The Best Things To Do In Mexico
Discover the best things to do in Mexico and embark on the ultimate adventure, complete with cultural experiences, natural wonders, and thrilling activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Mexico is a country that boasts an abundance of diverse activities to keep you enthralled. It is a land that never fails to captivate and amaze, with countless adventures to be had and memories to be made, there’s never a dull moment when exploring this incredible destination.
Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or eager to explore the ancient ruins and colonial architecture of Chichen Itza or Palenque, Mexico has something for everyone. Swim in the crystal clear waters of cenotes, hike through the lush jungle, or immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine. With such an incredible variety of activities in Mexico, the options are truly endless.
Read on for our highlight reel of the best things to do in Mexico…
Things to do in Mexico by location
Playa del Carmen
Swim in an underground river in the Riviera Maya
Rio Secreto is a natural reserve located a few minutes from Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Riviera Maya, where nature and human beings converge in harmony.
Explore a wonder of the natural world in one of the largest subway river systems in existence, where the history of our planet is written in thousands of geological formations.
Floating in its clear fresh water is an experience of a lifetime. During the approximately 3.5-hour tour, your local English-speaking guide will explain all about the walls and formations of this marvellous geological library while you explore different flooded caves.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Half-Day
Dive in the turquoise blue waters of Cozumel
The island of Cozumel is located just off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is directly across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport.
Cozumel is world-renowned for its scuba diving and proximity to numerous top dive sites. The Mesoamerican reef system is the second-largest reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef), and there is extensive coral and sea life with incredible visibility. From beginner’s discovery dives to advanced drift dives, there’s something for everyone around Cozumel.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short activity
Snorkeling at the Puerto Morelos coral reef
Why not visit the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park. It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, a coral reef that extends over approximately 1000 km along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, making it the second largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Board a boat to enter this natural protected area and approach the barrier reef for snorkeling. Hidden underwater is a wonderful world that we rarely get to explore. Thanks to the clear, shallow water, you will be able to observe coral species, colorful fish, and crustaceans, as well as the marine grasslands of the reef lagoon. With a little luck, you may even see turtles during the tour.
- Group size: Small or Private
- Duration: Short experience
Snorkeling and turtle watching in Akumal
Akumal is one of our favorite destinations in the Caribbean Sea for snorkeling and boat trips. Board a boat to take you only two minutes from the shore. Here you will have the opportunity to visit Akumal Bay, a Refuge Area for the Protection of Marine Species decreed by CONANP since 2016. Here you can dive in depths between 4 to 35 meters with the necessary snorkeling and safety equipment to swim and enjoy turtle watching. Several species visit Mexican beaches, such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). It is very important to abide by the regulations and indications so as not to alter or harm the turtles and to be able to contemplate them in their maximum splendor.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Short experience
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Two Weeks in Mexico
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Enjoyed using Rutopia
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Adventures in the Yucatán!
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Great experience with this agency, totally recommend!
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Mayan Site Tour in Yucatan Penninsula Mexico
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Fantastic Will do it again
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A literally perfect trip to the Yucatan peninsula
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Journey to Mexico City, Cholula and Cuetzalan
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Just wonderful!
We had an amazing trip excellent organized by Jorge and supervised by Melina from Rutopia. We spent 10 days in Mexico, starting in Ciudad de Mexico where we visited the amazing Teotihuacan and then we flew to Yucatan for the amazing sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Tulum, Merida, Valladolid and the great Island Holbox. The trip was perfectly organized, the hotels were very good, and the guides were carefully chosen. We highly recommend Rutopia and especially Jorge!
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Chiapas, Neri and her family
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Super local agency
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The best moment lived in Mexico
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Super organization, great accommodations and nice team
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Circuit in Yucatan
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Perfect
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Tulum
Explore Tulum’s Mayan temples by the Caribbean Sea
Visit the Mayan city of Tulum, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Your guide will explain why this site played a particularly important role in sea and land trade, as well as an astronomical observatory and defensive system.
The Mayan city is in the middle of a type of mangrove ecosystem and on a cliff facing the beautiful Caribbean Sea, which makes it a unique and spectacular place. From the archaeological site, you have access to the “Playa Ruinas” (beach of the ruins). Don’t hesitate to swim and cool off.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Float and relax in natural canals
Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which in Mayan means “a place where the sky was born.” This community-based ecotourism cooperative focuses on the conservation and preservation of ecosystems by promoting unique experiences with a commitment to responsible tourism.
Your first stop will be the little-known and mysterious archaeological site of Muyil, which you reach at the end of an interpretive trail surrounded by the jungle. Walk until you reach the edge of the Chunyaxche Lagoon and its wonderful turquoise color, where you can take a small boat to cross a channel of crystal clear water with mangroves on either side. When you arrive at the dock, you can jump into the lazy river to begin a unique and relaxing experience in contact with nature! It is a moment of reconnection with Mother Earth during which you float slowly through the channels, where you will feel the peace of your surroundings, hear the sweet sounds of local birds, and feel the current of the water.
