Looking for unique things to do in Mexico?
You’ve landed on the right article, as I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and am about to highlight everything that NEEDS to be on your Mexico bucket list.
For those who have never been to Mexico, you may think it’s all beaches — but many of the best places to visit in Mexico aren’t beaches.
Though Mexico has almost 7,000 miles of coastline (9,330 km), and some of the world’s best beaches, it also has Mayan and Aztec ruins, natural pink lakes, bioluminescent lagoons, haciendas and cantinas, and much more.
Intrigued?! Of course you are, so let’s get to these bucket list Mexico sites and unique experiences you’ll want to do when visiting the country!
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1. Visit Las Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs
The Tolantongo grutas, or Tolantongo caves, is one of the most Instagram worthy places in Mexico.
It is one of the best Mexico City day trips, though many stay overnight because it’s located about four hours north of the city in the state of Hidalgo.
In this state, you’ll also find the Basaltic Prisms in Huasca de Ocampo, Toltec Ruins in Tula, and more.
Grutas Tolantongo is still quite undeveloped, and has retained its natural beauty and charm — despite increasing tourism.
The easiest and best way to visit Tolantongo is on one of these Mexico City to Tolantongo tours, or rent a car and go on your own if you’re more adventurous.
I’ve been twice, and know it requires planning because it’s quite remote, so check out this Las Grutas Tolantongo Guide to Visiting Mexico’s Hot Springs.
2. Attend Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City
Día de los Muertos is a festive time in some parts of Mexico — though there’s no better Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations than the ones in Oaxaca.
As Oaxaca City, the state’s capital, is a smaller sized city, people book this Mexico bucket list celebration up to a year in advance.
I have been twice, and know first-hand that there’s A LOT to know if you want to go, so make sure you check out my detailed Day of the Dead in Oaxaca Guide.
3. See Humpback Whales Near Cabo San Lucas
Cabo Pulmo is located in the Sea of Cortez, famously called “the aquarium of the world” by French diver and 1970s TV personality, Jacques Cousteau.
It is located about 90-minutes north of San Jose del Cabo (and the Los Cabos Airport), in a protected Mexico national park.
During the winter months, this is the best place to see humpback whales in Mexico as they migrate past the area from about late-November to early-April.
If you’re visiting in the summer, Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places to snorkel in Mexico — so make sure you book this tour to snorkel with sea lions and other marine life.
4. Visit Frida Kahlo’s House
Among the best things to do in Mexico City, don’t miss visiting the Casa Azul (Blue House), better known as the Frida Kahlo Museum.
It is located in Coyoacan, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City, and a must-visit for many.
While Frida Kahlo is one of the most famous Mexican artists of all time, her husband, Diego Rivera, is just as important.
The Casa Azul is the home the two shared together, where Frida ultimately died in 1954. Inside, you’ll see some of her paintings, other artwork and personal belongings.
🎫 Mexico City Travel Tips: Buy your Frida Museum tickets in advance, otherwise the line gets hours long, and on busy days, people without tickets won’t get in.
5. Swim in the Mexico Cenotes
The Mexico cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays) are natural pools, all connected to the same freshwater source.
Beneath the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico, there’s a river flowing underground, and over time the limestone rock above it collapsed to create a cenote.
Today, there are about 6,000 cenotes in Yucatan, and four types of cenotes; each type of cenote is beautiful in its own way. Here are the types:
Open Cenotes: Some are fully open, like a swimming pool or pond
Semi-Open Cenotes: Some partially-covered with tall rock walls and an opening at the top, like Cenote Ik-Kil
Cave Cenotes: some located underground in caves or caverns, like Cenote Suytun.
Dive Cenotes: Cenotes with deep and long underwater caves that divers can explore.
For many travelers, swimming and snorkeling in cenotes is high atop of their Mexico bucket list, but for divers, going diving in the Tulum cenotes is a must-do.
While some are located deep in the jungle, others are easily accessible. In fact, some of the best cenotes in Mexico are the Tulum cenotes located near downtown Tulum.
While the scenery in these underground caves is a delight for divers, non-divers will love it as well.
