If you have little time and don’t want to travel far, why not go for a short walk in nature in San Pedro Cholula? The way up to the Cerro Zapotecas hilltop is a short walk through a pine forest, and from the top, you have a great view of the Popocatépetl. The hill is ideal for a short or a bit longer walk, depending on how much time you have. On weekends, you’ll also find mountain bikers cycling up and down the hill.

Travel time: 45 minutes by car or Uber from Puebla

18. Visit the Cactus Fields of Zapotitlán Salinas

Zapotitlán Salinas is a tiny village in the biosphere reserve Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, home to rare endemic cacti. In this semi-arid area, the indigenous people learned to live from the little that could be found to eat: Cactus fruits and flowers, and insects. You can try this type of food yourself in one of the local restaurants. After learning more about cacti at the Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden, check out the salt mines, and relax at the outdoor pool “Balneario La Huerta” with a view of the village and the surrounding mountains.

And as it’s just half an hour from Tehuacán, plan an extra stop to visit the pyramids there.

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car or bus (transfer in Tehuacán)

19. Go for a Walk at the Historic Site of the Forts

If you don’t want to travel far, but still want to go for a walk, visit the Historic Site of the Forts (Los Fuertes). Walk under trees, relax at a small lake, and sit in the grass. You can also visit museums, two forts, and a planetarium, or take a cable car ride. A great trip for the whole family, as there’s something in it for everyone!

Travel time: 20 minutes by car

How to Get Around

There are various options to get to the places mentioned:

• By booking a trip from the tourist office at the zócalo (for example, for trips to Cholula, Cuetzalan, Zacatlán, Chignahuapan, Africam Safari, and Los Fuertes)
• By taking a bus ride from the CAPU or Paseo Destino bus stations in Puebla (my favorite bus company is ADO – clean, climate-controlled, reliable)
• By renting a car (especially to go to Cantona)
• By booking guided tours online

Going by car is often more comfortable and takes less time, but the bus rides with the big bus companies like ADO are also ok. Just remember to travel during the day and avoid traveling by night.

Conclusion

I hope I’ve given you some ideas for half-day and day trips from Puebla. Mind you, this list isn’t complete, and there’s much more to explore. There are many more Pueblos Mágicos in the state of Puebla alone, and interesting places to visit. Enough reasons to come back and explore more!

Read Next:

• Driving in Mexico: How to Prepare and Stay Safe
• 24 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico – Colonial Architecture, Culture, and Cuisine
• 17 Typical Dishes of Puebla – A Food Guide
• Discover Mexico’s Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) – Local’s Guide
• 11 Useful Apps for Traveling to Mexico