- Group size: Small or Private
- Duration: Half day
Explore the unknown cenotes of Chemuyil by bicycle
Begin your adventure in the community of Chemuyil, a small beachfront town with plentiful white sandy beaches and shallow waters. This project was initiated by five young people from the community of Chemuyil who seek to introduce and preserve the cenotes where they used to live and play during their childhood.
Their initiative allows the visitor to explore virgin forests, discover the fauna, and become one with nature. You will be assigned a bicycle and start cycling through the charming town of Chemuyil. Then you will continue your bike tour to visit three different cenotes of different shapes and sizes.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Short experience
Dive into the mystic cenotes of the Riviera Maya
Go deep into the bowels of the earth to dive in a cenote. A cenote is a natural pool of fresh and crystalline water in the middle of the jungle. There are about 10,000 cenotes scattered throughout the YUCATAN PENINSULA, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and locations. The cenotes are part of a vast subway river system that is, in fact, what makes up the caves you dive in.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Full day tour
Swim in different kinds of cenotes
Explore three of the most stunning cenotes in the Yucatan on this trip of a lifetime, designed to broaden your perspective of the awe-inspiring landscape beneath Tulum.
An experience filled with eye-opening adventures and discoveries. You’ll swim among fish and turtles, see underwater caves and amazing rock formations, explore limestone passages by torchlight, and finally, immerse yourself in the peace and magic only found inside the caves.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Full day tour
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Bacalar
Sail on a catamaran through the lagoon of the seven colors
Start your tour at the Bacalar dock, where you can board a catamaran sailing boat. This shared experience lasts three to four hours, and you start by sailing toward the south of the lagoon. During the tour, you can observe and learn about the importance of the mangroves. It is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature in a sustainable way since you will only need the wind to navigate and avoid polluting the ecosystem.
You will visit the famous “Pirates Channel” where you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel. You will continue to the Cenote de la Bruja or Cenote Negro. Here you will also be able to explore its waters and enjoy the colors of the different depths. You can also visit the Isla de Los Pájaros, a locally declared sanctuary, where you can find several species of birds and the famous shades of blue of the Bacalar Lagoon. Then finally, venture to Cenote Esmeralda, an area of great beauty.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Half day
Enjoy the sunrise with a transparent kayak in the lagoon
Live one of our favorite experiences in Bacalar. Start your day early, get into your kayak and start with a ride around the lagoon to catch a glimpse of the first rays of the sun. The transparency of your kayak will allow you to see the different shades of colors of the lagoon. You can visit the famous pirates channel, mariscal lagoon and its mangroves. During a 4 hour tour you will see a beautiful paradise as well as the native flora and fauna of this ecosystem.
- Group size: Small or Private
- Duration: Short experience
Hike through the Mayan jungle of Chunhuhub to learn about gum collection
Gradually immerse yourself in the dense jungle of the Mayans, where you can discover how the ancestors found their food, water, and shelter, until you reach an area of lush Chicozapote trees, which are over 50 years old. Here, you’ll discover the process of obtaining the “chicle” from the Chicozapote tree.
To carry out this activity, the chicleros make cracks (which do not damage the tree), in a kind of zig zag, then the sap flows down the trunk into a container. This mixture is put on a fire to generate a gum, which is then left to dry. The extraction is done during the rainy season, so if it is the dry season you will see a demonstration of the activity. Either way, you will learn how the Mayans used the tools given to them by Mother Earth to carry out all of these processes in their daily lives.
You will also have the opportunity to taste the ecological gum produced by the elders of the community.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short experience
Calakmul
Handicraft workshops in the Mayan communities of Calakmul
Visit a local family, who will welcome you into their workshop to show you their original crafts made with local materials. Their specialty is stone carving, such as limestone, petrified fossils, quartz, and obsidian, and creating tablets with his designs inspired by the Mayan culture. With materials such as jade, he creates jewelry objects such as earrings and charms.
They offer a complete experience for visitors that includes the explanation of the technique, a demonstration of stone carving, and then play to become an archaeologist, looking for a piece hidden in the garden of the workshop. To finish, you will have the opportunity to try carving your stucco piece and take it as a souvenir.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short experience
Dive into the jungle to discover the majestic archaeological site
The experience begins with a 60 km journey between the entrance to the archaeological site and the jungle, which separates Calakmul from the rest of the world. The road alone, although paved, is worth all the attention. With a bit of luck, you might spot white-tailed deer, pheasants, and peacocks with iridescent plumage welcoming the day, a coati if you’re lucky, or some canoe-billed toucans that hide in the trees.