Snorkelers closer to the surface, or even just anyone swimming with a mask on, will also be transported to what sometimes looks like you’re swimming in a river on the moon.
6. Climb Teotihuacan Pyramids
From the Aztecs to the Maya, the Olmecs and to the Toltecs, there are hundreds of ancient ruins and pyramids in Mexico.
One of the most impressive ancient destinations in Mexico, and one of the most visited, is the Teotihuacan Ruins (pronounced tay-oh-tee-wok-on).
At its height about 1,500 years ago, Teotihuacan was the most important and largest cities in the Americas, home to more than 100,000 people.
It was occupied by a group known as the Teotihuacanos, until the city was mysteriously burned and abandoned around 550 AD.
Today, many of the incredible monuments and pyramids still stand.
There are three pyramids at Teotihuacan: the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, who was a central Aztec god.
The pyramids are linked by the 2.5-mile-long Avenue of the Dead, which is flanked by more temples and ceremonial platforms.
The impressive scale of this building work must be seen to be believed, especially when considering the builders didn’t have metal tools or pack animals to help.
Teotihuacan is located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City. It takes about an hour to get there by rental car, taxi or Uber.
You can also take a public bus from Mexico City’s North Bus Terminal to San Juan Teotihuacan, the pueblo magico (magic town) Teotihuacan Ruins is in.
You’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds and midday sun, though this hydration backpack with a built-in water bottle also comes in handy.
Wear comfy sneakers, eco-friendly sunscreen and a sun hat, as visiting Teotihuacan involves a lot of walking and in an area with very little shade.
7. See Millions of Butterflies During the Monarch Butterfly Migration
Every November, millions of monarch butterflies make their annual 3,000-mile migration from Canada to the Oyamel Fir Forests in Mexico’s Central Highlands.
They remain in Mexico from about November to March, though the best time to see butterflies in Mexico is usually January and February.
Located not far from Mexico City, many visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Butterfly Sanctuary on a day trip from Mexico City.
There are a few designated sanctuaries — one in Michoacan state, and the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Biosphere in the lakefront town Valle de Bravo.
The Piedra Herrada Butterfly Sanctuary in Estado de México (Mexico State) is closer to Mexico City, so many visit this one.
A remote area and a strenuous climb to the butterfly area at the top of a mountain, the best and safest way to visit is on a group tour, like these:
Monarch Butterflies & Valle de Bravo Tour
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Private Tour with Photographer
Once at the top, you will see thousands of monarch butterflies just in your immediate eyeline.
They’re everywhere, often weighing down branches because there are so many, or fluttering about covering you, flying in the air around you, and on the ground.
In the spring, the butterflies begin their eight month migration back — during which time four generations of butterflies live and die.
Scientists don’t know how they find their way to the same spot in Mexico each year, but this is one of the largest insect migrations in the world.
Being in the forest, surrounded by monarch butterflies in all directions and as far as the eye can see, is truly a Mexico bucket list experience.
8. Visit the Underwater Museum in Cancun
The Underwater Museum in Cancun is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, and among the best things to do in Cancun Mexico.
MUSA, which stands for Museo Subacuatico de Arte, is located underwater near Cancun and Isla Mujeres, in the Mexican Caribbean.
As one of the best Cancun attractions, MUSA is also one of the largest underwater sculpture gardens in the world.
While diving, snorkeling or on this MUSA glass bottom boat tour, you can see some of the more than 500 pieces of art created by various artists.
This museum is also a marine reserve with more than 500 life-sized, underwater sculptures.
Diving or even snorkeling at this unique underwater park is actually helping to rebuild the coral reef in this area, so don’t pass up the chance — and don’t forget your underwater camera.
9. Ride El Chepe Train Through the Copper Canyon
The Barranca del Cobre, or Copper Canyon, is the eighth largest canyon on Earth!
It is the second largest canyon in North America after the Grand Canyon, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To see it, take the El Chepe Express Train, which goes through some areas of the canyon and other beautiful landscapes in North Mexico.
There are route options, but many board in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and travel about 220 miles to Creel pueblo magico (magic town) in Chihuahua, Mexico.
