Mexico City is a city full of options for everyone every weekend, but a short getaway to connect with nature isn’t a bad idea. Fortunately, there are many options, even less than an hour from the capital.
In the center of the country, there are beautiful towns that, in addition to offering stunning landscapes, offer a chilly atmosphere for a weekend getaway, ideal for those who love low temperatures and spending time with family or friends.
In these towns, you can find beautiful landscapes, traditional food, and a wealth of history. They are ideal places for adventure, hiking, camping in the middle of nature, or climbing. Remember that whenever you visit, you should protect nature, not litter, and avoid making fires if there’s a risk of fire.
One of the towns I recommend is located approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. The altitude contributes to a mild temperature year-round, with the coldest months being between November and March. In winter, the temperature at dawn can drop below freezing (0°C).
Before leaving for the town you choose, I recommend checking the weather conditions so you’re prepared. Use the Meteored México website or download the app on your phone, and activate notifications to stay informed.
Tepotzotlán
Located in the State of Mexico, just 50 kilometers away, it is one of the Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) closest to the capital. Its main tourist attraction is the stunning former Colegio de San Francisco Javier, a Baroque gem that now houses the National Museum of the Viceroyalty. After the tour, you can stroll through its plaza.
The Tepotzotlán aqueduct is a monumental work erected during the viceroyalty era in the early 18th century.
In the museum, you will find more than 34,000 pieces of art from the 16th to the 19th centuries produced by New Spain artists and artisans. Within its walls, you will see everything from sacred paintings to objects brought from the East during the colonial period. Don’t forget to eat some corn on the cob or some traditional sweets before heading back.
Villa del Carbón
This Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) is also located in the State of Mexico. It is a community well known for its natural and architectural treasures, such as its churches. Villa del Carbón is located 63 kilometers northwest of Mexico City.
In the center of town, you’ll find numerous workshops and shops dedicated to the production of leather goods: an excellent opportunity to purchase shoes, belts, wallets, and bags made by Mexican artisans.
Tepoztlán
This is perhaps one of the Magical Towns closest to Mexico City, located 82 kilometers from the capital. The Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) is located in the state of Morelos. One of the must-do activities is climbing Tepozteco Hill to admire the valley from over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Malinalco
We continue in the State of Mexico, but now heading southwest until we reach the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Malinalco, located 101 kilometers from Mexico City. Malinalco has existed since pre-Hispanic times and is currently recognized for two monuments of great architectural and artistic value.
Huasca
Huasca holds a special place within Mexico’s Magical Towns program because it was the first to receive this designation.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through its historic center or stop in one of its cafes or tea houses to spend the afternoon. Malinalco also has a wide range of spas, holistic centers, and retreat hotels.
Huasca de Ocampo
This Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) will connect you with a beautiful route of other towns of this category that are located on the Hidalgo mining route. Huasca de Ocampo is located 143 kilometers from the capital. It is a mountain town and can get cold at night, especially in winter.
In Huasca de Ocampos, you’ll find Peña del Aire, a prime spot for astronomical observation.
Huasca is known for its basaltic prisms, rock formations with a peculiar prismatic shape created by volcanic activity. Bathed by waterfalls and streams, they offer a unique picture. In addition, in this Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), you can also visit the former Haciendas of Santa María and San Miguel Regla.
Source: meteored
