Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
Catemaco Lake
Practical Info
Casa Herradura Distillery
Finca La Gloria
- Finca La Gloria is a must-see for nature lovers and coffee aficionados.
- Opt for a day trip that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and bring a hat, bug spray, and sunblock.
Cenote Ik Kil
- The cenote can be difficult to access for those with limited mobility.
- A restaurant and changing rooms are located on-site.
- To access the cenote, you must pay the admission fee for Ik Kil Archeological Park.
Dzibilchaltun Ruins
Practical Info
Casa Crespo
Practical Info
Cempoala
Practical Info
Coyoacan
Banderas Bay (Bahia de Banderas)
Located near Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas) is famous for its 42-mile (68-kilometer) stretch of picturesque coast. Jungle, sandy beaches, and rich aquatic life define this area, which is ideal for watersports and land adventures alike.
The Basics
Most tours exploring Banderas Bay’s terrestrial and aquatic offerings leave from Puerto Vallarta. Explore the bay’s waters on a snorkeling excursion, some of which also include kayaking and a visit to Marietas Islands National Park. If you’re a certified diver, you can opt for a scuba diving tour to explore undersea tunnels, hidden caves, and reefs brimming with tropical fish. Sailing tours are another option for experiencing the picturesque bay. On land, you can pedal along the coastline on a biking tour, delve into local culture on a taco-tasting tour, or explore the jungle on a day trip to nearby Las Caletas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Banderas Bay is a must-see for nature and beach lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water for outdoor excursions.
- Proof of PADI certification is required for certified dives.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb aquatic or terrestrial wildlife.
When to Get There
April through June is the best time to visit Banderas Bay, when rain is scarce and there are fewer tourists. January through March is the best time for whale watching, although the area tends to be crowded during this time.
How to Get There
Part of the Pacific Ocean, Banderas Bay borders Puerto Vallarta and stretches between Punta Mita in the north and Cape Corrientes in the south. Puerto Vallarta is the main jumping-off point for tours and activities in the area. The closest international airport is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, located roughly three miles (five kilometers) from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
Among the most popular outdoor activities in Banderas Bay, whale watching tours provide an opportunity to see humpback whales, which travel to the bay in early December for mating and calving. Most of these excursions leave from Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta.
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
- This reef system is a must-see attraction for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water. It’s also a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard to protect your skin from rough coral and jellyfish.
- Evidence of scuba diving certification is required for certified dives.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
- To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, minimize your movement and let the fish come to you.
Costa Maya Cruise Port
- Most Costa Maya shore excursions are half-day tours, leaving time for you to hang out at the port or in Mahahual before your cruise ship departs, depending on your cruise schedule.
- Pay attention to the pickup and drop-off details of each shore excursion; some include port pickup but others may require that you make your own way to a meeting point.
Arbol de Tule
El Tule is located in the village of Santa María del Tule, 13 km east of the capital. The square surrounding the tree features souvenir shops, snack stands, and the usual army of roving vendors.
Practical Info:
Aquaventuras Park
Practical Info
Cozumel Cruise Port
- Most Cozumel shore excursions do not include port pickup and drop-off. Be sure to check transportation options prior to booking.
- Shore excursions can last anywhere between one and six hours, depending on the tour.
- San Miguel de Cozumel is the biggest city in the area and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, eating, and drinking.
Casa Cenote
Practical Info
Cenote Chaak Tun
- Visit Cenote Chaak Tun on a small-group tour with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Admission to the cenote includes a headlamp, helmet, and snorkeling gear.
- The cenote is open daily and offers restrooms and lockers.
Balankanche Caves
Practical Info
Copper Canyon
Practical Info
Coyuca Lagoon
Eager for an escape into untamed nature, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from bustling Acapulco? Cruise north toward peaceful Coyuca Lagoon, a world away from the high-rise hotels and crowded beaches.
The freshwater lagoon spreads across some 72 square kilometers (28 square miles), and is particularly important for migrating birds. As your boat slides past the lush jungled shore - featured in movies such as Rambo, Tarzan, and The African Queen - you will come upon several small islands that act as sanctuaries for colonies of pelicans, herons, storks, and other species.
Most tours include a fabulous seafood buffet featuring the bounty of both the sea and lagoon. If you've got cooking facilities at your hotel or villa in Acupulco, ask your guide about stopping in the tiny town of Embarcadero to pick up the freshest seafood possible.
Practical Info
While the vast majority of visitors book an all-inclusive day trip to Coyuca Lagoon, you can certainly do it on your own. Buses marked "Pie de la Cuesta" leave regularly from La Costera in central Acapulco, dropping you off at the broad, sandy peninsula that separates the Pacific from the estuary. There are several simple seafood restaurants and plenty of places to enjoy the sunshine, though swimming is a bit more dangerous here than in the protected bay of Acapulco.
Cenotes Dos Ojos
- Some tours provide lunch, but bring food if you travel on your own because restaurants are scarce.
- Dos Ojos is open 8am–5pm everyday; toilets and changing facilities are available on site.
- Divers typically complete two dives, including one in the “bat cave,” home to plenty of the critters.