25 Best Things to Do in Mexico to Add to Your Bucket List

What if I told you that the best things to do in Mexico aren’t about the destination, but about the experience itself? Too often people search for a Mexico bucket list and end up with just another checklist of cities and landmarks.

But Mexico isn’t a checklist. It’s a country you feel and taste.

It’s getting serenaded by a mariachi band in the capital. It’s watching millions of butterflies flutter around you on a crisp winter day. It’s joining a Día de Muertos celebration with a family that has honored the tradition for generations. These are the moments that bring you closer to Mexico’s heart.

After living and traveling in the country for the last 10 years, I’ve curated this list of must-do Mexico activities. It includes both unique and fun things to do in Mexico that I think you should experience at least once.

So if you’re looking for ideas for what to do in Mexico, you’ll find all the inspiration you need here.

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I’ve organized this list of things to do in Mexico by category – cultural, fun adventures, nature, and foodie Mexico. If you prefer, you can use the table of contents to move around to what interests you.

Cultural Things to Do in Mexico

One of my favorite parts about traveling in Mexico is how alive the culture feels. It’s in the ruins that whisper old stories, the festivals that light up entire cities, and in the everyday traditions that locals hold close. These cultural experiences are the must do Mexico activities that make a trip meaningful and real.

1. Experience Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the most significant cultural activities in Mexico. Families honor loved ones with colorful altars filled with flowers, candles, photographs, and favorite food and drinks. Then, on the nights of November 1 and 2, they gather in cemeteries to share music, food, and memories.

I’ve celebrated Día de Muertos in both Oaxaca and Michoacán, two of the most traditional places in Mexico to experience it. The heart of the celebration is the same while some regional traditions add their own flavor.

During Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, the streets come alive with comparsas, elaborate sand tapestries, and murteadas. And for Día de Muertos at Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, the same deep reverence fills the candlelit cemeteries where Purépecha traditions give the celebration an added layer of meaning.

Wherever you experience the Day of the Dead, it’s a time when Mexico invites you to witness how joy and grief can coexist. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Mexico.

2. Attend the Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca

For the entire month of July, the streets of Oaxaca fill with parades featuring the traditional dances of the state, backed by brass bands and mezcal. The whole city feels like it’s throwing a party to celebrate the diversity of Oaxacan culture, and you’ve been personally invited.

The hilltop auditorium hosts the main event, a showcase of dances from each of the eight regions of Oaxaca, including the famous Flor de Piña, which makes the crowd go wild. Still, some of the best parts happen offstage.

I loved following the convites (parades) through the streets, grabbing bites at the food fairs, and attending the smaller, more intimate Guelaguetza shows. The dancers toss gifts into the crowd and you can’t help but feel part of it.

If you’re in Oaxaca in July, this is a must see in Mexico. The Guelaguetza isn’t just a festival. It’s an experience that immerses you in Oaxacan culture. It’s colorful, generous, and so much fun!

Note: Tickets for the main shows sell out fast, but the vast number of events in the city and surrounding towns means you’ll still have plenty of ways to celebrate and connect with the culture.

3. See the Indigenous Rituals in San Juan Chamula

Located in the highlands of Chiapas, the Tzotzil Maya village of San Juan Chamula has to be one of the most striking must see Mexico activities I’ve experienced. 

From the outside, the church looks similar to any other. But as you step inside, it’s like entering another world. The floor is carpeted with pine needles, hundreds of candles glow in the semi-darkness, and families gather for rituals that combine Catholicism with ancient Maya traditions. 

Ritual offerings include Coca-Cola, pox (a local liquor), eggs, and live chickens, which are believed to absorb illness before being sacrificed. It feels raw, powerful, and deeply spiritual. You can’t take photos inside (seriously, it could land you in jail!), which only heightens the importance of being completely present. Experiencing it left me fascinated and honestly in awe of how Mexico holds on to its traditions.

Mexico isn’t a checklist. It’s a country you feel and taste.

– Julien Casanova, Author

4. Experience Carnaval

Carnaval is a wild, colorful celebration that feels like the biggest party of the year. If you want the traditional experience, head straight to the coast. Mazatlán or Veracruz is the place to be for massive parades with dancers in feathered costumes, floats, and fireworks.

