Mexico is, without a doubt, one of the best places we have EVER traveled to.
In fact, we love it so much, we've visited on 3 separate occasions since 2016.
Most recently for more than a month, where we road tripped from East to West.
Along the way visiting, not just the most popular places to visit in Mexico ...
But also many of the lesser known and least discovered.
And in this guide we want to share with you our absolute best experiences.
Helping you cut through the nonsense to discover the truly best things to do in Mexico this year.
Let's get straight into it ...
No trip through Mexico can truly be complete without visiting some of the ancient ruins dotted throughout the country.
The Aztec and Mayan civilisations were the most formidable, having built massive pre-Colombian cities such as Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, which were each once home to over 50,000 people! Both are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Whilst I usually prefer doing things at a slower pace and with more freedom, the archeological sites are the one thing I’d recommend travellers to go to with a tour, such as this day tour to Chichén Itzá (which includes lunch and a visit to a nearby cenote).
You’ll have a knowledgeable expert on-hand to teach you many things you otherwise wouldn’t learn, and you won’t leave the site the same way you entered.
Besides, whilst otherwise getting that epic photo is still great, you’ll have no idea what that pyramid behind you was even used for in the first place!
Home to 3 vastly different oceans (the Caribbean, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico), it’s no wonder that travellers are often basing their whole itinerary around visiting these incredible waters.
From lapping in turquoise waves to exploring exotic species down below, there’s a tonne of fun things to do along Mexico’s coasts.
Those after calm, blue waters (that are often found in travel brochures) need head anywhere else but the Riviera Maya.
This stretch of land (from Cancún to Chetumal) is where the Caribbean meets Mexico’s east coast, and has the most tranquil and warm waters in the whole country.
The Pacific is a little more hit or miss, although there are some really nice spots in Nayarit and Jalisco such as Puerto Escondido.
The conditions in the Caribbean (as well as places like La Paz and Huatulco on the west coast) make for a perfect place to go snorkelling and scuba diving.
Here we’ll find waters that are truly crystal-clear, and you’ll be able to see an incredible range of exotic species and fishes that you won’t find in any other continents. For the best experience, bring along an action camera to snap some shots!
Cancún is a great place to start off your underwater adventures, and a snorkelling tour is the best option for those who love turtles, smaller fishes and also like frequent breaks to explore the coasts in-between. You'll also get to visit the famous Cancun underwater museum.
Those who want to see sharks or head deeper will want to go diving, and this lesson is a perfect intro into the underwater world.
Mexico is home to many memorable markets, given they're filled with various street food vendors, beautiful handicrafts as well as an extremely visceral atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a souvenir either for yourself or family and friends back home, then this is 100% the first place I’d recommend you start your browsing in.
Here’s some of the very best markets I’ve found on my travels through Mexico:
Ceramics and pottery are a particular strength in Mexican markets, and you can pick up some really beautiful painted creations for a great price.
In certain regions you’ll also find novel goods that are hard to find elsewhere (with some being made by local indigenous tribes), such as talavera pottery in Puebla as well as handwoven garments in Chiapas.
Those after bottles of Tequila and Mezcal will find authentic brands from all over the country, although the very best can be bought in Jalisco and Oaxaca.
The majority of tourists travelling through Mexico may only visit a museum or two, and that’s completely fine if that’s how you roll.
However there are definitely some more weird and wilder sites that you’ll want to consider adding to your plans.
Not only will you probably not see something like these again, you’ll also get to step into a much more authentic side of the country, where you’ll visit museums that are rarely frequented by other tourists.
There are plenty of Mexico tourist attractions to choose from, but we'd certainly recommend visiting some of the museums mentioned below...
Although many of these museums are a little more hidden than others, they tend to do a good job translating everything into English.
Having said that, I’d still highly recommend either booking a tour or hiring a museum guide to show you around, given they can teach you things in a way that will actually stick in your mind (rather than only have a collection of photos as your only memories).
We highly recommend this tour to the Mummy Museum in Guanajuato, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
One of my all-time favourite mountain regions in Latin America (along with the Colca Canyon in Arequipa), I can almost guarantee that the Copper Canyon will take your breath away.
