Mexico City is undoubtedly the vibrant bustling heart of Mexico itself—chock-full of fun things to see and do, this cultural capital is bursting with historic attractions, amazing food, and a proud past reflected in everything from its architecture to its entertainment. However, there’s plenty to see just outside the city limits, too—especially for travelers who want to relax, recharge, and bask in some of Mexico’s most stunning and dynamic natural landscapes.

Though Mexico City has it all, it’s definitely worth it to take a road trip from the city to fully experience the region’s diverse and exciting landscape—just a short drive from the city center is enough to take visitors into a whole new world of outdoor adventures, cultural history, and delicious eats that makes Mexico such a special place to visit.

The following two-day itinerary takes visitors on a short adventure out of the hustle and bustle of Mexico City and offers everything from outdoor adventures to historic haunts—and everything in between.

RELATED: Myth Or Fact: Is Mexico City Sinking & Should You Visit ASAP?

Day One: The Great Outdoors

The first day of this two-day itinerary is a study in outdoor adventures—offering travelers some of the most wow-worthy sites in the southern border states. Hiking, history, and volcanoes(!) are some highlights of this trip that begins with a visit to the oldest national park in Mexico: Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park.

Distance from Mexico City: Less than two hours

Travel Tip: One of the volcanoes in the park, Popocatépetl, is an active volcano, so be sure to check on its activity before planning your trip

Things To Do In Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park

Crossing over the state lines of Puebla, Morales, and Estado de Mexico, Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, often referred to as Izta-Popo Park, is spread over almost 100,000-acres and has a mythology all its own. As local legend has it, the park’s two snow-capped volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl represent two star-crossed lovers transformed into mountains, destined to spend eternity side by side.

A peaceful and relaxing natural retreat that’s a great day trip from Mexico City, there are a number of things to see and do at this breathtaking national park.

  • Start the day at the Paso de Cortes Visitor Center, located between the two towering volcanoes at approximately 12,000-feet above sea level. This is a great place for some of the best volcano views, and where visitors can pay the necessary fees for hiking and camping in the park
  • The park is home to a number of diverse ecosystems, perfect for both wildlife watching and soaking up the scenery which includes a mix of forests, grasslands, and rugged mountain elevations. Be on the lookout for species like foxes, lynxes, coyotes, and more, in addition to the teporingo (aka volcano rabbit) which is only found on the volcanoes’ slopes
  • Take a hike or have an adventure on two wheels with a mountain biking excursion. There are many hiking trails that vary in skill level, from trails that begin at Paso de Cortes to expeditions to La Joya, which provides access to the volcano, including climbs to the summit of Iztaccíhuatl (guided tours are available, and highly recommended)

RELATED: Mexico City Is Better Viewed From The Air (In A Hot Air Balloon)

Where To Stay Near Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park

Camping is allowed in Izta-Popo, but facilities are extremely limited, so travelers not interested in roughing it will most likely want to stay at a nearby hotel such as the Hotel Campestre Eden, which is conveniently located within the park and has its own pyramid complete with a temazcal (traditional Mexican sweat lodge). There are also several other hotels in nearby Amecameca and Ayapango, too.

  • Hotel Fontestana Av. Hidalgo #370, Amecameca, Mexico City
  • Hotel San Carlos De La Constitución 10, Centro, 56900 Amecameca de Juárez, Mexico
  • Hacienda San Andrés Former Hacienda de San Andrés, Retana s/n Ayapango, State of Mexico

Day Two: A Temple, A Palace, And Mexico City’s Highest Peak

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel, then hit the road for an unforgettable second day of adventure that is filled with historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and even more spectacular views (including Mexico City’s highest peak).

Tepoztlán: Birthplace of Quetzalcóatl

This historic small town is known as a Náhuatl cultural center and is home to a number of restaurants and fun things to do, including the pueblo mágico, where there is a bustling crafts market. Those that want to explore will want to visit the town’s most culturally significant site, the Pirámide de Tepozteco, an over 30-foot high pyramid built to honor the Aztec god of harvest and fertility. Here, there is a steep path that is worth the hike, if only for the panoramic valley views seen from the summit.

Where To Dine In Tepoztlán

There are a number of restaurants where visitors can grab a midday bite before heading to the next stop on the itinerary.

  • El Ciruelo Zaragoza 17, Barrio La Santísima, Tepoztlán
  • Cordelia Restaurant at Posada del Tepozteco Paraiso 3 Barrio de San Miguel, Tepoztlán
  • La Luna Mextli Avenida Revolución 16 62520, Tepoztlán
  • Restaurante Axitla Del Tepozteco, Tierra Blanca, 62520, Tepoztlán

RELATED: From Mexico City To Temple Ruins: A Complete Itinerary

A Palace, A Park, And An Adventure

En route to the final stop on this epic two-day road trip, stop at Cuernavaca to explore the Palacio de Cortés (The Palace of Cortés)—the medieval 16th-century fortress of one of Mexico’s most famous and dynamic figures, Hernán Cortés. Here, visitors can visit the palace’s museum, see a mural from Diego Rivera, and bask in the area’s impressive history.

Just a short hour drive from Cuernavaca is the trip’s final stop at the Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco, home to several towering peaks including the Creuz del Marqués, towering almost 5,000-feet above Mexico City.

  • Take a hike on the Cerro Ajusco Summit Trail, an almost six-mile loop trail that, at its summit, offers stunning views of both the forest below and of nearby Mexico City
  • Have an outdoor adventure—mountain biking, ATVing, and climbing are just a few of the fun things to do here
  • Grab a bite at the park’s restaurant, located near the trailhead. Be sure to try their fresh-made quesadillas and a mug of champurrado (a warm, corn-based drink)
  • Climb Ajusco, an extinct volcano that’s one of the most climbed peaks in all of Mexico—and some of the best views around
  • Splurge and spend the night at Ecocamp Ajusco Rotamundos before the short one-hour drive back to Mexico City

Mexico City has it all: historic haunts, cultural attractions, and a top-tier cuisine scene are just a few of the reasons to visit this amazing city. However, there’s so much more to see and do beyond the city limits—stunning natural landscapes, historic heritage, and delicious fare await the adventurous traveler looking to get out of the city for a weekend escape. The perfect complement to Mexico City’s bustling vibes, this two-day itinerary is an adventure all its own.