But not every Carnaval in Mexico looks the same. In smaller towns, traditions get a little… quirky. In San Martín Tilcajete, an hour south of Oaxaca City, the participants paint themselves in black motor oil and parade through the streets in one last glorious burst of mischief. 

The celebration lasts all day and includes stops at different houses around the town to eat, drink, and dance. One stop includes a wedding scene for the bride and groom that appear throughout the day. It’s messy, it’s wild, and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Mexico.

5. Ride a Trajinera in Xochimilco

Located south of Mexico City, the Xochimilco canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally developed by the Aztecs as a unique agricultural system of floating gardens called chinampas.

Today there are two ways to experience this Mexico activity: you can explore the canals and farms by kayak or cruise through the canals on a colorful boat called a trajinera. Both are completely different experiences. The first is peaceful and educational.

The second is more of a party scene and once you’re out on the canals, the real fun begins: vendors float by selling snacks and beers. And mariachi bands can be hired to join your boat. On my first visit, I went during the week and it was calm. When I returned with a friend on a weekend, it felt like a floating fiesta, with families celebrating birthdays and groups of friends dancing.

Not sure how to plan your visit? I’ve rounded up the most unique Xochimilco tours, from the party boat experience to sunset kayaking, and others with unique cultural stops.

6. Watch a Lucha Libre Match

There’s nothing quite like seeing a lucha libre wrestling match in Mexico. Masked wrestlers flip through the air, taunt their opponents, and play out the timeless battle between técnicos (the rule-following heroes) and rudos (the crowd-loving villains). It’s loud, dramatic, and hard not to get swept up in it.

The best part? The crowd isn’t just watching, they’re in on it. People cheer wildly for their favorites, boo their rivals, and laugh at the exaggerated drama happening in the ring. 

But if you really want to understand what’s going on, you should join a lucha libre tour in Mexico City. Some include taco and mezcal tastings, while others are guided by former wrestlers with all the insider stories of the ring.

Lucha Libre is one of the most unexpectedly fun things to do in Mexico and a great way to dive into a local tradition.

7. Get Serenaded by a Mariachi Band

Being serenaded by a live mariachi band is one of those Mexico activities that brings the energy of the country to life, no translation needed. The crisp sound of the trumpets, the rich vocals, the matching charro suits create a dramatic scene.

Mariachi started in the area of Jalisco, but you can hear it all over Mexico. One of the best places to experience it is Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi. It’s chaotic and a little touristy, but undeniably fun.

If you’re wondering what to do in Mexico that feels both festive and cultural, catching a live mariachi performance is a tradition worth seeking out.

8. Reset with a Temazcal Ceremony

A temazcal is a traditional sweat lodge ceremony used for centuries by Indigenous communities for healing and purification. The ritual takes place inside a small, dome-shaped hut crafted to resemble a mother’s womb. 

Volcanic stones are heated until they glow, brought inside one by one, and periodically doused with water to fill the space with steam. Some temazcaleros ask you to explain your reasons for joining while others beat a drum and sing or chant.

I’ve participated in more than a dozen temazcal ceremonies across Mexico and no two have felt exactly the same. But each one left me with this incredible mix of tranquility and energy, like a rebirth. A temazcal ceremony can be one of the most powerful things to do in Mexico, both physically and spiritually.

9. Watch the Mexican Folkloric Ballet

The Ballet Folklórico de México isn’t your typical ballet. It’s a performance that brings Mexico’s history to life through traditional dress, live music, and dance. You’ll see everything from Aztec-inspired rituals to the joyful mariachi dances of Jalisco, together in a way that’s both powerful and colorful.

The usual venue is the gorgeous Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of the most iconic theatres in Mexico. But during special occasions, they perform in other locations. When my mom and I visited Mexico City for Christmas, we saw the ballet perform in front of Chapultepec Castle, located inside of Chapultepec Park.

The whole castle was lit up, dancers twirled in bright skirts, and the music echoed through the night. Even if you’re not normally into ballet, this one will surprise you.

