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9 Amazing Things to Do in Mexico

We’re excited to introduce our 9 amazing things to do in Mexico post. The 13th largest country on our planet sits in North American continent with the USA to its north and Guatemala to the south. Mexico is massive and more diverse than many holiday brochures suggest.  

With over 5,800 miles of shoreline, its reputation for world class resorts at competitive prices remains a draw. To date we have visited Yucatan Region, Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca. 

From big cities to getting around the country there’s so much to choose from. Based on our visits, we have come up 9 Amazing Things to Do in Mexico. 

9 Amazing Things to Do in Mexico

An invite to our niece’s wedding gave us an excuse to return yet again to the Mayan Rivera region! After the wedding we flew from Cancun to Mexico City, then drove to Puebla and Oaxaca, near the Guatemala border.

Mexico City

Here are 9 amazing things to do in Mexico during a 2 week itinerary covering 4  different locations! See our suggested breakdown of locations and days in each below.

Tulum ancient mayan ruins next to the ocean is one of our 9 amazing things to do in Mexico
Tulum Mayan Ruins

Relax on Sandy Beaches

Mexico boasts literally hundreds of stunning beaches from Acapulco to Zihuatanejo.  A few top rated beaches to check out are Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, Tulum. 

If you love  snorkelling amongst vibrant fish and turtles , Akumal is our favourite spot with it’s eco-friendly inlets.

Akumal Coast

🎒TpoP Tip: Cruise ships do stop frequently especially in Cozumel, so check the cruise schedule in advance to avoid hoards of day trippers. 

I had believed Oaxaca was land-locked but the region has 30+ sandy beaches and warm waters.

Try Carrizaliloo, or Huatulco within the Bahias de Huatulco National Park. Here you’re likely to hang with locals enjoying a day at the beach as the area is less touristy. 

Visit Yucatan’s & Mexico City’s Mayan Sites

The Mayans were way ahead of their time.  Visiting Chichen Itza gives you a hands-on understanding of how they lived and worshiped the skies. It’s up there on our 9 Amazing Things to Do in Mexico!

This site has a Mayan ball game field, which is over twice the size of American football fields!  Watch out for the site’s Cenotes with their dark history of human sacrifice.

Chichen Itza

Tulum also hosts a magnificent pyramid, all the more stunning with it’s azure blue seascape background which was a light-house in another life.

Further inland, Mexico City has it’s own Mayan sites, outside the city at Teotihuacan. Arrive as we did -early in the day-before tourists turn up and you feel like a spec on the landscape of another universe.

Zapotec ancient city

It’s sad that such magical buildings which survived for so long were  temples for human sacrifice. 

Go south to Pyramid in San Andres, near Cholula.  I had no idea it even existed until we arrived in the town of Cholula (like the famous hot sauce, but apparently it’s not made here:). 

The pyramid’s local name is Tlachihualtepetl. It’s claimed to be both the biggest archaeological site with a pyramid in the New World.

And to top it all, there is a church dating back to the 16th century right on top of the hill. Pause, admire the distant volcanos and enjoy an ice-cream.

And marvel at the human ingenuity and hard work that built this place.

Snorkel & Scuba in Xcaret Park

Mexico’s Disney?  Maybe not quite, but Xcaret Park is a fun filled destination for kids, especially.  It makes for a great day away from the beach if you’re staying around Cancun.  Float in underground rivers and learn about local marine life at the aquarium.

If you’re looking for Snorkelling or scuba, there are countless options, with Cozumel the destination for serious divers. Discovered by Jacques Cousteau it has the status of a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

There are just over 700 worldwide where scientists study a range of sustainability projects.

A ceynote pool with thick jungle around it.
Explore a cenote
Family enjoying snorkeling in a water park and passing through high sided narrow rock area.

Discover Xochimilco,  Mexico City.This area is the remnants from the original network of waterways that made up what is now this mega city.  It was a huge fertile basin and today some evidence remains as you float gently through it’s waterways.

The trip can feel a little touristy but honestly it is a great experience because locals love to hang out here too.  Life happens on these boats: Mariachi bands, chefs at work, families dining, lovers toasting. You get the picture!

There were poinsettias everywhere in Mexico when we visited at Christmas.

