Mexico City to Tula Toltec and Tepotzotlan: Private day trip

Tula began as a small urban settlement in the 7th century, but by its peak around the 900 or 1000, had grown to the largest and most powerful city in Mesoamerica. However, the city’s dominion didn’t last long, with the site being largely abandoned by the 12th century, and its pyramids and temples burned, leaving behind a small community of indigenous craftsmen who continued to inhabit the ruins through the colonial era. While little more than foundations remain of the residential neighborhood, two pyramids still dominate the site. The Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl stands in front of the ruined palace, and is unique in Mesoamerica because it is topped by four 4-metre-high basalt columns carved into Toltec warriors. Allow yourself 30 minutes for the on-site museum to see artefacts like ceramics, jewelry, metalwork, and stone figures from Tula and other ancient civilizations throughout Mexico.

When the Spanish arrived to the area in 1520, they leveled the indigenous settlement at Tepotzotlan and used it as a base for spreading Christianity to the area. The Jesuits established 3 schools here in the late 16th century, and today, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A living survey of colonial architecture, the complex showcases everything from elegant Renaissance to opulent Baroque architecture, and the entire building is now a Museum of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Inside, you’ll not only find a small exhibition of indigenous artefacts, but some of the country’s most precious folk and religious art (loaned from Mexico City’s Cathedral). Make sure to save a large chunk of time for the Templo de San Francisco Javier - one of Mexico’s most opulent examples of Churrigueresque architecture, where the almost overwhelmingly ornate altars are completely covered in gold gilt.