Four times as large as the Grand Canyon, here we’ll find endless rows of cactuses covering the sharp mountainous peaks, the mysterious Tarahumara tribe as well as various lakes and crashing waterfalls.
Honestly, visiting this place is one of the top things to do in Mexico!
The most practical way is by using the El Chepe Train (also known as the Copper Canyon train), which runs from Los Mochis (Sinaloa) to Chihuahua City (Chihuahua).
It cuts through the Copper Canyon region, and has various stops along the way which gives you a lot of flexibility and independence.
This means you can easily spend a night in Divisadero and then continue the next day onto other sites.
Looking for entertainment in Mexico? Are high-flying moves and raucous crowds more your thing?
Then watching a local Lucha Libre match is going to be a pretty memorable experience (to say the least).
Here we’ll see wrestlers pit it in the ring against each other, often with some awesome costumes and daredevil manoeuvres to top it all off.
Mexico City of course will always be popular given it’s the capital, and here you can head to the Arena México which hosts matches weekly.
Other cities that are famous for their Lucha Libre events are Puebla City (Arena Puebla) and Oaxaca City (Arena San Francisco), which also tend to have more frequent and local shows on.
In my opinion (and experience) I would definitely recommend it.
On a tour like this one in Mexico City, they’ll take you to some hidden local spots for tequila and mezcal beforehand, where you can also pick up a Lucha Libre mask in time for the main event.
In a bigger group with a guide it’ll be easier to meet locals too, and very quickly you’ll also be spewing verbal abuse ring-bound in no time!
A bucket list item in its own right, Mexican food is something special, and it’s worth taking your time to really explore the diverse food scene in this country.
Dishes like tacos and enchiladas are of course top staples, however why not try other authentic dishes such as chilaquiles, tlayudas and chiles en nogada when here?
Honestly the whole of this country served some incredible dishes, and I was pretty happy wherever I was.
Areas like Puebla, Oaxaca and Mexico City are best for market foods and more indigenous dishes (such as Mole, Tlayudas and Tacos al Pastor).
If you love seafood, then you’ll want to add Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco to your list (I recommend trying out Ceviche and Aguachile).
Whilst street food is usually reserved for those on lower budgets (and for the more cultural travellers), there’s other advantages too such as getting a more authentic experience whilst exploring some of Mexico’s best food markets.
Of course restaurants are more expensive, however are still a good option for those who want to gradually ease into the food scene (or prefer the extra comfort or two).
Whilst home to several different coasts (which each have nice sunsets), there’s nothing quite like watching the sun go down over the Mexican Pacific.
The huge red sun is usually accompanied with sharp, multi-coloured skies, as well as crowds who all gather along the malecons or sands to enjoy the surreal views.
A malecón is essentially a long boardwalk that runs next to the water, and can be found pretty much in all coastal towns and cities throughout Mexico such as Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.
The majority will have street vendors and local restaurants dotted throughout, as well as various spots which are perfect for grabbing a few beers before the main event.
Mazatlán by far wins my vote for the best Malecón in the country. A staggering 13 km long, it’s the longest of its kind on the planet, and has various beaches to set up camp on.
You can even stop to watch the brave cliff divers too, who make the death-defying leaps into the shallow waters below.
Other areas I recommend for their malecons (and incredible sunsets) include Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
Mexico’s nightlife scenes are some of the most memorable in all of Latin America.
The perfect blend of the warm climate, welcoming locals and cheaper prices make it really good, and you’ll find great nightlife spots throughout the country.
Cancún and Playa del Carmen are the undisputed kings of Mexican nightlife.
With all major bars and clubs located close together, you’ll also be right on the Caribbean beaches too (the legendary Cocobongo is a must-visit in each).
Cabo San Lucas is also well-known for its hectic scenes, with clubs like El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo amongst the very best.
Other memorable nights out can be had in Mexico City and Acapulco, whilst those after more alternative scenes will love Puerto Escondido, Tulum and Guadalajara.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, however it’s important to mention that there are some risks to be careful of.