According to old legend, a village girl – Maria- was so poor that she couldn’t afford gifts for the festive season. An angel encouraged her to gather weeds from the road which she did.

After leaving them at the alter, they grew with crimson buds and blossomed into what we know as poinsettias. This led the friars to continue the miracle and it has endured as a Christmas tradition.

Sample Authentic Mexican Street Food

Puebla

Do I always come back to street food in my posts?  Guilty as charged:)  I just love hanging out with locals creating traditional foods right in front of me. It’s often the freshest of ingredients; cooked to order; far cheaper than many restaurants.

And while I’m waiting in line (clue that the food’s great), I meet fellow travelers, share stories, take photos and just eat!

The vibrant colours of  Mexican food are like a summer garden. I love tacos stuffed with zucchini flowers, stale mushrooms and Cojito cheese.  My taste buds are on fire as I write this.  The street made guacamole that melted in my mouth and salsa!!!  I think you get my message. 

We also had incredible food at a little kiosk in the middle of Mexico City Coyoacán’s market after visiting Frieda Kahlo’s  House.  

In Oaxaca, we visited Mercado 20 de Noviembre market twice, once on our own and again as part of a cooking class. The highlight was the Guacamole goddess who whipped up this classic everyday dish in seconds.  Here’s a traditional recipe to try at home. 

Appetizers in Mexico including nuts, tortillas and guacamole.
A stone dish full of freshly made guacamole.

Visit Frida Kahlo’s Home in Coyoacán

Get some insight into Frida Kahlo’s artistic life  by visiting her home La Casa Azul, now a museum dedicated to her life.  We also recommend the film in her name. 

The property was her childhood home (she suffered from polio as a child) and where she returned to eventually in her twilight days after an bus accident left her with constant pain.

It is largely untouched and is a tribute to who she was as person as well as artist. Her commitment to Oaxaca is evident in the traditional dress from her mum’s side of the family, reflecting female power.

The museum also gives a personal insight into the tensions and unrest in Mexico in the 1920s when communism was on the increase and gives insights into how she and her on/off husband Diego Rivera played a part in this movement.

Enjoy World Class Museums In Mexico City

The Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City is a major destination, showcasing centuries of history from the country.  It is easy to spend a morning or whole day immersed in the stories… get a tour guide to help bring the artifacts to life if you don’t speak or understand Spanish.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is another historical must see within the capital.  Three of the country’s most respected mural painters have works there that were originally painted for the people of Mexico and reflect the history through (add timeline). 

Incredible National Museum

Diego Rivera (husband of Frieda Kahlo) is the most well known.  Best to check opening times before you go because it is not open every day and there are limits to the number of visitors allowed in.  Definitely go early in the morning.

Bellas Arts Palace

Have a coffee in the hotel’s stylish cafe with it’s Tiffany glass ceiling.  And watch well to do city residents and tourists come and go. 

After walking around the city center, head to the famous Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico  on Zocalo Plaza (where two James Bond films were partially shot). Remember the  Helicopter crashing into the square!!

Go to Mexican Cooking School In Oaxaca

Mole?  Why is it so beloved? The story goes that mole, considered Mexico’s natural dish and a blend of Aztec and European tastes, was first created by accident.

A nun in Puebla received unexpected archbishop and did not have food ready so they chucked whatever they could into a pot: spices, nuts, Chili’s, bread and a little chocolate!  When he asked the nuns what this delicious dish was, one of them replied Molli  – the Aztec word for ‘mix’.

Oaxaca

We discovered that Puebla and Oaxaca purport to have invented mole. Who knows as the dish varies region to region with local herbs, but this just means more to taste and enjoy as travelers.

Or book yourself into an Oxacan Cooking school.  We loved our half day cooking the classics from tamales to tortillas.  

A pot of mole on a stove top.
Mole
Woman making tortillas at a cooking school in Oaxaca.

Bargain at Vibrant Street Markets

It’s chaotic but addictive to stroll around never-ending markets, with stalls offering visual feasts. Embroidered traditional ponchos, hand stitched purses, woven bags, paintings, jewellery, ceramics.

