Best Things to do in Mexico

Explore Ancient Ruins & Archaeological Wonders

The Mayan Heartland: Yucatán Peninsula

Chichén Itzá

Recognized as one of the New7Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is an essential visit. We recommend arriving at the opening to avoid the midday heat and the largest tour groups. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow resembling a serpent descends the staircase of the main pyramid, El Castillo, a testament to Mayan astronomical precision.

Tulum

Tulum offers a truly unique archaeological experience, with its primary structures perched on a cliff overlooking the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. After exploring the temples, a staircase leads down to a small beach, allowing you to combine a historical tour with a refreshing swim.

Cobá

Set deep within the jungle, the ruins of Cobá are sprawling and best explored by renting a bicycle or hiring a tricycle taxi on-site. The site’s main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, is one of the few you can still climb in the region, offering an unforgettable panoramic view over the dense jungle canopy.

Palenque (Chiapas)

Found in the lush jungles of Chiapas, Palenque is renowned for its architectural grace and the exceptional preservation of its intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions. The dense jungle setting adds to the mystique and sense of discovery as you explore the temples and palace.

Central Mexico’s Empires

Teotihuacán

Located just a short drive from Mexico City, Teotihuacán makes for a remarkable day trip. The sheer scale of the site is impressive, centered around the vast Avenue of the Dead, which is flanked by the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. When climbing, take your time, use the handrails, and remember the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Monte Albán (Oaxaca)

Positioned on a flattened hilltop, Monte Albán provides commanding 360-degree views of the surrounding Oaxaca Valley. This ancient Zapotec capital is an expansive complex of plazas, pyramids, and tombs that tell the story of a civilization that flourished here for over a thousand years.

Immerse Yourself in Culture & History

Colonial Cities & Vibrant Towns

San Miguel de Allende

Known for its baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and the iconic neo-gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, this city is a hub for a thriving arts scene. For a perfect end to your day, find a rooftop bar to watch the sunset cast a warm glow over the city’s historic skyline.

Oaxaca City

A cultural and culinary heartland, Oaxaca captivates with its colorful colonial buildings, vibrant Zócalo (main square), and exceptional artisan markets. It is the center of mezcal culture, and its world-class cuisine makes it a mandatory stop for any food enthusiast.

Guanajuato

This city’s unique topography has resulted in a network of underground tunnels that serve as roads, creating a pedestrian-friendly historic center above. Its hillsides are a mosaic of colorful houses, and the lively student population gives it a youthful energy. Don’t miss the narrow Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), a site of local legend.

Mexico City (CDMX)

The nation’s capital is a treasure trove of history and culture. Explore the vast historic center and its Zócalo, admire the stunning architecture of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and then escape to the charming Coyoacán neighborhood to visit Frida Kahlo’s iconic Blue House (Casa Azul).

Traditions & Festivals

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

Observed from November 1st to 2nd, this is a joyous celebration of life and remembrance, not a somber occasion. Families create colorful altars (ofrendas) to honor their departed loved ones. For an authentic experience, consider visiting the towns around Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán or Oaxaca City, which are famous for their heartfelt and beautiful observances.

Guelaguetza Festival (Oaxaca)

Held in July, the Guelaguetza is a spectacular gathering of Oaxaca’s diverse indigenous communities. It is a vibrant display of regional culture, expressed through traditional dance, music, and costumes, celebrating a heritage of mutual sharing and exchange.

Lucha Libre Wrestling

For a uniquely Mexican evening of entertainment, attend a Lucha Libre match. This form of wrestling is a spectacle of acrobatics, theatricality, and colorful masks. The Arena México in Mexico City provides the classic, high-energy experience.

Discover Natural Wonders & Adventure

Cenotes & Underground Rivers

Swimming in Cenotes (Yucatán)

The Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with cenotes, which are natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear fresh water. They range from fully open-air pools to semi-open caverns and intricate cave systems. Popular and well-maintained examples include Gran Cenote, the dramatic Ik Kil, and the diving-focused Dos Ojos.

Rio Secreto (Near Playa del Carmen)

This specific excursion offers a guided journey through a pristine underground river system. You will wade and swim through caverns adorned with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, witnessing a subterranean world that has been preserved in near-perfect condition.

Marine Life & Coastal Adventures

Whale Watching (Baja California)

From January through March, the lagoons of Baja California, such as San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre, become nurseries for gray whales. Boat tours here often result in incredibly close and personal encounters, as the curious whales and their calves frequently approach the boats.

Swimming with Whale Sharks (Near Isla Holbox/Cancun)

From June to September, the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, gathers to feed in the waters off the Yucatán Peninsula. This unforgettable encounter is a regulated, snorkel-only activity that allows you to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Snorkeling & Diving in Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is a world-renowned diving destination, thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The exceptionally clear waters and protected coral formations create a vibrant underwater environment for both snorkelers and scuba divers.

Releasing Baby Sea Turtles

On coasts such as those near Puerto Vallarta and in Oaxaca, various conservation projects offer travelers the chance to participate in releasing sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean. This moving experience typically occurs in the evening and is seasonal, so it’s best to check local schedules.

Canyons, Mountains & Jungles

Copper Canyon (Chihuahua)

Larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, this network of canyons is best experienced aboard the “El Chepe” train, which travels along the canyon rim, offering spectacular views. The area also provides opportunities for hiking and interacting with the local indigenous Rarámuri communities.

Hierve el Agua (Oaxaca)

These are natural rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls, created over thousands of years by mineral-rich springs. At the top of the cliffs, you can swim in mineral pools while enjoying incredible views of the surrounding valley.

Indulge in Food & Drink

Culinary Capitals

Oaxaca: The Land of Seven Moles

While famous for its complex mole sauces, Oaxacan cuisine offers so much more. Be sure to try tlayudas (a large, thin, crispy tortilla topped with beans and meat), rich Oaxacan cheese (quesillo), and, for the adventurous palate, chapulines (toasted grasshoppers).

Mexico City: A Street Food Paradise

The capital’s street food scene is second to none. Must-try essentials include tacos al pastor (marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit), tlacoyos (stuffed masa cakes), elotes (grilled corn with toppings), and chicharrones (fried pork rinds). A guided street food tour is an excellent way to navigate the countless options.

Puebla: Birthplace of Mole Poblano

Puebla is a culinary heavyweight, credited with the creation of the iconic mole poblano. Another of its celebrated dishes is chiles en nogada, a seasonal specialty featuring a poblano pepper stuffed with meat and fruit, topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds.

Signature Drink Experiences

Tequila Tasting in Tequila, Jalisco

Visit the town that gave the spirit its name. A tour of a distillery, whether a large producer like Jose Cuervo or a smaller artisanal “fabrica,” provides insight into the entire process, from harvesting the blue agave to the final tasting.

Mezcal Exploration in Oaxaca

Learn the key difference between tequila and mezcal (tequila is a type of mezcal made from a single type of agave). For an authentic experience, visit a rural “palenque” (a traditional distillery) in the Oaxacan countryside to see the rustic production methods and sample a wide variety of mezcals.

Learn to Make Authentic Margaritas

A hands-on cooking or cocktail-making class can be a fun and memorable activity. These are widely available in popular