Things to Do in Mexico: Ruins, Cenotes and Cities

This guide is part of our Mexico Itinerary: Where to Go, Costs and When to Visit — start there for the overview, when to go and how to get around.

Picture a rusted metal stool at a street corner in Mexico City, where a street vendor slices roasted pork al pastor directly off a vertical spit into a warm corn tortilla. The air smells of char, toasted cumin, fresh coriander, and bright lime juice, while the low hum of dusk settles over the neighbourhood’s tree-lined avenues. It is a single, sensory moment in a country that relentlessly demands your full attention, where every region feels like an entirely different nation.

Mexico is a vast mosaic of ecological and cultural wonders. From the soaring limestone pyramids buried beneath southern jungle canopies to the crystalline sinkholes hidden under the Yucatán earth, the sheer diversity of experiences here is staggering. You can spend your morning paddling alongside sea turtles in the Pacific and your evening wandering cobblestone streets lined with Spanish colonial architecture.

Whether you are drawn by ancient history, world-renowned gastronomy, deep-rooted indigenous traditions, or sun-drenched coastlines, this guide covers the absolute best things to do across Mexico’s extraordinarily varied regions.

Quick Facts: Travelling in Mexico

• Capital City: Mexico City (CDMX)
• Primary Language: Spanish (alongside 68 recognised Indigenous languages)
• Top Highlights: Mayan and Aztec ruins, natural cenotes, world-renowned street food, Pacific surf breaks
• Getting Around: Executive long-distance buses (ADO), domestic flights, passenger train (ChePe)
• Local Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Ideal Trip Length: Two to four weeks

1. Immerse Yourself in Mexico City’s Vibrant Heart

Mexico City is a sprawling, magnetic metropolis built directly upon the remnants of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Far from being just a transit hub, it is one of the world's great cultural capitals, boasting incredible museums, green parklands, and an legendary street food scene.

Explore the Historic Centre and Zócalo

Start your journey at the Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world. Dominating the plaza is the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, constructed over three centuries on the site of an Aztec sacred precinct. Just steps away lie the exposed ruins of the Templo Mayor, the chief temple of the Aztec Empire, where archaeologists continue to unearth historical treasures right in the middle of the modern city.

A short stroll down the pedestrianised Avenida Madero brings you to the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes. This marble masterpiece blends Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture and houses dramatic interior murals painted by iconic Mexican artists including Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Wander Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán

To experience the city's modern rhythm, spend an afternoon exploring the leafy streets of Roma Norte and Condesa. These neighbouring districts are filled with restored Porfirian mansions, trendy espresso bars, art galleries, and tranquil parks like Parque México. It is an effortless place to get lost on foot and absorb the local café culture.

Further south lies Coyoacán, a historic neighbourhood defined by colourful cobblestone lanes and quiet plazas. Coyoacán was home to legendary artist Frida Kahlo; visiting her famous cobalt-blue home, the Casa Azul (now the Frida Kahlo Museum), provides an intimate look into her creative life and heritage.

Experience Lucha Libre and Culinary Markets

No trip to the capital is complete without attending a Lucha Libre (professional wrestling) match at Arena México. The high-flying acrobatic moves, colourful vinyl masks, dramatic storylines, and roaring crowds create an unforgettable spectacle of pure Mexican pop culture entertainment.

For food lovers, exploring the city’s markets is mandatory. Head to Mercado de San Juan for speciality ingredients and exotic bites, or visit a local neighbourhood mercado for bowls of hot pozole, crispy carnitas tacos, and sweet tamales served straight from steaming pots.

2. Uncover the Legacy of Ancient Civilisations

Long before the arrival of Europeans, sophisticated civilisations flourished across Mexico. The stone monuments they left behind are among the most impressive archaeological sites on earth, showcasing advanced knowledge of astronomy, engineering, and architecture.

Marvel at the Pyramids of Teotihuacan

Located just an hour north of Mexico City, Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Walking down the vast Avenue of the Dead connects you directly to the immense Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Standing in the central plaza, it is easy to see why the later Aztecs named this place the "City of the Gods."