10. Get Sprayed at La Bufadora Blowhole
Just outside the beautiful port city of Ensenada, Mexico lies La Bufadora, a natural wonder in the Punta Banda Peninsula of Baja California state.
La Bufadora, meaning “the blowhole,” is a natural rock formation that has a hole which shoots water into the air 100-feet (30 m) above the ocean.
It is one the largest blowholes in the world, along with Halona Blowhole in Hawaii and Hummanaya Blowhole in Sri Lanka.
Sitting right on the coast, La Bufadora’s waterspout is caused by waves pushing air into a sea cave below.
The air gets trapped, and when the waves recede out of the cave, the water bursts quickly upwards. This repeats every 15-20 seconds, all day.
Visitors waiting to witness this water explosion up close can gather just next to it at the raised viewing platform.
From there, you can safely enjoy the magnificent sight and the thunderous sound of the water explosion!
Among the best things to do in Ensenada, you can easily drive your rental car to La Bufadora or join a group tour.
Many tours combine a stop at La Bufadora with other local activities like horseback riding or wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe, known as “the Napa Valley of Mexico.”
11. Explore the Mexico Hidden Beach at Islas Marietas
Those traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita and San Pancho, can cross the Marietas Islands off their Mexico bucket list.
On one of the islands in this chain, you’ll see the famous hidden beach in Mexico — Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach).
As this Mexico hidden gem has grown in popularity in recent years, the government has limited the number of daily visitors to preserve this natural treasure.
Now, only about 125 people per day may visit the island with only a few registered tour companies.
If the Islas Marietas and Mexico hidden beach is on your bucket list, book one of these Marietas Islands tours early because they always sell out.
12. Pet the Gray Whales in Magdalena Bay
There are a number of places you can go whale watching in Baja California, and in Mexico, for that matter.
However, none are as unique as this Magdalena Bay Gray Whale Experience, where the whales come right up to the boats to be touched.
From about December-March, about 500 gray whales come to the protected lagoon in Magdalena Bay.
With its relatively shallow waters, orcas (killer whales) won’t enter this bay, making it a safe place for the gray whales to give birth and raise their young before returning to the Pacific Ocean.
Over the years, the whales have become accustomed to, and friendly with, human visitors.
Unprovoked, they come right up to the tour boats on their own — the baby calf often right alongside the mother.
13. Visit Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins: One of the Seven Wonders of the World
One of the most visited Mexico tourist attractions is Chichen Itza Ruins, which sees about two million annual visitors.
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site, and believed to be more than 1,500-years-old.
It is located 2-3 hours from all the top Yucatan Mexico destinations of Cancun, Tulum, Merida and Playa del Carmen, and about one hour from Valladolid, Mexico.
There are many Chichen Itza tours from all places, or you can drive your Mexico rental car.
As the Mayan people were experts in astronomy, architecture and mathematics, the buildings were uniquely designed according to the rotation of the Earth and positioning of the sun.
El Caracol is the Astronomical Observatory and telescope once used to track the planet Venus.
The Maya believed Venus is the sister star to the sun, and a war god. As they observed its position in the sky, it helped them know the best time to go into battle.
The largest pyramid is El Castillo (AKA Temple of Kukulkan). This pyramid has 91 steps on each side, adding up to 365 for each calendar day.
The entire Chichen Itza site is filled with interesting buildings and amazing facts like this — which is why you’ll want to join a Chichen Itza tour.
☀️ See the Equinox at CHICHEN ITZA Ruins
For a true Mexico bucket list experience, join the thousands who gather on the Spring and Fall Equinoxes.
For about 30 seconds, the sun casts a shadow on the side of the El Castillo pyramid and it appears as though a serpent is crawling down it!
14. See a Lucha Libre Match (Mexican Wrestling)
Lucha libre Mexican wrestling is a guaranteed good time, and you can see it in a few places in the country like Guadalajara and Mexico City.
The best matches take place on Friday nights at Arena Mexico in the Doctores neighborhood, located near Downtown Mexico City and the Zocalo.
