17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mexico
Picture-perfect beaches, colourful colonial architecture, magnificent ancient ruins, a rich captivating history, breathtaking cenotes, fascinating cloud forests and dynamic cities. These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Mexico. Read on to discover more including the best Mexico activities!
Gorgeous white-sand beaches, luxury all-inclusive resorts, world-class nightlife, large shopping malls and ancient ruins; this is what many people picture when thinking of Mexico. While these certainly play a large part, there’s also a hell of a lot more that awaits those who explore.
From the bustling metropolis of Mexico City where you can learn about the country’s history and stroll through picturesque parks, to the mystical cloud forests near Oaxaca, the colourful colonial city San Cristobal de las Casas and the azure waters of Lake Bacalar, there are many amazing places to visit in Mexico.
Each region in Mexico is unique and it’s incredibly easy to travel around. It’s without a doubt one of our favourite countries so read on for our 17 reasons to visit Mexico!
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Contents
Dia de Muertos
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is at the top of our list of reasons to visit Mexico as it’s an absolute must-do and real bucketlist experience if you can time your trip!
Dia de Muertos is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the first two days of November. Rather than it being a day of sadness, it’s a day of celebration and remembering and praying for deceased family and friends.
Mexico becomes an explosion of colour with decorations absolutely everywhere. The entire country puts everything into their outfits and face paint and parades through the streets singing and dancing.
Being a part of this celebration is hands-down one of the best things to do in Mexico and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had! I had no idea what to expect.
We celebrated it in a little town near Oaxaca called Etla, where the traditional party, that’s been held for over three hundred years, occurs. The street party is SO much fun. We followed a mariachi band through the streets and every so often stopped at various points to sing and dance in the street.
Our Top Tip: if you’ve not seen the Disney film, Coco, watch it! It will definitely make you want to celebrate Dia de Muertos.
Food
Food is 100% one of the top reasons to visit Mexico; it’s downright delicious! I’ve yet to encounter anyone who isn’t a fan of Mexican food.
Mexican food is famed for being spicy, vibrant and flavourful. You can get by easily enough if you’re not a fan of spice, like me. I had no issue finding amazing and flavourful food for three weeks.
Corn and beans are Mexican staples; expect to see them served with almost every meal.
One of my favourite ways of eating corn was a popular street food snack of corn topped with a spicy mixture of mayonnaise, cream, and chilli powder and sprinkled with cheese (go with it, it’s really good).
Corn is also used to make tortillas which are a firm favourite and you’ll probably eat in some form at least once a day. Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas…the list goes on.
Beans are normally refried and eaten either as an accompaniment with whatever form your tortilla is taking or as the main ingredient if you don’t eat meat.
Our Top Tip: make sure you hit the street food stalls for the most authentic food. It’s also super cheap with tacos costing as little as around 50c!
Archaelogical Treasures
For you history lovers, it’s an absolute must for you to visit Mexico as it’s full to the brim with fascinating ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Visiting Chichen Itza is one of the most popular things to do in Mexico and is one of the largest sacred sites in the country. It was also one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Explore the site’s ruins made up of temples, columns and tombs. The most impressive structure is El Castillo, a towering temple whose four sides each have ninety-one steps. Including the top one, the steps add up to three hundred and sixty-five; one for each day of the Mayan Calendar!
Palenque with its tropical jungle setting is also a very popular and impressive site to visit. It’s thought Palenque was populated from 226 BC to 799 AD and flourished in the 7th century. It remained unknown to Europeans until the late 18th century. This complex of limestone pyramid tombs and temples is one of the most documented Mayan archaeological ruins.
Approximately 50 kilometres north of Mexico City lies Teotihuacan, one of the most popular cultural centres in Mesoamerica and best places to visit in Mexico for history lovers.
This holy city, translated as “the place where the Gods were created”, is characterised by its vast monuments laid out on geometric and symbolic principles.
The city was settled as early as 400 BC and by 400 AD it had become the most powerful and influential city in the region. It was the Aztecs who gave it its name Teotihuacan when they found it in the 1400s. By this time the city had been abandoned for centuries. Teotihuacan’s history, origins and culture largely remain a mystery.
