Central Highlands & Mexico City Region
Ancient pyramids and modern culture in the heart of Mexico 🇲🇽
The Central Highlands serve as the beating heart of Mexico, centered around the sprawling, vibrant capital of Mexico City. Sitting at high altitude, this region enjoys a temperate, spring-like climate year-round, though evenings can be cool. For families, this area offers an unparalleled density of cultural and historical attractions, from the pre-Hispanic grandeur of Teotihuacán—where you can walk down the Avenue of the Dead—to the colonial charm of cities like Puebla and Cuernavaca.
Mexico City itself is a playground for curious minds. The Bosque de Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, housing the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, a zoo, and a castle that looks like it was plucked from a fairy tale. Families can spend weekends floating down the canals of Xochimilco on brightly painted flat-bottomed boats, enjoying music and food from passing vendors. The city's interactive museums, such as the Papalote Museo del Niño, are specifically designed to engage younger travelers.
Just outside the capital, the region offers diverse experiences. In Puebla, famous for its mole poblano and intricate Talavera pottery, families can explore the Safari Park or visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula. The nearby "Magic Towns" (Pueblos Mágicos) like Tepoztlán offer hiking opportunities and a glimpse into traditional Mexican life. While the pace of the capital can be frantic, the surrounding highlands provide ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration, all set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes like Popocatépetl.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Mexico City and Puebla are global cultural titans featuring UNESCO historic centers, world-class museums like the Anthropology Museum, and a sophisticated culinary scene. Peak dry months (Oct-Mar) offer perfect temperatures and clear skies for urban exploration; the summer rainy season (Jun-Sep) brings heavy afternoon downpours that can disrupt outdoor sightseeing.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to the massive Teotihuacán archaeological site and profound Aztec and colonial history that provides an unparalleled learning environment for families. The dry season (Nov-Mar) is ideal for exploring vast outdoor ruins; high summer rainfall (Jun-Sep) makes extended site visits uncomfortable and limits accessibility to certain archaeological zones.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features world-renowned events like Day of the Dead (Nov) and Independence Day (Sep), offering deep, authentic cultural immersion. November is the premier peak with dry, pleasant weather, while September's festivities are significant despite higher rainfall; spring shoulder months cover major Semana Santa (Easter) traditions.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers world-class volcano hiking and unique ecological phenomena like the Monarch butterfly migration in nearby highland forests. The dry winter months (Nov-Mar) provide the necessary clear visibility and trail safety; summer months (Jun-Sep) are unsuitable due to heavy rains and frequent cloud cover obscuring mountain views.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Sophisticated retreats in Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán offer world-class spa facilities and traditional 'temazcal' healing ceremonies. The warm, dry spring (Feb-May) is perfect for enjoying outdoor gardens and pools; heavy summer rains (Jun-Sep) significantly degrade the tranquility and outdoor utility of these wellness sanctuaries.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Excellent infrastructure connects 'Pueblos Mágicos' and the Querétaro wine region, offering high-quality scenic drives through diverse highland landscapes. Peak months (Oct-Mar) ensure optimal road conditions and visibility; the monsoon season (Jun-Sep) poses risks of localized flooding and challenging driving in mountainous terrain.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
High-altitude golf courses and cycling routes provide unique athletic challenges with professional-grade facilities. The stable, dry weather from November to March offers consistent conditions for outdoor play; the high humidity and heavy rainfall of summer (Jun-Sep) make most active outdoor recreation impractical.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Features internationally recognized venues like Africam Safari in Puebla and the original KidZania, providing high-quality, authentic family entertainment. Peak timing avoids the summer rainy season which can cause the closure of outdoor safari sections and animal exhibits.
Attractions (84 total)
Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Acuario Inbursa
Mexico City
An impressive underground aquarium in the Polanco district featuring five levels of marine biodiversity and over 14,000 specimens.
Visit website →Acuario Michin Ciudad de México
Mexico City
One of the largest aquariums in Latin America, offering immersive exhibits that highlight the biodiversity of Mexico's rivers and oceans.
