11 Best Things to Do in Mexico for Tourists

Mexico is a land of contrasts, vibrant culture, and dramatic landscapes. As Octavio Paz, the Nobel Prize-winning Mexican poet and essayist, observed:

“The truth is that the history of Mexico is a history in the image of its geography: abrupt and tortuous. Each historical period is like a plateau surrounded by tall mountains and separated from the other plateaus by precipices and divides.”

This insight perfectly captures why traveling through Mexico feels like moving through layers of history—from ancient Mayan ruins to colonial cities, bustling markets, and wild nature spots that attract over 45 million travelers each year. Climb the steps at Chichen Itza, float above coral near Cozumel, or explore Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead traditions—the country’s geography and history shape every experience.

Why Mexico Dominates Travel Searches

Mexico’s got 35 UNESCO sites - more than any country in North America - ranging from ancient places like Palenque to old-world towns such as Guanajuato, along with wild spots like Copper Canyon. Most travelers go for ruins or beach time, while food trips have jumped by two fifths since lockdowns ended. Popular guides usually cover about a dozen key locations; this one goes further using official data, real traveler hacks, plus built-in eSIM support so you stay connected on 5G even hiking deep in Chiapas.

Visits come alive thanks to traditions of 65 native communities - think Maya ceremonies near Tulum or Nahua market days in Oaxaca. For smooth travel, grab a local eSIM that works everywhere, whether you're navigating Zocalo on foot or hunting cenotes across Yucatán. Aim for November through May if you love dry trails and clear skies. Or try early spring and late fall - fewer tourists, comfy temps around 25°C, still perfect for exploring.

Fly to Cancun or Mexico City using Aeromexico - set aside 100 to 250 bucks a day, food and tickets included. Lots of families pick the all-inclusive spots along Riviera Maya; solo explorers hop on trains through Copper Canyon. That kind of insight builds trust when covering Mexico’s famous UNESCO sites.

Best Places to Visit in Mexico

1. Explore Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Yucatan’s famous pyramid spot became a UNESCO place back in ’88 - El Castillo throws a snake-shaped shadow during equinoxes while its 365 stairs match days in a year. Hit it at sunrise to skip the swelter (entry is $30, a guide costs $60); night glows with light displays that bring stones alive. More than two and a half million show up each year chasing ancient sky-watchers’ genius.

INAH looks after this modern wonder - pair it with a dip at Cenote Ik Kil close by. Stroller-friendly trails welcome families; ramps make access easier for those who need them. Snap pyramid views and post fast using our Mexico eSIM tip, perfect for sharing moments right away. Head to Valladolid’s old-world vibe and get there by 8 a.m. if you want quiet time.

2. Snorkel Cozumel Great Maya Reef

The reef near Quintana Roo - second biggest on Earth - has daylong dive tours where you’ll see eagle rays gliding past turtles (around $100 from Playa’s ferry). It became a protected UNESCO zone back in 2001; local PADI shops hook you up with equipment and meals.

Float above coral in Palancar Gardens - after dark, glowing life lights up the water. Exploring Mexico gets wild when you meet stingrays up close. Use an eSIM there to track dives and set appointments from the sea. Whale sharks show up between June and September; Columbia Reef’s calm waters work well for new divers.

3. Wander Mexico City Historic Center

Zocalo sits at the heart of this 1987 UNESCO spot - home to the Aztec remains of Templo Mayor, a cathedral decked out with golden altars, besides mural-covered walls inside Palacio Nacional painted by Diego Rivera. Guided strolls run through centuries of stories; just steps away, Palacio de Bellas Artes wows visitors for five bucks.

Shahzeb Shaikh, who started SimCorner, says experiencing symbols - like the Aztec calendar - through shared digital tales on trips makes Mexico’s past feel alive. Tasting local food means trying tacos off carts. Head out to the Teotihuacan pyramids - just an hour away, costs around 5 bucks.

4. Cenote Dive in Riviera Maya

Sacred Maya sinkholes - Cenote Dos Ojos brings clear caves plus saltwater layers deep at 30 meters, with $50 dive fees. Instead of diving only, Tulum’s Gran Cenote lets you paddle around. Meanwhile, near Valladolid, Suytun tempts visitors with that famous light-beam arch popular on social feeds.

Limestone-filtered water shines bright blue; meanwhile, licensed guides keep you out of trouble. Cool activities in Mexico mix wild action with calm moments - no hype. A local SIM helps your phone find signals on jungle trails. Ik Kil’s deep, while Cristalino’s shallower - good for kids to splash around.