You will pay more in the main tourist areas and you need to check for quality as some things appear manufactured on mass.  But, the beauty and individuality of many of these stalls is where I like to hunt for a souvenir or a little gift to bring back for a friend.

My favourite outdoor markets are in Akumal, downtown Mexico City and Oxacaa, near the main church square which comes to life in the evening along with live music and so many street food stalls.  Such fun!

Explore Puebla & Discover Cinco de Mayo

Over the years living in Texas and more recently in Florida, Cinco de Mayo seemed to be recognized as Mexico’s Independence Day. However, I learned that this celebration falls on 16th September each year!

Cinco de Mayo (5th May) is a lower key event in Mexico than in the USA.  In Puebla we learned that on this date in 1862, the French invaders were defeated after a long battle, involving years of conflict. Tunnels which you can visit in Puebla bring the story to life. 

Site of Cinco De Mayo Puebla

The fortress on the hill of the city marked the spot where the war was won and it definitely worth a visit. In the 1970s there was a push to ensure Mexican Americans remembered their heritage and so Cinco de Mayo became a way to push this and sell a lot more margaritas!

Woman walking through an underground tunnel in Puebla Mexico which were originally for soldiers moving from outside the city.
War Tunnels under Puebla

What You Need to Know Before You Travel to Mexico

Mexico is great value, has excellent flight options and a wide range of accommodation for every budget. The history, food and natural beauty is some of the best and very accessible.  

Who doesn’t love climbing over old ruins, and hearing stories of how the stars shaped Mayan life!

Getting There.   Flights to Cancun and Mexico City arrive from most major cities, either via Miami or Houston in you need to connect.  From the UK/Europe direct flights to Mexico are 10+ hours.

No habla espanol?  No problema!

English is spoken widely but if you are an aspiring Spanish speaker via Duolingo, you’ll find a warm reception for trying.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Mexico

July is good for beaches – just be aware of the rainy season afternoons showers.  

Unless you enjoy sweating when you step outside, we honestly suggest avoiding the humidity of the summer. 

Be aware that September/October are peak hurricane times but as a result you can find deals.  November to May are perfect for coastal resorts and in December Mexico City, the interior and southern Mexico greeted us with perfect weather.

Where to Stay in Mexico

We love Mexico’s hotels from beach shacks in Akumal to ritzy Four Seasons in the capital.  A favourite hotel in Mexico was the Banyan Tree  Puebla.  It’s unique with a roof pool where you can literally soak in the view of the city skyline and behind it towering snow topped volcanos. We both stayed the Gran Bahia Principal in Akumal.

With an impressive 3 all inclusive hotels it offers something for every age and no cooking! It’s amazing because 11 years after Ruby’s first trip to Mexico, I stayed here for a family wedding. The hotel arranged the whole wedding, making it stress free for the couple and their parents. 

Tips for Getting Around Mexico

We highly recommend planning a trip where you can split time between at least 2 locations and enjoy some things to do in Mexico on our list.

First, we  flew with Interjet from Cancun to Mexico City and then with AeroMexico from Oaxaca back to Mexico City for our flight back to Miami.  The flights were all good with no issues to report.

Just something to note as you plan ahead.  If you decide to visit Mexico City remember it has 22 million+ inhabitants (6th biggest city in the world) so you will need to plan on getting around,  It has a surprisingly  efficient subway or  Cabify is an option if you prefer to ride share. Alternatively use a local travel company for excursions.  

In addition, we recommend you spending time to see the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains which peak at over 9500 feet between Puebla and Oaxaca. It’s just a very different look to Mexico and reminded me of the country’s diversity.

Oaxaca

Is Mexico Safe to Visit?

Security and Safety. While there are security concerns about some parts of Mexico it is not the case across the country at all. Pay attention to changing circumstances if you are travelling independently.  

If you feel nervous about Mexico, perhaps consider a trip to Panama. We have a great 5 Days in Panama Itinerary you can check out.

BUT, for the majority of travellers the memories of Mexico are positive and we urge you to consider a trip to this beautiful country soon!

Wrap Up

Of course these ideas just scratch the surface of the hundreds of things to do in Mexico. Don’t try and see it all in one trip.

We hope our ideas help you decide what to see on your first or next trip to this amazing country

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