One of these is pickpocketing, so it’s worth leaving important valuables back at your accommodation.
As well as this, you’ll always want to keep an eye on your drink, since getting spiked or roofied is a risk in the more crowded clubs.
Unique to the Riviera Maya region, the cenotes have become one of the most sought-after sites in all of Mexico.
They’re essentially sunken limestone caves, which often (but not always) have a section that peers out into the sky.
The waters are usually tinted with a bright blue or green, and there’s also many fishes swimming between the underwater caves. So if you're looking for unique things to do in Mexico, then make sure you visit a cenote or two.
Snorkelers can admire the incredible cave formations below, which often spiral for dozens of feet below the surface.
Divers can head into the deep cave systems, which are among the most popular cave diving spots on earth.
Those after a more chilled experience can hang out next to the crystallised stalagmites, and also rope-swing like Tarzan into the turquoise waters below.
Cenotes come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, so it really depends on what you’re looking for. Below I’ll list the very best for each particular style.
Every major Mexican city (and most smaller towns) has a Zócalo, although it can often be called different things by the locals.
These are the main squares, and are the birthplace of each city.
As a result we’ll find many important landmarks and buildings around its perimeter, as well as a bustling vibe which is great for getting to know the more real side of Mexico.
The star attraction of every plaza has to be the main Cathedral, which stands tall over the rest of the historic centre.
It usually has a baroque or neoclassical facade to it, making it great for photos (the one in Guadalajara is especially beautiful).
We’ll usually find the Municipal Building here too, as well as historical statues and many other buildings which have classic colonial features such as hanging arches and varying bright colours.
Whilst some smaller towns may have a central plaza which is more unorthodox and unique, in general the best Zócalos are located in the big cities.
Below I’ll list some of the best I’ve had the pleasure of strolling through, which also have many beautiful buildings, statues and great eating / accommodation options nearby.
This famed spirit is an icon of Mexican culture, and is just as popular outside the country as well as inside.
However inside Mexico we can try more rich varieties and blends, as well as having a more memorable experience learning about Tequila too.
The Jalisco region is by far the best, which is the original birthplace of this musky spirit.
Here is where we’ll find the blue agave fields growing free in the mountainous highlands, as well as numerous distilleries worth visiting too.
You’ll also find authentic experiences here such as the José Cuervo Express, hidden tequila holes in Tlaquepaque as well as the popular variety of bars found along Avenida Chapultepec in Guadalajara.
If you're looking for fun things to do in Mexico, then don't miss out on visiting the Jalisco Region!
We highly recommend this awesome day tour, where you’ll visit the infamous town of Tequila and also a major distillery. You’ll even get to sample different percentages to find out what works best for you!
Mexico is the perfect place to watch these sea giants glide through the Pacific Ocean.
Various species such as the Humpback, Grey Whale and Blue Whale all pass through these waters annually, and it’s just a case of knowing their seasons and getting yourself on a boat tour to see them!
So if you're wondering what to do in Mexico, then we'd highly recommend adding this activity to your list!
Although many of the whale species visit the Pacific shores at similar times of the year, they do still vary somewhat (so if this is a must for you then aim for the middle month).
I’ve also included the ever-popular Whale Shark here which frequent the Caribbean waters on Mexico’s east coast.
Pacific Spots like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are the most popular, however I also recommend checking out Sayulita, Mazatlán and Puerto Escondido.
For the Whale Shark you can head to either Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Isla Mujeres where they have daily tour departures to visit these incredible species.
Whale watching is one of the top activities to do in Mexico, so if you're travelling in the right season, don't miss out!
Travel is a time for really letting go, and also pushing yourself in ways you otherwise wouldn’t when back home.
And whilst areas like the Riviera Maya and Oaxaca are memorable, travellers who go the extra mile will be greatly rewarded in this country.
I’ve spent several months in Mexico heading into lesser-visited territories, so below I’ll share some of my best recommendations.
Firstly you’ll want to prepare properly before leaving, which means bringing adequate food and water, as well as researching the safety situation in the area.