Discover Yucatán’s Mayan Wonders: Chichén Itzá and Uxmal

In the Yucatán Peninsula, the ancient Maya left an indelible architectural legacy. Chichén Itzá, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, features the famous step-pyramid known as El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán). The site demonstrates remarkable astronomical precision, particularly during the equinoxes when shadows create the illusion of a serpent crawling down the stone staircases.

For a quieter, equally magnificent Mayan experience, visit Uxmal along the Puuc route. Marked by intricate stone mosaic facades and smooth oval contours, its Pyramid of the Magician rises dramatically above the surrounding jungle foliage.

Jungle Ruins and Cliffside Temples: Palenque and Tulum

Deep in the dense rainforests of Chiapas, Palenque offers a truly atmospheric historical experience. The stone temples here emerge directly out of the lush green canopy, often shrouded in morning mist while howler monkeys echo through the trees above. The intricate bas-relief carvings and the Tomb of King Pakal make Palenque a highlight for archaeology enthusiasts.

By contrast, the ruins of Tulum offer a striking coastal setting. Perched atop 12-metre limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, this walled Mayan port city was one of the last built and inhabited by the Maya before European contact.

3. Swim in Sacrificial Cenotes and Jungle Waterways

The Yucatán Peninsula is comprised of a vast, flat limestone shelf with almost no surface rivers. Instead, a vast subterranean network of freshwater rivers flows beneath the jungle floor, occasionally collapsing to reveal shimmering natural sinkholes known as cenotes.

Types of Cenotes and Where to Find Them

Cenotes were considered sacred entryways to the underworld (Xibalba) by the ancient Maya, and today they offer some of the most unique swimming and diving conditions on earth. They generally fall into three geological categories:

• Open Cenotes: Sunlit natural swimming holes surrounded by vertical rock walls and draped with hanging jungle vines (such as Cenote Ik Kil near Chichén Itzá).
• Semi-Open Cenotes: Pitch-black caves featuring natural ceiling skylights that send dramatic beams of sunlight piercing down into crystal-clear water (such as Cenote Suytun near Valladolid).
• Cavern Cenotes: Enclosed underground chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and deep turquoise water requiring flashlight exploration or cave diving gear.

Chiapas Waterfalls and Sumidero Canyon

Moving away from the Yucatán flatlands into the mountainous state of Chiapas reveals some of Mexico's most dramatic river canyons and waterfalls. At Sumidero Canyon, vertical rock walls rise up to 1,000 metres above the Grijalva River. Taking a boat trip through the bottom of the gorge brings you past towering mineral formations and abundant wildlife, including river crocodiles and spider monkeys.

Further east into the Chiapas highlands lie the striking cascades of Agua Azul, where mineral-rich water tumbles over series of limestone terraces in brilliant shades of electric turquoise, and Misol-Ha, a plunging 35-metre waterfall set within thick tropical jungle.

4. Experience Culinary Magic and Craft in Oaxaca

The southern state of Oaxaca is widely regarded as the spiritual heartland of Mexican culture, indigenous heritage, and culinary arts. Surrounded by the rugged Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Oaxaca City is a feast for the senses, filled with pastel-coloured colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and fragrant kitchens.

Indulge in Mexico's Culinary Capital

Oaxacan food is complex, labor-intensive, and deeply rooted in pre-Hispanic traditions. The region is famous for its seven distinct varieties of mole—rich, aromatic sauces crafted from dozens of ingredients including toasted chillies, nuts, seeds, herbs, and dark chocolate, all ground together on stone metates.

Beyond mole, culinary exploration in Oaxaca should include:

• Tlayudas: Often called "Oaxacan pizza", these large, crispy toasted corn tortillas are smeared with refried beans, lard, quesillo (string cheese), shredded cabbage, and grilled meats.
• Memelas: Thick corn cakes toasted on a clay comal, topped with bean paste, salsa, and fresh cheese.
• Chapulines: Crispy toasted grasshoppers seasoned with garlic, lime, and chilli salt—a popular local bar snack high in protein.
• Oaxacan Chocolate: Warm, spiced cocoa beverages sweetened with sugar and cinnamon, prepared with either water or milk.

