Best Things to Do in Mexico

Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites and a true marvel of the ancient Maya civilization. Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors each year, eager to explore its well-preserved pyramids, temples, and plazas that reveal the rich history and advanced knowledge of the Mayan people.

Why Visit:

Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a stunning example of Mayan architecture and astronomy. The towering El Castillo pyramid, sacred cenote, and ancient observatory offer deep insight into pre-Hispanic life. Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Entry Fee:

Approximately $614 MXN (~$35 USD) for foreigners, which includes the federal and state fees.

Tips for Visiting:

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat-shade is limited. Hire a local certified guide for a richer understanding of the history and symbolism. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the cenotes Ik Kil or X’keken for a full-day experience.

Cancún and Tulum are two of Mexico’s most famous beach destinations, offering stunning coastlines along the Caribbean Sea. Known for their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere, these spots attract sunseekers, adventure lovers, and cultural explorers alike.

Why Visit:
Cancún is famous for its luxury resorts, lively nightlife, and water sports, making it ideal for travelers who want a mix of relaxation and entertainment. Tulum, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back, eco-friendly vibe with boutique hotels and beachfront ruins, perfect for those seeking tranquility and nature. Both destinations provide access to some of the best snorkeling, diving, and beach activities in Mexico.

Best Time to Visit:
December to April is the peak season when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for beach activities, with lower chances of rain.

Entry Fee:
Beach access is generally free. However, some private beach clubs and eco-parks in Tulum may charge entry fees ranging from 100 to 300 MXN (~$6–$18 USD).

Tips for Visiting:

• Arrive early to secure a good spot on the popular beaches and avoid crowds.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
• Explore nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins to enrich your beach holiday.
• Try local seafood dishes at beachfront restaurants for an authentic taste of the region.

Mexico City’s Historic Center, or Centro Histórico, is the vibrant heart of the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in culture, history, and stunning architecture. It’s where ancient Aztec ruins meet colonial-era buildings and modern life pulses through lively plazas and bustling streets.

Why Visit:
The Historic Center is home to landmarks like the Zócalo (main square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace with Diego Rivera’s famous murals. Visitors can also explore the Templo Mayor, an important Aztec archaeological site, and enjoy a mix of museums, shops, and traditional markets. The area perfectly showcases Mexico’s layered history from pre-Hispanic times through Spanish colonization to today.

Best Time to Visit:
The best months are November to April, when the weather is mild and dry. Weekdays are less crowded, especially in the mornings.

Entry Fee:
Most public squares are free to enter. Museums like the Templo Mayor charge around 85 MXN (~$5 USD). Some special exhibitions may have additional fees.

Tips for Visiting:

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets.
• Take a guided walking tour to uncover hidden stories and historical facts.
• Visit nearby cafés and restaurants to try traditional Mexican dishes like chiles en nogada or tamales.
• Keep an eye on your belongings, as the area can get crowded.

Guanajuato is a charming colonial city known for its vibrant, multicolored buildings and narrow, winding alleys that create a lively and picturesque atmosphere. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, it offers visitors a unique blend of history, art, and culture.

Why Visit:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site enchants with its underground tunnels, plazas filled with street performers, and rich mining history. The city’s dramatic architecture, including the iconic Juárez Theater and the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, makes it a must-see. Guanajuato also hosts the internationally renowned Cervantino Festival, celebrating music, theater, and dance.

Best Time to Visit:
October to April, with mild temperatures and less rainfall, is ideal for exploring the city comfortably.

Entry Fee:
Walking around the city is free, but some museums and theaters may charge fees between 50 and 150 MXN (~$3–$9 USD).

Tips for Visiting:

• Wear comfortable shoes for navigating the steep streets and alleys.
• Visit the Alhóndiga de Granaditas museum to learn about the city’s role in Mexico’s independence.
• Don’t miss the vibrant Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), famous for its romantic legend.
• Try local specialties like enchiladas mineras at nearby eateries.

The Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its stunning cenotes-natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. These unique geological formations offer a refreshing escape and an unforgettable swimming experience surrounded by lush jungle and dramatic limestone formations.

Why Visit:
Cenotes are not only beautiful swimming spots but also hold deep cultural significance for the ancient Maya, who considered them sacred portals to the underworld. Popular cenotes like Ik Kil, Dos Ojos, and Gran Cenote offer opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and even exploring underwater caves. Swimming in these pristine waters is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Mexico.

Best Time to Visit:
The dry season from November to April is best, ensuring clear skies and calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.

Entry Fee:
Most cenotes charge an entrance fee ranging from 80 to 250 MXN (~$5–$15 USD), depending on the site and facilities available.

Tips for Visiting:

• Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem.
• Bring water shoes for better traction on slippery rocks.
• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially at popular cenotes.
• Consider guided tours that include transportation and equipment rental.

Mexican cuisine is globally celebrated for its bold flavors, regional diversity, and deep cultural roots. From street-side tacos to gourmet mole sauces, every dish tells a story of Mexico’s indigenous and Spanish influences, blending tradition with creativity.

Why Visit:
Tasting Mexican food is an essential cultural experience. Whether you're savoring cochinita pibil in Yucatán, fresh ceviche on the coast, or smoky tlayudas in Oaxaca, each region offers unique dishes. Don't miss trying tacos al pastor, tamales, pozole, and churros. The country’s cuisine is so rich and influential that UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Best Time to Visit:
Year-round. Food is always at the heart of Mexican life, but visiting during local food festivals (like the Mole Festival in Puebla or the Tamal Fair in Mexico City) offers even more culinary delights.

Entry Fee:
Prices vary-street food starts at 15–40 MXN ($1–$2.50 USD), while a full meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around 150–300 MXN ($9–$18 USD).

