Things to Do in Mexico: Top Attractions, Activities & Must-See Places

Are you looking for what to do in Mexico for your upcoming vacation? As a country full of traditions, archaeological sites, and beautiful natural places, there are endless possibilities.

Some of the best places to visit in Mexico are at Cancun and Riviera Maya. The Mexican Caribbean offers astounding sites for every taste. The Mexican Caribbean offers astounding sites for every taste. No matter if you travel with family, seniors, or a group of friends, there is always fun things to do in Mexico.

Natural landscapes of Mexico

Best Things to Do in Mexico: Explore Its Stunning Natural Landscapes

Yucatan Peninsula is home to spectacular natural landscapes. Places such as Rio Lagartos or Las Coloradas are growing popular. The first one is a haven for pink flamingos nearby a fishermen’s village. Las Coloradas is a salt mine with a characteristic pink color on the shallow waters, which is perfect for taking the most beautiful pictures.

While enjoying a vacation in Cancun or Riviera Maya Mexico, activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and adventure tours are available.

Akumal in Riviera Maya is a terrific place for snorkeling since it has a stunning bay with calm waters and a reef barrier. There are sea turtles, starfish, sea urchins, and tropical fish, among other species. It is also a great spot to have lunch and rest for a while.

Surprising parks

Fun Things to Do in Mexico: Theme Parks in Cancun & Riviera Maya

Among the things to do in Cancun, Mexico, is taking a tour to Xcaret from Cancun and enjoy an astounding park where nature and Mexican culture combines. Get into its aviary and butterfly pavilion to discover some of the species that live in the area, and then visit the aquarium that is home for numerous specimens from the Caribbean. To end an unforgettable day at this beautiful park in Riviera Maya, attend Xcaret México Espectacular, a show full of music and dance through 500 years of history, and more than 300 artists on stage.

If you are looking for an adventure, visit Xplor Cancun, a park located only minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Have a thrilling day gliding by zip-lines, driving through jungle trails and caves, or swimming in underground rivers, plus having a delicious buffet lunch.

Natural attractions

Natural Attractions in Mexico: Breathtaking Wonders to Explore

Isla Contoy is an amazing National Park located less than 20 mi from Isla Mujeres. This island and the surrounded sea are a protected area due to the enormous amount of species living there. Contoy has limited visits every day to visit its secluded beaches, besides watching the bird species that live there. Every year, from June through September, whale sharks arrived in this area and is a fabulous activity to snorkel in their habitat.

If you are looking for scuba diving, Cozumel is a fantastic option. The east side of its coastline has several coral reefs that are home for thousands of fish, and due to its clear waters, the visibility is outstanding, plus having warm weather all year round. Many experienced divemasters offer their services to visit the numerous reefs. If you are a beginner, it is possible to start with a lesson in Cozumel and start practicing this outstanding activity.

Mexico Attractions

Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Places You Can’t Miss

Some of the coolest things to do in Mexico are in the Caribbean and include colonial cities such as Valladolid Mexico. This city of almost 500 years old is close to Chichén Itzá and is the gastronomical capital of Yucatan. Places such as the San Gervasio Church, the San Bernardino de Siena Convent, and the Calzada de Los Frailes street are good examples of this era. If you take Xichén Deluxe Tour, you have a stop at La Casona de Valladolid, which is a former mansion from the 18th Century and nowadays a fantastic restaurant featuring the best of the Yucatecan cuisine.

On the outskirts of this Magical Town, there are several cenotes, which are freshwater, natural pools. Due to the limestone terrain in the Yucatan Peninsula, there are no surface rivers, but hundreds of them run beneath the earth. Many of them are connected and form the vastest underground river system in the world. Cenotes are places where the ground collapsed, creating entrances to the bowels of the Earth or Xibalba, as the Pre-Hispanic named the underworld.

South of Riviera Maya is Bacalar, which is known as the Seven Color Lagoon due to the different blue tones of its waters. This gorgeous Mexico attraction was once a pirate area and nowadays is a place of astounding beauty and peaceful ambiance.