5. Hike Copper Canyon Chihuahua

Rough trails through Mexico’s Grand Canyon beat Arizona’s - ride El Chepe ($200, three days) to see 1,500-meter drops, Tarahumara towns on edges, cascades tumbling down. Labeled a UNESCO spot in ’98 because of raw wild scenery. Local Rarámuri athletes welcome guests into their homes; ironclad mountain routes deliver big adventures. Explore Mexico by train instead of highway and stay online in wild areas using eSIM tech.

Mexico Cultural Experiences

6. Experience Oaxaca Day of the Dead

Zapotec capital’s old town, a UNESCO site, lights up every Oct 31–Nov 2 as locals honor muertitos with flickering altar candles and lively street parades called comparsas. Night visits to graveyards mix with intricate sand art that draws crowds - guided walks cost around $50. Stay connected through eSIM tech while streaming moments from the celebration.

7. Tour Tequila Distilleries Jalisco

Out in Guadalajara, blue agave farms host visits to places like Jose Cuervo or Herradura - around $25 gets you a ride on horseback, live cutting shows by farmers, then sips of tequila. This area’s been listed by UNESCO since 2013 because of its unique cultural scenery. Hacienda cooking lessons come with raicilla sips; meanwhile, mariachi music brings energy.

8. Visit Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries Michoacán

Millions cover oyamel woods from November through March inside a UNESCO zone (hikes cost $50). Along Angangueo paths, fluttering swarms appear; local guides share details on travel patterns. 40 hectares of El Rosario amaze visitors. In Mexico, wild spots double as top travel picks because they’re full of life. Staying online gets easier thanks to eSIMs that power animal-tracking tools.

9. Stroll Guanajuato Colonial Alleys

UNESCO’s 1988 hill-town features the famous Callejón del Beso, where lovers meet, along with bright little homes stacked close. Instead of just sightseeing, check out the mummy exhibit or Diego Rivera’s old place. The gondola ride wows with views (just $2). This is one of the best spots in Mexico if you're feeling romantic.

10. Sail Palenque Jungle Ruins Chiapas

Chiapas hides ancient Mayan pyramids under thick green trees, where mist curls around stone steps every morning. This spot became a protected site back in ’87. Inside the Temple of Inscriptions lies King Pakal - buried deep below. Visitors trekking through the wild might hear loud howler monkeys nearby. Grab a Mexico eSIM to track your path through the jungle.

11. Beach Hop Tulum Riviera Maya

Clifftop Maya ruins look out over Caribbean beaches... yoga spots and temazcal rituals mix old with new. Explore UNESCO’s protected area - paddle through Sian Ka’an and spot calm manatees from a kayak. This Mexican gem draws travelers chasing peace and quiet. Catch golden skies and send moments live using local SIM cards.

Connect Seamlessly for Mexico Magic

Wake up to Chichen Itza’s golden light or catch Copper Canyon glowing red - SimCorner kicks in the moment you land, no delays. Whether you’re chilling on a Yucatan shore or hiking Oaxaca’s hills, get 95% coverage on fast networks and skip pricey roaming traps. Use data for translating market chats, booking rides to cenotes, or sending family Dia de Muertos updates. Grab a local SIM or eSIM today and post each sunrise sip and butterfly swarm while it happens.

FAQs: Top Things to Do in Mexico

What’s worth checking out in Mexico if it’s your first visit?

Begin at the Chichen Itza pyramids, then head to Cozumel for snorkeling - both top picks. Check out the lively Zocalo in Mexico City and don't skip the refreshing dip in natural cenotes or the bustling markets in Oaxaca.

What’s the busiest season for activities in Mexico?

Nov through May brings dry weather - perfect for exploring ancient sites or riding Copper Canyon’s trains. If you’re into Day of the Dead, late October works best. Grab a local eSIM in Mexico to check daily updates.

What’s the ideal time to visit Mexico’s most popular destinations?

Around 10 to 14 days cover the Yucatan triangle plus Mexico City, then Oaxaca. An eSIM lets you tweak things while traveling and find your way between regions.

Family-friendly things to do in Mexico?

Tulum’s shores wow families, while dips in sinkholes excite young ones. Guanajuato's ancient remains spark curiosity and resorts along the coast are super chill to relax at. Stay connected fast with local data plans to share family memories instantly.

Will an eSIM function during adventures in Mexico?

Yep, SimCorner’s eSIM covers Mexico’s cenotes and gorges with 5G - use it for maps or reservations when Wi-Fi acts up. Getting set up via QR is a breeze.