Lake Bacalar
The strikingly blue Lake Bacalar is definitely one of the top reasons to visit Mexico. I’d seen photos while researching but nothing could have prepared me for the colours. It’s also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours and it’s nothing short of magical!
Beautifully warm, crystal clear water; it’s a perfect spot for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore further. The colours of the lake even change as the depths and time of the day change; it’s fascinating!
This is Mexico’s second-largest body of water at 43km in length and 2km wide at its widest point. The lagoon is actually a series of waterways fed by underground cenotes that lead to the Caribbean Sea and it has a diverse ecosystem.
In 2006, Bacalar was named a magic town by Mexico’s Department of Tourism. This marks the town’s significance as an important landmark outside of the obvious tourist spots.
Cañon del Sumidero
To immerse yourself in some magnificent natural scenery, one of the best things to do in Mexico is the Sumidero Canyon National Park in Chiapas.
This canyon is a geological fault formed millions of years ago and is considered one of the most spectacular places to visit in Mexico!
The canyon walls reach whopping heights of up to 1000m in places and are dotted with gorgeous features such as “Cueva de Colores (Cave of Colours) and “Cascada Arbol de Navidad” (Christmas Tree Waterfall).
Keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys, birds and even crocodiles on the river banks!
Our Top Tip: a trip to the Sumidero Canyon National Park can easily be organised from San Cristobal de Las Casas and included with El Chifron (more on that later).
Cenotes
One of my favourite things to do in Mexico is swim in the cenotes; a natural sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock exposing the groundwater underneath. One of the best places to visit in Mexico for cenotes is the Yucatan Peninsula as there are over 6,000 in this area alone!
Mayans settled their villages around these cenotes, meaning “sacred well”. They believed they were a portal to speak with the Gods and were sometimes used for sacrificial offerings.
There are open, semi-open and underground cenotes sprawled across Mexico. Most of them have freshwater that’s so clear and pure you can see straight through them to the fish and plant life at the bottom no matter how deep they are.
We visited Cenote Jardin del Eden, close to Playa del Carmen. This is a large, open cenote set in the tropical jungle. The water is pristine and crystal clear it’s amazing to swim in! You can rent snorkels, or even scuba dive to see the fish and rock formations.
We also visited Chuuk Tun Cenote which was underground and consisted of 2 caves with really impressive stalactites!
Make sure you experience at least one open and one underground cenote when you visit Mexico.
Our Top Tip: it’s not permitted to wear suncream in the cenotes so wear a t-shirt to protect yourself from the sun.
Colourful Colonial Architecture
Colour plays a powerful role in Mexican culture; they’re obsessed with it! We’ve already seen how vibrant and colorful Dia de Muertos is and this is true for all Mexican festivals. Colour is also very prominent in the architecture.
Every street is different. Every building on that street is a different colour. The colours used are usually so contrasting; you’d never think to match those colours together. But it works and it’s wonderful!
The architecture is bold, intense and vibrant. I could walk the streets for hours just admiring all of the different buildings! This is part of Mexico’s gorgeous charm and you’ll absolutely fall under its spell.
Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas and Campeche are three places to visit in Mexico where you’ll see some beautifully colourful streets so make sure you add these to your Mexico itinerary.
Mexico's Sprawling Capital
Mexico City is seriously underrated! Honestly, I was quite nervous about visiting Mexico City as I’d heard stories about how unsafe it was. In actual fact, it’s no more unsafe than any other big city (and it’s safer than some that may surprise you).
We spent four days in this energetic, cosmopolitan city and I loved it!
Mexico City has an incredibly rich culture and captivating history and there’s something for everyone. Did you know Mexico City has more museums than any other city in the world? No? Me neither.
Foodies will be in their element. From delicious street food stalls to gourmet world-class restaurants to casual diners, Mexico City has it all!
Be sure to check out some of the archaeological sites. Visiting Teotihuacan is one of the best things to do in Mexico City and is easily visited on a day trip. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Historic Centre and the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are also well worth a visit.
Just strolling Mexico City’s streets you’ll be treated to all kinds of art. From murals on the buildings and funky street art to statues in the picturesque parks and an abundance of art galleries.
To top it all off; it’s by far the cheapest capital city in North America! Cheap food, affordable accommodation and tequila for less than a pound, so make sure you visit Mexico City!
