When picturing Mexico, your mind may drift to lively festivals, Mayan ruins and stunning beaches. Whatever your travel style, anything goes in this incredible country and with rich cultural experiences, breathtaking natural wonders and exciting watersports, there’s so much to see and do. So, to save you the trip planning time, we’ve rounded up 10 of the coolest things to do in Mexico ever…
1. Visit Chichen Itza, Yucatan
The archaeological site is a must-see for anyone visiting Mexico, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site bearing historical significance for centuries dating back to 600AD. The ancient Mayan city includes the Temple of Kukulkan, which you’re sure to recognise. Of course, there are plenty of other jaw-dropping ancient ruins to see in Mexico, if you can get to it we’d also recommend checking out sites including Palenque, Calakmul and Teotihuacan.
Image source:Photo: Christina Warner / Unsplash
2. Hike the Sierra Norte Mountains, Oaxaca
Hiking the rolling hills of the Sierra Norte Mountains has become increasingly popular in recent years. The mountains in northern Oaxaca are filled with ecotourism businesses, like mountain biking tours and hiking trips. Thanks to their efforts, the pristine landscape remains in good condition and is a stunning sight to behold. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Mexico, you can’t go wrong here.
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3. Check out the views from Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca
About a one-hour drive away from the Sierra Norte Mountains is Hierve el Agua – a set of natural rock formations known as the petrified waterfalls. The mineral springs are popular among locals from Oaxaca on warmer days, and with an increasing number of tourists wanting to check out this natural wonder, it’s a good idea to head here early in the day for the best views.
Image source:Contiki
4. Browse books at Cafebreria El Pendulo, Mexico City
This book lovers paradise is so cool it almost nabbed a spot on our list of the best libraries around the world, but was cut out because it’s technically a bookstore. It’s also part café and – as you can see in the photos – part forest. Add a coffee break here to your list of things to do in Mexico! Mexico City is one of the coolest cities in the world, woven with history from the Aztec period to the Mexican revolution. Things list of things to do here is inexhaustible, from checking out stores like this to exploring parks, galleries, museums and cantinas.
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5. Swim to Hidden Beach, Marietas Islands
Despite the name, this sandy beach isn’t exactly a secret, and it’s steadily growing in popularity – and exploding all over Pinterest. Despite being a popular location, the Hidden Beach in the Marietas Islands is still deserving of a spot on your list. It’s a beautiful beach inside a cave, accessible only by swimming or paddling through the waters – and through a tunnel – to reach the sand.
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6. Go ziplining in Puerto Vallarta
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7. Visit Museo Frida Kahlo, Mexico City
Another Mexico City must-visit spot is the Museo Frida Khalo, honouring iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The museum is known as ‘The Blue House’ thanks to the cobalt-blue paint of the walls. It’s actually the home where Frida was born and where she died, and it celebrates her life and displays some of her most incredible artworks.
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?Ama a quien te mire como si fueras magia ✨ ~Recordando todo lo lindo que me dio México~
8. Discover the Cancún Underwater Museum, Cancun
This is without a doubt one of the coolest things to do in Cancún. The incredible Cancún Underwater Museum has more than 500 sculptures sitting in three different underwater galleries in the ocean at the National Marine Park. Honestly, what else do you need to know, just add it to your travel list already.
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9. Go hot air ballooning in Teotihuacan
Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan? Sounds pretty epic! This has to be one of the coolest ways to see the historical sight and tick hot air ballooning off your list at the same time.
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10. Check out the cenotes in Tulum
This beachy, tropical town is worth a visit in itself. But the Cenotes of Tulum are also pretty legendary. These famous swimming holes may be all over your Instagram feed, but they’re still incredibly cool to see and experience for yourself. Some of the best ones include Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote and Cenote Nicte-Ha. It’s also worth learning about their dark history, and what may be buried at the end of these never-ending, underwater tunnels.
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