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Things to do in Mexico

Things to do in  Mexico

Welcome to Mexico

Mexico conjures images of ancient ruins, colonial towns, endless beaches, and cities pulsing with life. The country's two long coastlines lure travelers with countless opportunities for fun in the sun. On the west coast, the Pacific Pipeline—legendary among surfers—runs from Baja all the way past Puerto Escondido, while the Caribbean side is better known for spectacular coral reefs and warmer, gentler seas. On either coast, you'll find boating, parasailing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and more. Whether you prefer the flashy resorts of Los Cabos and Cancun, upscale Playa del Carmen, or the more traditional glamor of Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, Mexico has a beach town for you. Blessed with natural beauty and a rich heritage, Mexico also boasts the largest number of UNESCO-listed sites in North America, including the Maya ruins of Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba. From grand colonial cities like Puebla and Oaxaca, to the many pueblos mágicos (magical towns) such as Taxco and Valladolid, Mexico's colorful streets and regional cuisines never fail to enchant. The country's abundant tropical rainforests are home to a variety of wildlife, and eco-adventure parks like Xel-ha on the Riviera Maya pack in family-style fun with ziplining, hiking, and guided safaris. Many visitors arrive via Mexico City, and while the sprawling capital can be overwhelming at first, don't be deterred. Cultural riches await you, including a world-class art scene, historical museums, cosmopolitan dining, nonstop nightlife, and easy access to the Teotihuacan pyramids.

Top 15 attractions in Mexico

Tulum

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Tulum, the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city and a port for Coba, is one of the best preserved coastal Mayan cities in the Yucatan, in tandem with Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Highlights of this archaeological site include the Temple of the Frescoes, which has spectacular figurines of the 'diving god.'More

Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

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Rio Secreto, or the “Secret River,” is a series of caves carved out by the flow of an ancient underground river in Mexico. While the reserve is most famous for its large half-sunken cavern—a popular diving spot—you can also explore eerie passageways, swim in the river, and admire dripping stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful mineral formations.More

Chichen Itza

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One of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is among Mexico's most visited and iconic archaeological sites. Known for its main central pyramid, this impressive Maya site—once the ceremonial center of the Yucatán—also features temples, ball courts, and a cenote (freshwater sinkhole).More

Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo)

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Known as the Blue House (La Casa Azul) for its bold blue façade, the Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo) was the birthplace and childhood home of the well-known Mexican artist. Inside, the fascinating collection of personal items, furnishings, sketches, and paintings offer insight into both the life and art of Frida Kahlo.More

Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco)

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A signature landmark of Los Cabos, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas—known locally as simply “El Arco” or “the Arch”—is a limestone arch carved by time, tide, and wind. The natural attraction runs runs down to the water’s edge at Land’s End, the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas (which itself is at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula) and into the Sea of Cortez. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand for prime photos.More

Isla Mujeres

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Isla Mujeres (the “Island of Women”) is known for its rich marine life and pristine beaches. Here you can snorkel at Manchones Reef, scuba dive in the Cave of Sleeping Sharks, or stretch out on the white sands of North Beach (Playa Norte). On land you’ll find bustling nightlife, with oceanside bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood.More

Teotihuacan

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Known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacán was the metropolis of a mysterious Mesoamerican civilization that reached its zenith around AD 100. Once the largest city in the region but abandoned centuries before the arrival of the Aztecs, Teotihuacán boasts towering pyramids and stone temples with detailed statues and intricate murals.More

Mr. Sancho's Beach Club Cozumel

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Set on a private stretch of white sand, Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club Cozumel allows you to avoid the island’s beachfront crowds and offers amenities for a relaxing seaside experience. Here you can swim in the Caribbean ocean, sample all you can eat from the restaurant and bar, float in the infinity pool, and relax in shaded cabanas.More

Xochimilco

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With its brightly paintedtrajineras (flat-bottomed boats), traditionalchinampas (floating gardens), and network of flower-perfumed canals, Xochimilco—the “Flower Garden”—is the kind of place that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.More

Banderas Bay (Bahia de Banderas)

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Located near Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas) is famous for its 42-mile (68-kilometer) stretch of picturesque coast. Jungle, sandy beaches, and rich aquatic life define this area, which is ideal for watersports and land adventures alike.More

El Malecon

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Like most boardwalks, Puerto Vallarta’s promenade, known as El Malecon, is dotted with sightseeing opportunities, cafes, shops, galleries, and performers. Overlooking the Bay of Banderas, the mile-long stretch offers scenic views during the day. And in the evening, the waterfront nightclubs and discos open their doors to party-seeking locals and visitors.More