Visit website →Acuario Michin Puebla
Puebla
A modern marine center that combines conservation with interactive exhibits, featuring sharks, rays, and a variety of Mexican aquatic species.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Africam Safari
Puebla
One of Latin America's premier safari parks where visitors drive through large enclosures to see giraffes, lions, and rhinos roaming freely.
Visit website →Chapultepec Zoo
Mexico City
An iconic urban zoo located within Chapultepec Park, world-renowned for its successful giant panda conservation program and diverse species.
Visit website →Los Coyotes Zoo
Mexico City
An ecological park and zoo specializing in the endemic flora and fauna of the Valley of Mexico, including wolves and coyotes.
Zoo Altiplano
Tlaxcala
The state's primary wildlife park featuring white lions and a variety of animals native to the Mexican highlands.
San Juan de Aragón Zoo
Mexico City
A major metropolitan zoo designed with a focus on semi-open enclosures that replicate different global ecosystems and biomes.
Zacango Zoo
Toluca
Built on the grounds of a former hacienda, this large zoo features over 180 species and is known for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Africam Safari (Interaction Zone)
Puebla
While primarily a safari, this world-class park includes a dedicated walk-through area where visitors can feed animals and interact with farm species.
Visit website →Granja Las Américas
Mexico City
An interactive theme park where children can learn about farm life, animal care, and environmental sustainability through hands-on workshops.
Visit website →Reino Animal
Otumba
A large conservation park near Teotihuacán featuring a safari, interactive farm zones, and a sanctuary for Mexican hairless dogs.
Visit website →Burrolandia
Otumba
A unique animal sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and protection of donkeys, offering educational tours in a traditional rural setting.
Visit website →Volcanic Park
Ciudad Serdán
An eco-adventure park located at the foot of the Pico de Orizaba volcano, featuring farm animals, reforestation programs, and rustic outdoor activities.
Visit website →Granja del Tío Pepe
Mexico City
A long-standing educational farm where families can participate in milking cows, riding ponies, and planting seeds in a rustic environment.
Visit website →Val’Quirico
Tlaxcala
A medieval European-style village set in the Mexican highlands that offers a rural experience with horse riding, artisanal markets, and animal interactions.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Angel of Independence
Mexico City
The most iconic monument in the city, symbolizing Mexico's freedom atop a grand victory column on Paseo de la Reforma.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mexico City
One of the world's most visited religious sites, featuring a modern circular basilica and an ornate 18th-century church.
Visit website →Metropolitan Cathedral
Mexico City
The largest and oldest cathedral in the Americas, built over several centuries at the heart of the city's main plaza.
Palace of Fine Arts
Mexico City
An architectural masterpiece hosting world-class murals and performing arts in a stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco building.
Visit website →Popocatépetl Volcano
Amecameca
One of Mexico's most active and iconic volcanoes, dominating the regional skyline with its snow-capped peak.
Visit website →Pyramids of Teotihuacán
San Juan Teotihuacán
A massive pre-Columbian archaeological site featuring the imposing Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Visit website →Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
Tlaxcala
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the earliest cathedrals in the Americas, famous for its mudéjar ceiling.
Puebla Cathedral
Puebla
An impressive Renaissance cathedral known for its twin towers, the tallest in Mexico, and its ornate interior.
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Aztlán Parque Urbano
Mexico City
A newly opened urban amusement park in Chapultepec featuring the massive Aztlán 360 Ferris wheel and cultural motifs.
Visit website →Six Flags Mexico
Mexico City
The largest theme park in Latin America, featuring world-class roller coasters and DC Comics-themed attractions.
Visit website →Kataplum
Mexico City
A unique amusement park built on the rooftop of a shopping mall featuring spinning coasters and panoramic city views.
Visit website →Bioparque Estrella
Chapa de Mota
A massive safari and adventure park offering animal interactions and over 20 attractions like the Serengeti Safari.
Visit website →KidZania Santa Fe
Mexico City
The original flagship location of the global indoor theme park where children experience adult life in a miniature city.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Borda Garden
Cuernavaca
A historic 18th-century formal garden and colonial mansion featuring fountains, tiered terraces, and exotic fruit trees once used as a summer residence for Emperor Maximilian I.
