Active adventures in Mexico: experiences you can’t miss

Mexico is made for exploring and offers virtually unlimited possibilities as an adventure destination – it’s particularly well-suited to travellers seeking an active or rugged experience, be it floating along rainforest rivers discovering lost civilisations, or getting lost deep in the desert. Read on and we’ll reveal the must-try active experiences in Mexico!

Where to find active experiences to try in Mexico

Mexico’s diverse geography and climate give it a wide range of natural highlights. In the north, you have everything from vast mountain ranges and thick forests to patches of desert and astonishing beaches. Then, there are unique regions like La Huasteca, on the Gulf coast of Mexico’s northern half, that contain everything from rainforests to waterfalls, fast-moving rivers, caves, and lagoons.

Central and southern Mexico are mostly tropical or subtropical, with amazing biodiversity that’ll fascinate animal lovers. Combine this with Mexico’s many historical sites, and there’s something for every adventurous traveller. There’s just so much to explore.

Immerse yourself in the Mayan world: adventurous visits to archaeological sites

Many visitors flock to the Mayan ruins at Tulum on Quintana Roo’s eastern coast. Many more make a beeline for a site so famous, it demands its own section in this article. Both have immense merits, but we also advise seeking out lesser-known Mayan sites. For example, the Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal in the northwestern Yucatan attracts relatively few tourists because it’s hard to find. But many pyramids and other structures at the site are so well-preserved that they’re safe to climb. To the south, surrounded by thick rainforest in Campeche, is Calakmul: home to the largest surviving Maya pyramid, more than 6,700 other preserved structures, and a diverse wildlife population.

Archaeology buffs should strongly consider visiting Ek Balam (near Valladoid in Yucatan) due to its sophisticated architecture, design motifs, and surviving Mayan art. Meanwhile, die-hard thrill-seekers will find the most challenging climbs at the Ake and Izamal ruins (about 20 and 40 miles east of Merida, Yucatan, respectively), but preparation and great care are essential due to the lack of railings or rope.

Discover the wonder of Chichén Itzá

As one of the world’s New Seven Wonders, Chichén Itzá deserves in-depth discussion. The Mayans built the site’s centrepiece — the Kukulkan pyramid — well over 1,000 years ago, but careful archaeological work in the 19th and 20th centuries protected the sublime architecture of this holy edifice.

Chichén Itzá had immense religious significance to the Maya: many of the structures surrounding Kukulkan are temples, and both the Sacred Well and the Tlachtli (ball court, where a game similar to soccer was played) were holy sites. But the ancient city’s remnants are also a testament to Mayan scientific progress, for example the preserved water channel system at the Group of a Thousand Columns and the evidence of astronomical insight at El Caracol observatory. No structures at Chichén Itzá can be climbed, but there’s so much to see you won’t have time to be disappointed. Given the site’s popularity, try to visit at less tourist-saturated times of the year, like the tail end of the dry season (late February and March).

Experience hidden secrets of the jungle in Palenque National Park

You’re probably thinking, “wait, another Mayan archaeological site?” Indeed, the Palenque ruins, located near a small city of the same name, are what’s left of an astonishing Late Classic (550-830 C.E.) Mayan city, best known for hieroglyphics and art that offer a window into the civilisation’s history. But there’s more to the area than the ruins.

For one, Palenque National Park surrounds the site, protecting rainforest flora and fauna including toucans, howler monkeys, ocelots, macaws, crocodiles, and more. Not far to the east is the Nahá–Metzabok Biosphere Reserve, which safeguards 40,000 species from the impact of human civilisation. You can tour both sites, and in the biosphere — alongside immense trees and gorgeous lakes — you might see rare birds like the curassow and quetzal, plus other fascinating creatures. But remember: the biosphere is also home to the Lacandon, Tzeltal, and Ch’ol Maya peoples, all descendants of the ancient Maya. Be respectful and don’t disturb the area in any way.

Go surfing on Mexico’s Pacific coast

Southern Baja is a surfer’s paradise: good weather, abundant beaches, and a generally laid-back culture. It features beaches ideal for beginners (Playa Cerritos, near Pescadero) and more skilled surfers (Playa la Pistora near Todos Santos). Nayarit, the small coastal state between Sinaloa and Jalisco, has a similarly diverse surf-beach selection. Highlights include Sayulita (great for all skill levels, depending on the breaks you choose), San Blas (a good place for beginners and intermediate surfers, except in early autumn), and San Pancho (best for intermediate and advanced wave-riders).