⚠️ Mexico City Travel Tips: As it’s much more fun with a big group, the Luchas & Masks Trip-Mask Tacos Beer & More or Lucha Libre & Street Taco Tour are great options.
15. See the Petrified Waterfall at Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua (which means “boiling water”) isn’t actually a waterfall — but does look like one so you’ll likely hear this place called Hierve el Agua Waterfall.
Rather than fast falling water, this petrified waterfall is the result of small streams and droplets of mineral-rich water falling over the side of a cliff.
After many years, the water calcified and now looks like a waterfall.
Besides hiking down to the base of the “waterfall,” you can also go for a swim in the Hierve el Agua pools, located about an hour from Oaxaca City, Mexico.
These thermal pools hold the boiling water from which Hierve el Agua gets its name.
16. Boat to the Cabo Arch at Land’s End
Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, two places that make up Los Cabos, are among the safest places in Mexico to vacation.
They’re only about 30 to 45 minutes from one another, so many visit both on a Cabo vacation.
Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas is visit El Arco (The Arch) at Land’s End.
You can do a boat tour there, or go by kayak or SUP paddleboard to the Cabo Arch so you can see this iconic natural rock archway up-close.
17. Explore Chapultepec Castle: The Only Castle in North America
Located in the massive 1,700-acre Bosque de Chapultepec Park, El Castillo de Chapultepec is the only true castle in North America (and yes, Mexico is in North America).
The former home to Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota, it is considered the only castle on the continent because it’s the only one that once housed royalty.
Today, Chapultepec Castle is one of the best museums in Mexico City, and ranks among the one of the best things to do in Mexico City.
⚠️ Mexico City Travel Tips: Chapultepec Castle admission is FREE on Sundays, but arrive early because it gets very crowded.
18. Learn to Surf in Sayulita
Located on the Pacific Coast, about one hour from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find the Sayulita pueblo magico (magic town).
Sayulita is in Nayarit state, on a beautiful strip of beach known as the Riviera Nayarit, along with San Pancho, the Marietas Islands, posh Punta Mita, and more.
While all Mexico is full of adventure, culture, mouth watering food and beautiful landscapes — no Mexico bucket list is complete without surfing in Sayulita.
The Nayarit Riviera has attracted surfers from all over the world for decades now, but there are beginner waves as well.
For those new to surfing, there are plenty of Sayulita surf schools right on the main beach, called Playa Sayulita.
While there are many great Sayulita things to do — the best one being surfing, of course, so don’t be scared to book some lessons.
Sayulita’s warm water is inviting, and its gentle waves are perfect for first-time surfers. It also has a beautiful sandy bottom, so you don’t have to worry about rocks.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to surf, Sayulita ranks among the best places to surf in Mexico for beginners.
19. Cruise the Ancient Aztec Canals of Xochimilco
One of the best things to see in Mexico City is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Xochimilco (pronounced so-shee-mill-co).
Located in the south part of the city, this unique area almost feels like a totally different world compared to much of Mexico City.
In fact, Xochimilco itself has two distinct worlds within it.
The first type of Xochimilco tours from Mexico City take place aboard a multicolored trajinera (tra-he-nair-uh) boat, as loud mariachi music plays and everyone’s drinking and dancing.
The second is on the Chinampas: Living an Ancient Culture Tour, a quiet and tranquil canoe ride through the canals of Xochimilco to visit the chinampas.
The chinampas (pronounced chin-am-pas), or Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, have been used as sustainable farms for centuries.
20. Go Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe, or just Valle (pronounced vie-yay) for short, is among the most unique places in Mexico.
Often called the Napa Valley of Mexico, this up-and-coming wine region and foodie paradise in Baja California state is just two hours from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Wine novices will both enjoy the views from the tasting room at Santo Tomas Vineyard, and learn about the basics of winemaking with multimedia exhibits.
Among the best things to do in Valle de Guadalupe is visit the most unique vineyard in Valle, AlXimia, which looks like a spaceship.
21. Swim with the Whale Sharks in Holbox Island
One of the best things to do in Mexico is to swim with whale sharks. I did this once as you can see in this YouTube video, and can’t recommend it enough.
The largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks can grow up to 30-feet-long (9 m), and it is truly unforgettable to get to swim next to these huge, peaceful animals.
Isla Holbox Island (pronounced hole-bosh, not hole-box) is the perfect place to experience this incredible adventure, though you can do it in a few other places too.
Only about 2,000 people live on Holbox, and the island is known for its small town feel.
While not far from the more popular destinations of Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, Isla Holbox’s more chill vibes mean you’ll find everything from relaxation to amazing Mexican street food there.
The whale shark swim is a must if you’re visiting during their migration season from about May 15-September 15.
There are several local tour companies you can book with when you arrive on the island. They charge between $150-200 USD per person, which is pricey, but worth it.
Tours last an entire day and usually involve a few snorkeling opportunities closer to shore after seeing the whale sharks.
You need to go all the way out into the open ocean to see whale sharks so the boat ride takes quite a while (so don’t forget your anti-sea sickness pills).
22. See the Yellow City of Izamal
One of the best day trips from Merida, Izamal is a feast for the eyes as the entire downtown in Izamal pueblo magico (magic town) is painted bright yellow.
While no one knows for sure why it’s yellow, as one of the world’s few monochromatic cities, Izamal is one of the coolest bucket list Mexican places.
23. Marvel at the Bacalar Lagoon of Seven Colors
Bacalar, Mexico is located on the southern tip of Quintana Roo state, only about 30 minutes from the Mexico-Belize border.
One of the most popular places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar is a pueblo magico (magic town), still untouched by mass tourism.
The top things to see in Bacalar all revolve around Laguna Bacalar (AKA Bacalar Lagoon or Bacalar Lake).
This is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, which the Mayans nicknamed the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” as they say you can see seven shades of blue in it.
Also sometimes called the “Maldives of Mexico,” the water in Lake Bacalar is as perfectly crystal-clear and beautiful as in the Maldives Islands.
Much like in the Maldives, you’ll want to book a Bacalar hotel on the lake so you can admire its beauty day and night!
On Bacalar Lagoon, there are a few great activities, namely taking a boat tour to reach all the special parts of the lagoon.
Bacalar Lake is about seven miles long, so to see as much as possible, you’ll need to go by boat.
Some of the best things to do in Bacalar include the Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel), where there’s a shipwreck you can jump off into the lake, Isla de Pajaros (Bird Island), and Cenote la Bruja (Witch’s Cenote).
24. Ride the Tequila Train to Tequila, Mexico
Did you know there’s a Tequila, Mexico? This is where the famous drink originates, and one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
Among the most fun ways to experience the Tequila pueblo magico(magic town) is taking the Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train.
This day trip goes to Tequila from Guadalajara, Mexico, with unlimited drinks and educational classes about Mexico’s famous spirit.
🥂 Tequila Fun Fact: Just as champagne is essentially a sparkling wine made in the city of Champagne, France — tequila is a type of mezcal that’s made in the city of Tequila, Mexico (or a few surrounding cities).
25. Swim in the Huasteca Potosina Waterfalls
Located in the state of San Luis Potosi, northeast of Mexico City, and bordering the Sierra Gorda UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the Huasteca Potosina.
This natural playground for the outdoor enthusiasts has breathtaking waterfalls, rivers, natural pools and even some caves.
There is so much to discover that you could spend an entire week here and never run out of things to do in Huasteca Potosina.
For nature lovers, you’ll want to immediately add this somewhat off the beaten path Mexico destination to your bucket list.
The Huasteca Potosina is still quite undeveloped, and has retained its natural beauty and charm — despite increasing tourism.
To explore the whole area, you can book these tours or rent a car and go on your own. It is safe to explore either way, and I rented a car when I visited.
You’ll want to book a hotel in Ciudad Valles, Mexico, a town right in the heart of the Huasteca.
From there, you can take daily trips to the best waterfalls and caves, like Micos Waterfall, Tamul Waterfall, Puente de Dios Waterfall, and the Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows).
These locations are all spread out, which is why it’s easiest to stay central in Ciudad Valles and head in different directions every day.