Finally, you will reach the archaeological area. There you will visit the highest pyramid on the site, 45 meters high, and climb to the top to enjoy the incredible view of the jungle, in a sea of green made up of endless trees. There at the top, in addition to the beating of your own heart, you can hear the silence of jungle, life summed up in trills and hums, the spider monkeys moving the branches or the woodpeckers stubbornly playing their wooden melody in search of insects.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Campeche
Visit the preserved archaeological site of Edzna
Departing from the city of Campeche, you could choose to make an archaeological visit to Edzná. Then you will go to the beach to relax. This archaeological site is of great cultural importance, since Edzna is one of the great capitals of the Classic era of the Maya Itzáes, who later moved their capital to Chichen Itzá. It is a magnificent construction and features a mixture of building styles. Plus, the site has been continuously inhabited for more than two thousand years.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Hike through the jungle in the San Pedro and Salto Grande
The world is not the same when you see it from the top of Structure II, out of breath, facing the sky, and a green sea made of trees as far as the eye can see. In addition to your own heartbeat, you will hear the noisy silence of the jungle. Life summarized in the trills and buzzes, the cries of spider monkeys, the moving branches, and the knocks of woodpeckers searching for insects in the wood.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Visit vestiges of ancient kingdoms on the route of the Chenes in Campeche
First stop, El Tabasqueño, where you will find the Emblem Tower, a monument associated with scientific astronomical activities. Here you will also see a large number of stelae that recorded information about the most relevant aspects of the city. Continue to Hochob, where you can also visit several ancient monuments, such as the East Palace, where there is a huge mask representing the Mayan god Itzamná, or Structures II and III, with decorated masks, false temples and simulated staircases. Finally, visit Dzibilnocac, a little known archaeological site where you will find the Painted Vault, a group of mounds, platforms, vaulted buildings and rooms decorated with masks of the Mayan god of rain, Chaac.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Enjoy a boat ride and swimming in Isla Aguada
Isla Aguada has attractive beaches on the coast facing the Gulf of Mexico, and in its lagoon, beautiful mangroves. It belongs to a large area considered a protection area for local flora and fauna, which includes the extension of the Laguna de Términos over approximately 705,016 hectares.
Dolphins can be observed in their habitat, various sea and land birds, such as jabiru stork, stork, heron, and some varieties of falcons, as well as reptiles and mammals, including boa constrictors and jaguars.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Mérida
Visit the Uxmal archeological site and learn about Mayan mythology in a local community
The archaeological site of Uxmal and its impressive pyramids are well worth a visit. Uxmal means “three times built” in Maya. This name refers to the construction of its tallest structure: the Pyramid of the Magician, which was built on top of existing pyramids. Legend has it that the Pyramid of the Magician was built in a single night. This is highly unlikely as there are several structures from different time periods, perhaps only the last and smallest structure at the top was built overnight and then became a legend.
Then, after having lunch in a community, a local guide will explain the importance of the melipone bee in the life of the Mayans. Then start a visit on the ecological trail and understand the relationship with Mayan mythology. You will discover what an Alux is but also an Xtabay and a Xibalba, and visit some nearby caves.
- Group size: -
- Duration: Full day
Boat ride to see flamingos in the Celestun Nature Reserve
This World Heritage Biosphere Reserve was officially declared a wildlife refuge in 1979.
A boat trip awaits you at the mouth of the Esperanza River in the Gulf of Mexico, where you can appreciate a unique natural ecosystem. You will observe ducks migrating from Canada, and fish, pelicans, and flamingos from the Caribbean, among another 234 species of mammals.
Then visit the “ojo de agua,” where you can swim in natural tunnels formed by branches and end your trip enjoying a delicious meal with a wonderful view of the beach.
You can see the pink flamingos from November to April.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Visit the yellow city of Izamal and swim in a cenote
Today, early in the morning, you will leave Mérida to go to Cenotillo, a place surrounded by a large number of cenotes, including the cenote Xooch, unique for its large size and the lush nature that surrounds it. During this adventure, you can enjoy a 4 km bike ride between the center of Cenotillo and the town hall.
Then go from the center of Cenotillo to the entrance of the cenote, where you can bathe in its crystal clear waters. On the way back to Mérida, perhaps visit Izamal to discover its cobbled streets and yellow facades, as well as the convent of San Antonio de Padua and the archaeological site of Kinich Kakmo.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Explore the little known archaeological site of Mayapán and enjoy local handicrafts in Tekit
Visit Tekit, a traditional Yucatec village known for its great craftsmen who make regional clothes.
During your visit, take a trip to the local bakery, where you can taste different types of breads and, together with the baker, make delicious polvorones. Afterwards, visit the Mayan Solar where your hostess, will explain the work of the baker and the melipona bee. Then you will taste a variety of honeys and be taught about medicinal plants. Once the honey tasting is over, you can visit guayaberas factories and learn how they make them, and buy 100% traditional local clothes directly from the producers and finally taste a traditional Yucatec meal.
To end your visit, check out the archaeological site of Mayapán, one of the capitals of the pre-Hispanic Maya era.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Handicrafts and relaxation, among honey and coconut palms
To start the day, taste the delicious Huevos Motuleños of Doña Evelia at the local market of Motul. Then go to Sinanché to learn about Yucatec beekeeping and the different species of bees that can be found in the area. You will also learn about the honey production process, you will interact with bees wearing a beekeeper’s suit, you will taste different varieties of honey depending on the type of pollinated plant, and participate in a craft candle creation workshop based on products derived from honey.