La Bufadora

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With its thunderous crash and sky-high jet of water, La Bufadora blowhole—a grey whale turned to stone, according to local legend—is one of the world’s largest marine geysers and an easy trip from nearby Ensenada. Prepare to get drenched as you watch from the surrounding viewpoints as the saltwater squirts up to 100 feet (30 meters) into the air.More

Coyoacán

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Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s oldest districts, is alive with color and culture. Centered around twin plazas perfect for people watching—Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario—Coyoacán is characterized by museums, quaint cobblestone streets, and roadside churro vendors.More

CoCo Bongo Playa del Carmen

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From circus performers swinging from the ceiling and dancers crowding the floor, to celebrity impersonators and Broadway-style musicals, Coco Bongo is a nightclub unlike any other. At the Playa del Carmen location, you’ll find extravagant stages, multiple bars, VIP table service, and a dance floor known to rock through the wee hours.More

Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas)

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The small, uninhabited Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas) are located in the Bay of Banderas off Mexico’s Pacific coast. Making up a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, the islands are famous for their abundant wildlife and provide a chance to escape the crowds of many Mexican beach resorts, hop on a boat, and explore the islands’ natural delights.More

Trip ideas

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Recent reviews from experiences in Mexico

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Awesome tour, well organized!
Yassine_N, Mar 2023
Chichen Itza, Valladolid & Cenote Luxury Tour from Tulum City
Rheet an excellent guide, perfectly bilingual english-spanish, funny and he knows everything about the Mayan culture and Chichen Itza.
star-5
The Driver was very...
JoAnn_P, Mar 2023
Private Airport Transfer Cancun to Downtown Cancun (Round trip)
The Driver was very friendly and helpful He gave good information on things to do while we were in Mexico
star-5
Must see in Mexico City.
Ken_W, Mar 2023
Frida Kahlo Museum
Fantastic to see and experience.
star-5
Excellent
Timothy_O, Mar 2023
Teotihuacan & Basilica Guadalupe Tour with lunch
Fantastic day trip covering 3 of the most interesting attractions in Mexico.
star-5
Best experience!
tiffanyscwyatt, Feb 2023
Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colors from Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Highly recommended for those who want to see and explore more of the native parts of Mexico.
star-5
Antonio was a top-notch guide!
Samuel_L, Feb 2023
Teotihuacan & Basilica Guadalupe Tour with lunch
He did a wonderful job giving the tour in both English and Spanish.
star-5
Beautiful experience
Zephyr_S, Feb 2023
Hip Hop Sessions Boat Party Cancun (Adults only)
I personally feel like you guys make your money from tourism, but I think you guys need to show grace to visitors.
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Great tour. Recommended.
Robert_B, Feb 2023
Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour
This is a great way to see a few must see site on your visit to Mexico City.
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All about Mexico

Currency
Mexican Peso (MX$)
Time Zone
CST (UTC -6)
Country Code
+52
Language(s)
Spanish

People Also Ask

What is Mexico famous for?

The enormous country of Mexico is famous for many things, not least its ancient landmarks, mountainous landscape, sprawling coastline, and vibrant cities. In addition, a rich cultural heritage, world-famous cuisine, and modern infrastructure make this diverse nation one of North America’s top destinations for travelers from around the world.

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What is the number one tourist attraction in Mexico?

Chichén Itzá is among Mexico’s most popular attractions, with its Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) frequently cited as one of the world’s greatest wonders. Other pre-Columbian sites, such as the Tulum and Teotihuacán ruins, also top Mexico’s must-see lists and are visited by millions of people every year.

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What places do people visit in Mexico?

People visit Mexico’s pre-Columbian landmarks, such as Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Teotihuacán. Natural reserves, including Rio Secreto, Moxviqui, and Kantun Chi, are also among the country’s most popular attractions. Closer to the capital, cultural hot spots such as Xochimilco and the Frida Kahlo Museum also draw several thousand visitors each year.

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What should you not miss in Mexico?

It depends on where you are. Mexico is huge, so unless you’re backpacking across the country, focus on what’s nearby. Visitors to Mexico City shouldn’t miss the Xochimilco canals or Teotihuacán ruins, while travelers on the Yucatán Peninsula should visit Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve.

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How can I travel around Mexico?

Public transportation and domestic flights are the easiest ways to get around Mexico. If you’ve made a base in one city, look for day tours that include private transfers to save time and hassle. Otherwise, buses are ideal for shorter distances, while cross-state journeys are best done by plane.

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Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

Yes, as long as you take reasonable precautions. Crime can happen, so carefully plan your route beforehand and always choose the safest travel options. Check travel advice for each state and travel in a group where possible. Nonetheless, most visits to Mexico are trouble-free, especially in and between tourist destinations.

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Mexico information

Number of Attractions

380

Number of Tours

9,428

Number of Reviews

292,761

Currency

MXN
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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