Chapultepec Botanical Garden
Mexico City
A diverse urban oasis featuring an orchidarium, succulent collections, and traditional Mexican flora in the heart of the city's largest park.
Visit website →UNAM Botanical Garden
Mexico City
A world-class research garden specializing in endangered Mexican succulents and cacti set within a dramatic volcanic rock landscape.
Visit website →Francisco Peláez R. Ethnobotanical Garden
San Andrés Cholula
A charming garden dedicated to the relationship between people and plants, featuring aromatic herbs, culinary species, and butterfly habitats near the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
Visit website →BUAP University Botanical Garden
Puebla
An educational garden showcasing high-altitude regional plants, oak forests, and medicinal herbs native to the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Bosque de Chapultepec
Mexico City
A massive urban park featuring lakes, forests, and cultural sites, serving as the green heart of the city for families.
Visit website →Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park
Amecameca
A spectacular mountain park featuring hiking trails and vantage points for viewing Mexico's iconic active volcanoes.
Visit website →Nevado de Toluca
Toluca
An extinct volcano offering high-altitude hiking to two stunning turquoise crater lakes inside its massive caldera.
Visit website →Xochimilco Canals
Mexico City
A network of ancient canals where families enjoy colorful boat rides through floating gardens and unique natural scenery.
Piedras Encimadas Valley
Zacatlán
A valley filled with mysterious and giant basalt rock formations that spark children's imaginations through exploration.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Chapultepec Castle
Mexico City
The only royal castle in the Americas, this hilltop landmark offers imperial history and panoramic city views.
Visit website →Great Pyramid of Cholula
Puebla
The world's largest pyramid by volume, topped by a colonial church and offering views of Popocatépetl.
Templo Mayor
Mexico City
The sacred heart of the Aztec Empire, these ruins in the city center reveal layers of ancient history.
Visit website →Teotihuacán
San Juan Teotihuacán
An immense archaeological complex featuring the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Visit website →Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Puebla
The first public library in colonial Mexico, featuring magnificent 18th-century cedar bookshelves.
Visit website →Ex-Hacienda de Chautla
Puebla
A picturesque estate featuring an English-style red brick castle surrounded by a serene lake and forest.
Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl
Tlaxcala
A historic site famous for its remarkably preserved Maya-style murals in the heart of the Central Highlands.
National Palace
Mexico City
The seat of the federal executive, housing famous Diego Rivera murals depicting Mexico's history.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Desierto de los Leones National Park
Mexico City
A dense forest sanctuary housing a 17th-century former monastery and numerous mountain biking and hiking trails.
Visit website →Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park
Amecameca
A high-altitude park featuring Mexico's iconic twin volcanoes with hiking trails and stunning alpine vistas.
Visit website →Nevado de Toluca National Park
Toluca
A spectacular dormant volcano featuring two turquoise lagoons within its crater, accessible via scenic hiking routes.
Xochimilco Ecological Reserve
Mexico City
A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving ancient Aztec agricultural canals and diverse wetland bird species.
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
Huitzilac
A serene cluster of high-altitude mountain lakes nestled within thick oyamel and pine forests.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Mexico City
The highest point in the Mexico City basin, offering pine-forested slopes and volcanic rock scrambling.
El Chico National Park
Mineral del Chico
One of Mexico's oldest protected areas, famous for its dramatic rock formations, dense pine forests, and eco-tourism.
La Malinche National Park
Tlaxcala
A popular destination for hikers looking to summit one of Mexico's highest dormant volcanoes through diverse forest zones.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
El Rollo Parque Acuático
Tlaquiltenango
One of Latin America's largest water parks, it offers dozens of attractions including a FlowRider surfing simulator and high-speed kamikaze slides.
Visit website →Parque Acuático Ixtapan
Ixtapan de la Sal
A historic destination in a famous spa town, this park combines thermal medicinal baths with a modern aquatic center and family-friendly attractions.
Visit website →Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec
Oaxtepec
This premier water park features a massive wave pool, high-adrenaline slides, and dedicated children's zones operated by the Six Flags brand.
