Mexico has become increasingly popular with tourists. It is one of the cheapest countries to travel in the world and also one of the best countries for food. Whether you want that Caribbean getaway, a big city break, an epic outdoor adventure, or just want dive into the fascinating history and culture, Mexico has something for everyone. Hence, to ensure you do not miss out the important things, we have curated a list of 10 best things to do in Mexico.
Mexico holds the ancient Aztec and Mayan sites and historic colonial cities that many have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s also a country rich in flora and fauna, as it is spread across climate zones that encompass everything from arid deserts to lush tropical rainforests.
So, come on and let’s explore Mexico!
10Museum hopping
It goes without saying that when visiting Mexico, museum hopping is a must. The city has over 175 museums, and recently held the title for most museums in a city in the world. Ofcourse, the list is endless but we have tried to recommend you some unmissable ones. You can see the Sun Stone (the Aztec Calendar) in the National Museum of Anthropology. Visit Palacio de Bellas Artes to witness some of the best murals from famous Mexican artists. Then there is Frida Kahlo Museum where you can learn about the life ofFrida Kahlo, possibly the most influential person in Mexico. Pay a visit to Soumaya Museum, Museo Jumex, Natural History Museum, University Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Modern Art, and the list goes on and on.
9Witnessing Chichen Itza
When it comes to the most famous sights in Mexico, Chichen Itza bags the number one spot. The ancient Mayan city is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. A trip here is absolutely one of the best things to do in Mexico. The highlight of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan, which is dedicated to a Mayan feathered serpent god. Often referred to as El Castillo (The Castle), it’s an absolutely incredible sight to behold. Every year on the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow is cast on the pyramid that resembles none other than a serpent. How the Mayans managed to figure this out without any modern technology or equipment is simply mind-boggling.
8Eating tacos
Your trip to Mexico is incomplete if you haven’t had tacos here, the most quintessential Mexican dish. There really is a taco truck on every corner here, and that’s an absolutely wonderful thing. If you think of a taco as a flour tortilla full of ground beef, cheese, and lettuce, you may be surprised when you arrive in Mexico. Tacos here are typically made with two small corn tortillas. Popular fillings include carne asada (beef), adobada (marinated pork), or chorizo (sausage). On the coast, you’ll also find some amazing fish, shrimp, and even marlin tacos. It’s the bacon of the sea, and it’s delicious.
7Taking Copper Canyon Train Ride
By far one of the most scenic trips you can take in Mexico is the train ride through Copper Canyon. Known as Barrancas del Cobre in Spanish, this group of six canyons is located in northwest Mexico in the state of Chihuahua. While the Grand Canyon may be located north of the border, this one is actually deeper and bigger. The best way to explore this natural wonder is on the train known as El Chepe. This epic railroad goes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels on its long journey, stopping in many scenic towns. Along the way, you can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.
6Strolling through Witch Market
One of the most unique places you can visit in Mexico City is the Sonora Market. While most of this massive market looks like any other mercado in Mexico, there’s one area that sets it apart. Here you can shop for medicinal herbs and items related to magic and the occult. A stroll through this “witch market” is a pretty surreal experience. You’ll see statues dedicated to the Saint of Death, a variety of potions and herbs, voodoo dolls, dried rattlesnake, and plenty of other eyebrow-raising items. Most popular of all are the love potions, which have some pretty awesome names. One of them is seriously called Rompe Colchón (Break the Mattress). If you’d like to take a glimpse into the crystal ball, you can take part in tarot card readings or a little ouija board session. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Mexico — now that will make for a great travel tale when you get back home!
5Visiting Monarch Butterfly Reserve
Every winter, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies head south of the border to Michoacán and the State of Mexico. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a massive protected area that welcomes the monarchs annually. The journey the monarch butterflies take each year is astounding, it’s one of the most incredible things to see in Mexico. There are a few areas in the reserve that are open to the public. It’s pretty amazing seeing the branches of the trees bend under the weight of the butterflies, which blanket the area in a sea of orange.The butterflies arrive in November and stay until March, but the best time to visit is in January or February when the population is its largest.
4Snorkeling in Cancun reef
Undoubtedly one of the coolest things to do in Mexico is to pay a visit to the Cancun Underwater Museum. It was started in 2009 to promote coral life and save the reefs and is now home to over 500 sculptures submerged in the Cancun National Marine Park. The idea behind the project is to give scuba divers an alternative to other nearby reefs, which were in serious danger. The statues were made with special materials that encourage coral growth and were then fixed to the seabed. With time, the statues become artificial reefs that in turn are used by marine life to colonize. Around 100,000 visitors come each year to see the submerged art and plans are for the museum to continue to grow.
3Exploring Xochimilco
The colorful neighborhood of Xochimilco is an UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its canals and floating gardens. As one of the most touristy things to do in Mexico, it’s also a popular place for locals to celebrate special occasions, like birthdays and quinceañeras. The waterways are filled with trajineras, which you can rent by the hour and ride through the canal way, past mariachi bands and food vendors. There are tours to this famous spot, but it’s easy to visit Xochimilco on your own. It is just a 45 minute Uber ride outside of the city. Once you arrive, you will see the trajineras lined up and ready for boarding. Just walk up and negotiate a price and enjoy.
2Enjoying Lucha Libre
Whether you like wrestling or not, a night of lucha libre should be high atop your list of things to do in Mexico. Not only is it an important part of Mexican culture, but the high-flying, masked luchadores put on one hell of a show. Lucha Libre, which translates as “free fighting”, is a Mexican style of wrestling where fighters enter the ring in flamboyant capes and outlandish suits, wear mythical and colourful masks, perform acrobatic moves and fly from spectacular heights. These are not regular wrestlers, these are the iconic legends and superheroes of Mexico. The best place to catch an evening of lucha libre is definitely Arena Mexico in the capital. Matches take place on Tuesday and Friday nights, as well as on Sunday afternoons. For the most raucous atmosphere possible, try to be in the area for the Friday night matches.
1Swimming in Cenotes
A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is created when limestone ground collapses and groundwater fills the gap, creating a crystal clear pool. They were once a source of water for the Mayan people, and today are a popular spot for visitors to swim and dive. There are literally thousands of them in the country and the Yucatán peninsula is the only place in the world where you can find these unique pools. These cenotes offer unique and incredible diving experiences that vary from one sinkhole to the next. Whether you’re an avid scuba diver or into freediving, we’d highly recommend seeking out a diving experience in a cenote. It is for sure one of the top things to do in Mexico to cool off from the intense mid-day heat and enjoy a bit of cliff jumping.
Hopefully, this post is helpful to you to plan better for your upcoming Mexico trip. Do share your thoughts in the comment section below, we love to hear from you. Visit Blogrope.com again for more and latest updates. Keep reading! keep motivating!