Next, depart for San Crisanto, a coastal community where the ejido (a community organization) produces salt and copra on communal land, making it a unique tropical landscape ideal for exploration.
Then you board a boat that will take you through the mangroves to the site of Ojo de Agua (a freshwater spring). During this beautiful experience, you will enjoy the diversity and richness of local flora and fauna, which are essential for the preservation of the environment. Then end the tour, by relaxing at Sac-Há, a seaside beach surrounded by coconut trees and white sand.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Valladolid
Visit Chichen Itza
Visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
This pre-Hispanic city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the most revered center of worship and pilgrimage on the YUCATAN PENINSULA. Its main attraction is the step pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo).
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Swim in the mystical cenote of Yokdzonot
In 2005, a group of women from the rural community of Yokdzonot, Yucatan, organized to transform the Mayan cenote of their village into a unique ecotourism site. The cenotes were the main source of water supply in the middle of the Mayan jungle, which motivated the development of cities and settlements. They were also seen as symbolic settings and spaces for rain, life, death, rebirth, and fertility rituals.
This is why they were so sacred to this culture. This cenote is quite unknown, so it is not as crowded as others, and its waters have a cool temperature to mitigate the heat outside.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Visit a cornfield and learn about corn in Yaxunah
This community is a place surrounded by cornfields and dense vegetation. It seems that at the time of the ancient Mayas, it was already an important center for the cultivation of corn, the sacred food of the gods. For the Maya, the milpa was like their home, and they had to ask permission to enter it.
In just a few hours, your guide, along with community locals, will show you the production process of this important ingredient for the Mayan people. You will learn about cleaning, sowing, and harvesting tasks and taste the drinks that can be made with corn. Check out the potzoles, pinoles, nixtamals, and atoles.
At the end of this experience, you will taste the gastronomic delights that the traditional cooks of the community will prepare for you.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short experience
Explore Ek Balam's Archeological Site and swim in a cenote
Ek Balam means “black jaguar” in Mayan, and it’s one of the few archaeological sites that still allows many of its structures to be climbed.
Accompanied by a specialized guide, you will go around the site visiting its most important monuments, such as the Acropolis, where the kings lived, the Observatory, where the scientists, astronomers, and mathematicians lived, and the ball game, a sacred and religious practice.
You will continue your visit by diving in the cenote Xcanché, located a few minutes by bike from the archaeological area. Upon arriving, you will be surrounded by abundant vegetation and wildlife, you will continue forward, and see a large bridge with wooden stairs that will take you to the cenote. You will also find zip lines to embark on an adventure and drop into the blue-green waters of this wonderful place. Then descend some wooden stairs before diving into this natural gem.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Bicycle tour of the archaeological site of Cobá
Accompanied by a local guide, take a bike tour of the site, surrounded by beautiful trees. If you don’t like cycling, you can request a bicycle taxi. You will get to know this important site, which was very different in design and purpose from other Mayan cities. White roads built by the ancient Maya (sacbé) lead from each village to the main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, the largest pyramid in the YUCATAN PENINSULA.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short Experience
Boat ride in search of flamingos in the Río Lagartos Reserve
Rio Lagartos, a town located in the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, is one of the main nesting areas for flamingos in the YUCATAN PENINSULA.
Embark on a boat trip in this fascinating nature reserve to discover the biodiversity of the ecosystem between mangroves, crocodiles, and flamingos. You will observe Las Coloradas, beautiful salt ponds that have a pinkish hue due to their salt concentration. (Their color depends on the time of year and the light). You will also have the opportunity to take a Mayan exfoliating bath in the white clay mounds, which are beneficial for the skin as they hydrate and soften the dermis. At the end, you will have time to get off the boat and enjoy the gentle waves on a beautiful beach.
Period of pink flamingos: from April to November
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short Experience
Look for spider monkeys while boating around Punta Laguna
The Punta Laguna reserve is an extremely beautiful natural environment, and it is managed by a Mayan cooperative. The vast Punta Laguna reserve of approximately 5500 hectares will amaze you with the richness of its ecosystems in a dense jungle.
Go in search of spider monkeys and howler monkeys whose deep cries will impress you. You will also be able to enjoy the vast lagoon by taking a short canoe trip to venture into an exotic luxuriant nature.
If you have an adventurous spirit, you can launch yourself from the top of the 240-meter high zip line just to change your angle of view and admire the beauty of the place by gaining height with some thrills.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Learn about the daily life of a Mayan community
Visit a Mayan community near Valladolid, and enjoy a day of cultural immersion. Have a full day of adventure and fun with a guided tour through the Milpa and the Mayan jungle, where you can explore caves, and find wonderful virgin cenotes where you can swim and abseil. Finally, you have the opportunity to stroll through the craft workshop, distinguished by its beautiful dreamcatchers and comfortable hammocks.