Visit website →Balneario Agua Azul
Puebla
Established in 1935, this iconic urban aquatic center is famous for its large outdoor pools fed by natural sulfurous springs.
Visit website →Ex-Hacienda de Temixco Parque Acuático
Temixco
A unique water park set within the grounds of a 16th-century hacienda, blending historic colonial architecture with modern swimming pools and slides.
Visit website →Las Estacas Parque Natural
Tlaltizapán
This unique natural aquatic park is centered around a crystal-clear subterranean river where visitors can swim and snorkel in a lush jungle setting.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Historic Center of Mexico City (Zócalo)
Mexico City
The heart of the capital city, this massive square is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace on historic Aztec grounds.
Historic Center of Puebla
Puebla
A UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its colorful colonial architecture, baroque churches, and buildings decorated with local Talavera tiles.
Visit website →Teotihuacán Archaeological Site
San Juan Teotihuacán
A vast ancient Mesoamerican city featuring the massive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, perfect for exploring Mexico's pre-Hispanic history.
Visit website →Xochimilco Cultural Area
Mexico City
A festive network of ancient Aztec canals where families can cruise on colorful wooden boats through floating gardens.
Visit website →Historic Center of Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala City
A peaceful capital city featuring the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery and a central plaza filled with historic murals.
Visit website →Malinalco Archaeological Site
Malinalco
A hillside sanctuary featuring a remarkable monolithic temple hand-carved directly into the mountain rock by Aztec craftsmen.
Visit website →Coyoacán Historic Neighborhood
Mexico City
A bohemian colonial district known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and the historic blue home of Frida Kahlo.
Visit website →Plaza de las Tres Culturas
Mexico City
A unique square showcasing Mexico's history through Aztec ruins, a colonial church, and modern apartment complexes.
Visit website →Tepoztlán Magic Town
Tepoztlán
A scenic village located at the foot of dramatic cliffs, famous for its traditional market and the hilltop El Tepozteco temple.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
La Marquesa
Ocoyoacac
A popular highland national park offering a wide range of outdoor activities including horseback riding, go-karting, and ATV tours.
Centro Vacacional Malintzi
Huamantla
An alpine activity center at the foot of the Malinche volcano providing basecamp facilities for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Parque de Aventura Barranca de los Jilgueros
Zacatlán
A scenic adventure destination in Zacatlán featuring a glass-bottomed bridge and intense ziplines over a deep forested canyon.
Parque Ejidal San Nicolas Totolapan
Mexico City
A sprawling forest park on the edge of Mexico City famous for its extensive mountain biking trails and family camping areas.
Visit website →Reserva Estatal Monte Alto
Valle de Bravo
A protected forest reserve in Valle de Bravo that serves as a premier international hub for paragliding and mountain biking.
Xtremo Parque
Atlixco
A multi-activity adventure park in Atlixco known for its skydiving center, high-speed ziplines, and large outdoor water slides.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museo Frida Kahlo
Mexico City
Known as the Blue House, this biographical museum displays the life and work of Mexico's most iconic female artist in her family home.
Visit website →Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL)
Mexico City
Housed in a magnificent neoclassical palace, this museum showcases the definitive history of Mexican art from the 16th to the mid-20th century.
Visit website →Museo Soumaya
Mexico City
A striking silver-tiled museum housing a massive collection of European and Mexican art, including a world-class Rodin sculpture collection.
Visit website →Palacio de Bellas Artes
Mexico City
Mexico's premier cultural center featuring world-famous murals by Rivera and Siqueiros within a stunning marble Art Nouveau and Art Deco palace.
Visit website →Museo Amparo
Puebla
A world-class private museum in colonial buildings featuring an extraordinary collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary Mexican art.
Visit website →Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM)
Mexico City
Located in Chapultepec Park, this museum offers an essential overview of Mexican modernism including works by Remedios Varo and Frida Kahlo.
Visit website →Museo Internacional del Barroco
Puebla
An architectural masterpiece designed by Toyo Ito, this museum provides a contemporary and digital look at the global influence of the Baroque era.
Visit website →Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo
Mexico City
Founded by artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum focuses on major international contemporary art exhibitions in a brutalist-style building.
Visit website →