Trace the Artisanal Roots of Mezcal

While tequila is produced exclusively from blue agave in designated regions, mezcal can be distilled from dozens of different wild and cultivated agave species across Oaxaca. Visiting a local palenque (distillery) in the countryside reveals an ancient craft: agave hearts (piñas) are roasted in underground pit ovens lined with river stones, crushed by mule-drawn stone wheels, fermented in wooden vats, and double-distilled in copper or clay pots.

The resulting spirit carries a distinct, smoky flavour profile that reflects the soil, climate, and specific agave variety used. Tasting flights across different palenques allow you to appreciate the nuanced terroir of this traditional spirit.

Explore Craft Villages in the Central Valleys

Surrounding Oaxaca City are numerous indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec villages, each specialising in a traditional handicraft passed down through generations. In Teotitlán del Valle, artisan weavers use hand-spun wool and natural plant and insect dyes (like cochineal) to craft intricate rugs. In San Bartolo Coyotepec, potters produce distinctive black clay pottery (barro negro) using ancient polishing techniques.

5. Catch the Waves Along the Pacific Surf Coast

Mexico's expansive Pacific coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres, featuring dramatic headlands, gold-sand beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and world-class surf breaks. Unlike the Caribbean side, the Pacific coast offers bigger swell, cooler ocean breezes, and a distinctly laid-back energy.

Puerto Escondido and the Oaxacan Coast

Located on the southern coast of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is a legendary stop for international surfers. The world-famous Zicatela Beach produces massive, heavy beach-breaks known as the "Mexican Pipeline", attracting top-tier surfers from around the globe.

For those seeking calmer waters, nearby bays like Playa Carrizalillo offer sheltered turquoise coves ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and beginner surf lessons. Further south along the coast lie serene eco-conscious hideaways like Mazunte and Zipolite, where unpaved sand tracks, yoga retreats, and open-air beachfront palapas set a relaxed pace.

Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit

Just north of Puerto Vallarta lies the Riviera Nayarit, a tropical coastline backed by dense jungle hills. The colourful town of Sayulita has evolved into a popular hub for surf culture, artisanal shops, and vibrant beachfront dining. Its gentle bay break makes it an accessible spot to pick up a surfboard for the first time.

If you prefer a quieter retreat, neighboring San Pancho (San Francisco) offers a wide, uncrowded sandy beach, strong community arts programs, and a tranquil village atmosphere.

6. Explore Baja California’s Wild Deserts and Oceans

The Baja California Peninsula is a dramatic finger of land stretching over 1,200 kilometres south from the US border, separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez. Here, vast desert landscapes dotted with giant cardón cacti meet crystal-clear marine sanctuaries.

Marine Encounters in the "Aquarium of the World"

Famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed the Sea of Cortez "the aquarium of the world" due to its incredible marine biodiversity. Between December and April, thousands of whales migrate down from the icy waters of Alaska to breed and nurse their young in Baja's warm, sheltered bays.

In locations like Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon, and La Paz, travellers can join small boat excursions to experience close-range wildlife sightings:

• Gray Whales: Known for their curiously friendly nature, mother gray whales and calves frequently approach small skiffs (pangas) in shallow coastal lagoons.
• Whale Sharks: The quiet bay near La Paz hosts juvenile whale sharks during winter months, allowing visitors to swim alongside these gentle filter-feeding giants.
• Sea Lions: Snorkelling near islands like Isla Espíritu Santo offers playful underwater interactions with wild sea lion pups.

Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe

In northern Baja, less than an hour's drive inland from the coast, lies the Valle de Guadalupe. This sun-drenched valley produces the vast majority of Mexico's wine. Featuring boutique eco-lodges, avant-garde architecture, and farm-to-table restaurants run by visionary chefs, it is an essential stop for culinary enthusiasts seeking high-quality Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and crisp white blends.