The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
For a unique experience in the bustling capital, visit the Venice of Mexico. The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are miles of waterways, called chinampas which were an agricultural technique used by the Aztecs to turn swampy areas into farmland.
The vibrant and colourful boats are called trajineras and you can hire one for a ride. They seat about twelve people so it’s best to come in a group to split the cost (around 600 pesos per hour). Alternatively, you can rent one yourself if you’re a small party, or you may be able to join up with another group.
As you explore the waterways, you’ll encounter other trajineras selling food, and drinks, and some may offer you musical entertainment. You can even rent a mariachi band to serenade you!
You’ll float past the unsettling Isla de las Munecas (Island of the Dead Dolls). This site is a tribute to a young girl who tragically drowned in the canal. A local man started hanging up dolls in her memory; it was never meant to turn into a tourist attraction.
This is one of the most unique Mexico activities and is a very memorable part of my trip.
Pueblos Mancomunados
Close to Oaxaca are the Pueblos Mancomunados; eight protected remote villages. They offer escapes from the heat and crowds of the cities and a chance to appreciate the Mexican wilderness.
Numerous walking trails connect the villages where you’ll pass waterfalls, canyons and spectacular panoramic lookouts.
One of the best hikes in the Pueblos Mancomunados is 16km from Cuajimoloyas to Latuvi. You don’t need a guide, however, you learn a lot about the villages and the local way of life which was fascinating and I wouldn’t have learnt without a guide.
Zapotecs inhabit the villages; an indigenous people of Mexico. For centuries, they’ve struggled with economic hardship and in recent years they turned to ecotourism to help. Currently, 120 local people work in tourism and attract 17,000 annual visitors. 90% of the money goes straight back into the communities (10% goes towards administration).
El Chiflon Waterfall
Tucked away inside a beautiful valley are five waterfalls plunging into pools at the bottom. The top waterfall is one of the highest and most powerful waterfalls in Mexico. Tumbling 120 metres down an almost vertical limestone cliff, be prepared to get showered in mist.
The entire area is simply stunning! There are forest trails you can explore and pools you can swim in. The path between the falls is relatively flat and easy. Allow for about an hour to reach the top waterfall and come back down again with some time for photos.
Our Top Tip: a trip to this waterfall is best combined with the Cañon del Sumidero from San Cristobal de las Casas.
The Beaches
It goes without saying one of the best reasons to visit Mexico is its beaches!
Mexico’s coastline spans 9,300km and sprawled along it you’ll find almost 500 beaches. There’s a reason Mexico is a hugely popular beach destination and with water that colour lapping at sand that pristine, you can see why!!
And, while you may picture crowds, nightclubs and huge all-inclusive resorts, you can definitely avoid this (or not, depending on what you’re looking for).
Tulum is known for boutique resorts, jungle-lined beaches and a laidback vibe. Isla Holbox dazzles with stretches of white sand and turquoise waters.
Baja California Sur has some secluded beaches and exotic wildlife. If you’re looking for a mid-sized town with great food and lots of atmosphere, check out Playa del Carmen. Whatever kind of beach you’re looking for; Mexico has you covered.
Misol-Ha Waterfall
One of the best things to do in Mexico is to visit the breathtaking waterfall Misol-Ha. Misol-Ha cascades 35 meters into a wide pool surrounded by lush tropical jungle.
During the dry season, Misol-Ha is an idyllic spot for a dip, however, during the rainy season, the water can appear murky because of the mud.
Behind the waterfall is a path leading into a cave, allowing you to experience close-up the power of the water.
For the ultimate jungle experience, stay in one of the on-site eco-tourism cabins.
The markets
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, the atmosphere in the markets and seeing the locals go about their daily lives is worth the experience. So, when you visit Mexico, make sure a trip to a market is on your itinerary.
Agua-azul
Agua-Azul; a series of waterfalls and striking blue pools is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Mexico. Rather obviously, their name comes from the intense blue water of the thundering falls. Their magnificent colour results from the water’s high mineral content depositing itself on the rock.
In 1908, Agua Azul was designated a wildlife refuge and later promoted to Biosphere Reserve status. Inhabiting the surroundings are a variety of different wildlife including jaguars and endless bird species.