Once you’ve arrived, be sure to ask locals for their suggestions and tips as much as necessary. Whilst you’ll feel like you’re bugging them, this is by far the best way to learn quickly about the area you’ve just arrived into.
If you don't feel comfortable with this one, then don't worry - there are plenty of other things to see in Mexico!
Nowadays walking tours tend to get ignored by many travellers, especially since we can simply google whatever we need to know when out and about.
However the value of a walking tour will always be unbeatable, since you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable local who’s seen everything before and knows the highlights and history.
Firstly, the majority of walking tours are free (especially when booked with a local hostel) which is great for budget travellers.
You’ll also get seriously good value since you’ll see the city from a local’s eye, and actually remember the importance of that Cathedral or street corner you previously walked along.
Another advantage is the fact you’ll meet plenty of other like-minded travellers, so you can get connected quickly in a new destination.
This Walking Tour in Mexico City is by far the best, where your professional guide will show you all the highlights of the historic centre.
Mexico has a really interesting and deep history, and I’m pretty sure that most of us have already heard of the Aztecs and Mayans.
However there have also been many other important civilisations to grace these lands too, such as the Olmec, Toltec and Zapotec.
Whilst the Mayan ruins are a great way to imagine what life was like all those thousands of years ago, you can also get immersed in other ways too.
If you’re after a more fun experience (instead of walking around museums), then you can also find many memorable tours to learn about the ancient practices and history of pre-Columbian Mexico.
This includes a Mayan Cooking class in Cozumel, as well as learning how to make your very own ancient pottery.
Mexico is home to a lot of things, however the beaches are arguably the most famous of them all.
Whilst there’s great spots all over the country, it’s important to remember that the Caribbean and Pacific coasts each offer something different, which we’ll take a look at below.
These are what you have been seeing on travel brochures all these years; white sands, blue sea and good vibes all-round.
The waters here are also much safer for swimming, with conditions also ideal for snorkelling and diving.
The best beaches I can recommend here are Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres), Half Moon Bay (Akumal) and Playa Xpu-Ha (Xpu Há).
Also palm-fringed, these spots tend to have golden sands instead as well as rougher waters (you’ll need to check which are safe for swimming).
The sunsets along the Pacific Coast are unrivalled, and you’ll also find many incredible beach towns to enjoy without the mass of crowds found in the Riviera Maya.
The best spots along the Pacific Coast are Playa del Amor (Cabo San Lucas), Isla de la Piedra (Mazatlán) and Playa Carrizalillo (Puerto Escondido).
Although Mexico has a variety of biomes and different landscapes, wild animals aren’t usually what travellers heading here tend to focus on.
Regardless, there’s many incredible species worth keeping an eye out for, and in Mexico you’ll also find endemic species that you won’t find anywhere else on earth.
There’s many different places throughout Mexico to see wildlife, however I’ve narrowed it down to a few different areas depending on what you’re interested in seeing.
Whilst I’m very much against using organised tours where possible (I like going at my own pace and being flexible), wildlife tours and their guides tend to really know their stuff here in Mexico.
This means they’ll know how and where to find rare animals, as well as teaching you awesome facts along the way.
We’ve already touched upon the infamous Tequila spirit.
However, did you know that Mexico is also the birthplace of Mezcal, which is another popular national drink?
It’s also made from the infamous agave plant, however is the strongest of the two and is commonly marked at an alcohol concentration of 55% (which is 15% more than that of Tequila).
Of course Oaxaca will always be the true king of Mezcal (given it’s grown here and all), so you’ll find many bars within Oaxaca City which are great for sampling these (such as La Mezcaloteca).
You can also visit various distilleries and places dedicated to the strong spirit, such as Casa Convite and the Fábrica de Mezcal.
In Mexico City we’ll find a variety of Mezcal Bars worth trying out too, and my personal recommendation has to be La Clandestina which is located in the Condesa neighbourhood.
Mexico’s colonial period ushered in a wave of colourful and imposing buildings, which are best seen within the historic centre of most major cities and towns.
