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TEOTIHUACAN, MEXICO - 28 DECEMBER 2015: Scenic view of Pyramid of the Sun and Avenue of the dead in Teotihuacan, near Mexico city

©Martin M303/Shutterstock

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Overview

With its daunting size and seemingly endless sprawl, the megalopolis of Mexico City might seem like a challenge to escape from, but even if you’re in Mexico’s capital for only a week, the ancient ruins, pueblos mágicos (magical villages) and stunning mountain landscape of the surrounding area should not be missed. Mexico City – like many capitals – has little in common with even its closest neighbors.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico.

    Pirámide del Sol

    Teotihuacán

    The world’s third-largest pyramid – surpassed in size only by Egypt’s Cheops (which is also a tomb, unlike the temples here) and the pyramid of…

  • Pirámide de Tepozteco, built on the peak of the Sierra de Tepoztlan, Mexico.

    Pirámide de Tepozteco

    Tepoztlán

    Tepoztlán's main sight is this 10m-high pyramid perched atop a sheer cliff at the end of a very steep paved path that begins at the end of Avenida del…

  • Santa Prisca Church, Taxco, Mexico.

    Templo de Santa Prisca

    Taxco

    The icon of Taxco, Santa Prisca is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and striking pieces of baroque architecture. Its standout feature (best viewed side-on)…

  • Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan, Mexico.

    Pirámide de la Luna

    Teotihuacán

    The Pyramid of the Moon, at the north end of the Calzada de los Muertos, is smaller than the Pirámide del Sol, but more gracefully proportioned. Completed…

  • Museo Robert Brady

    Museo Robert Brady

    Cuernavaca

    Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be independently wealthy and spend their life traveling around the world collecting art for their lavish Mexican…

  • Quetzalcoatl Pyramid Temple at Teotihuacan Ruins.

    Templo de Quetzalcóatl

    Teotihuacán

    Teotihuacán's third-largest pyramid is the most ornate. The four surviving steps of the facade (there were originally seven) are adorned with striking…

  • Puebla Cathedral.

    Catedral de Puebla

    Puebla

    Puebla’s impressive cathedral, which appeared on Mexico’s M$500 bill until 2019, occupies the entire block south of the zócalo. Its architecture is a…

  • Museo Internacional del Barroco

    Museo Internacional del Barroco

    Puebla

    This monumental white, architecturally spectacular museum is dedicated to the showy baroque movement – art, fashion, music and literature. The museum,…

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