Mayan gastronomy is one of the many treasures you will find here. You can taste the delicious typical dishes of the region during a lunch in the community.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Holbox
Kayaking in the mangrove
Enjoy a fun kayak tour of approximately three hours, visiting the mangrove system of Holbox, best known for being an ecosystem of vital importance for the environment. It is home to many species and contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change by absorbing and storing CO2 in the mangrove roots.
Get into your kayak and start paddling a few meters in the sea in two stages of 45 minutes each, until you reach the entrance of the Kuká River. In the river, you can already feel the difference in the density of the water and the change of air. Paddling here is usually quite easy. During the experience, your guide will give you tips and explain about this ecosystem. At the same time, soak up an incredible view, beautiful landscapes, and the flora and fauna that inhabit each one, including flamingos, fish, birds, and possibly even crocodiles.
- Group size: Small or private
- Duration: Short experience
Swim with whale Sharks
Live a truly unique experience in the world. You will enjoy a delicious continental breakfast while you are given an informative talk and all the necessary equipment. Once you are ready, you will sail from the dock in a boat to begin your whale shark search. This experience lasts approximately eight hours.
Along the way, you may also see other species, such as rays, dolphins, and turtles. Once you find the whale shark, you will experience the thrill of seeing or swimming alongside the largest fish in the world. The whale shark is the most peaceful giant shark on the planet and can grow as big as a bus. Your guide is an expert in swimming alongside the whale shark and will advise you on how to enjoy the experience safely and confidently. On the way back, you will stop at a small reef for snorkeling. Finally, you will arrive at Santa Paula, where you can swim, stretch your legs and taste a 100% fresh ceviche, the final journey to Holbox will only take 45 minutes.
- Group size: Small or private
- Duration: Full day
Boat tour of the 3 islands
Experience a boat tour of approximately three hours through three emblematic places of Holbox Island. Each point of this tour offers you the unique opportunity to admire and enjoy the different landscapes and activities.
The first visit will be to Isla Pájaros, which is a protected sanctuary. You will get off the boat and go up to a wooden lookout point, where you can admire a great diversity of birds such as frigate birds, white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, gray pelicans, and, in season, flamingos. The second stop will be Passion Island, to enjoy the tranquility of the crystal clear waters and minnows at your feet as you walk on the beautiful virgin white sand beach. Finally you will visit the protected area of Yalahau, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating dip in a freshwater spring. In this spring, water gushes up from the bottom. The order of the stops could change depending on the weather or by the captain’s decision.
- Group size: Small or private
- Duration: Half day
Boat ride through the ecosystems of the unvisited side of Holbox
Board a boat that will take you to Cabo Catoche, east of Holbox Island. Along the way, you can see turtles and also dolphins, if you are lucky. Once at sea, stop to fish for about half an hour. When you arrive at the pristine beaches of Cabo Catoche, one of two local communities will welcome you. You can entrust your catch of the day to the cooks of the community, who will take care of preparing a delicious ceviche. Enjoy this exotic meal with your feet in the sand by the sea.
Then you will take the boat for about five minutes to arrive at Rio Santa Paola. Admire the magnificent landscape that awaits you, walk on the sandbanks and observe the wildlife present in this environment OR, if the conditions are favorable, you will snorkel near Cabo Catoche.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Cooking Experience in Zinacantán
Today, the experience begins with the daily walk to the Tzotzil community of Zinacantan (place of bats). You will arrive at a local house to meet your hosts and take a look at the kitchen, where you will later prepare the food. If it is milpa season, you will take a one-hour walk to learn about the work they do in the community. When you arrive at the traditional cornfield, you will learn everything that can be found in it, as well as the history of the products. You will harvest the ingredients needed for cooking when you return to your host’s home.
In this half-day activity, you will taste and get into the rhythm of life of the local people, feel the sun on your skin, smell the smoke in the air and taste the local and traditional dishes of this charming town.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Canyoning and waterfalls in Tzimol
Your adventure begins early in the morning in the town of Tzimol, where you will meet your local guide to receive instructions and the safety equipment you will need for today’s experience. You will board an all-terrain vehicle to take a scenic dirt road for about 45 minutes through the mountains and hills of this region, where you can enjoy the view of agricultural fields, sugar cane fields, and the Angostura Dam on the horizon.
Upon arrival, you will walk a trail of approximately 400 meters to reach the river. Your guide will take you from the tranquility and beauty of the forest to experience the different combinations of emotions in the river at the first and second waterfalls, where you can practice canyoning (walking, swimming, jumping into the water, sliding, climbing on the river bank) with jumps from half a meter to 7 meters high full of adrenaline, or if you prefer, you can relax in one of the hammocks under the shade while listening to the sounds of the forest and waterfalls. At the end of the experience, you will enjoy a simple meal to recover your strength. You will enjoy a day of adventure, relaxation, and lots of natural beauty before returning to Tzimol.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Palenque
Clay workshop in the town of Nahá
You will participate in a clay workshop. Clay is a material used since pre-Hispanic times to make utensils and model figures of gods. The workshop is guided by one of the Lacandon ladies who will guide you to use your skills and imagination to create a unique clay piece. Let your hands discover their memory, and rediscover your creative and spiritual side!