Tips for Visiting:

• Explore local markets like Mercado de San Juan (Mexico City) or Mercado 20 de Noviembre (Oaxaca) for authentic tastes.
• Try food tours or cooking classes to dive deeper into regional specialties.
• Be cautious with spicy food if you’re not used to it-ask for “menos picante” (less spicy) if needed.
• Always choose busy stalls or restaurants-they’re usually fresher and more trusted by locals.

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is one of Mexico’s most vibrant and meaningful traditions. Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, this festival honors deceased loved ones with altars (ofrendas), marigolds, food, candles, and joyful gatherings that blend indigenous beliefs with Catholic customs.

Why Visit:
Unlike any other celebration, this UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition is both solemn and festive. Cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Michoacán, and San Andrés Mixquic come alive with parades, traditional music, face painting, and elaborate decorations. Experiencing it offers deep insight into Mexico’s unique way of honoring life and death-where remembrance becomes a colorful celebration.

Best Time to Visit:
Plan your visit for late October to early November, with peak events occurring on November 1st (All Saints’ Day) and November 2nd (All Souls’ Day).

Entry Fee:
There is no fee to witness public celebrations. However, workshops, guided tours, or museum exhibitions during the festival might cost around 100–300 MXN (~$6–$18 USD).

Tips for Visiting:

• Visit local cemeteries respectfully-families gather to decorate graves and celebrate.
• Try traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls.
• Attend a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City for an unforgettable visual spectacle.
• Participate in altar-making workshops to learn the symbolism behind each element.
• Dress respectfully, but many travelers wear painted skull makeup to embrace the spirit of the festival.

The Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) is one of Mexico’s most breathtaking natural wonders, located in the state of Chihuahua. It's a network of six massive canyons that, combined, are larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. The best way to explore this spectacular region is by riding the El Chepe train, an iconic journey through dramatic mountain scenery, tunnels, bridges, and charming towns.

Why Visit:
The Copper Canyon offers an unforgettable mix of stunning landscapes, indigenous culture, and outdoor adventure. The El Chepe Express and El Chepe Regional train routes connect the towns of Chihuahua and Los Mochis, winding through pine forests, rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and valleys. Along the way, you can stop at picturesque towns like Divisadero, Creel, and Bahuichivo and meet the local Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people, known for their long-distance running and handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit:
October to March is ideal, with cooler temperatures and clearer skies. The canyons are lush and green after the rainy season, and the train is less crowded during weekdays.

Entry Fee:
Train ticket prices vary depending on class and route.

• El Chepe Express (Tourist Class): From $150 USD
• El Chepe Regional: More affordable, often used by locals
  Some stops may have small entrance fees for parks or viewpoints.

Tips for Visiting:

• Book train tickets in advance, especially for El Chepe Express.
• Spend at least 2–3 nights exploring key stops like Creel or Divisadero.
• Dress in layers-the temperature varies by altitude.
• Try local dishes like machaca (shredded beef) and buy artisan crafts directly from the Rarámuri.
• Don’t miss the Divisadero lookout-one of the most spectacular views in Mexico.

Also known as the Blue House (La Casa Azul), the Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the vibrant Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City. This was the lifelong home of Mexico’s most iconic painter, Frida Kahlo, and today it stands as a powerful tribute to her art, struggles, and legacy.

Why Visit:
The museum offers an intimate look into Frida’s world-her studio, personal belongings, clothing, and original artworks are on display. Visitors gain insight into her turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, her physical pain, political activism, and groundbreaking expression of Mexican identity and feminism. Walking through the vividly painted blue walls, lush gardens, and artifact-filled rooms gives a sense of who Frida was-beyond the canvas.

Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings (Tuesday to Friday) are best to avoid crowds.
Avoid weekends and holidays, as it gets very busy.

Entry Fee:

• General admission: 250 MXN ($15 USD)
• Students/Teachers with ID: Discounted
• Free entry for Mexican citizens on Sundays
• Photo permit for indoor pictures: Additional ~30 MXN
  Tickets must be purchased online in advance via the official website.

Tips for Visiting:

• Combine your visit with the nearby Leon Trotsky Museum or a stroll in Coyoacán Market.
• Allocate 1–2 hours to explore the museum thoroughly.
• Read up on Frida’s life before visiting to appreciate the displays more deeply.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible and includes multilingual guides and signage.
• Don’t forget to explore the garden and patio, where Frida often found inspiration.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre in southern Mexico, Oaxaca City (pronounced wa-HA-ka) is a vibrant cultural gem known for its colorful colonial architecture, rich indigenous traditions, and world-renowned cuisine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city offers a blend of history, art, gastronomy, and authentic local experiences.

Why Visit:
Oaxaca is the heart of indigenous culture in Mexico. From exploring Zapotec ruins like Monte Albán to visiting artisanal markets filled with handwoven textiles to tasting the many varieties of mole sauce, every corner of Oaxaca tells a story. The city is also famous for its lively festivals, like the Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead celebrations, which attract travelers from around the globe.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March for cooler, pleasant weather.
• Late July for the Guelaguetza Festival.
• Late October–early November for Day of the Dead.

Entry Fee (for Top Attractions):

• Monte Albán Ruins: 95 MXN ($6 USD)
• Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca: 85 MXN ($5 USD)
• Many churches, markets, and galleries have free or low-cost entry.

Tips for Visiting:

• Don’t miss Templo de Santo Domingo, a baroque church with stunning architecture and an attached museum.
• Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Oaxacan dishes like tlayudas or tamales.
• Visit the Benito Juárez Market for handcrafted goods and local snacks.
• Try a tasting tour of mezcal, Oaxaca’s signature spirit.
• Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua, natural rock formations and mineral springs with dramatic views.