Mexico is a big country, so it’s no wonder there are lots of fun things to do in it. Yet, how do you know what to see and where to spend your vacation?
If you’re unsure where in Mexico to visit, you might want to choose it based on the most interesting tourist attractions for you.
So, here are 15 of the best things to do in Mexico to help you plan your trip effectively.
#1 – Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza in Yucatan is one of the most popular attractions in Mexico because it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s one of the largest Mayan cities, with history dating all the way back to the 6th century.
The Temple of Kukulkan is the most recognizable structure there, since it’s a massive pyramid with 365 steps. Of course, that’s only one area of Chichen Itza though. You can also explore parts like the Great Ballcourt and the El Caracoland Temple of Warriors. Many of the structures in Chichen Itza were once used as astronomical observatories.
#2 – Teotihuacan
Like Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan is another ancient city in Mexico with a signature pyramid structure. It’s less than an hour away from Mexico City. It’s an archeological site that’s full of mystery.
Supposedly, it was once inhabited by a multicultural society, but not much is currently known about it. When visiting, you can climb up the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun, which tower above the rest of the structures. In the area, you’ll also find plenty of monuments and museums to teach you a little more about the bizarre history.
#3 – Tulum
Tulum is one of the best things to do in Mexico because it’s full of history, beauty, and excitement. It’s a city that Mayan civilization left behind, and it’s considered one of the biggest of its kind. It has great historical structures to explore, but it’s mostly known for its gorgeous beaches. You can enjoy the ivory sands and blue waters while also exploring the ruins of Coba. So, it’s a place that your family could spend all day at.
#4 – Palenque
Palenque is a smaller example of Mayan civilization, but it’s still a must-see. These ruins are located in Chiapas, but they were once a thriving Mayan city in the 7th century. For many years, nature covered up these ruins, and the jungle still takes them over in certain areas. Palenque contains some of the finest Mayan architecture, including structures like the Temple of the Count, the Temple of the Inscriptions, and the Temple of the Cross. Like Teotihuacan, this area also has a lot of mystery to it.
#5 – Dia de los Muertos
While this isn’t just one specific location, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a big tradition in Mexico. Oaxaca is known for having one of the best Dia de los Muertos celebrations, but similar events are held all throughout Mexico. This event takes place on November 1st and 2nd every year as a way to celebrate those who have passed away. It’s believed that the souls of deceased family members will return during this celebration. So, instead of being sad, it’s a time full of vibrant decorations, dancing, and hosting extravagant feasts.
#6 – Copper Canyon
If you thought the Grand Canyon was big, wait until you see Copper Canyon! This network of canyons is several times larger than the Grand Canyon, stretching for about 60,000 kilometers. There are plenty of places to stay nearby, allowing you to spend as much time exploring as possible. One of the best ways to witness Copper Canyon is to ride on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway. The train has some of the best views of this landmark, and it passes through about 86 tunnels and 37 bridges along the way.
#7 – El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
This famous arch is located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. It’s located where two famous beaches meet: Playa del Amor and Playa del Divorcio. Thus, they translate to Love Beach and Divorce Beach. They got their names because Love Beach is calm and safe to swim at while Divorce Beach has more treacherous waters. El Arco cannot be reached by land, so if you’re hoping to get up close, you’ll need to take a boat taxi. This natural arch formation is an ideal photo spot for tourists.
#8 – Catedral Metropolitana
Catedral Metropolitana is one of the oldest buildings in Mexico, and it can be found in Mexico City. This massive and beautiful structure takes up a large portion of the city’s main plaza, which is one of the most popular areas to walk around. While it’s impressive enough from the outside, it’s also fun to spend some time exploring the interior too. The architecture is a work of art on its own, but the cathedral is also home to an extensive art collection inside.
#9 – Uxmal
Uxmal is another impressive Mayan city that you can’t miss. It’s just south of Merida, and it was once the capital of the area. It was built in the 9th century, and it’s guessed that as many as 25,000 people lived there. The House of the Magician is the most notable structure at Uxmal, standing over 100 feet tall. However, visitors aren’t allowed to climb to the top, likely because the building is not as sturdy as it once was. It’s still very impressive to see it in person, and it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery.
#10 – Castillo de Chapultepec
What vacation would be complete without cool castles? Castillo de Chapultepec is an incredible structure from the 18th century. It was once the home of Emperor Maximillian of Habsburg and Empress Carlota. Today, it’s now the location of Mexico’s National History Museum. When visiting, you can take in the impressive architecture while also learning plenty of history. This wonderful castle sits atop Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City, secluded from the busy city streets.
#11 – Museo Nacional de Antropologia
The Museo Nacional de Antropologia translates to the Museum of Anthropology. It’s known as the largest and most popular museum in the country. It has a vast collection of artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures, including exhibits about the Aztecs, Mayans, and Zapotecs. It’s located in Mexico City, and visitors have access to free guided or self-guided tours. The museum is full of everyday objects, ceremonial artifacts, and notable finds, such as the famous Stone of the Sun, which is the original Aztec calendar stone.
#12 – Xcaret Park
Xcaret is an amusement park in Playa del Carmen, but it doesn’t have your typical attractions. Instead, its’ an eco-archaeological park, where visitors can experience things related to nature and culture. Visitors can explore a wide variety of attractions, including underground caverns, a Maya Village, an aviary, a butterfly garden, an aquarium, and a beach. It has such a wide variety of exciting activities that everyone in the family is sure to find something to enjoy.
#13 – Cenotes Dos Ojos
Cenotes Dos Ojos is one of Mexico’s most unique attractions because it’s one of the largest underwater cave systems in the country. It’s located just outside of Tulum. This attraction is perfect for those who love to snorkel and scuba dive since those are the best ways to explore these mysterious caves. This attraction is named “Two Eyes” because it has two large sinkholes that are attached by a long passageway. There are plenty of other natural formations to explore nearby too.
#14 – Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Ha is another unique theme park, similar to Xcaret Park. It’s full of water activities, including snorkeling and swimming. Instead of relying on man-made pools, this park describes itself as a natural outdoor aquarium. So, you’ll find caves and tropical fish while spending time in the water. Some other attractions at this park include zliplining, cliff jumping, biking, and rope swinging. Plus, there’s plenty of food for sale on-site. It’s the perfect destination for a family looking for some adventure.
#15 – Playa del Amor
If you stopped to see El Arco, then you might as well visit Playa del Amor too. This “Hidden Beach” is located in the Marieta Islands, which are off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. In fact, the islands were formed by a volcano erupting underwater. Playa del Amor is often described as hidden because it’s inside a cavern that travelers need to swim to from a boat. It’s open to the public as long as you’re willing to swim through a tunnel to get to the gorgeous beach. Many visitors love to swim, snorkel, kayak, and sunbathe at the “Love Beach.”
You won’t be able to hit all these attractions on one trip, but they all deserve a spot on your bucket list. There are so many fun things to do in Mexico, which is why it’s such a popular tourist destination. Hopefully, these 15 unique places helped you decide what you’d like to do while visiting Mexico.
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