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Lacandon bow and arrow workshop
Until 50 years ago, the Lacandon Maya were a nomadic tribe living in the deep jungle of Chiapas, in this workshop you will learn about that time and how they used arrows and bows entirely made by them to hunt and feed their families. During this hour, you will learn how to turn a dry cane into a fully functional arrow that is light and has great balance to fly in the air. You will feather the top, add the tip made with different stones and finally tie it together to have your very own arrow. Once you have finished building it, you will have the opportunity to test it and demonstrate your archery skills.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Frontera Corozal
Jungle hike through the heart of the Montes Azules Reserve
Today you will head to Canto de la Selva, an ecotourism hotel located in front of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. To get there, you will take a boat to navigate the Lacantun, one of the last cleanest and most biodiverse rivers in the country. During this tour, you will be able to observe beautiful landscapes and fauna, such as aquatic birds and, with a little luck, macaws and crocodiles. After check-in, you will enjoy a walk through the jungle with an expert local guide. For one hour, you will go on an interpretative trail to learn the secrets and stories of the place, including its majestic ceibas. During the tour, and with some luck, you will be able to observe some of the species that inhabit the Lacandon Jungle, such
as pheasants, toucans, red macaws, or howler monkeys. Being inside the jungle surrounded by its sounds is a very special experience.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Oaxaca de Juarez
Hiking and handcraft at Teotitlán
Today you will get to know the village of Teotitlan del Valle and the gorgeous nature around the lake, as well as the traditional handcraft and the secrets of its production (weaving and natural colors dyeing). You’ll start by the dam of the village at the feet of the massive Sierra Norte mountains, where most of the birds gather around the water.
You will hike for about three hours to the top of the closest mountain in a fantastic cactus landscape with a view of all the eastern Valley of Oaxaca. You’ll be guided with many flora and fauna insights, making stops along the way to appreciate the panoramic valley views, the wild and flowering agave, and the birdlife. A well-deserved traditional meal will be waiting for you at la casa de Josefina, a lovely woman, excellent cook, and weaver with a big heart. After lunch, Josefina and her family will show you their traditional family work making beautiful rugs. Finally, with a colorful mind, you will visit the pueblo and head back to Oaxaca.
- Group size: Small or Private
- Duration: Full day
Learn gastronomy and culture on the Streets of Oaxaca
Spend some time exploring Oaxaca on a guided city tour with an English-speaking guide as you discover the cultural, historical, and gastronomic richness that this city offers. Start by visiting the Mercado de la Merced, where you will be able to taste some traditional baked empanada, then walk through the colorful streets of the Jalatlaco neighborhood to reach the 16th-century Aqueduct and sample delicious tacos on the street of Garcia Vigil. Continue to the architectural complex formed by the temple of Santo Domingo, home to a museum of cultures and the site that holds the treasure of the Seventh Tomb of Monte Alban. Here you can stop and cool down with some of the town’s famous ice cream.
Finally, pass the impressive Baroque facades of the Cathedral and the Novo-Hispanic mansions on Alcalá Street to finish at the Plaza de la Constitución. With its authentic Art Nouveau kiosk and colorful markets full of delightful aromas and flavors, it’s the perfect place to end the tour with a delicious Oaxacan hot chocolate.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Tlacolula Market & Teotitlán Traditional Cooking Class
You will meet your English-speaking guide and head to the outskirts of Oaxaca City (approximately 45 minutes). Your experience will begin with a visit to Tlacolula square, where vendors from the communities around Oaxaca will sell their products, including coffee, bread, chocolate, honey, chili peppers, and other local delicacies. You will enjoy breakfast at the local market. Afterward you will visit the home of a traditional cook to take a cooking class on regional dishes using locally grown corn and traditional tools such as the comal and metate. You will enjoy the dishes you prepared accompanied by a traditional mezcal. Finally you will return to Oaxaca.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
San Pablo Elta
Hiking the puma trail and Amaranto seed workshop
Today you will hike “El camino del Puma”. You will meet your guide at the ecotourism center and then take a vehicle for fifty minutes to the starting point of the trail, you will walk a trail of three and a half kilometers long and with a duration of an hour and a half on average, it is a trail of easy access if done in favor of the slope as the road is clear. You will walk in the middle part of the mountain through a beautiful vegetation of pines and oaks, you will cross the deciduous forest to enjoy the incredible scenery. If you pay attention you will have the opportunity to appreciate the different species that inhabit the area such as orchids, birds and hopefully some mammals.