Tulum

Activities in Mexico: Discover Its Most Impressive Archaeological Sites

Pre-Hispanic archaeological sites in Mexico receive visitors from all over the world every year. Chichén Itzá is the most famous and a Mexico must see since twice a year takes place the light and shadows show during the equinox. The ancient inhabitants built the Pyramid of Kukulcan to the sun project figures on the north side of it as it goes down, to represent a feathered snake that descends from the top of the building.

Tulum in Quintana Roo, Mexico is another excellent example of the cool things to do in Mexico since it is the only ancient inhabitants city built facing the Caribbean Sea. It houses a well-preserved fresco that still has stucco elements. El Castillo, which is the principal construction built on the top of a cliff facing the sea, was a lighthouse to guide canoes safely through the coral reef barrier.

visit Mexico

Parks and Tours

There are many things to do in Mexico, especially in the Caribbean area, where culture, archaeological zones, and natural sites are waiting for you. There are also impressive parks for families and couples, or unforgettable tours to discover the underwater world either in cenotes or the nearby reefs. Come to Mexico and spend amazing days you will always treasure.

Parks and Tours
Playa del Carmen
  • Stunning Beaches & Coastal Destinations
    • Tulum – White sandy beaches with turquoise waters and ancient Mayan ruins.
    • Bacalar – The "Lagoon of Seven Colors" with crystal-clear water and cenotes.
    • Isla Holbox – A peaceful paradise with bioluminescent beaches and no cars.
  • Natural Wonders (Cenotes & Lakes)
    • Las Coloradas (Yucatán) – Pink salt lakes that look like a dream.
    • Cenote Ik-Kil (Yucatán) – A picture-perfect open cenote near Chichén Itzá.
    • Cenote Sagrado Azul (Yucatán) – A hidden blue-water cenote inside a hacienda.
  • Unique & Special Places
    • Xcaret and Xel-Há - Eco-parks with snorkeling, underground rivers, and shows.
    • Santuario de las Mariposas Monarca – A breathtaking migration of millions of monarch butterflies.
    • La Huasteca Potosina – Home to turquoise waterfalls, and adventure sports.
  • For the History and Culture Enthusiast:
    • Chichén Itzá: Witness the grandeur of the Pyramid of Kukulkán.
    • Teotihuacán: the Avenue of the Dead and Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
    • Tulum: Discover Mayan ruins with a stunning Caribbean backdrop.
    • Palenque: Explore ruins hidden within the lush jungles of Chiapas.
    • Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): Explore the life and work of the iconic artist.
  • For the Nature and Adventure Seeker:
    • The crystal-clear underground rivers and sinkholes of the Yucatán Peninsula.
    • The vibrant underwater world off the coast of Cozumel or the Riviera Maya.
    • The beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas and many more.
  • For the Foodie:
    • Regional specialties like mole in Oaxaca, cochinita in Yucatán, and seafood in coastal areas.
    • Try street food like tacos, tamales, and elotes (corn).
    • Sample fresh produce and local delicacies.
    • Sample the iconic Mexican spirits, Tequila and Mezcal, in their regions of origin.
According to official data from the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, the following destinations are the ones with the highest hotel occupancy during 2024:
  • Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo
  • Mexico City
  • Cancun in Quintana Roo
  • Los Cabos in Baja California Sur
  • Guadalajara
  • Monterrey
  • Puerto Vallarta
  • Nuevo Nayarit
  • Mazatlan
  • Puebla
It depends on your interests and the destination, however, there are some factors to consider:
  • Rain-free season (November to April):
    • Temperatures are more pleasant, with less humidity and rainfall.
    • It is ideal for exploring archaeological sites, colonial cities and enjoying the beaches.
  • Rainy season (May to October):
    • Rain is more frequent, especially in the south and southeast of the country.
    • The rains are usually in the afternoon or evening, leaving sunny mornings.
    • Vegetation is lush and landscapes are greener.
  • Specific considerations:
    • Beaches: the dry season is ideal, but you can also enjoy them during the rainy season.
    • Whale watching: in Baja California Sur, the season is from December to April.
    • Whale shark: the season is from May to September in Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
    • Day of the Dead: travel in late October or early November to enjoy the festivities.