Simply put, Mexico is chock-full of surf hotspots, from Mazatlán, Sinaloa to Cuyutlán, Colima. Then there’s Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, home to Playa Zicatela and one of the world’s most famous beach-breaks. Unsurprisingly, it draws huge crowds, but nearby Playa Carrizalillo and La Punta don’t get as congested. For another lesser-known but excellent surf spot elsewhere in Oaxaca, head east and try the hideaway-like town of Chacahua.

Snorkel in cenotes and on the reef

Mexico hosts some of the world’s most famous cenotes (natural wells discovered when limestone structures collapse above them) that are perfect for a variety of active experiences in Mexico. All of them could make a list of essential Yucatan Mexico attractions. Some of these cenotes, like Dos Ojos and San Actun, are so large that scientists haven’t fully mapped them yet. Also, many of them, including Actun Ha and Angelita, require you to have a valid diving license before you can explore them and their mysterious geological formations (and amazing marine life).

For a similar active experience that requires only reasonable snorkelling skills, you don’t have to leave the Yucatan Peninsula: the Great Maya Reef — the Western Hemisphere’s largest coral formation — begins just off the northern coast of Quintana Roo. A dive into those crystal-clear sky-blue waters reveals a world teeming with hundreds of fish, mollusk, and reptile species, plus 65 distinct stony coral species. This reef hosts one of the world’s biggest manatee populations, and you might get lucky and spot a sea turtle or splendid toadfish.

Visit Mexico’s best national parks for long treks

First, there’s Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero, just north of Chiapa de Corzo in central Chiapas: those interested in hiking Mexico through its rugged places will prefer the Miradores del Sumidero path. This 10km trek covers three of the park’s six observation points, with astonishing views of the mountainside, river, and canyon at each stop.

Also consider Parque Nacional de Huatulco in Oaxaca for a hike heavy on flora and fauna. Home to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it features various trails that take you through dry tropical forest and alongside the shimmering cerulean waters of Chachacual Bay. Expect to see white-tailed deer, armadillos, black iguanas, and about 700 bird species, while beachside treks will reveal sea turtles, dolphins, and even the occasional whale.

Lastly, we must recommend Parque Nacional Cascada de Basaseachi. Located near Ocampo, Chihuahua, this site features Mexico’s second-highest waterfall (about 244m) and some of the Sierra Madre Occidental’s most beautiful mountains. Hikers can choose several trails of varying difficulty based on their skill level — some just under 4km and fairly straightforward, others more winding and as long as 24 or even 48km.

Take to the sky through the Copper Canyon

“Copper Canyon” actually refers to six canyons in southwest Chihuahua. Six rivers that cut through the Occidental mountains and end at the Gulf of California formed these stunning gorges, and a trip on the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad is the best way to see all of them. For an up-close look, disembark at Chihuahua City and then take a local bus or train to Creel. Hiking through this area gives you a chance to see pumas, Mexican wolves, and rare birds including the eared trogon and thick-billed parrot.

Discover untouched nature in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Like Palenque, Sian Ka’an in Tulum combines stunning Mayan ruins with protected lands upon which some of Mexico’s most fascinating species roam. It’s a sanctuary for endangered and threatened howler and spider monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, pumas, and tapirs. Less threatened but equally fascinating animals you may see include crocodiles, black iguanas, rare birds (ocellated turkeys, magnificent frigatebirds, etc.), and numerous mammals unseen outside Central and South America (tayras, spotted pacas, collared peccaries, kinkajous and more).

Summit Mexico’s highest peak, Pico de Orizaba

The Pico de Orizaba in Tlachichuca, Puebla is Mexico’s highest mountain (5,636m) and the world’s second-highest volcano (after Kilimanjaro). You can hike along the foothills, but if you’re looking for serious active experiences in Mexico, seize the chance to hike to the summit – this’ll take you three to four days and requires proper equipment (and possibly guidance), but those with appropriate experience and gear should consider it. You’ll see jaw-dropping glaciers (including Mexico’s largest, Gran Glaciar Norte), astonishing calderas, and a mountain face 1,000m below the summit that resembles a stone-and-ice labyrinth.

Make it happen

Our local experts will help you devise a trip containing the most active experiences in Mexico, bringing you the excitement you crave in one of the world’s most beautiful, fascinating countries. Get in touch with them when you’re ready to start planning your next getaway!