Nature Activities in Mexico

Mexico’s landscapes are just as captivating as its culture. One of my favorite parts about exploring Mexico is its diversity of landscapes: incredible beaches, lush jungle, rugged mountains.

I’ve seen monarch butterflies cover entire trees, glided through turquoise rivers, and watched pink flamingos feed in the wild. Each of these moments remind me that some of the best activities in Mexico involve connecting with its landscapes.

10. See Millions of Monarch Butterflies

Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles from the US and Canada to the mountains of Michoacán, blanketing the fir trees with their orange color. When the sun peeks out, they take flight, filling the sky with fluttering wings. It’s quiet, surreal, and unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.

The two most popular sanctuaries are El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, both just a few hours from Mexico City or Morelia. Be ready for a short but steep hike at an altitude around 10,000 feet. Or you can hire a horse for part of the way as we did. It’s best to visit between December through February, ideally on a sunny day for the most butterfly activity.

Tip: Go on a weekday if you can, you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and get more time to soak it all in. If you’re planning a visit, read my full guide to the Monarch butterflies in Mexico for everything you need to know before you go.

11. Go Waterfall Hopping in Huasteca Potosina

In Huasteca Potosina, waterfalls aren’t just something you admire from a lookout, they are an adventure. This jungle region in San Luis Potosí is packed with rivers, caves, and cascadas that invite you to explore more.

Cascada de Tamul is the most famous, a 300-foot wall of water thunders down as you arrive by canoe. On my visit, the ride turned into a playful water fight among the boats, and before long everyone was drenched and laughing.

At Puente de Dios, you swim through narrow channels into pools where beams of sunlight cut through the rock and turn the water a brilliant blue. And these are only two of at least a dozen fun spots and waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina to check out.

Across the region, you can float through canyons and jump into gorgeous turquoise pools. Waterfall hopping here is adventurous and I think one of the most fun things to do in Mexico if you’re up for a nature exploration.

12. See Hundreds of Wild Pink Flamingos

If seeing pink flamingos in the wild is on your Mexico bucket list, you can’t miss Celestun. At this quiet little spot in the Yucatán, I watched hundreds of flamingos scattered across the lagoon. Some stood still, others dipped their long necks into the water to feed, their feathers glowing pink in the morning light.

Getting there is part of the magic. You board a small boat to navigate the mangroves that hide pelicans, herons, and the occasional crocodile basking in the sun. Then you arrive at the lagoon whose brackish color makes the bursts of color even more striking.

The best time to visit Celestún to see flamingos is December through February, when thousands migrate here to feed. This is a great day trip from Merida, but you’ll need to start the day early for the most active flocks and softer light.

13. Soak in the Hot Springs at Grutas Tolantongo

Carved into the mountains of Hidalgo, Las Grutas Tolantongo is a hot spring paradise that features a thermal river, cave system, and a series of infinity pools built into the mountainside.

The pools get most of the attention, and for good reason. The scene is beautiful but the views across the canyon are stunning. 

Many people visit Tolantongo hot springs as a day trip from Mexico City, but if you have the time, I recommend staying overnight. I came here with my mom, and waking up to soak in the pools made the experience so much better.

If you’re searching for what to do in Mexico that mixes relaxation with a little adventure, Grutas Tolantongo belongs high on your list.

14. Swim in the Cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula

Cenotes are everywhere in the Yucatán (over 6,000 of them!) And swimming in one is easily one of the best things to do in Mexico.

These natural freshwater sinkholes vary in size and type. Some are wide open, like bright blue pools in the jungle. Others are hidden in caves, with stalactites hanging above and shafts of light cutting through the water.

Some cenotes are perfect for floating and relaxing, while others are set up for experienced divers to swim through underground passages. And slipping into its cool water is instantly refreshing, especially after exploring the Mayan ruins in the Yucatán. 

A few to check out: Cenote Ik Kil (near Chichén Itzá, big and dramatic), Gran Cenote in Tulum (cave-like with amazing light), and the quieter cenotes around Valladolid, which are my favorites when I want fewer crowds.

15. Go Whale Watching

From December to March, humpback and gray whales migrate south to the warm Pacific waters in Mexico to breed and give birth. Bonus is that you don’t have to go far from shore to spot them.