7. Ride the ChePe Train Through Copper Canyon

Deep in the rugged interior of northwestern Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua, lies the Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre)—a vast network of six distinct canyons that combined are larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States.

The Legend of the Ferrocarril del Pacífico

The premier way to experience this wilderness is aboard the iconic passenger train, the ChePe Express. The engineering feat took over 90 years to construct, carving through solid rock, crossing 37 bridges, and passing through 86 tunnels as it climbs from sea level in Los Mochis up to elevations over 2,400 metres in the Sierra Tarahumara mountains.

Key highlights along the rail route include:

• Divisadero: The ultimate scenic lookout point along the train line, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas across the junction of three major canyons.
• Creel: A mountain alpine town that serves as the perfect base for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and horse riding through pine forests and rock formations.
• Tarahumara Culture: The native Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people have lived in these canyons for centuries and are renowned globally for their extraordinary long-distance running abilities across steep mountain terrain.

8. Participate in Unforgettable Cultural Festivals

Mexico's calendar is punctuated by deeply meaningful cultural celebrations that weave together ancient indigenous spiritual customs with modern traditions.

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

Celebrated annually in early November, Día de los Muertos is not a mournful occasion, but a vibrant, joyous celebration of memory and family connection. Mexican families construct elaborate private altars (ofrendas) adorned with bright orange marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, burning copal incense, candles, and the favourite foods and drinks of departed loved ones to welcome their spirits back to earth for one night.

While celebrated nationwide, top destinations to experience Day of the Dead include:

• Oaxaca City: Street processions (comparsas), lively night markets, and beautifully decorated cemeteries in nearby villages like Xoxocotlán.
• Lake Pátzcuaro (Michoacán): Indigenous Purepecha communities light candlelit vigils on the lake island of Janitzio and in surrounding shore cemeteries.
• Mexico City: Grand public parades featuring massive skull floats, catrina costumes, and elaborate outdoor alter installations in the Zócalo.

Comparing Mexico’s Travel Regions

Because Mexico is so large, picking the right region depends heavily on your primary interests, available travel time, and preferred style of journey. The table below compares the core highlights across the country's main destinations.

Essential Practical Tips for Travelling in Mexico

Planning ahead will ensure your trip to Mexico runs smoothly, safely, and comfortably across all regions.

Transportation Across the Country

Mexico boasts an exceptionally comfortable and reliable long-distance bus network. Companies like ADO operate executive-class coaches equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and personal entertainment screens between major cities across the central and southern regions.

For longer journeys across regions—such as traveling from Mexico City down to the Yucatán Peninsula or over to Baja California—domestic flights are efficient and widely available through national carriers connecting secondary regional airports.

Health, Water, and Safety Basics

Maintaining good health standards while travelling in Mexico requires a few straightforward precautions:

• Drinking Water: Tap water is generally not safe for drinking in Mexico. Stick strictly to bottled or purified water, which is standard in hotels and reputable restaurants.
• Street Food Precautions: Look for street stalls with high customer turnover and long local queues. Watching food cooked hot and fresh right in front of you is usually a great sign of quality and safety.
• Sun Protection: High altitude in central cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca combined with strong tropical coastal sun means reliable sun care is essential.
• Currency Norms: While credit cards are accepted in major urban hotels and established shops, cash (Mexican Pesos) remains essential for street stalls, local markets, public taxis, and rural villages. Keep small denominations handy.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Mexico

Mexico is far too diverse to fully capture in a single visit, and attempting to rush across the entire country in two weeks often leads to travel fatigue. Instead, select two or three neighboring regions that align best with your passions—whether that means pairing the historic urban energy of Mexico City with the culinary delights of Oaxaca, or exploring the ancient Mayan ruins and cenotes of the Yucatán before relaxing on the Pacific coast.

By slowing down, savouring local flavours, listening to the music echoing across central plazas, and engaging directly with the warmth of its people, you will discover why Mexico remains one of the world's most captivating travel destinations.