Amongst the cascading falls are various pools you can swim in. We’d recommend at least swimming in the ones closer to the entrance for a full view of the falls from below, however, the pools further up the waterfall are quieter.
There’s also a walking path up the side of the waterfall where you can see the smaller cascades joining together to create the larger falls towards the bottom. Visiting Agua Azul really is one of the best things to do in Mexico; the natural scenery is absolutely stunning!
Bear in mind that depending on the season you visit, the falls change colour. During the rainy season, the water flows at a much higher intensity and mixes with mud resulting in the blue colour being less intense. Agua Azul is still very impressive as there’s a much higher volume of water.
The Wrestling Culture
This was definitely the most surreal experience I had in Mexico. Lucha Libre is Mexican wrestling, a long-standing tradition and an important part of Mexican culture. It has the second-highest spectator rate after football in the country, so, as you can see, it’s pretty popular!
It involves colourful masks, hundreds of sequins, extravagant personalities and very tight spandex…what’s not to love?!
Watching a Lucha Libre match is a huge amount of fun and one of the most unique things to do in Mexico. If you can watch it in Mexico City, I’d recommend doing so. Arena Mexico is the best place to watch it with luchas on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evenings.
Be prepared for the atmosphere to get rowdy. Grab a beer and embrace it, you won’t be forgetting this experience any time soon!
Cancun
If you’re looking for sun, sand and margaritas, head straight for Cancun! Cancun is renowned globally for its beautiful beaches, great value all-inclusive resorts, Mayan treasures, water activities, spectacular nature and nightlife.
Popular with all ages, Cancun has something to offer everyone. Looking for somewhere to chill out and soak up the sun? There are endless immaculate fine white sand beaches.
If you’re more about the adventure activities, Cancun is surrounded by mangroves, lush jungle, cenotes and world-class diving. History buffs will be in their element with the numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Mayan archaeological wonders to explore such as Chichen Itza.
If you’re here for the nightlife, Cancun is renowned for its incomparable clubs, bars and shows.
Our Top Tip: if you want to feel like you’re in the middle of a West End show, check out Coco Bongo!
To Know Before you Visit mexico
The best time to visit Mexico
The best time to visit Mexico for the weather is December to April. This does however mean more crowds and higher prices. I visited Mexico in November when it was still a bit cooler and there were fewer crowds; this was a great time to go. It’s also Dia de Muertos.
The rainy season is June to October but the coast is affected the most. Hardly any rain falls in Northern Mexico and Central Mexico usually only experiences heavy afternoon showers.
How to get around Mexico
Mexico is a large country so travelling between key destinations can take quite a while. We travelled on ADO buses which were comfy and efficient. Buses are the best way to travel around Mexico if you’re on a budget.
If you’re not travelling on too tight of a budget or you’re limited on time, it may be worth taking some internal flights. You can also rent a car if you’re confident enough to drive.
How long to spend in Mexico
This depends on what you want to do and see. I had three weeks which was a great amount of time travelling from Mexico City to Bacalar through the Yucatan Peninsula. You could definitely take longer and I wouldn’t recommend anything less than three weeks for that route.
You could easily spend ten days to two weeks just in the Yucatan Peninsula if you want to focus on this area when you visit Mexico.
How expensive is Mexico?
Mexico is very affordable; especially outside of the tourist hotspots. You can spend as little as $1 on street food meals and the same for a beer.
A bed in a dorm can cost around $10 with privates costing from $18. We found this to be quite standard around Mexico. We also stayed in little guesthouses; a triple room would cost upwards from $15.
If you’re looking for more luxurious properties; along the Riviera Maya, you can find some beautiful great value all-inclusive resorts starting at around $150 a night for 2 people.
Do I need a visa?
As a UK passport holder, you don’t need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist. You will, however, need to complete an immigration form and have this with you when you enter and leave Mexico.
What currency is used?
Mexico uses the peso. At the time of writing 1 USD is 16.95 MXN.
What plug do I need?
Mexico uses plug types A and B. Both have two flat parallel pins and B has a grounding pin.
We hope this post has influenced you to visit Mexico; it’s a wonderful country with so much to offer every type of traveller. If you have any questions feel free to leave us a comment or contact us 🙂