Then you will visit the “Joy of Life” workshop to meet Margarita Barrita and a group of women and men from the community who are interested in preserving the culture and use of “huautli” or amaranth. Through a pleasant talk you will be introduced to the world of amaranth followed by a two-hour demonstration where you will learn about the plant, the grain, the cultivation process and its transformation into flour, all in a traditional way. You will learn about the traditional bursting process in a clay comal and you will have the opportunity to live the experience of preparing your own joy and tzoalli (pre-Hispanic handmade sweet made of amaranth and seeds, considered the food of the ancient gods) which will become a pleasant sensation to see how your hands create nutritious food, it is a life experience that you will always remember.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Manialtepec
Horseback riding to Laguna de Manialtepec
Today you will head to San Jose Manialtepec, which means “place of lizards.” An English-speaking guide will be waiting to welcome you and introduce you to your horse, who will be your companion in this exciting adventure. During the ride, you will pass by different fruit crops, including papaya, mango, and coconut. It is also possible to see some of the cattle ranches that are in the region. After a pleasant ride, you will arrive at a beautiful lagoon which you will cross in a canoe to get back on your horse. Finally, you will arrive at Puerto Suelo beach to enjoy a horseback ride along the beach, feeling the sea breeze and watching the beautiful waves.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
The Escobilla: Rescue and release of sea turtles
Today you will be part of one of the most amazing phenomena that the state of Oaxaca has to offer. You will visit one of the most protected natural areas in the world. You will navigate the Escobilla Lagoon in a cayuco, where you will be able to admire all kinds of species, such as storks, herons, crocodiles, and even turtles that filter in from the beach, your main destination! There you will be part of the release of olive ridley turtles or the massive nesting of adult turtles that, year after year, allows the preservation of the species. La Escobilla is one of the most significant places in the country, so you must not miss the opportunity to leave the ordinary behind and become a spectator of the extraordinary.
- Group size: Small
- Duration: Short experience
Xochimilco
Visit the Floating Gardens and Canals
Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of Mexico City’s most emblematic areas: the canals of Xochimilco. Meaning “Place of Flowers” in Nahuatl, this historic neighborhood was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.
Board a trajinera (a colorful flat-bottomed boat) to tour the area’s waterways while your guide shares the secrets of its biocultural richness. Visit the most representative areas of this place, such as the Tlilac Lagoon and the Tezhuilo Lagoon. Learn about the types of animal species you will find along the way, as well as some history of the canals of Xochimilco and general information about the whole area.
Along the way, you’ll stop at a demonstration chinampa (floating garden) to learn about the importance of the ancient chinampero agriculture system. Discover how these traditional cultivation techniques and natural biofilters improve the water quality and provide healthy ecosystems for the conservation of native species like the axolotl.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Muralist art walking tour in Mexico City
Today you will walk for three hours with your local English-speaking guide through the streets of the historic center of Mexico City. You will visit three emblematic buildings: The Ministry of Public Education, the former Colegio de San Ildefonso, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes Museum. You will learn why Mexican Moralism was an artistic-political movement in Mexico, creating a great division of opinion, which in turn managed to cross borders. You will appreciate the work of Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, the three greats of Mexican muralism.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short experience
Teotihuacán
Biking on Teotihuacán “The city of the gods”
Today a driver will pick you up at your hotel in Mexico City to visit one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico, and you will get to know it in a unique way.
Once you arrive on the site, you will get a bike to tour around the Valley of Teotihuacan that surrounds the archaeological site, passing through the route of the Murals. Now you have a first-person perspective of the place to start your guided tour of Teotihuacan (meaning City of the Gods). As you walk along the Causeway of the Dead, your guide will tell you all the mysteries of this ancient Aztec city, where you will find buildings such as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the impressive Pyramid of the Sun, and the Pyramid of the Moon.
At the end of your tour, you will have a pulque tasting and visit a workshop of local products made from Tuna, Nopal, and Xoconostle.
- Group size: Small or Private
- Duration: Full day
Mercado de San Juan
Discover Mexican Gastronomy
Enter the heart of the historic center and discover the gastronomic roots of the Aztec capital today with a visit to San Juan Market. Famous chefs and local shoppers alike head to the city’s renowned food market for the best quality produce, meats, and specialty foods on offer—from scorpions to lion meat.
Join your guide for a walk through the market’s aisles, delighting your senses with the riot of colors and aromas. Taste exotic fruits, cheeses, jams, coffee, and other delicacies while you learn about Mexican cuisine and the history of the market. The tour continues around San Juan, following in the footsteps of a local’s daily life as you sample more traditional treats like pulque (a fermented agave drink), tacos, and seafood tostadas.
- Group size: Small or Private
- Duration: Half day
San Juan Raya Puebla
Hiking experience: In the Footsteps of Dinosaurs
Today’s tour starts at the community center of San Juan Raya, where you and your guide will head to the starting point of this experience in the heart of Tehuacán Biosphere Reserve. Be amazed by the majestic desert landscape that surrounds you as you walk, with your guide pointing out the many species of desert plants that you encounter along the way. In San Juan Raya, there are about 2,700 species of plants and cacti, of which 11% are endemic.