Baja California is hands down the best place in Mexico for whale watching, especially around Los Cabos and Magdalena Bay, where gray whales, humpbacks, and even blue whales migrate each year. But it’s not the only spot to see them. 

On the Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido offers boat tours to spot whales and huge pods of dolphins. Sayulita has trips that combine whale watching with snorkeling, and from Zihuatanejo you can head to Troncones for a quieter, more laid-back experience.

Fun Adventures in Mexico

In Mexico, adventure comes easy if you know where to look. One morning you could be floating above ancient pyramids in a hot air balloon, the next swimming with whale sharks in the Caribbean or riding the train through Copper Canyon. 

These activities in Mexico are about saying yes to the moment and diving right in, sometimes literally.

16. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon Over Teotihuacan Pyramids

Flying in a hot air balloon above Teotihuacan pyramids is the ultimate Mexico bucket list experience. Which is why when my mom came to visit, I knew this was a must do.

As we lifted off, dozens of colorful balloons rose around us, their reflections catching the early light. The sky shifted from early morning pink to a golden hue as the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon came into view below us.

From up here, you see the true scale of the ancient city in a way you can’t from the ground. The long Avenue of the Dead stretched out beneath us, framed by mountains fading in the distance. Although for my mom, the other highlight was the mariachi band and the buffet breakfast that followed.

17. Swim with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres

Every summer, the Caribbean waters off the coast of Isla Mujeres get a welcome visitor: the world’s largest fish. Whew, it’s not actually a shark.

Despite their size (some grow longer than a bus) whale sharks glide slowly through the turquoise sea, feeding on plankton near the surface. Tours run from June to September, leaving early in the morning from Isla Mujeres or Cancún. 

Groups are small, and you enter the water two at a time with a guide. It’s tightly regulated to protect the animals, but that structure makes the experience even smoother.

18. Ride the Train Through Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, and one of the best ways to experience it is by train. Known as El Chepe, the route winds through tunnels, over bridges, and past rugged cliffs.

The train connects Chihuahua to Los Mochis to the coast, but you don’t have to do the entire route. Many travelers choose a section of the journey, stopping in towns along the way for hiking, canyon views, and to see the Rarámuri people who are famous for their long-distance running.

From the window, the scenery shifts to include sheer rock walls, waterfalls in the rainy season, and wide valleys dotted with villages. It’s slow travel in the best sense, giving you time to take it all in. 

19. Snorkel or Dive the Second Largest Reef in the World

Stretching from Cancún to Belize, the Mesoamerican Reef is one of the best places to dive and experience the ocean up close. Cozumel is famous for its crystal-clear drift dives, while the southern Yucatán offers the same stunning underwater views with fewer crowds.

You might see a turtle glide past or catch a flash of neon fish. My favorite sighting is an eagle ray which is known for its constellation of white spots in a pattern so distinct that it can be used for identification, similar to a fingerprint.

Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, guided tours make it easy. For divers, there are walls and shipwrecks waiting below the surface. Whether you’re floating at the top or dropping deep, the reef is one of the most exciting ways to explore Mexico’s coast.

20. Learn to Surf

Learning to surf in Mexico is less about perfection and more about the thrill of catching your first wave. With so much coastline, it’s important to find a wave that matches your skill level, whether you’re standing on a board for the first time or chasing something more challenging.

Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is famous for its massive waves (strictly for advanced surfers), but nearby Playa Carrizalillo is much gentler and a great place to start. Sayulita is a colorful surf-town and another easygoing spot to rent a board. For something quieter, Troncones (about 40 minutes from Zihuatanejo) has consistent waves and far fewer crowds. 

What makes it fun isn’t just riding a wave. It’s the rhythm of surf life: sandy feet, salty hair, fresh seafood, and sunsets that make you want to paddle out one more time.

Foodie Mexico Bucket List

One of the best parts of traveling in Mexico is the food. It’s bold, diverse, and honestly half the reason to visit. Every region has its own specialties, which means there are a ton of different flavors to try. If you’re a foodie, you’re definitely going to be excited about these next Mexico activities.

