Mexico is a land of vibrant contrasts, where ancient history meets a modern, pulsating culture. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Riviera Maya to the mystical ruins of Chichen Itza and the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende, this country offers an unforgettable journey for every type of traveler.
Whether you are seeking adrenaline-filled adventures in the Copper Canyon, world-class diving in Cozumel, or a deep dive into the rich culinary traditions of Mexico City and Oaxaca, our guide highlights the essential experiences that make Mexico a top-tier global destination.
Explore the Ruins of Chichen Itza
This ancient Mayan city is one of Mexico's most iconic archaeological sites. Marvel at the impressive El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ballcourt. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, the sacred city is located 75 miles east of Merida and covers an area of approximately six square miles where hundreds of buildings once stood. It is a beautifully restored collection of stepped pyramids, temples, columned arcades, and other stone structures that were inhabited by the Maya between 750 AD and 1000 AD. Its centerpiece is the magnificent Pyramid of Kukulcan (or El Castillo), which was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Visit the Historic Center of Mexico City
Discover the heart of the country in Mexico City's historic center. Explore the Zocalo, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, and admire the murals at the National Palace. Don't miss the ancient Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor. A stroll through the buzzing downtown area reveals the capital’s storied history, from pre-Hispanic and colonial-era architecture to the contemporary megalopolis. Old-school cantinas and intriguing museums sit alongside edgy contemporary galleries and glamorous plazas displaying a treasure trove of artisanal and designer shopping. This is culturally diverse Mexico at its best.
Relax on the Beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Enjoy the stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Take a dip in cenotes (natural sinkholes) and snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs. The Riviera Maya is a destination that oozes relaxation and high living from the get-go, that seems to jump from the pages of travel brochures in a flurry of paradisal sands and glistening crystal waters, sprawling resort hotels, and rustic bamboo cocktail bars. Just in case the steady stream of postcard pictures and glossy magazine ads wasn’t enough to get you booking that flight to Cancun, sprawling coral reefs and unique marine habitats are a totally different story. Here, visitors can discover a kaleidoscope of tropical sea species, ranging from the long and majestic lemon shark to a number of rare and endangered sea turtles. But the wildlife-spotting here doesn’t end at the shore either, and guests willing to make the short trip to the nearby UNESCO biosphere at Sian Ka'an could be in with a chance of seeing some of Mesoamerica’s rarest land animals.
Discover the Ancient City of Teotihuacan
Just outside of Mexico City, explore the monumental pyramids and ruins of Teotihuacan. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon for breathtaking views. This beautiful city, meaning “the place where the gods were created,” is a delight on many levels, and if you love to experience rich, unique architecture, history, and culture, this a fantastic destination to visit. Whether you wish to explore Teotihuacan in-depth or visit it as an add-on to your Mexico adventure, it is well worth the time. Teotihuacan was the largest pre-Hispanic city in Mexico and is home to many amazing pyramids and temples. In 1978, UNESCO gave them the status of a World Heritage Site for being so unique.
Immerse Yourself in Culture in Oaxaca
Experience the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Visit the stunning Santo Domingo Church, explore the colorful markets, and sample the delicious local cuisine. Don't miss the archaeological site of Monte Alban. Oaxaca is a vibrant and culturally rich city in the southern region of Mexico, known for its stunning colonial architecture, rich indigenous heritage, and delicious cuisine. Oaxaca is also home to many fascinating museums, galleries, historical sites, and a thriving arts and crafts scene, making it a great destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
Dive into an Underwater World in Cozumel
Head to the island of Cozumel, one of the world's top scuba diving destinations. Explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, teeming with marine life. With countless dive sites, even separate dive areas, and some impressive seasonal marine life creatures it might take a bit of planning when you are coming to Cozumel. When looking for the 'better' dive sites for experienced divers around Cozumel a few things become clear. Cozumel is a popular dive area for beginners as well as advanced divers to spend a holiday or just a few days of diving before moving to another area in the Yucatan region. Gliding through rock formations, wall diving, and drifting along the reef while looking in the blue to spot some turtles and maybe even a shark. Diving around the island is amazing, it is a healthy part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, one of the largest in the world. Cozumel is often mentioned as having the 'best' coral reef in the area.
Discover the Magic of San Miguel de Allende
Wander through the charming streets of San Miguel de Allende, known for its colonial architecture and artistic atmosphere. Visit the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and explore the local art scene. San Miguel de Allende has no beaches or blue waters like the Mexican resorts of Cancun, Cozumel, or Los Cabos. The closest beach, Zihuatanejo on the Pacific coast, is some seven hours away. Yet, once tourists visit, they love San Miguel de Allende, this magical city in central Mexico. First-time visitors become repeaters; others go home and pack their bags to return, permanently.
Explore the Copper Canyon
Journey to the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre), a series of breathtaking canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Ride the scenic train through the canyons or go hiking and camping for a closer experience. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Copper Canyon is located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It's known for its spectacular landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Though some call it the "Grand Canyon of Mexico," Copper Canyon is actually a series of six separate canyons, which have a combined length that's four times bigger than its neighbor up north.
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca or Mexico City
Day of the Dead is not a Mexican version of Halloween. Though related, the two annual events differ greatly in traditions and tone. Whereas Halloween embraces terror and mischief on the last night of October, Day of the Dead festivities unfolds over the first two days of November in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. Sure, the theme is death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don funky makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. Witness the vibrant and colorful celebrations of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in Oaxaca or Mexico City. Explore the decorated cemeteries, participate in traditional rituals, and admire the intricate altars.
Indulge in Culinary Delights
Mexico is a food lover's paradise. Sample authentic tacos, mole sauce, tamales, and regional specialties like Yucatecan cuisine, street food in Mexico City, or seafood in Baja California. There are two primary reasons why you should book one – convenience and authenticity. Mexico’s capital city is massive. It’s one of the biggest cities in the world so finding the best local food and navigating between restaurants and neighborhoods can be challenging. Unlike smaller cities like Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende, it isn’t something you can fully experience in just a few days. If you have plenty of time in Mexico City, then you can do your own research and explore one, maybe two neighborhoods a day to get a good feel for the local food scene.
These are just a few of the best things to do in Mexico, and Mexico has much more to offer in terms of natural beauty, history, culture, and adventure. Remember to check the local travel conditions and safety guidelines before planning your trip and please feel free to ask us here for more of the best things to do in Mexico.