Millions of years ago, this area was part of Laurasia, one of the two gigantic continents into which the mass of land known as Pangea was divided. It consisted of a large number of bays near the coastline, with river mouths and deltas and an abundance of food for a wide array of living organisms. This explains why it’s possible to find marine fossils like echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, and even impressions of shrimp preserved in the mud. After an hour of walking and enjoying the scenery, you will arrive at the dinosaur footprints. Thanks to the dry climate, the footprints have been preserved on the banks of a river, and you can clearly see the marks of animals that walked here more than 60 million years ago. Afterward, walk back to the community center, where local artisans sell handmade palm souvenirs.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Popo-izta Park Puebla
Hiking in Popo-Izta National Park
Spend the day captivated by the beauty of Mexico’s most iconic volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. Although the hike can be challenging, the views along the way make up for it. You’ll walk under the shadows of the volcanoes together with your guide, who will tell you about the history and geology of these volcanoes.
Your destination is Paso de Cortés, which sits at 12,040 ft (3,670 m) of elevation; some points of the hike reach up to 12,795 ft (3,900 m) of elevation. The hike will take approximately five hours, and the trail is best for travelers with a moderate level of fitness, as the elevation adds another level of difficulty. However, the views from the top reward those persistent enough to make it to the end of the trail.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Full day
Hidalgo
Edible Mushroom Harvesting and Food Preparation
Acaxochitlán is one of the few regions in Mexico where you can find cloud forest (with oak, pine, and white cedar trees). For centuries, the region has been inhabited by different indigenous groups: Nahua, Otomí, Tepehua, and Totonaca. Ancient practices such as traditional cuisine based on a wide variety of mushrooms that grow in the area’s forests are still preserved here.
In this experience, you will take a three-hour tour through the jungle with your English-speaking guide to collect edible mushrooms from this region. You will have the opportunity to totally immerse yourself in nature and enjoy beautiful landscapes made up of vegetation, mountains, and waterfalls, while you harvest the food that you will later eat.
After a long and fun walk through the forest, you will enter the kitchen to prepare a delicious lunch with a variety of freshly picked mushrooms. Your hosts will show you how to do it safely and deliciously.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Guanajuato
Cultural and gastronomic tour of Guanajuato
You will meet your local English-speaking guide to enjoy a walking tour through the historic streets of Guanajuato while learning about its culture and gastronomy. You will see the temples and buildings built during Guanajuato’s mining booms. You will hear stories of Guanajuato intermingled with the culinary encounter that took place between Europe and America. You will walk through the alleys that will take you to esplanades and small squares, and during the tour, you will taste samples of fruits, gorditas, tlacoyos, tamales, atole, sweet bread, and a little more.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Short Experience
Horse riding through the Santa Rosa Mountains
Today you will get to know Guanajuato in a different way. You will do a tour mounted on a “cuaco,” a horse that will allow you to live a new experience to know the dirt roads in the Sierra de Santa Rosa for 1h 30 min approx. There is a great variety of flora and fauna that you can find on the trail.
During this tour of 4h30 you will be led by a local guide in Spanish. On the way, you will be able to admire the beauty of the nature of this local landscape. You will also learn about the work of the community. You will understand the importance of soil restoration, reforestation, and forest care. And you will have the pleasure of trying a typical meal made by a local family.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
Wine tasting at the Cuna de Tierra vineyard in San Miguel de Allendes
Today you will visit one of the most authentic and traditional vineyards in San Miguel de Allende: Cuna de Tierra. This winery features Italian, French, and Portuguese grapes. In addition, the work in the vineyards is handcrafted. With your English-speaking guide, you will enjoy a two-hour wine-tasting session where you will taste four different Mexican wines produced in this land, accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board. During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Torre de Tierra viewpoint as well as the production area and barrels.
- Group size: Small or private
- Duration: Short experience
Guadalajara
Artisan route of Tlaquepaque
In this tour, you will walk through the traditional neighborhoods of Tlaquepaque, where you will learn about its history, the colonial architecture that characterizes this magical town, as well as the most representative artisan workshops. You will go from being just a visitor to becoming an apprentice guided by the master craftsmen, who, for several generations, have preserved this tradition. You will also discover the process of creating pieces in different techniques and materials, modeling emotions, and leaving a little bit of your footprint and heart in the piece created.
- Group size: Private
- Duration: Half day
What do you think are the best things to do in Mexico?
From the bustling city life to the serene countryside, and everything in between, Mexico never fails to leave travellers in awe.
This amazing country is waiting to steal your heart with its infinite beauty and charm.
From the moment you set foot in Mexico, you’ll be swept up in the vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Let this magical country fill you with wonder and delight, as you explore all the incredible things to do and see that awaits you here. The adventure of a lifetime is just waiting to be had.
Create your Mexican adventure!
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