21. Eat All the Tacos

No trip to Mexico is complete without eating tacos, and lots of them. Because in Mexico, tacos are pure art. Think warm corn tortillas piled with al pastor shaved straight from the spit, topped with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Every bite is smoky, tangy, and ridiculously addictive.

Street taco stands are everywhere, especially in Mexico City, where locals happily line up at their favorite taquerias. And you don’t have to stick to just one kind. 

Try carnitas, barbacoa, suadero, or even lengua if you’re feeling bold. Add a splash of salsa (don’t be shy, most people mix red and green), and wash it all down with an ice-cold cerveza or a classic Mexican coke in a glass bottle.

If you’re a foodie, this is the ultimate Mexico bucket list experience. It’s cheap, fun, and the best way to eat like a local. Check out the best tacos in Mexico City or join a Mexico City taco tour to dive right in.

22. Taste the 7 Moles of Oaxaca

If you’re a foodie, tasting the seven moles of Oaxaca is an absolute must. Each mole is a layered masterpiece of chiles, spices, seeds, and sometimes chocolate. The flavors are rich and complex: earthy, slightly bitter, spicy, or subtly sweet, and sometimes all of the above. 

Many restaurants in Oaxaca City offer mole tastings, and trying them side by side shows just how unique each one is. From the smoky depth of mole negro to the brightness of mole verde, each tells its own story of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage.

23. Learn About Mezcal in Oaxaca

If there’s one drink that defines Oaxaca, it’s mezcal. Made from roasted agave hearts, it carries layers of flavor that shift depending on the variety of agave and the hand of the mezcalero. Some are earthy and strong, others surprisingly smooth with hints of fruit, herbs, or even minerality from the soil.

The best way to understand it is by visiting a small, family-run palenque. On this Oaxaca mezcal tour, you’ll walk through agave fields, see the underground pits where piñas are roasted, and follow the process all the way to the distillation process. Along the way, you’ll taste different mezcals and start to notice the subtleties that make each one unique.

Sip it slowly—mezcal isn’t meant to be thrown back like a shot. It’s a ritual, a story in every glass, and a tradition Oaxacan families have carried for generations. For food lovers, learning about mezcal is as essential as tasting the region’s moles.

24. Take a Mexican Cooking Class

One of the best ways to really connect with Mexico is through its kitchens. Cooking classes give you a chance to roll up your sleeves, explore local markets, and learn the secrets behind dishes you’ve only tasted at restaurants.

You’ll learn how to make hand-pressed tortillas, salsas, or traditional stews like cochinita pibil, all while soaking up stories and techniques passed down through generations. Classes are available across the country but central and southern Mexico stand out.

Check out my guide to the best cooking classes in Mexico City for options that include a market tour or a private lesson with a food historian.

25. Drink at a Traditional Cantina

Visiting a traditional cantina is one of the best ways to tap into Mexican culture. Cantinas are classic bars centered on drinking and conversation. Once men-only, many cantinas now welcome everyone, giving you a glimpse of a tradition that’s been around for generations.

Don’t miss the botanas—complimentary snacks that become more elaborate with each round of drinks. Depending on the cantina, snacks may include fresh fruit, chicharrón, or even ceviche. Bring cash, since many still don’t take cards.

In coastal towns like Cozumel, cantinas are laid-back hangouts where divers and fishermen gather after a day on the water. In Mexico City, they’re a little more refined, often with Spanish influences and historic charm.

Wherever you go, cantinas are a great way to mingle with locals and experience an authentic side of Mexico. Here’s a guide to my favorite Mexico City cantinas and another to the cantina scene in Cozumel. Just remember: don’t rush. The point is to enjoy the evening, one round (and snack) at a time.

Final Thoughts About Things to Do in Mexico

This Mexico bucket list is more than checking off cities or landmarks. It’s about the experiences. I’ve shared these moments because I want you to feel the same excitement, wonder, and joy I’ve found while traveling through this beautiful country.

From flavors that make your mouth water to traditions that touch your heart, the best things to do in Mexico are the ones you fully live, not just see. 

I hope this list inspires you to focus on experiences over places and to create your own journey. That’s when Mexico becomes more than a destination. It becomes part of your story.