However there’s nothing quite like the churches and cathedrals here, which come in all shapes and sizes.
Below I’ll list some of the most striking and imposing cathedrals you can find in Mexico.
The mission church of San Ignacio Arareko is a memorable visit, which is located just outside Creel in the wild lands of The Copper Canyon.
It was built by the Tarahumara tribe, and remains one of the oldest churches in the country (which is still in-use).
Another is Tlachihualtepetl, which is a yellow church built on top of Cholula Pyramid in Puebla - which is the largest pyramid by area on earth!
There’s nothing quite like visiting a remote waterfall in the jungle.
And when in Mexico, it’ll be even sweeter since you’ll be able to cool-down quickly from the sometimes overbearing rays of the Mexican sun.
It’s more than possible to reach each of these independently, although you’ll want to plan in advance.
First check the weather, making any necessary adjustments to what you will bring as well as stocking up on lots of water and food.
It’s also worth comparing bus and colectivo rides too, given some will have less stops than others (or get there in a more direct way).
Mexico is home to some truly stunning coastlines as we’ve already explored earlier in this article.
However there’s also many extraordinary islands floating around too, which are perfect for escaping the bustle and relaxing in total bliss.
All three of these islands can only be reached by organised tours, given they’re protected by the government.
This is important in order to control the number of visitors, as well as to keep these islands as uncontaminated as possible.
This is especially the case with Isla Contoy, and you can visit with this day tour from Cancún (which includes lunch and an open-bar).
Many countries are still trying to lay claim to having invented chocolate, however it’s been proven time and again that Mexico was the official birthplace of this sweet snack.
Originating as far back as to the peak of the Olmecs (around 3000 years ago), it was actually rather bitter compared with today’s sweet varieties, given it was made directly from cacao without any extra additives.
Oaxaca and Veracruz are two particular regions worth visiting, where actual chocolate remnants have been found within various ruins and temples! Both are also easy to get to from Mexico City, which make them ideal chocolate destinations.
The Riviera Maya and Yucatán (both located on the Yucatán Peninsula) are also great for chocolate enthusiasts, where even ancient hieroglyphs have been found celebrating this timeless classic.
Of course trying the sweet stuff is a must, and throughout the Riviera Maya (and further afield) you’ll find plenty of organic and up-and-coming stores and products.
In the Yucatán I highly recommend this chocolate tasting workshop, where you’ll learn how to make your own bar straight from the bean.
You’ll also get a deeper history lesson too from your guide, where you’ll learn just how the cacao plant took the world by storm, making this workshop a must do in Mexico.
There's no shortage of tourist attractions in Mexico.
However, variety is the spice of life, and there’s no better way of changing things up than by heading into the wild jungle.
From hearing the loud shrieks of Howler Monkeys to searching for Jaguars before sunrise, it’s by far one of the best activities I can recommend for tourists heading to this Latin American nation.
Safety is your first concern, and it’s important to be aware of the different risks.
This means wearing long trousers and not wandering off through thick vegetation, since there’s many dangerous animals that won’t be so keen with your presence.
It’s important to also use lots of mosquito repellent and nets over your bed, since it’s possible to catch dengue and other life-threatening diseases.
There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a hot spring at the end of the day - especially once you’re all worn out from hiking and exploring.
Mexico is home to several awesome sites, which also have great therapeutic benefits too.
Without getting too overly scientific, there’s many health benefits for your body when taking a dip in a hot spring.
This includes treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, promoting stronger bones as well as helping to relieve any bodily pains or aches.
They’re also a great way to get away from all the noise and properly relax, taking in the incredible landscapes that they’re usually surrounded by.
And that’s all for this guide on the very best things to do in Mexico.
From relaxing on picturesque Caribbean islands and exploring ancient ruins to watching a high-flying Lucha Libre match, there really is something for everyone here .
I’ve also given my best tips for each activity so that you’ll have the most memorable experience possible.
As you can see, there are so many amazing places to visit in Mexico so don't rush your trip through this incredible country!
Here are some other guides you may find helpful:
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